Money lands at airport

by Darren Handschuh - CASTANET  Mar 22, 2017 / 10:17 am |
Close to a million dollars has landed at the Vernon airport thanks to the B.C. government. The latest of a flurry of funding announcements from the ruling BC Liberal Party has the airport receiving $823,700 in funding from the B.C. Air Access Program this year for runway rehabilitation. Vernon-Monshee MLA Eric Foster made the announcement Wednesday morning. Ian Adkins, aiport supervisor for the city of Vernon, said that is good news for the future of the facility. Adkins said the money will extend the life of the runway for another 25 years. “This is one of the areas that was identified as needing to be done right away,” said Adkins. “The runway has reached the end of its lifespan and we need to ensure it's there for future users. This will guarantee that the runway is available.” Mayor Akbal Mund said the upgrades will make the airport safe. Mund said Kal Air uses the airport several times a day “so it's important for our business sector to bring clients in and out. “Also there are other planes that land here. Kelowna International Airport has been growing and there will be other, smaller airplanes that will re-locate here for their own safety because as Kelowna expands I'm sure they will not have the room to support the smaller aircraft.”

Money for Small/Rural Tourist Centres

Posted on 9/21/2015 by Ron Manz 107.5KISSFM
Destination BC, the province's tourist marketing organization, announced a 3 year base funding model for community visitor centres in 108 locations around BC today. Vernon, Lumby, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Armstrong and Enderby will all be receiving $10-thousand dollars annually over the next three years.The money is a new minimum base for small and rural community visitor centres that will be available along with an innovation fund to help cover changing needs of visitors including use of technology.Tourism is an economic driver in BC with$13.9 billion in revenue generated through it in 2013.
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Don Quixote Note: It appears that the announced $10,000 grant will be less than the $25,000 we got in 2014 and budgeted for in 2015.  (Unless this is an additional new grant for Visitor Centres where we are not showing any grant monies for 2014 or 2015)

http://www.vernon.ca/services/finance/documents/150422_Adopted_Financial_Plan.pdf
At above link you can find the Tourism Budget for 2015. The taxpayers share is shown at page 85 while the MRDT side (Where Hotel tax monies flow) is at page 88.The Visitor centre budget is on page 302.

Gov't funding all wet

 by Darren Handschuh CASTANET - Jul 8, 2015 / 8:00 pm
Residents of Kamloops and Black Pines will have better access to water, thanks to money from the federal and provincial governments. To protect Kamloops' municipal water supply from potential impacts of a hazardous-material spill along the CP Rail main line, the Trans-Canada Highway, or failure of the city's water quality centre, Kamloops will add a secondary raw-water intake in the North Thompson River. This will ensure a backup supply of water is available in the event of an emergency, or if water from the South Thompson becomes unsuitable for treatment or human consumption. To allow the Thompson-Nicola Regional District to continue providing Black Pines residents with clean, safe drinking water, a new raw-water intake for its community water system and accompanying treatment plant will also be built on the North Thompson River. The federal and provincial governments are chipping in $3 million each for the $9-million Kamloops water intake project, with the City of Kamloops responsible for the remaining $3 million. For the Black Pines project, the feds and province will team up to provide close to $1 million.

Upper Room Mission closes in on goal

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 14, 2013 1:00 AM There is light at the end of the tunnel for Vernon’s Upper Room Mission. The non-profit agency originally forecast that a new fire sprinkler would cost $100,000, but the price has now been fixed at $94,000. But the really good news is that through fundraising, $62,000 is already in place. “Everything is moving right along but we still need a little bit of help from the community,” said Lisa Froom, general manager. Froom is confident the remainder of the money can be raised during construction, which starts in two weeks. “To see how far we have come is really encouraging,” she said. The $62,000 includes a $15,000 grant from the City of Vernon and $31,000 from the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser. The fire sprinklers have been mandated by the city to meet building code. “We want to make sure we have high standards here and we provide our clients with a safe environment,” said Froom. It’s anticipated that installation of the sprinklers will take about six weeks. However, the mission will continue to provide meals during that time. Anyone interested in making a donation can drop by the Upper Room Mission at 3403 27th Ave.  For more information, call 250-549-1231.

