There’s winners and losers when it comes to accessing taxpayers’ money.
Vernon council has approved $43,000 in grants for local groups and denied requests worth $34,500.
“It’s a difficult process because all non-profit organizations are worthwhile,” said Coun. Catherine Lord.
“But we try to stick to our policy.”
Among the grants approved is $8,000 for the Downtown Vernon Association to develop a mural tour mobile app while there is a $3,000 grant for the North Okanagan Pipes and Drums to purchase new kilts.
There is also a grant of $10,000 for a new piano at the Vernon Community Music School and $8,000 to replace the roof shingles at the Vernon Lawn Bowling Club.
Council will provide $14,000 to the Upper Room Mission for a commercial sized walk-in freezer.
“This will reduce their overall operating costs,” said Lord of URM.
“They have a bunch of small freezers. They are old and inefficient and this will reduce power costs.”
The Family Resource Centre’s bid for $7,000 for a photocopier was denied because it does not meet the requirements of a capital expenditure.
Also turned down was a $7,000 request from the Literacy and Youth Initiative Society for a project, but city staff will consider other possible options.
A local resident had sought $20,000 to launch an event but it was denied because it does not meet the requirements of the grant program.
The final request turned down was $500 from the Student Transition Enrichment Society for scholarships because it does not meet the grant program guidelines.
