Over $100,000 was distributed to City of Powell River and community organization projects from Powell River Community Forest (PRCF) Ltd., a second disbursement in one of the company’s best harvest years.
Powell River council voted to accept PRCF board’s recommendations for grant support at its October 15 meeting.
“It’s a great asset for us to have to be able to support a number of capital projects like this for the city and region,” said councillor Russell Brewer.
The city established PRCF in 2006 and is the company’s sole owner. The company’s profits are return to the community through dividends deposited into the City Community Forest Reserve Fund.
The grant of $108,774.21 comes five months after PRCF distributed nearly $1.4 million, a large portion of which was used to purchase the trees in Millennium Park.
Greg Hemphill, president of the community forest company, thanked council for its support of the forest board’s recommendations.
He added the community forest board is pleased it has been able to support large, transformation projects like the Powell River bike and skateboard park, but acknowledges that the small grants to community groups can also make a big impact.
“This is a great list of diverse projects of groups and initiatives to support,” agreed Brewer. “We have wonderfully productive forests in the area and a wonderfully managed community forest, probably one of the best in the province.”
Council approved the following grants funded from the Powell River Community Forest Reserve Fund:
• City of Powell River: $24,000 for the installation of three electrical kiosks at Willingdon Beach;
• CJMP Powell River Community Radio: $5,750 towards the relocation and upgrade of transmitter;
• Tourism Powell River: $2,000 towards new Duck Lake area recreation signs;
• Third Crossing Society: $10,200 towards materials required for replacement of two foot/ATV bridges on D Branch in Eldred Valley;
• Assumption Catholic School: $59,570 towards the revitalization of playing field and playground for community use;
• Powell River Dragon Boat and Paddling Club: $13,004.21 towards the purchase of a smaller dragon boat and equipment.
