Big Valley village council approved two Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) grant requests but delayed a few others mostly due to unanswered questions. The resolutions were passed at the Nov. 18 regular meeting of council.
Village Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Colleen Mayne presented councillors with five requests for FCSS funds; readers should note such funds are comprised of 80 per cent provincial government money and 20 per cent village money and must meet specific guidelines for approval.
Mayne pointed out that council’s FCSS decisions are open to provincial audit later and if the audit reveals funds were granted to an ineligible event or service the province may decline their share, leaving village taxpayers on the hook for the entire grant.
Councillors began their discussion by asking how much FCSS money was left to disperse this year. Mayne answered that there was $12,000 left for 2024.
Coun. Dan Houle stated his personal philosophy was to try to spread as much of the money to as many different groups or events as possible.
The first request discussed was the annual Big Valley Street Festival, which is usually held in the later summer and features live music, activities, a show and shine and other events; the request form stated the Big Valley Ag Society was submitting this request for $4,000. It was noted the family-oriented event is free of charge.
Mayne recommended approving the request, noting in her summary, “The street dance is a true reflection of the essence of Big Valley. People attend this event from all over the area. This yearly event brings tourism, revenue and community fellowship.”
As councillors discussed the street dance though it was noted the event has never received an FCSS grant before and councillors were unsure if the event meets FCSS guidelines. It was tabled to a future meeting so organizers can provide more information.
The second request came from the Big Valley Historical Society which requested $2,500 for educational and informative signage around the community.
The CAO recommended approving the request but noted on the application form some questions were unanswered. If the signs were considered tourism, which isn’t covered by FCSS funds, councillors wondered if they had enough information to approve the request. They tabled it to a future meeting for more information.
The third request came on behalf of the Big Valley Kids Christmas event.
The event organizers were requesting $1,500 and noted this has been an ongoing holiday event that provides participants a gift, snacks and activities.
Mayne stated council has given this event FCSS funds in the past. Councillors approved the request.
The fourth request came from the Big Valley Ag Society which was requesting $2,500 for its various programs. It was noted in the application form and the CAO’s memo the many programs the agriculture society handles in Big Valley, including the arena, golf course and ball diamonds.
As councillors discussed the request it was observed they already approved an FCSS grant for the ag society and were confused about which fiscal year this request was for. They therefore tabled it so more information could be gathered.
The last request came from the Christmas in the Village event, an annual holiday festival in Big Valley that has offered craft tables, live entertainment, hayrides and more. They requested $2,000 and councillors granted it.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
