qathet Regional District directors are seeking a staff report for a request from the Synergy Foundation to participate as a local government partner in 2025.
At the November 6 finance committee meeting, directors reviewed correspondence from Synergy Foundation manager of operations and circular economy projects Tai Uhlmann, who requested a $5,000 donation to support two businesses in the qathet region to participate in the circular accelerator program.
Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick asked if the committee should consider the request.
Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Brander suggested a staff report to look into the funding request.
McCormick said the Synergy Foundation was making a request for funding. She wondered why this would not go through the regional district’s grant funding process. She said the committee was considering the second intake of requests at that finance committee meeting.
“Is it appropriate for us to consider this request separately from that?” asked McCormick. “Is there a time crunch?”
qRD manager of financial services Linda Greenan said because Synergy Foundation was proposing a partnership, Brander’s recommendation for a staff report makes the most sense.
City of Powell River director Cindy Elliott said when Uhlmann appeared as a delegation at a previous committee meeting, there was also a request for regional district staff time. She said the staff report is a good idea so the committee can better understand the request.
“I’m generally in favour of the program and a staff report is a good idea,” said Elliott.
The committee unanimously carried a motion for a staff report.
Uhlmann, in her correspondence, stated: the accelerator program provides hands-on support to businesses on the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island to adopt and incorporate circular practices into their operations. She stated that this results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced waste, developing innovative practices, creating efficiencies (both labour and financially) and generating new revenue streams.
“This program – the first of its kind in Canada – helps businesses attract talent and investment,” stated Uhlmann, “and position themselves as a green leader in the community.”
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