#grants
Should Rossland overhaul community funding?
City Council is considering major changes to how non-profits, charities, and community organizations apply for grants and tax breaks. The new policy would streamline multiple funding programs but completely change application deadlines and eliminate some tax exemptions.
🏛️ Currently groups apply separately for grants, tax exemptions, and facility rentals
📅 Different programs have different deadlines throughout the year
💰 Some organizations get property tax exemptions instead of direct grants
🔄 Council wants a "single, holistic approach" to community funding decisions
📊 Staff say current system lacks objectivity in allocation process
📝 One unified application for all funding types with single July 15th deadline
🏠 Shift away from property tax exemptions toward direct grant funding
🏢 End discounted rent arrangements - groups pay market rate, get equivalent grants
⚖️ New "objective criteria" for evaluating applications
📋 Standardized annual reporting required from all funding recipients
Should community funding be streamlined with stricter criteria?
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Council Meeting: October 20, 2025 at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue) immediately following the Public Hearing. Organizations currently receiving funding should pay attention - the 2026 application deadline would be November 21st if approved, with future applications due July 15th annually.
🔥 Council Votes on Wildfire Protection Grant
Rossland Council is deciding whether to pursue a major wildfire resiliency grant that would fund community safety improvements and Firesmart initiatives to protect homes and families from wildfire threats.
🏛️ Columbia Basin Trust offering wildfire resiliency grants to communities
📋 City would manage the grant program and coordinate safety improvements
🎯 Grant specifically targets wildfire risk reduction in Rossland
🤝 Requires Council endorsement to move forward with application
⚡ City staff ready to handle grant administration and project oversight
🏠 Firesmart initiatives to help residents protect their properties
🌲 Community-wide wildfire risk reduction measures
📚 Public education and awareness campaigns about fire safety
🛡️ Reducing wildfire risk and impact to the City of Rossland
🏛️ City-managed program with professional grant oversight
Should Rossland pursue this wildfire protection grant?
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Council Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2025 at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue) following the Public Hearing. Residents can attend to hear the decision and provide input during the public input period.
City Taking On $7M+ Sewer Risk
Major Financial Decision Alert 🚨 Council just committed taxpayers to cover ALL cost overruns on a massive sewer replacement project. The city is applying for a $7 million grant but promising to pay ANY amount above that from your tax dollars.
🚰 Wagon Road Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project needs to be completed
📋 Required to meet grant application criteria - city must guarantee project completion
💰 City applying for $7 million from 2025 Strategic Priorities Fund Program
🔧 Project involves replacing existing sanitary sewer infrastructure
⚠️ Grant application requires city commitment to cover all aspects of project completion
💵 Applying for $7 million from Strategic Priorities Fund Program
📋 City commits to overall grant management of the entire project
⚠️ City responsible for supporting any cost overruns of the proposed project
🔒 Amendment required to meet grant application criteria
🏢 Motion passed to include city's willingness to cover overruns
Are you comfortable with unlimited spending commitments?
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Official Votes
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Motion passed October 6, 2025 ✅ Grant application will now be submitted with city's financial guarantees. Contact council members to share thoughts on future infrastructure spending policies.
Major Overhaul Coming to Community Grants?
Rossland is proposing sweeping changes to how local nonprofits and community groups receive city funding. The new policy would create a unified application system, eliminate most tax exemptions, and establish stricter evaluation criteria for the $366,284 in annual community support.
Current System Getting Complete Makeover
🏛️ Multiple funding streams currently scattered across grants, tax breaks, and in-kind support
📅 Different application deadlines create confusion for community groups
💰 Tax exemptions being phased out in favor of direct grant funding
Current System Getting Complete Makeover
📊 New objective scoring criteria to replace current evaluation process
🤝 Shift toward holistic review of all city support to each organization
New Streamlined System Details
📋 Single application portal opening June 1st with July 15th deadline
🏆 Four funding categories: Multi-year Operating, One-time Project, Capital, and Letters of Support
📈 Unified scoring system emphasizing financial need, municipal alignment, and community impact
New Streamlined System Details
📊 Annual reporting requirements with standardized outcome surveys
⚖️ Fair evaluation process comparing total city support across all programs
The Numbers Behind Community Support
Should community funding be more streamlined and objective?
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Council Decision: October 20, 2025 at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue) immediately following the Public Hearing. 2026 Transition: Current funding applications due November 21, 2025. New unified system starts in 2026 for 2027 funding decisions. Public input welcomed before the vote.
🏛️ Your Tax Dollars: What Should Rossland Fund?
Council is reviewing the 2026-2030 budget plan that will shape city services and your property taxes for the next five years. Big decisions ahead on recreation programs, environmental initiatives, communications, and community grants.
📊 Five-year financial plan sets spending priorities through 2030
🏡 Property tax revenue allocation decisions affect all residents
🎯 Staff presented budget preview to guide Council direction
💬 Community feedback will shape final budget decisions
⚖️ Balance between service levels and taxpayer costs
💼 New part-time communications position to improve city information
🎨 Recreation instructor role to expand programming (user-fee funded)
🌱 Additional funding for Spring Clean Up and Fire Smart Bin Programs
🤝 Maintain 5% property tax allocation for community group grants
Council requested a World Cafe style public engagement session on October 27, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Miners Hall. This informal format lets residents discuss budget priorities directly with Council and staff.
Next Steps: Council discusses budget preview at October 20, 2025 meeting. Public engagement session October 27, 6-8 PM at Miners Hall. Final budget decisions coming in future Council meetings. Attend meetings or contact Council with your budget priorities.
