Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 08, 2009 7:00 PM
The Allan Brooks Nature Centre’s plans for the future could be dashed by government policy. Centre officials fear that access to community gaming grants for 2010 will dissolve because such facilities are not on a priority list the Ministry of Housing and Social Development sent out Aug. 27. “This will create a real problem. We’re looking at being sunk,” said Ken Barton, president. In a letter to community organizations, Social Development Minister Rich Coleman stated that B.C. is facing economic challenges.“It is critical that core services and priorities continue to be funded. And, as with previous years, demand for community gaming grants exceeds the amount of funding available,” said Coleman.
The centre received $46,000 in gaming grants this year, and about $100,000 was being sought for 2010 so staff could be hired full-time and programs expanded. But if no grants are forthcoming, Barton says expansion plans will be placed on hold and just the ability to operate day-to-day will be the focus.“We’ve built up a nest egg of $35,000 and we will have to use that. It will cover us for 2010 on a limited basis,” he said. “Any chance of expanding education programs goes out the window.”
The original goal for the reserves was to add to the building so there was more space for exhibits and to handle the growing number of children who visit. “We’ve had students coming in from Kamloops and Kelowna and from home schools,” said Barton. Barton points out that while teachers must educate children on environmental issues, they don’t have the resources so the centre fills the void. “The government is cutting its nose off its face by not funding a program it mandates on schools,” he said. “We bring the kids up here and it’s hands-on. They learn a lot when it’s hands-on.”
And without the expansion of programs and the building, long-term sustainability is in jeopardy.“We’ve been working towards looking after ourselves,” said Barton. Barton isn’t confident the centre can make up the difference from other sources if the gaming grants don’t materialize. “A lot of funders, because of what’s happened with their portfolios, have said there’s nothing for 2010,” he said of corporations and foundations. Final confirmation of grants for next year is still pending, but Barton isn’t confident there will be any money. He also suggests a lack of provincial assistance may become permanent. “The province may say hang tough for a couple of years but we’ve only got money for one year,” he said. “My greatest concern is we’ll get a year down the road and this (gaming policy) won’t be reversed.”
The centre’s board plans to pursue the matter with Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster.
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