Funding for PG church on hold until Arts Strategy rolls out

The St. Michaels Church in Prince George asked City Council in tonight’s (Monday) meeting for funding, but the council was hesitant.

The church is undergoing a sizeable renovation, with the cost hitting around $1,100,000 for replacing the roof and fixing damages due to flooding.

Large portions of the exterior and interior are being replaced, and they’re looking for $50,000 for 300 seats so the space can be used for the performing arts when it’s not being used for worship.

Funding isn’t completely off the table, but many councillors felt like the upcoming Arts Strategy needed to be rolled out before more money gets handed out for similar projects.

“We are waiting for the Arts Strategy to return to council, and until we see that full Arts Strategy I’m really hesitant to make decisions regarding what arts in our community look like,” said Councillor Cori Ramsay.

Marie Hay, one of the presenters for the church, said they had received $30,000 from the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) for repairs on their roof, and that the church doesn’t make money off events held at the church.

“Revenues from performances and events do not flow to St Michael’s. They go directly to the cultural group using that space, like the orchestra or the choirs,” said Hay.

Councillor Brian Skakun found out through further questioning that the church had received $7,000 from their insurance company for not replacing their pews.

“I’m concerned about this ask, because I mean obviously there was $7,000 more that came back that I wasn’t aware of. We only give the Community Arts Council I think it was $50,000 to operate Studio 2880, which is a civic facility.”

A few other councillors were concerned about giving the church more money, as it was already getting a permissible tax exemption, which Director of Finance Kris Dalio determined was about $7,700 when paired with its other property.

“My other colleagues have said they are struggling with this, and I think the reason being is because it is still a place of worship. The City is supporting it in the ways that we can,” said Councillor Terri McConnachie.

Councillor Kyle Sampson wondered if the organization had applied for any of the other grant programs offered by the city.

“Have you applied for a grant through the MyPG Grant Program or any of the programs that the City already offers? I know you did for the NDIT, but did you apply for a grant that exists?”

“You’re asking for a grant, but not through a grant stream that doesn’t necessarily exist, we’re just making a determination and pulling the money probably from contingency somewhere, which would be a stretch,” said Sampson.

Hay said that they hadn’t, but had applied previously for grant funding and was turned away.

The City decided to wait on the Arts Strategy before making a decision but stipulated that the St Michaels project would be taken into consideration when the Arts Strategy comes out, and further encouraged the church to work with the Community Arts Council and look at other possible grants.

Other topics at the meeting included the possible multisport playground that could be built in partnership with the Jump Charity, the CN Centre opening for public indoor walking, and a Capital Project Management plan that could see the City run more efficiently.