Budget discussions under way
Posted Feb 3, 2011 By Stacey Roy
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Tweet ThisEMC News - Councillors were keeping their thoughts to themselves during the first wave of 2011 budget delegations.
The first meeting for the Smiths Falls budget took place Wednesday, Jan. 26 with requests made from People First of Lanark County, the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association (RHRTA), The Smiths Falls Horticultural Society, The Canal and Railway Festival and the Smiths Falls Club for Youth. At the close of the meeting Mayor Dennis Staples suggested councillors consider participating in a Saturday day-long budget session in an effort to reduce the time before a budget is passed.
"It's just a suggestion we can think about," the mayor said.
Further discussions on this proposal are expected to take place this week.
YOUTH CLUB
Three youth representatives joined Colleen Muldoon in council chambers last week to discuss the benefits of the youth centre with councillors, including Ace Pepper who is working at the centre to earn his high school diploma.
"I'm glad I joined the youth centre, it's done lots of good things for me," Pepper said.
In the last year Pepper has been one of many youth who have volunteered at the Canal, Railway and Chocolate Festival (as it was formerly known), the haunted walk and many other community events.
"Volunteering, I believe, is the best way to make a young person feel that they belong to a community,' Muldoon added. "Then you've got a volunteer for life."
The club is asking for the town to approve last year's funding of $12,000 in addition to its participation in the county program. Councillor Ken Graham confirmed that the town provided $15,000 last year to be part of the county program in addition to the $12,000.
"Our $15,000 investment gave them $40,000," councillor Graham said.
CANAL, RAILWAY FESTIVAL
Co-chairs of the annual festival also argue that the town's investment in its event leverages dollars in tourism spending and promotion of the town. Organizers are requesting their annual support of $7,000. This will give the town naming rights for the main music stage at the festival.
This year's festival promises new events, such as a chef challenge along with all of the festival favourites like the soap box derby and children's activities.
"We believe in our festival, we believe in our town," said Dawn Quinn who presented the request to councillors.
The festival has approximately $5,000 after last year's event, but aren't as confident that grants will be forthcoming this year due to the lack of staff time and the time required to apply.
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
The bright flower beds at the town hall, library and Legion regularly greet festival guests to town. Sandra Kurus from the society is asking the town for an increase in financial support to $800 from last year's $500.
"We want to see if we can't make it a more appealing building," Kurus said of town hall.
Volunteers would like to address the aging shrubs this year in addition to the flower beds.
"Thank you for all your good work," said councillor Jay Brennan.
The town has provided the society a grant for the last five years.
RHRTA
The RHRTA continues its work to market the Rideau Canal region and is asking the town to renew their support of this coordinated effort to the tune of $10,000 for the next three years. The approval for the years of 2012 and 2013 would be approval in principle and will assist the organization in future planning.
"Right now we're actually committing and planning for 2012," added Anne-Marie Forcier of the RHRTA. "We really focus on what makes us special and what makes us different."
This year will see phase five of the organizations roll out and will focus on strengthening alliances and developing current tourism assets. The RHRTA is looking to leverage their $53, 000 of financial support from the 12 municipal partners into a $194, 800 budget for this year.
"We wouldn't be able to do what we do without partners like yourself," Forcier said.
Forcier's presentation showed that moorings at the detached lock in Smiths Falls has increased 10 per cent in recent years, and Parks Canada is looking to encourage further increases with a program to install low lying docks for paddle vessels.
"That's an investment that's happening currently," Forcier said.
This year the RHRTA is focusing on specific tourism draws throughout the corridor. To this end they have established working committees including paddle, cycle and arts tours, which still have spots available for those interested. To contact Fourcier log on to www.rideauheritageroute.ca and follow the contact us link.
"The goal is to really extend the visitors' stay," she said.
PEOPLE FIRST
People First of Lanark County wrapped up the delegations last week with a $2, 000 request from Smiths Falls and every municipality in the county. People First is an advocacy organization who allows those with disabilities to advocate for the disabled.
Kory Earle, president of People First of Lanark County said they have spent a lot of time in Smiths Falls supporting those in need. One particular case involved a homeless person in Smiths Falls who needed help. People First worked on his behalf and was successful in finding him accommodation. It is this type of work that has earned the Lanark County organization the title of the most active local chapter in Canada in 2010.
"That's something we can be very proud of," Earle said.
All of this hard work is now in jeopardy due to funding limitations.
" At the end of June the doors could shut for the last time," Earle added. "There's only so much you can do with less money."
Councillors thanked Earle for his presentation, but were careful not to divulge any decision on his request.
The next budget meetings are tentatively scheduled for Feb. 2 and Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. inside the council chambers. Please log on to www.smithsfalls.ca for a copy of the agenda a day prior to the meeting.
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