Canada 150: Pool Funding

Council has been anticipating more information about a federal program celebrating Canada's upcoming 150th anniversary.

Here is what we have found out:

• $150 million has been allocated over two years.
• the funds are being administered by Western Economic Diversification Canada
• each region has different eligibility requirements
• the deadline is 2:00 PM June 17, 2015
• swimming pools are eligible
• here are some of the criteria that the pool has to meet:
• maximum funding is $500,000
• federal funding, regardless of source, can't exceed 50% of cost
• be for the rehabilitation, renovation or expansion of existing facilities for public use and benefit
• be materially complete by March 31, 2018

This part concerns me and I have copied it from the website.

               Funded Projects

It is critical that applicants submit a complete application form that clearly shows how their project meets the elements listed above. Incomplete applications will not be deemed eligible.
First, each application will be assessed to determine if it meets the eligibility criteria.
Further, in Western Canada, preference will be given to projects that meet the following criteria:

• Projects that will rehabilitate existing cultural and community facilities that will leave a meaningful lasting legacy resulting from Canada 150;
  • As the objective of this program is to ensure a lasting legacy resulting from Canada 150, in Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia), strong preference will be given to projects that are undertaking meaningful upgrades to existing cultural and community facilities; upgrades that will provide long-term benefits to a community, will be viewed with pride by a community, and are recognized as a lasting legacy from Canada 150.
• Projects where the funding from sources other than the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is confirmed or intended. Funding will only be considered confirmed or intended if written proof is provided; and,
• The applicant has strongly demonstrated an ability/capacity to complete the project by the fall of 2017.     

Based on this I am not confident we have a strong project to qualify for the Canada 150 funding. (we are still discussing this) Further,  I am not aware of any provincial program at this time.

I think we ought to put our attentions to raising the monies ourselves with our regional neighbours. One of my mottos: Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

Surgite!