More than $480,000 will go towards supporting community projects in the North Okanagan-Shuswap
At its Thursday, May 18 meeting – held at the Falkland Community Hall – the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) board voted in favour of Community Works Fund money going to projects in Electoral Area D.
To replace an ice chiller, the Falkland and District Curling Club will be getting $160,480; $13,249 will help fund electrical upgrades at the Falkland and District Museum; $220,721 is going towards revitalization work at the Silver Creek Community Hall; and $86,394 to upgrades at the Salmon Valley Senior Citizens Hall.
The CSRD said all four items were approved unanimously by the board, with Electoral Area D director not taking part in the vote for the museum due to conflict of interest.
Regarding the funding for the curling club, the CSRD explained in a media release that a new ice chiller was required as the unit being replaced is aging, and parts are no longer available.
“In addition to the CSRD funds, the curling club will contribute $48,143 towards to the total cost of the new unit,” said the CSRD.
The Silver Creek Community Hall needs roofing and siding done, as well as upgrades to the kitchen, plumbing and electrical systems. The Silver Creek Community Association will contribute $48,500 in cash and in-kind contributions towards the renovations.
At the Salmon Valley Seniors Hall, electrical and fire safety systems are needed, explained the CSRD. Structural renovations are also needed for the front entrance and deck, including the addition of an outdoor patio. The Salmon Valley Senior Citizens Branch #107 will be providing $21,599 in cash and in-kind contributions to the project.
CSRD directors approved funding in April for the Falkland Historical Society for upgrades to the Falkland and District Museum.
“Construction on the project had already begun when a serious problem was discovered with an electrical line,” reads the media release. “The board agreed to add an additional $13,249 to cover the cost of the emergency electrical upgrade to ensure the project could proceed as planned.”
For its 2023 budget, the CSRD had approximately $2.4 million in the Community Works Fund (also referred to as Gas Tax Fund), for investment in infrastructure and capacity building projects. Non-profit organizations may request funding from Community Works Funds for eligible projects that, according to the Electoral Area Community Works Fund Policy, “result in a tangible capital asset primarily for use and benefit by the public.” When the funding is going towards non-profit organizations, the CSRD requires in-kind contributions or matching funding of 10 per cent of the total project budget “to demonstrate the commitment by the organization to the success of the project.”
Read more: South Shuswap Transportation Society logged more than 20,000 kilometres in 2022
Read more: Public Notice – Five Year (2023-2027) Financial Plan
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