City of Powell River councillors have approved nearly $2.3 million in expenditures from Powell River Community Forest.
At the October 6 city council meeting, councillors considered a recommendation for 14 different grants to two governments and several community organizations.
Mayor Dave Formosa said residents of the city and qathet Regional District are indebted to the community forest. He thanked the community forest board for its efforts.
“Here’s a group of absolute experts who run this operation for us,” said Formosa. “They are in the industry, they are from the industry, and it’s a team of absolute professionals.
“It shows the community of Powell River that forestry is not a sunset industry. It is a renewable industry and it is an industry that brings so much back to this community.”
City chief financial officer Mallory Denniston thanked the organizations for the hard work they do in the community.
Formosa said all of the volunteer work the organizations do helps people in the community.
“On behalf of the City of Powell River, thank you very much, volunteers,” he added.
City of Powell River is receiving four grants. The first is $478,315 in funds for the Union of British Columbia Municipalities strategic priority grant for replacing the roof at Powell River Recreation Complex. Total project cost if the grant is allocated is nearly $6.7 million.
The biggest allocation is an electrical upgrade and emergency backup system project for the recreation complex, valued at $1,209,200. A total of $79,000 has been assigned to replace three city gas vehicles with electric vehicles.
The fourth city grant is for the Maple and Sycamore safe streets project, with $153,000 having been approved as the city’s share of a $510,000 BC Active Transportation Grant application.
Powell River Kings’ dressing room will be upgraded and improved for up to $85,000. The grant is a top-up to a previous grant to cover increased prices and additional works.
qathet Symphony Orchestra will receive $3,400 for a conductor podium, remote microphone and sound system.
Powell River Outrigger Canoe Society is receiving $26,650 for an electric coach boat purchase, which is also supported by a club contribution and a First Credit Union grant.
qathet Regional District will get $17,500 for Palm Beach Regional Park accessibility improvements, with layout and engineering to be completed by the regional district.
Miklat Recovery House Society’s facility expansion and renovation project will be the recipient of $124,760.
For the purchase and set up of a used container for secure storage, Powell River Youth Soccer Association will receive $9,919.
A total of $8,353 has been allocated to Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association for appliances and equipment.
There will be $50,733 in upgrades to Powell River Transition House Society’s main office.
Life Cycle Housing Society will receive a $22,000 contribution to the Cranberry Place complex development playground. Total project cost is $47,000.
Cranberry Seniors Centre will receive a $30,971 upgrade to the kitchen to facilitate onsite meal preparation.
