Community enhancement grants
City staff recommended the total amount of the 2018 grants for local organizations stay the same as the previous year at $1.17 million “even though prospects are looking up,” chief financial officer Corinne Bomben said during her presentation.
Council passed the recommendation, which includes funding for the museum, performing arts, SPCA, racquet club and the golf course.
“I don’t want people to be discouraged by the fact that they put in an application this year and didn’t get it,” councillor Barry Cunningham said after the presentation.
“There were some new applications and it was heartwrenching not to give them some money.”
“We had a good announcement this week but it’s not a sure thing,” councillor Wade Niesh said.
“We have to work with what we got, and not spend what we may get. I would love to help the other groups, but I think we have to hold off for this year and see what happens next year.”
Threats against city staff
Written threats were made against city staff, stated a notice on the front door of city hall.
The note added that additional security measures are now in place, and access to administration offices are by appointment only.
“The safety of both the public and employees is paramount to the City,” city communications manager Veronika Stewart said in an email. “To ensure a safe workplace for staff, the City has had to take the unfortunate step of increasing security measures at City Hall due to numerous serious threats and acts of violence against several employees. These steps have included centralizing our customer service entrance to the side entrance for a single point of contact, implementing use of video surveillance capacity for our Bylaw Officer for recording of incidents, and increasing staff awareness around safety protocols. Keyless entry has also been implemented both as a safety precaution and as a means of modernizing our facility.”
READ MORE: The City of Prince Rupert cancels Nov. 27 council meeting
Trail society asks for grant help
As part of their initiative to connect a trail system through Prince Rupert, the Kaien Island Trail Enhancement and Recreation Society (KITEARS) asked for city council’s help to apply for the BC Rural Dividend Fund. If granted, the funds would go toward the design phase of the McClymont Park Trail upgrade.
The society is currently too new to apply for the grant itself and asked the city to apply on the behalf of KITEARS.
Council moved for city chief financial officer Corinne Bomben to review the grant and its requirements with the trail society to see if it is possible for the city to apply.
READ MORE: Trail network branches from Rushbrook to McClymont
