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Fernie supports community gain with grant program
By Erin Knutson
The City of Fernie unanimously approved the recommendations submitted by the Discretionary Grants Committee (DGC) on behalf of community organizations at its Jan.14 regular council meeting at the Senior Citizen’s Drop-In Centre.
Several groups will benefit from the program, which annually allocates money to local groups demonstrating financial need aligned with Fernie’s Discretionary Grant Policy CP2019-04, who apply by the deadline.
“Grants totalling $11,712.58 will be dispersed for 2025,” said Chief Financial Officer Bryn Burditt in his report to the mayor and council.
Burditt confirmed that eight applicants requested over $18,212.58, exceeding the 2025 budget of $14,400, which the DGC evaluated in late November 2024.
“It was a fun committee,” said Coun. Harsh Ramadass who reviewed candidates with councillors Tracey Audia Kelly and Troy Nixon, rejecting out-of-area submissions or applicants who would be granted monies in succession.
The diversity of the funded projects is a nod to Fernie’s commitment to inclusivity and representation in the community.
The applicants to receive funds included:
Ghostrider Adventure Camp Foundation to support at-risk youth for $1,500;
Fernie Pride Society specifically for the Elk Valley Youth Pride Project to enhance programming available to 2SLGBTQ+ youth for $2,000;
Fernie Volleyball Club to enhance outdoor beach volleyball facilities for $3,000;
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy to support immigrant families with school-aged children in education and integration for #1712.58;
Fernie Elks Lodge #81 to help non-profit organization events for $2;000;
and the Joan Delich Kindergym Society to support education for newborns to age five for $1,500.
Fernie aligned with its objectives to support community, culture, cultural diversity and the arts as stipulated in its Official Community Plan (OCP) by approving the applications within its 2025 budget.
Mayor Nic Milligan noted the shade structures that would be constructed for the Volleyball Club as a benefit to Fernie.
“We will be working closely with Parks, Facilities, and Recreation to ensure they are installed in the right locations,” he said.
e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
