Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) board members have expressed disappointment at the provincial government's response their suggestion on how to allocate more funding to community halls.
At a June 19 board meeting, RDBN directors voted to send a letter to the Province advocating for the use of gaming grants (taxes collected from gambling) to fund community halls that require renovations or upgrades. That letter was sent to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs on July 2.
The RDBN board received a response from Claire Avison, grant manager for the Community Gaming Grants Program on July 24. She said that the use of gaming grants for community hall upgrades is not currently permitted, but RDBN's suggestion would be considered in any upcoming revisions to gaming grant policies.
"I understand and empathize with those organizations that own and or operate community halls throughout the province that are so heavily relied upon by the communities they serve. The Community Gaming Grants Program receives requests for over $200 M per year in funding but has a budget of $140 M," Avison said in the letter. "Your suggestions will be considered by Ministry staff in future amendments to the eligibility criteria."
She added that gaming grants could be used to help community halls in another way.
"I also want to confirm that Community Gaming Grants funds may be used to pay rent or rental fees. Many Community Gaming Grants recipients use community halls to deliver programs and services and can use their grant to pay for rentals and leases as part of the direct cost of program delivery," she said.
RDBN directors received the letter at their board meeting on Aug. 14, with some saying the Province's response was underwhelming.
"They just kind of said 'thanks for your letter'," said Clint Lambert, director of RDBN's Electoral Area E, at the Aug. 14 meeting. "It was just kind of 'okay.'"
Chair Mark Parker responded adding that he was expecting a more substantial response from the Province.
"I know, I was really surprised," Parker said in response to Lambert.
The RDBN has been paying close attention to the needs of the community halls within its borders. The board is set to meet with representatives from all the community halls in the district in September to brainstorm potential supports for the community halls.