Harper Government Invests in Improvements to Enderby's Community Infrastructure

  http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?nid=713959

Today, Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Shuswap, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for improvements to the Kingfisher Community Society's hall, school and park under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).  "Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our communities," said MP Mayes. "By improving facilities such as this, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians." Federal funding of $29,205 will help improve the Kingfisher Community Society's hall, school and park. The project will upgrade the heating, electrical and plumbing systems, improve energy efficiency, replace windows, and improve the park's underground water sprinkler system. The improvements will furnish these community assets with modern, reliable components, and reduce both their ecological footprint and ongoing operational costs. "The Kingfisher Community Society is very excited to be awarded this infrastructure funding," said Murray MacDonald, Kingfisher Community Society Chairperson. "The funding will help us lower our dependency on fossil fuels and ensure our viability into the future." CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the Fund in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.
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CHERRYVILLE, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 2, 2013) - Today, Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Shuswap, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the Cherryville Community Club under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). "I am proud to see Cherryville benefit from our Government's investment in community infrastructure," said MP Mayes. "This investment will help create jobs and growth, and will support the prosperity of the community for years to come." The federal funding of $2,070 will help the Club paint and install new drywall at Cherryville Community Hall. Improvements will help the volunteer-run facility better host a variety of community gatherings, programs and activities. "The Cherryville Community Club is very happy and pleased to be a recipient of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund," said Lynne Frerichs, President. "This allows us to 'spruce up' the interior of our beautiful hall for all to enjoy. This is very much appreciated. " CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the Fund in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.

Wesbild Track Cost Explored

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM  Friday, 04 January 2013 06:00
One of the most popular activities at Wesbild Centre could get a little easier on participants in the future. Director Catherine Lord has led a Greater Vernon Advisory Committee motion to get staff to look into cost estimates for a rubberized track on the main level at the multi use facility. Hundreds of people walk inside the venue daily, but the current flooring is said to be causing some injuries. RDNO staff will also look into possible grants for the track, some of which are made from recycled tires.
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http://www.tirestewardshipbc.ca/grant.php   (possible source of Grant Money ??)

Internment mural planned for Vernon

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 16, 2012 1:00 AM
A dark chapter in Canadian history could eventually be portrayed in downtown Vernon. The City of Vernon has been asked to contribute funds to a mural that would focus on First World War internment camps, and particularly the camp set up at the current site of W.L. Seaton Secondary School. “The roots for Ukrainian families run deep in Vernon,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol, who is hopeful the city will participate in the project. The project is being initiated by the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund and the lead artist would be Michelle Loughery, who is responsible for the heritage murals downtown. “I want to start it here,” said Loughery of the project which will include murals across Canada. During the First World War, many former residents of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, including Ukrainians, were considered enemy aliens. They were rounded up into camps, and in some cases, provided forced labour for construction projects. “They opened up highways and built the national parks system,” said Andrea Malysh, a Vernon resident and executive director of the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund. One of Loughery’s uncles served in the local camp. “I need to tell the story. This is an important story to tell our children,” she said. An actual dollar amount has not been asked of the city and council has not made a decision yet. The initial budget for the Vernon mural is $19,000 but some funding is already in place from a variety of sources.

Grant gives facelift to Lakers Clubhouse

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 19, 2012 1:00 AM
The Lakers Clubhouse on Cummins Road in Okanagan Landing has become a mini version of the Vernon Rec Centre.  Thanks to nearly $75,000 from a provincial government grant, along with funds from the city, the former pitch-and-putt golf course clubhouse has undergone some renovations inside that will allow Greater Vernon Recreation Services to offer more programs. “We’ve had lots of programs in here since we opened last May,” said Doug Ross, manager of recreation services. “We’ve had summer camps two years in a row, fitness classes, yoga classes, and we’ll have karate out here this year. “Dance classes are moving here with the new flooring, and there have been weddings, reunions, anniversaries, all kinds of community events.” Specifically, there are four aspects to the renovation. Approximately 250 square metres of new resilient flooring has already been put down, which, as Ross alluded to, will help with dance, yoga and fitness classes. Acoustic paneling and soundproofing inside the clubhouse will take place. Outside, a bike rack will be added to encourage people to cycle to the facility rather than drive, along with an outside play area that recreational programmer Shayne Wright was instrumental in researching and setting up. “In mid-October, the play structure will be delivered,” said Ross. “It’s a large climbing rock that can hold 10 kids on it at once. It’s modular so that further pieces can be added, and there are some ropes attached. It will fit in nicely with the natural area.” Site work preparation for the climbing rock began Tuesday. It’s expected to be completed in November. The remainder of the former golf course is a protected area because of the presence of a protected toad species, and will be left as a natural area. Ross said there is talk of community gardens possibly moving further out on property, which would fit with the animals that have moved in. The total cost for the project is around $100,000, with $74,500 coming from a provincial community recreation programs grant. The city will pay 20 per cent of the cost. Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster was joined by Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky in officially launching the play structure portion of the project. “This is a great addition to our facilities,” said Foster. “Not just for the people at this end of town but for everybody. The city is growing rapidly so it’s a great facility to use.” Recreation services took over the city-owned building two years ago and have been steadily renovating to house a number of its programs.

