Norm Ritchie Community Centre (NRCC) Update

This is a little follow up regarding the NRCC.


NRCC

The proposed management board prefers to be referred to as the 'stakeholder group' until arrangements to manage the Norm Ritchie Board are finalized. The Canada 150 grant is the result of their vision and passion for the arts community: not just the NRCC but for the arts community as a whole. Thank you to the stakeholder group for their vision and passion.











The renovations taking place with the grant include:

• repairing the roof,
• replacing the furnace and air conditioner,
• installation of an alarm system,
• upgrading the front façade, and
• upgrading the basement.

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!

A Budget Update

The medical leave of the Town's Director of Finance and Business Planning has slowed down the budget process considerably. Public consultations will be in two parts and are tentative:

• Public presentation at Caleb Village on April 8th; and
• Webinar presentation with chat forum capability on April 10th.

In preparing the budget direction has been given to Administration to hold an increase to the rate of inflation. According to the transfer agreement with the province, which is based on revenue collected by the PST, the Town will be receiving approximately 5% less from the province.

Press Release: Harper Government Invests in Improvements to Kindersley’s Community Infrastructure

 KINDERSLEY, Saskatchewan – Today, the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Battlefords—Lloydminster, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for upgrades completed in Kindersley’s West Central Events Centre under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

“I am proud to see Kindersley benefit from our Government’s investments in community infrastructure,” said Minister Ritz. “Our support for this project helps create jobs and economic growth while improving the community’s local arena.”

The Harper Government’s investment of $78,225 enhanced the services provided by the West Central Events Centre and created jobs. Upgrades included replacing the existing arena boards with more flexible ones, increasing safety for players.

“Kindersley appreciates the ongoing contributions made under CIIF to the well-being of our residents and our neighbours in west central Saskatchewan as we grow,” said Mayor John Enns-Wind. “The boards have contributed to the safe enjoyment of a variety of activities in our arena by people of all ages."

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.