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Sicamous council supports Red Barn effort

The District of Sicamous is adding their support to the Eagle Valley Arts Council’s appeal to deny disaster financial assistance.

The District of Sicamous is adding their voice of support to the Eagle Valley Arts Council’s appeal of a provincial decision to deny disaster financial assistance to help with flood-related repairs to the Red Barn Arts Centre.

The organization was refused based on Emergency Management BC’s view that the Eagle Valley Arts Council is not a charitable organization, as it owns the Red Barn and charges a fee to member groups or the public for the use of the building.

In their appeal, Carla Krens, treasurer of the society notes the Eagle Valley Arts Council is, definitely not-for-profit and is definitely all-volunteer.”

“The fact that we raise some of our own income does not make us profitable and there are no profits,” she adds. “The Red Barn Arts Centre is a 90-year-old building which has been very well maintained over the years in order to give the arts in our community a home which they can afford.”

Mayor Darrell Trouton said council made a motion to send a letter of support with the appeal, despite the district having no jurisdiction.

“It was something we could do,” he says. “We are dealing with our own issues with the province. We are in constant negotiations with the province about funding.”