City Gets Grant For Flood Control

Written by Peter McIntyre   107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 01 February 2012 16:08

The City of Vernon has landed a grant to be used for a flood control project in the Marshall Fields area of Okanagan Landing.  The city received 640-thousand dollars from the Building Canada Fund. The remaining 320-thousand dollars will come from development cost charges and city reserves. The city's engineering manager, Rob Dickenson (pictured) says the project will provide storm-water control and wetland enhancement in the lower reaches of the Vernon Creek drainage basin. He says "The project will limit flooding by providing facilities for conveyance of major storm flows, attenuation of higher flows, sediment removal and floodplain connectivity.  A secondary benefit of the project will be a higher level of treatment of water in the basin (metals and deleterious substances) through the use of engineered wetlands.  The project will also provide habitat protection and enhancement for blue and red listed species. We still need to go through the environmental approvals process, but we have qualified for the grant and all related costs incurred will now be grant eligible." The project is expected to be done in four phases.

Funds in doubt for science centre

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 29, 2011 1:00 AM
 Moral support for the Okanagan Science Centre exists but backing it up with dollars is a challenge.  The City of Vernon will review a request from the science centre for $30,000 for renovations and signage. “I really support the science centre but we need the finance committee to look at it because that’s a lot of money,” said Coun. Shawn Lee.  A similar concern is shared by Coun. Patrick Nicol.  “It’s a great organization and it’s been able to grow its business plan. But I’m not sure if we have that kind of money,” he said.  The city was originally approached in December to provide funds but the request was passed on to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee because council felt the science centre is regional in scope. However, GVAC has indicated it does not have the ability to award financial grants and that the request is denied.  The centre has now turned back to council for a decision.  “Can you please advise next steps for the City of Vernon  to consider our application,” said Sandy Dixon, executive director, in a letter to the city.

Funtastic grants now available

by Contributed - Castanet Jan 9, 2011 / 5:00 am

The Funtastic Sports Society is now accepting applications for the Funtastic Community Grant Program. The annual grant program was created to have a positive impact on local non-profit organizations and the public across the region. The 2011 grant program will run until February 25th, 2011. The Funtastic Community Grant will provide financial support to local non-profit organizations for sport and recreation initiatives. "This initiative builds on the legacy and impact sport and recreation offers our community, and it is another step forward," says Funtastic president Brett Kirkpatrick. “Through this grant program we are supporting local organizations that contribute and promote a healthy, active community.”  Terry Schmauder of Manulife Financial will again chair the advisory panel which includes Mayor Wayne Lippert, Mayor Jim Garlick, Mr. Glenn Benischek, CEO of VantageOne Credit Union, Mr. Glenn Mitchell, Editor of the Vernon Morning Star and Betty Selin of SUN FM.  This is a tremendous initiative that reaches the grassroots level of sport in our community and that will make a positive impact on hundreds of residents this year," says Schmauder. "The support of Funtastic has helped so many organizations provide activities and opportunities that they would not otherwise be able to offer without the funding."  Added Kirkpatrick, "The Funtastic Sports Society is proud of its long history of supporting sports and recreation in our region. The Funtastic Community Grant program contributes dollars where it can make a difference for an organization." The program awards individual grants up to $5,000 and applications for the 2011 program will be accepted through February 25th. For further information and the grant application form please visit: www.funtastic.org or call Funtastic at 250-558-7756.

Community Groups seek funding at Committee of the Whole meeting

By:  Matthew Lago Monday, October 18, 2010 EnergeticCity

Fort St. John City Council held a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday and a number of organizations made requests for base grant funding.  First up was the Stage North Theatre Society who is requesting a $15,000 increase in its funding on top of the $2,500 the Society is already receiving from the city. They are asking for these funds to help assist them with renting the facility where they build sets, store props and stage rehearsals. Up until last year the Society was receiving $20,000 per year in funding from the B.C. Community Gaming Grants, but that number has since been cut to just $6,000. The Fort St. John Community Arts council was also seeking funding. They also let council know that because of funding cuts, they were forced to lay off their former executive director Tara O'Donnell. The Arts Council is requesting $31,500 in funding for a number of different projects, including the Flower Pot Project and the High on Ice festival. The Arts Council has also seen a dramatic reduction in funding from the gaming grants.  The North Peace Justice Society was requesting $60,000 to cover its operating expenses for the year. The Justice Society works with the RCMP and Crown Council to provide alternative measures for first time offenders. During the last year they have worked with over 85 victims and 55 offenders. The Society monitors offenders until they have completed their contracts.  Both the Fort St. John Literacy Program and Women's Resource Society were seeking an increase in the amount of bus passes they receive each year from the City. The Fort St. John Lion's Club was asking for the City to renew its committment to provide free ice rental for its Youth Jam Can Curling event. There will be two more Committee of the Whole meetings to help deal with base grant funding requests. They will be held on Oct. 25 and Nov. 2. City Council hopes to deal with the requests by the end of the year.

