Energeticcity is the voice of the Peace. But we need your help. Give $10 a month today and be the reason we can cover the next story!
ity equipment was front and centre once again at last night’s regular Council meeting. As you may recall, the City has recently changed its policy, which had evolved over the years to allow a multitude of public groups to use City equipment, such as tents, stages, and bleachers, for nominal fees.
The City had become concerned that this policy was costing the city too much money, and was providing competition to local businesses. However, the modified policy has now resulted in the Go Karts For Girls program being provided with money for tents, but not for any bleachers.
Councillor Larry Evans says he thinks the new policy is too strict, and he wants to see non-profit groups being offered the use of City equipment if possible.
[asset|aid=107|format=mp3player|formatter=asset_bonus|title=Evans-Equipment_2_Pub.mp3]
However, Councillor Lori Ackerman says she would prefer to give grants to non-profit groups, so they can rent equipment themselves.
City Manager Dianne Hunter cautions that a policy allowing all non-profit groups to use City equipment would be not only expensive, but also discourage businesses from stocking up such inventory themselves. (She suggests one of the reasons the City was able to do such a good job setting up for last weekend’s softball tournament is that staff didn’t have to set up and deliver equipment for private groups.)
Council will now revisit the issue at a strategic planning session, to be held in September.
Thanks for Reading!
Energeticcity.ca is the voice of the Peace, bringing issues that matter to the forefront with independent journalism. Our job is to share the unique values of the Peace region with the rest of B.C. and make sure those in power hear us. From your kids’ lemonade stand to natural resource projects, we cover it–but we need your support.
Give $10 a month to Energeticcity.ca today and be the reason we can cover the next story.
