Powell River Community Forest (PRCF) presented a cheque for more than $2.3 million from forestry 2020 proceeds and City of Powell River Council approved expenditures of more than $1.5 million at the May 20 council meeting.
PRCF president Greg Hemphill appeared before council to outline the community forest’s activities in 2020. He said it was an interesting year, and going back a year ago, most forecasts were “pretty negative.”
“We’re thrilled to stand here with a very sizable dividend cheque and with an industry that has been able to work through the COVID-19 protocols, log less and make more money,” said Hemphill.
He said the community forest has substantial money left in the fund for later this year.
“We’re very comfortable with the amount available for the fall,” said Hemphill. “It includes a couple of fairly large city projects we have our eyes on.
PRCF funding recipients
Council voted unanimously to approve $1,534,064.58 to be withdrawn from the PRCF reserve fund and distributed to the following.
Powell River Recreation Complex, skate-shop shelving system, up to $15,000.
Powell River Recreation Complex, replacement tables and chairs, up to $25,000.
Powell River Recreation Complex, ice-plant heat recovery project, matching funds top-up to previous grant, $81,464.
Powell River Senior Citizens Association, new flooring in the seniors building, $22,000.
Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society, Sunshine Coast Trail north end shelters, top-up to previous grant to cover increased lumber prices, up to $15,000.
Powell River Academy of Music, purchase of antimicrobial performance chairs, $8,800.
100+ Women Who Care, Powell River, matching funds for its 2021 grants, $30,000.
Wildwood, Townsite, Westview ratepayers associations: construction of bus shelters, initial step of larger plan developed with the city, which includes application for matching funds from BC Transit, $36,000.
Lang Bay Community Club, contribution to club building garden project, $8,050.
City of Powell River Crossroads Building, installation of solar array, approval to change location from the city hall building to Crossroads Building and top-up from previous grant, up to $40,580.
School District 47, replacement of artificial turf on Brooks field, 50 per cent matching funds recognizing the level of community use, up to $384,500.
Friends of Powell River, contribution specific to purchase of food and clothing for students in need, $5,000.
Powell River Recreation Complex, purchase of electric ice resurfacer, up to $185,000.
Powell River Recreation Complex, installation of an elevator, up to $414,000.
Powell River Climbing Co-op, renovation, modular climbing wall, training equipment, amount requested reduced reflecting the co-op’s contribution to the project, $78,443.58.
Powell River Search and Rescue, building renovation and SAR equipment purchases, $100,000.
Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society, Sunshine Coast Trail outhouse replacements, amount requested reduced due to two outhouses being located on treaty settlement land, $85,227.
Mayor thanks PRCF board
Mayor Dave Formosa thanked the community forest board and said the community is fortunate to have this team and this community forest.
Councillor George Doubt said it is good to provide these grants from the community forest, with the city’s blessing, to all of these worthwhile organizations that make this community a great place to live.
Councillor Maggie Hathaway said she wanted to reiterate that Powell River has the best community forest, to which Formosa replied: “Yes, we do.”
Formosa asked Hemphill how much the community forest has distributed throughout the region since its inception and Hemphill indicated it’s more than $18 million to more than 200 recipients.
“It’s cool to drive around town and see the results,” said Hemphill.
Formosa said Powell River Recreation Complex would be in big trouble were it not for the community forest. He said out of the $1.5 million being awarded in the spring distribution, $761,000 is coming back to the city, with the vast majority going toward the complex.
“Hats off and keep up the good work,” said Formosa. “We’ll see you in the fall.”