Funtastic Provides $25,000 For Groups

Written by Glen Morrison Thursday, 03 December 2009 11:19107.5 KISSFM:

The second year of the Funtastic Community Grant program is underway for 2010. Executive director Jim McEwan says they've put up another bunch of cash. He tells KISS FM, "We've put $25,000 aside for the community grant program again this year for the local non profit organizations." In its first year, 42 organizations shared in that amount, benefiting everything from playgrounds to Teen Junction. McEwan says, "Last year for example, Kindale Development needed money for a Trail Rider, so they applied and we're awarded a grant." Applications are available on the Funtastic website, or to call the office 250-558-7756, with a closing date of February 19.

Bank Invests In Teen Junction

Written by Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 02 December 2009 10:50107.5 KISSFM:

Funding grants are keeping the doors of Vernon's Teen Junction Youth Centre opens. The facility for at-risk youth on 37th Avenue has received a $5,000 donation from the CIBC bank which director Debbie Schiller says will be put to good use. "At this point we'll be using the money to keep Teen Junction open a minimum of 17 hours a week, and we'll be able to continue with our hot meal program as well as our other support programs, so this just means we'll be able to stay open." Schiller sent an application to the bank after learning on-line it had a program to help youth related services. Schiller says they've also got the first half of a $30,000 one time grant from the city of Vernon, and are still hoping to secure core funding from the BC or other governments "One time only funding is keeping us going, however, it's not what we can look to for long term growth of the centre and long term stability." The centre's future has been in limbo since its provincial funding was cut in August.

City considering grants

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 26, 2009 12:00 PM

Vernon taxpayers could be pumping significant dollars into some community projects. The city’s finance committee is recommending that council provide about $87,300 to four organizations that have made formal funding requests. “We’ve used the money wisely to support the community during a time of great need,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol.The largest chunk of money is $30,000 for the Teen Junction Youth Centre and the Junction Literacy Centre, which has seen provincial funding disappear. Without assistance, there was the possibility that the centre would shut down Oct. 31.“You can’t not be moved by what they’ve done,” said Nicol of the group’s youth-based programs.The centre had asked the city for $40,000.

The finance committee is also recommending $15,000 for the Kalamalka Highlanders Band, which has seen provincial grants cease.“They are very youth oriented and they have never come to us before,” said Nicol, adding that the band participates in a number of special city events.

A total of $20,000 is also planned for Vernon Winter Carnival and its 50th anniversary.“A portion of that will go to the snow sculptures competition at Silver Star and some of it to fireworks,” said Nicol.

The committee is also recommending $22,300 for the community gardens initiative.

Parties Planned for Olympic Torch

Written by Peter McIntyre Friday, 28 August 2009 12:42107.5 KISSFM:

Vernon, Coldstream and other North Okanagan communities have received provincial funding to help stage events connected to the Olympic Torch Relay early in the new year.The grants include $40,000 for a winter carnival event in Vernon (expected to be in Polson Park) including First Nations singers and dancers, ice sculptures and a celebration ice palace.Coldstream will get $8,000 for a community lunch, including the the Kalamalka Highlanders, and a Kalamalka High School Band concert.

Elsewhere, $8,000 goes to Enderby and District Chamber of Commerce for a pep-rally and premier of the new Enderby Anthem.... $8,000 for live entertainment, community bonfire, and fireworks in the City of Armstrong...... $8,000 for a First Nations ceremonial dance, school performers, lanterns, and local entertainment in the District of Sicamous.... and $8,000 for five locations in each of the Olympic colours along the route, a high school band and dance group, and community entertainment in the Township of Spallumcheen. The events will take place January 26, 2010 when the Olympic Torch Run comes through the North Okanagan

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Castanet Poll: As at 10:19 AM Aug 29

Poll Results

Question: Would you spend $40,000 on something other than a party to greet the Olympic flame?

