qathet Regional District’s (qRD) board of directors will consider granting $23,000 to Powell River Outdoor Recreation Users Group Trails Society (ORUG) for the organization’s annual trail maintenance program.
At the June 7 finance committee meeting, directors had considered a $58,772 request from ORUG through grant-in-aid funds, which staff had recommended be allocated from general grants in aid. A motion for the board to approve a grant of $17,000 to ORUG was defeated at the meeting, leaving the organization in limbo. At the June 28 regional board meeting, Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Brander gave notice of motion to reconsider the ORUG request at the July 5 finance committee meeting.
At the July 5 finance committee meeting, Brander said he wanted to make a motion that the committee recommend to the board that the board approve a grant of $23,000 to ORUG from the general grant-in-aid service. The second part of the motion indicated an additional three-year funding commitment from the general grant-in-aid service for ORUG at the rate of $23,000 per year.
Brander said he is a big supporter of the organizations that fall under ORUG.
“I feel that $23,000 is a responsible amount to give to the group,” he added. “Last year we gave $15,000, which was $27,000 less than they were requesting. They are responsible with their spending. It’s wise for us to encourage gradual expansion.”
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said ORUG has been underfunded for a long time. He said the motion for $23,000 was on par with what the regional district was allocating years ago.
“I still don’t think it’s enough,” said Gisborne. “I would be happy with $40,000 to ORUG.”
City of Powell River director Cindy Elliott said she had spoken with ORUG president Roger Artiques, who indicated he would be happy with a multi-year agreement.
“He seemed pretty happy with the $23,000 amount, which allows us to spread our money and support other organizations,” added Elliott.
Electoral Area E director and finance committee chair Andrew Fall said he supported the motion and was happy to hear there had been discussion with ORUG.
“In my view, groups that apply annually, especially for large amounts, should be considered for longer-term agreements, either through the grant-in-aid service or through a new contribution agreement,” said Fall.
Gisborne said he was happy to put forward an amendment for a $40,000 allocation to ORUG but there was no seconder.
The committee carried a motion to recommend to the regional board that it approve a $23,000 grant to ORUG from the general grants-in-aid service. Gisborne was opposed.
Directors then turned their attention to the three-year funding commitment outlined by Brander, but after considerable discussion, voted to postpone the matter until budgetary deliberations begin later this year.
