Kneehill County council approved the first round of its 2022 community funding grants, but turned down a beautification request that was deemed incomplete. The decisions were made at the April 12 regular meeting of council.
Carolyn Van der Kuil, legislative services coordinator, presented to councillors the five eligible applications received for the first round of 2022 community grants. Kneehill County budgeted $50,000 for the grants this year.
The first application came from the Silver Willows Senior Citizens Society which requested $300 to help purchase a Bunn coffee maker.
The second application was from the Trochu Valley Historical Society which requested $3,650 to replace nine windows in their building.
The third application came from the Wimborne Community Centre which asked for $2,500 to purchase new countertops.
The fourth application came from the Three Hills Beautification Society, previously known as the Three Hills Communities in Bloom, which requested $4,500 to purchase planters to be used within the town. It was stated at the meeting the society also requested $4,500 from the Town of Three Hills and if the group didn’t receive the funds from both partners the project wouldn’t go ahead, according to their application form.
During discussion councillors noticed the group’s volunteer hours for this project wasn’t listed. Coun. Carrie Fobes stated it’s very difficult for councillors to make a decision on an application if information is missing.
Van der Kuil updated councillors by telling them she phoned the society to find out if the town granted them funds; the town did grant funds but in the amount of $2,500, not $4,500. It was noted that even if Kneehill granted $4,500, the society was still short funds for the project.
The last application came from the Carbon Royal Canadian Legion Branch #161, which requested $4,500 to build a starting gate for the soap box derby event. Coun. Penner encouraged her peers to attend the event.
“It’s pretty cool, what they do,” said Penner.
Councillors unanimously agreed to fund requests 1, 2, 3 and 5, but declined to fund the Three Hills Beautification Society request.
Junior rodeo
Councillors unanimously approved a $250 donation to the Trochu Ag Society for an upcoming event.
Councillors heard a report from Van der Kuil, noting the county received a request from the Trochu and District Agricultural Society for a grant of $250 for their rodeo weekend event.
“This is the group’s fifth year having this event,” stated Van der Kuil’s report. “Kneehill County has never sponsored this event in the past. This year the Trochu and District Ag Society will be expanding the event by having a professional bull riding event followed by a live band.”
During discussion Coun. Penner asked if this was a youth rodeo and Van der Kuil stated yes. Penner made the motion to grant the funds and added the county should support youth events.
Weeds and pests
Councillors unanimously agreed to streamline the way Kneehill County approves weed and pest agreements after a presentation by Shelby Sherwick, manager of parks and agricultural services.
Sherwick explained the provincial requirement for weed and pest control and pointed out Kneehill has agreements with other partners for such services.
“Kneehill County currently enters into weed and pest agreements with neighbouring municipalities for the purpose of providing weed and pest inspection services by Kneehill County appointed inspectors to these municipalities through the approach of public awareness, education, integrated pest management, and leadership, as stated in the agreements,” stated Sherwick’s report.
Deputy Reeve Ken King asked for a clarification that this request was approving all of the upcoming agreements rather than bringing them back one at a time, to which Sherwick answered yes.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism initiative reporter
