Regional District approves $84,070 in community grants

The Regional District of Fraser Fort George just held its January board meeting, which included numerous community grants, a letter to the provincial government about Emergency and Disaster Management, and the approval of a 15-year hospital financial plan.

The following groups received funding from the District:

•  $1568 to the Salmon Valley Community Association for insurance and Breakfast with Santa
•  $15,000 to the Tabor Lake Clean Up Society for study expenses
•  $20,000 to the Ferndale Tabor Volunteer Fire Rescue Society for rescue equipment
•  $3002 to the McBride Curling Club for insurance expenses
•  $1500 to the Three Valleys Community Development Cooperative for program expenses
•  $3500 to the Valemount Arts and Cultural Society for insurance and operating costs
• $6500 to the Valemount Curling Club for insurance expenses
•  $8000 to the Valemount Learning Society for program delivery
• $25,000 contribution to the Crooked River-Parsnip Community Endowment Fund

The board submitted a letter to the provincial government “outlining the need for more information and collaboration with Regional Districts on the development of regulation for the Emergency and Disaster Management Act.”

They also requested that the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness looks at starting a “regional district working group” to help build these policies, and streamline a way to accept feedback from regional districts.

A 15-year financial plan was approved by the Regional Hospital District Board.

The District said “Typically, Regional Hospital Districts contribute up
to 40% towards capital expenditures for health facilities within their region. While exact costs of future requests, including the new patient care tower at University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC) are unknown, they are expected to have significant impact on taxation levels in the region.”

They added they are “exploring options” to keep these costs affordable for taxpayers.