Township Approves Community Events Program Grant Allocations

STRATHROY-CARADOC - Council recently approved the allocation of community event grants, sparking an in-depth council discussion regarding the transparency and procedures of committee recommendations and funding approval. The Community Events Program Grant Allocations report, which outlines the distribution of $39,762 among nine local organizations, was presented during the council meeting on April 2.

Robert Lilbourne, Director of Community Services, provided specifics on the grant allocations, noting the remaining balance of $14,828 in the grant's budget. This amount could be used for additional requests throughout the year.

Councillor Sandi Hipple discussed the location change for the Canada Day celebrations, highlighting that this year they would take place in Komoka instead of Mount Brydges. Hipple expressed satisfaction with the funding decisions, noting the smaller allocation was understandable given the venue change and expressed hope for larger support when the event returns to Mount Brydges.

Questions about the grant allocation criteria were raised by Councillor Brian Derbyshire. Lilbourne responded by explaining that the grant allows for funding up to 25% of an organization's total expenditures, though this cap was not applied this year as most requests fell below the threshold.

Further discussions included comments from Councillor Steve Pelkman on the new application process introduced this year. He mentioned some challenges with organizations providing detailed budgets for events spread throughout the year and suggested improvements for future applications to ensure complete and compliant submissions.

Council unanimously approved the grant allocations after these discussions, with a motion moved by Councillor Frank Kennes and seconded by Councillor Hipple.

This approval not only supports various community events like the Hometown Festival and Canada Day celebrations but also leaves room for additional funding requests, ensuring ongoing support for community engagement and event planning in Strathroy-Caradoc.

David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Middlesex Banner