After a record-setting year in which more than $2.5 million was raised from forestry activities, nearly $1.8 million from the Powell River Community Forest reserve fund was approved by City of Powell River Council for 14 community projects.
In announcing the 2019 spring grants at the council meeting on Thursday, May 2, Powell River Community Forest president Greg Hemphill said the independent corporation was depositing its dividend of $2,518,576, which goes to the community forest fund and gets invested back into the community in grants. Of that amount, the community forest had recommended the expenditure of $1,793,969 for the 2019 spring grants.
“This is a record profit in 2018 and record-sized dividend,” said Hemphill.
A very strong market and some sound strategic decisions had a lot to do with the magnitude of the proceeds from the 2018 harvest. The $2.5 million dividend brings the total amount of deposits to the fund over the years to more than $13 million.
Mayor Dave Formosa said he could probably say that if Powell River was not the best, it was one of the best community forests in BC.
Hemphill said Powell River is “probably at the top of the heap.”
Projects approved for the 2019 spring grants include:
·City of Powell River – recreation complex theatre seating and new change rooms, up to $530,563
·City of Powell River – recreation complex LED lighting upgrade, up to $314,870
·City of Powell River – recreation complex ice arena and rink low emissivity ceilings installation, up to $91,641
·Powell River Historical Museum and Archives – installation of Anderson steam sawmill display, up to $203,000
·Powell River Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 – construction of 648 square foot outdoor deck area, up to $71,328
·Cranberry Community Hall – renovations to hall, up to $83,117
·Powell River Trail Riders Club – improvements to riding ring, up to $65,000
·Carlson Community Club – replacement of retaining wall and exterior stairwell, up to $7,500
·Powell River Hospital Garden steering committee – construction of garden gazebo, up to $25,000
·Powell River Cycling Association – installation of three active transportation hub kiosks, $35,000
·Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association – spring maintenance building repairs, up to $3,949.54
·Powell River Creative Economy and Innovative Initiative c/o Powell River Educational Services Society – leasehold improvements and development of co-working and innovation lab in leased space above Powell River Public Library, up to $95,000
·Inclusion Powell River – ARC Community Event Centre – completion of improvements including improving structural integrity and accessibility of the building, up to $70,000
·Sunset Homes Society – contribution to seniors housing complex common room, up to $200,000, subject of more detailed design/budget information
With unexpended funds from the community forest reserve fund, there is $914,224 for future projects.
Formosa said the city was forever grateful to Powell River Community Forest and the board of directors. He expressed a big thank-you on behalf of the whole city.
