A Burns Lake Mountain Biking Association (BLMBA) request for a letter of support put new mayor and council in a tough spot last week.
According to mayor Luke Strimbold, BLMBA is also striving for funding from the same grant opportunity the Village of Burns Lake is hoping to receive $2 million from.
If successful the village will use the $2 million for numerous upgrades to the Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena.
As reported in the Lakes District News edition of Nov. 30, 2011, council made the decision to apply for the grant, hoping to be able to expand the arena to include second floor squash courts, a climbing wall, a new concession area shared with the Burns Lake Curling Club as well as a children’s play area, more storage and updated washrooms.
The grant funding is currently being offered by the Ministry of Community Sport and Cultural Development’s recreation program and there is $30 million up for grabs.
According to Dawn Stronstad, BLMBA director, the association also hopes to be awarded funding from the recreation grant to complete the Stearns Creek Canyon Trail.
Councillor Frank Varga asked if there was any way to request that the BLMBA funding comes from a separate pot of grant funding.
“There isn’t. It all comes from the $30 million grant the province has put out …. so it’s a free for all,” answered mayor Strimbold.
Mayor Strimbold pointed out to councillors that prior to submitting their grant application for arena upgrades, the village also requested letters of support from various community organizations including BLMBA.
“It would be great to see both projects approved for funding,” mayor Strimbold added.
Councillors unanimously agreed to support BLMBA in their bid for grant funding.