Yes

998

No

524

You voted Yes

Total Votes: 1522

Gamestown 2010

Don Quixote Note:

There is 1 entry from Vernon so far . Get off your ass, fellow blogreaders and make some creative Vernon Entries either with stories, Pictures or Videos and enter them in the contest at www.GamesTown2010.ca

Don’t hold back. Every community taking part in GamesTown2010 is eligible to become the Gold Medal GamesTown2010 and bring home $100,000 to put towards sports and healthy living facilities. Silver and Bronze medal winners will take home $50,000 and $25,000 respectively.

ARMSTRONG HAS 25 ENTRIES SO FAR.

Kelowna seeks $6.8M in federal grants

Wayne Moore - Jun 23, 2009 CASTANET

Kelowna's high unemployment rate may be a benefit as the city looks to access funds for four specific projects. A new federal program through the Western Economic Diversification and Community Adjustment Fund will make $120 million available to B.C. communities over the next two years to provide an economic stimulus to communities impacted by the global recession. Statistics Canada pegged Kelowna's unemployment rate at 11.5% in May. "I know talking to our MP that our unemployment rate is a really important factor in the eligibility of our area. We're not a one industry town like some of the places that would be needing this fund," says Councillor, Robert Hobson. "The high unemployment rate does give us a leg up in getting this kind of funding. It's not a good thing, but it's a thing." The City will look to obtain more than $6.8 million in grants for the four projects, the largest being $4.5 million to turn 10 pontoons into a breakwater and pier. The pontoon project was listed as the number one priority by city staff.

The other three projects, in order of priority include:

• $1.570 million for Community Parks and Open Spaces Network - development of seven new neighbourhood parks
  
• $300,000 for Neighbourhood Woods - to encourage tree planting in neighbourhood backyards
  
• $500,000 for Green Team - to build new trails and decommission those that are undesirable.

Grants Manager, Lorna Gunn, told council the pontoon project would result in approximately 312 person months of employment, a key component to the grant application. The deadline for applying for the grant money is June 27. Gunn says Western Economic Diversification will review the grant requests and respond as quickly as possible. She says projects are supposed to be ready to go in August, adding all four Kelowna requests will be ready to go by then. Kelowna is applying for pontoon funding even though a report on how best to utilize the pontoons and to what extend, has yet to be presented to council. Staff has promised that the pontoon report, which was scheduled to be on the agenda this week, will be ready in time for next Monday's meeting.

OKIB On Closure

Starlee Speers - Vernon 105.7 SUNFM:

The Chief of the Okanagan Indian Band says they may end up closing off a portion of Lakeshore Road in response to concerns about risks to public safety. Fabian Alexis says he's aware the city of Vernon secured grant funding to make improvements to the area in light of the complaints, but their land claims are a bigger priority. He says it's unfortunate the project couldn't continue. Work was already started on lakeshore Road at the South end of Kin beach when it was announced the project would be cancelled on Tuesday. The City of Vernon had secured grants to construct a retaining wall at the beachfront to deter vehicles from driving on the beach, as well as more parking and public walkways. Alexis says in response to concerns about risks to public safety, the band will create an action force to look into closing a portion of the road.

Gymnastics society scrambling

Published: May 14, 2009 6:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Plans for a gymnastic facility have hit a major hurdle. It had been hoped a federal infrastructure grant would provide $1 million for a new stand-alone gymnastics training centre, but the terms of the funding program emphasize upgrades to existing buildings. “We’re back to the drawing board in terms of looking for funding,” said Rob Vat, a director with the North Valley Gymnastics Society. “This is a setback for us. We’re scrambling now.” The other challenge is the federal grants initiative will not consider the North Okanagan Regional District donating a $650,000 piece of land as part of the total project cost. The society’s proposal for a 12,000 to 13,000-square-foot building called for $1 million from the federal government and $650,000 from the provincial government. The society would come to the table with about $725,000. However, there is also uncertainty about the $650,000. “There’s no word from the province on a contribution for that project,” said Al McNiven, NORD’s parks and recreation general manager.

McNiven told the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Thursday that the deadline to apply to the federal grants program is looming, and applications for new construction will be considered in certain circumstances. The other option would be for GVAC to seek funding for other works such as the indoor pool and the Paddlewheel Park boat launch. However, most directors don’t want to rush the matter. “It’s not wise to jump just because of a deadline coming up,” said chairman Wayne Lippert. “We will continue to work with the society to see what we can make work.” However, Lippert admits he is disappointed with the stipulations the federal government has placed on grants. “They come forward with these programs and the restrictions don’t meet the needs of communities,” he said.