by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION — There are 15 partnerships/sponsorships grants totalling $24,000 for the first intake of partnership grants for the Township of Whitewater Region – and one councillor isn’t impressed that private organizations, and those who have healthy bank accounts, are getting some of that funding.
The Westmeath and District Recreation Association and Muskrat Watershed Council each received $4,000 and the amounts decrease down to the lowest at $500 for the Westmeath 4H Cub the Westmeath and District Pickle Ball and the Cobden Pickleball Association.
The township received 21 applications totalling $81,500 Chief Administrative Officer Rob Tremblay told council at its meeting last night. Some grants were recommended for deferral to the second intake at which time $6,000 will be available.
No group can receive more than 20 percent of the available funding.
The applications were reviewed by Councillor Cathy Regier, the chair of corporate services, CAO Tremblay, Treasurer Marsha Hawthorne and Jordan Desrocher, manager of Community Services.
“I have a lot of concerns about this list,” said Councillor Daryl McLaughlin.
He recalled that the Beachburg Agricultural Society had a profit of $51,000, and yet, are receiving $1,000. He noted in the 15 years since he’s been on council, money for the fair has come out of the Ottawa River Power Corporation Fund.
Coun. McLaughlin also has concerns with giving money to the Cobden Curling Cub, which is a private club with shareholders. He also noted that “a lot of the members are not from Whitewater Region.”
The Westmeath 4H Club is receiving $500, he said. It’s a private club and there are three or four other clubs within the township.
“I belonged to 4H for 10 years and if we wanted money, we raised our own,” he said.
The Foresters Falls Athletic Association (FFAA) is receiving $1,000, and yet, each year have always received a minimum of at least $2,000, just for operating costs, Coun. McLaughlin recalled.
While he realizes groups have to apply for funding, he thought the previous groups that received yearly grants would continue to get those, along with any funding they applied for.
“They probably didn’t know they had to put in for it,” he said.
Chief Administrative Officer Tremblay said the FFAA is receiving $7,500 to replace its furnace and the Westmeath Arena is receiving $25,000 to replace its fire panel and another $5,000 for a dishwasher.
Councillor Charlene Jackson took another look at the grants. She said all community groups contribute to the lifestyle in Whitewater Region and beyond.
“I agree with the recommendations,” she said. “I think we’ve spread the money around quite fairly.”
Looking at the list, she noted Westmeath, Beachburg, Cobden and Foresters Falls are on the list.
Council and residents have gone a long way to bringing this township together, and council can do more by financially supporting the groups, she said.
As for the FFAA not getting its operating grant, it was aware it had to apply for funding and those who applied opted to use the money for something other than normal operating costs, Coun. Jackson explained.
“We have to respect what they choose to spend the money on,” she said.
Councillor Chris Olmstead agreed with Coun. Jackson saying, it’s great the money isn’t going to just three or four users.
“There are 15 groups receiving money,” he said, adding, “And there will be a few more in the second half.
“I commend Rob for putting out the idea of the groups applying for the funding.”
Coun. McLaughlin requested a recorded vote in the committee meeting and the council meeting. He was the only council member to vote against the funds, with Reeve Terry Millar not present for the vote.
The Groups
Beachburg Agricultural Society: $1,000 — replacement of 12 windows on heritage hall, which was built in 1931.
Beachburg Horticultural Society: $900 — cover material and in-kind support for transport for the large planters along Main Street.
Cobden Big Give: $700 — fee waiver for use of the ice pad for a one-day free event.
Cobden Curling Club: $1,000 — repair of existing roof
Cobden Pickleball Association: $500 — offset fees for use of the Cobden Astrolabe Arena
Cobden Santa Claus: $1,000 — treats for children and the pipe band.
Foresters Falls Athletic Association: $1,000 — beachball volleyball court.
Muskrat Watershed Council: $4,000 — improving water quality in Muskrat Lake and the watershed.
Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance: $2,000 — construct a rest shelter and bike repair station on the Algonquin Trail
Tour de Whitewater: $1,000 — fee waiver and support for additional outdoor temporary washrooms and advertising.
Westmeath 4H Club: $500 — help with meeting costs.
Westmeath and District Pickle Ball: $500 — offset fees for use of the Westmeath Arena and Beachburg Public School.
Westmeath and District Recreation Association: $4,000 — new recreational programming, including yoga and tai chi and offer rink-based programming to community youth. Help with a larger distribution of the monthly newsletter.
Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre: $2,500 — offset a portion of facility costs for group fitness classes in several community locations.
Whitewater Historical Society: $3,400 — upgrades to support proper archiving and heritage events.
