The District of Sicamous has given chief financial officer Kelly Bennett the green light to apply for a Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program grant.
The program is in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, which takes place in 2017.
“Strong preference will be given to projects that are undertaking meaningful upgrades to existing cultural and community facilities,” wrote Bennett in her report to council. “Upgrades that will provide long-term benefits to a community, will be viewed with pride by a community and are recognized as a lasting legacy.”
Mayor Terry Rysz says, if successful, the money would be directed to Beach Park improvements, approved in the 2015-2019 financial plan.
“It won’t be accessible until 2016 or 2017, based on the 150th anniversary and it’s fairly flexible as to what we do with it,” he said, noting council listed several items that are already in the budget. “The 150 fund will only apply to 50 per cent of the project but it’s free money to improve the community so we’ve targeted Beach Park.”
Council also directed staff to obtain letters of support for Beach Park improvements from the chamber of commerce and Royal Canadian Legion Branch #99.