City of Powell River Council will consider becoming a $2,000 gold sponsor of Powell River Community Foundation’s third Vital Signs report.
At the August 16 committee of the whole meeting, councillors reviewed correspondence from the community foundation, soliciting the donation. The correspondence stated that Vital Signs is a comprehensive report produced by the community foundation on the well-being of the community. The correspondence stated that the report identifies trends and issues related to quality of life, sense of belonging and residents’ experiences in the region as a place to live, learn, work and grow.
City chief administrative officer Russell Brewer said the request could go to city council in September for consideration. He said in the past he believes that funding has been provided from the mayor and council’s miscellaneous expenses. He said there is money in the budget.
Mayor Dave Formosa said he wanted to speak in support of Vital Signs.
“I was involved in the first edition when the Powell River Community Foundation decided that a document of this nature would be handy for the community at large,” said Formosa. “It offers research specifics on many topics. It can be used and is used by many different groups, investors, nonprofits and visitors. People can learn different issues about the community.”
Formosa said he has found the document useful and he has sponsored through his corporations, and believes he would do so again.
Councillor Maggie Hathaway said she is supportive of providing financial support. She said the publication gets better with each iteration.
“It’s a really valuable document,” said Hathaway. “When I worked with the MLA I used it a lot.”
Councillor Cindy Elliott said she is supportive of evidence-based decision making throughout the community in all organizations.
“I’m generally in support and having local capacity for this type of study is amazing,” added Elliott.
Councillor Jim Palm said he is also supportive. He said it has been a good signpost in the past with statistics and demographics.
Palm asked if the two previous reports had been funded by the city. Brewer indicated the city had previously funded the report.
Committee chair CaroleAnn Leishman said Vital Signs has been a useful document in the past.
The committee gave unanimous consent to send the financial request to city council for consideration.
