Each year, Columbia Basin Trust provides grant money to Valemount non-profit organizations to spend on projects in the village. On March 14 the applicants of the grant presented their ideas and needs for the grant to residents at the Valemount Secondary School. There were 12 organizations that requested funding for various projects. These include:
The Valemount and Area Chamber of Commerce asked for $8,500 to pay for a training program that would improve all-around customer service in Valemount. Their goal is to get 100 front line staff to take the course that costs $85 per person.
The Robson Valley Spay and Neuter Society asked for $5,000 to pay for the cost of spaying and neutering 20 dogs. They help people who need financial support to pay for their pets to be fixed. If there is money left over from the grant, it will be put towards educating people about the importance of spaying and neutering pets.
The Royal Canadian Legion asked for $14,419 for kitchen improvements. These include a new dishwasher and fire prevention equipment. The main reason for these improvements is a deep fryer as one is in high demand.
The Canoe Mountain Rodeo Association wants $18,336.35 for upgrades to their outdoor washrooms. Some of these upgrades would include water saving appliances and improved services for people with disabilities.
The Valemount Secondary school PAC requested $27,000 to paint a mural symbolizing Valemount’s past. They would need to bring in a professional artist to create the mural and would need volunteer artists and students to paint it. The process in which it will be created is still being discussed.
The Yellowhead Outdoor Recreation Society (YORA) is asking for $5,000 to start replacing the Swift Creek bridge. They need to hire an architect and make plans to build before a bridge is put in. One of the ideas of a bridge is a suspension bridge spanning Swift Creek.
The Valemount Youth Empowerment Society is requesting $7,500 as start-up funds for their society. This money will go towards starting up youth activities in Valemount and will help with projects in the future. This grant is not related to the grant that was given to the youth last month.
The Valemount Gun Club is requesting $6,117.22 for the building of a new shooting shed. The old shooting shed is starting to rot and the dirt floor of the shed is less safe. The new shed would have a concrete floor.
Valemount & Area Recreational Development Association (VARDA) is asking for $45,000 to complete the next stage of development on Crystal Ridge. This will include creating two new runs and improving the access trail.
The Valemount Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department would like a grant of $2,500 to be able to continue the traditional Halloween fireworks display. Without the grant the fireworks would no longer happen as the funds to buy the fireworks used to come out of the pockets of the volunteers.
There were many different applications for the grant and many excellent presentations. The Columbia Basin Trust committee will choose what organizations will get the grant money that they need. The final granting amounts will be approved by Council at their April 9th meeting.
John Kenkel
Student Reporter
