City Grants Scrutinized

City Grants to Organisations came under scrutiny yesterday at the first Public meeting of Council to discuss the Five-year Financial Plan.

It was pointed out by Councillor Pallesen that for some organisations such as the Bugle Band this is their only source of funding. Other general perceptions included the fact that there seems to be less emphasis in the community placed on groups actively fundraising for themselves through such methods as bottle drives.

One such group that was criticized was the Arts Council. However it was pointed out the Arts Council has been ‘couch surfing’ and rental hopping for years and all their energies have been put into surviving rounds of homelessness and fixing up temporary accommodations.

Despite the criticism Council did agree to raise their grant by $5000.00 although it was hoped their fund raising efforts would become more visible in the community. Councillors Pallesen and Scott voted against this increase.  Councillor Davis was absent. It should be pointed out the total amount of under $20,000.00 is still well below other Community Arts Council Grants.

The Cranbrook Guardian will attempt to obtain a complete listing of the grant authorisations.