WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — Last night, the Recreation and Tourism Committee recommend the Council of the Township of Whitewater Region approve grants totalling around $6.5 thousand for the second intake of the 2019 Partnership and Sponsorship grants.
“The Township received a total of seven applications totalling $13.8 thousand,” said Jordan Durocher, Manager of Recreation and Tourism. “Some grants were recommended for deferral from the first intake due to their timing. A total of $6,550 is available, [which is] the remaining unallocated funds. No group can receive more than 20 per cent of the available funding for the year or $6 thousand.”
The motion was carried in two parts, with only one objection being made in the second motion. Both motions passed, which allowed BORCA to receive $500. The grant will offset a portion of facility and logistic costs for their community event, Dinner Theatre Murder Mystery. Proceeds from the event will be used and invested into the Lavallee Bike Park.
The Cobden Recreation Association was awarded $2.6 thousand. The grant will support the rink-based programming for community youth. In addition, the association is looking to host a series of events in the community such as a pancake breakfast fundraiser, family and youth activities, and a comedy show.
The Cobden Santa Claus Parade was awarded $1 thousand to support the organization of the annual event, including treats for children and the pipe band.
Lanark Renfrew Health & Community Services received $750 to offset a portion of facility costs for their group fitness classes (Fit, Fun & Fully Alive) for older adults in several community locations, including Cobden and Westmeath. The program previously received $3 thousand in the first intake.
The Renfrew and Area Seniors Home Support was awarded $200 to offset the 39 individuals they support throughout the community through this outreach program. The programs assist residents with transportation, telephone assurance, frozen meals, home maintenance, grocery delivery and crisis intervention.
The Whiskers of Whitewater received $500 in grant monies to support their proactive approach to spay and neuter feral cats and support animal control. They previously received $1 thousand in the first intake. Councillor Chris Olmstead and Robert Tremblay, Chief Administrative Officer both noted the program seemed to be working when Councillor Dave Mackay raised an objection to the organization being granted funds.
The Whitewater Historical Society was awarded $1 thousand in grant monies. In addition to their capital budget of $5 thousand, this money will help store artifacts properly through the purchasing of proper storage containers, labeling, envelopes and photo document tape. They also received $2.5 thousand from the first intake.
In November 2017, Council adopted a new Partnership and Sponsorship grant policy to help guide allocations to various community groups. According to Township documentation, the process is application based with one intake in March and a second in September, with 20 per cent of budgeted funds held for the latter. The program successfully supports various groups and organizations with an annual budget of $30 thousand.