Should Council Support Seniors Programming? 🏛️
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre is seeking Council's support for a New Horizons for Seniors Grant application. 🎯
This federal grant program funds projects that benefit seniors through cultural programming. The museum wants a letter of support to strengthen their application. 📝
Council will decide whether to endorse this community initiative for Rossland's seniors. 🤝
🎯 New Horizons for Seniors is a federal grant program
👥 Funds community-based projects that benefit seniors
🏛️ Museums can apply to enhance programming for older adults
📚 Could support educational workshops, cultural events, or accessibility improvements
💰 Grant funding reduces costs for seniors to participate in museum activities
🤝 Council's letter of support strengthens the application but doesn't commit city funds
What Council is Being Asked: Provide a letter of support for the museum's grant application - no city funding required. 📝
Why Letters of Support Matter: Federal grant applications are stronger when they show community backing from local government. 🏢
The Decision: Council will vote on whether to endorse this seniors-focused initiative at the museum. ✅
Should Council provide a letter of support for the Rossland Museum's seniors grant application? What types of programming would benefit seniors most at the museum?
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Official Votes
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Next Steps: This motion will be considered at the next Council meeting. 🗓️
How to Participate: • Attend the Council meeting to speak during public input • Submit written comments to Council before the meeting • Contact your councillors directly with your thoughts
Stay Informed: Watch for meeting agendas and updates on the city website. 📱
💰 $21M Federal Funding Opportunity
🏢 RDKB could secure major federal funding for three key infrastructure projects:
🚒 Christina Lake Fire Hall expansion
🏊 Grand Forks Aquatic Centre upgrades
🔍 Regional infrastructure resilience study
The Strategic Priorities Fund offers up to 100% funding - potentially $7 million per project!
Board decides whether to apply for all three grants
🏛️ Federal Strategic Priorities Fund offers 10-year commitment for local infrastructure
💯 Up to 100% funding available for eligible projects
🎯 Focuses on large-scale, regional impact, or innovative projects
📊 Maximum $7 million per project, 4 applications max per regional district
⚡ Two streams: Capital Infrastructure and Capacity Building
🚒 Christina Lake Fire Hall Expansion - Improve emergency response capacity and coverage
🏊 Grand Forks Aquatic Centre Upgrades - Energy efficiency improvements and accessibility enhancements
🔍 RDKB Infrastructure Assessment - Evaluate critical infrastructure resilience across the region
Which of these infrastructure projects do you think should be RDKB's top priority for federal funding: fire hall expansion, aquatic centre upgrades, or regional resilience assessment?
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Official Votes
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📅 Board Decision Coming
Staff recommend applying for all three grants to maximize federal funding opportunities.
🗣️ Have Your Say:
- Contact your RDKB director
- Attend the board meeting
- Submit written comments
Corporate Vote Unweighted required to proceed with applications
Community Funding Decisions Ahead
🎄 Should your tax dollars fund Christmas hampers for families in need?
🎭 What about community events that bring neighbors together?
♿ Or accessibility ramps so everyone can participate in community life?
Council is deciding on $33,900 in grants to local organizations across multiple areas - from emergency equipment to holiday support programs.
🎄 Trail United Church seeking support for Beaver Valley Christmas Hamper Program
🎭 Big White Mountain Community Development Association planning their annual community event
🌱 Village of Midway developing a community garden project
🚑 Rock Creek & Boundary Fair Association restocking emergency AED supplies
♿ Bridesville Community Club building accessibility ramp at their hall
💰 $25,850 - Bridesville accessibility ramp (largest request)
💰 $3,000 - Christmas hamper program for families in need
💰 $2,000 each - Big White community event & Midway garden
💰 $1,050 - Emergency AED equipment restocking
Which of these community programs do you think should be the highest priority for public funding, and why? Should taxpayer dollars support accessibility improvements, emergency preparedness, food security, or community events?
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Official Votes
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📅 Council Meeting: August 27th, 2025
🗳️ Vote Type: Participants Only Weighted Vote
💬 How to Participate:
- Attend the council meeting
- Submit written comments
- Contact your area representative
📍 These grants support organizations across Areas A, E, Village of Midway, Rock Creek & Boundary, and Bridesville
🔥 Big Safety News for Our Region
$1.18M FireSmart Grant Approved 💰
The Regional District just received major provincial funding for wildfire prevention! Plus updates on emergency water treatment advocacy and the Record Ridge mine assessment.
Three important communications that affect our community's safety and development.
FireSmart Grant Details
💰 $1,185,962.21 total funding from Province of BC
🏘️ Covers wildfire prevention and FireSmart community protection
📅 One-year project running until July 29, 2026
FireSmart Grant Details
🚒 Must coordinate with BC Wildfire Service officials
📊 Includes fuel management, community planning, and emergency preparedness
🏠 Special programs for seniors and vulnerable populations
💧 Emergency Water Security Initiative
Village of Lions Bay asks BC municipalities to support a UBCM resolution for provincial emergency water treatment plants.
The Ask: Province should acquire 1-3 portable plants (500K gal/day) for wildfire water contamination emergencies.
Why: Small communities can't afford treatment systems but face growing wildfire risks.
⚒️ Record Ridge Mine Assessment Decision
"The Record Ridge Mine will NOT be designated as a reviewable project under Section 11 of the Act"— Kelly Northcott, BC Environmental Assessment Office
📅 Stay Informed & Get Involved
These communications are part of Regional District Board agenda items for public information.
FireSmart Project: Must be completed by July 29, 2026 with extensive community safety improvements.
Next Steps: Attend Board meetings to learn more about how these decisions affect our region's safety and development.