By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board of directors passed the district’s 2024 Operating Budget and awarded several community grants on March 21st.
Budgeted expenditures for the district total $57.4M. Property taxes have been increased by 5.35 per cent since 2023, totalling $22.6M. The rest of the district’s expenditures will be covered through grants, user fees, and reserve funds.
The board approved three grant applications from Electoral Area H, which includes McBride and Valemount.
The Meals on Wheels program run by the Valemount Senior Citizens Housing Society was awarded $2,000. The program delivers three meals a week to seniors and disabled residents who cannot prepare meals for themselves. According to the Society’s grant application, the cost to prepare a meal is $16.50, but clients are charged a fee of $9.00 per meal – the rest of the cost is covered by grants and donations.
The Robson Valley Backcountry Horsemen of BC Society was awarded $500 for an upcoming Rendezvous event. Taking place May 23rd through the 27th, the Rendezvous will host members of the Horsement of BC Society coming from throughout the province. Events will include horsepacking, a scavenger hunt, and a cowboy poetry slam.
Finally, the Valemount Community Sports Day Association was awarded $2,500 for its annual community festival, Valemountain Days. The festival includes a parade, baseball tournament, and concession stands, among other events. The grant will be used to pay for arcade games, a photo booth, and be put towards the cost of insurance.
