Council approves grant funding for the CRCA

Chestermere City council approved a grant of $76,000 for the Chestermere Regional Community Association (CRCA) at the April 18, council meeting.
“Council views the CRCA as a crucial provider of recreational services in the community and as such we strive to support them as much as possible,” said Chestermere Deputy Mayor Gail Smith.
In their grant request, the CRCA asked for a total of $145,000. They were requesting $41,000 for the installation of new LED lights, $35,000 for ice plant repairs, and $69,000 for lifecycle upgrades, aesthetic improvements, and safety upgrades.
“Council…has to consider budget when making these decisions,” said Smith.
After discussion, council decided to approve the first two requests.
“Council decided to provide $76,000 to cover the cost of the LED light installation and the ice plant because they were clearly defined as a specific cost,” she said.
The CRCA is recognized as being an important part of the Chestermere community.
“Council strongly supports recreation in the community.
“We have supported many projects including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, pathways and the CRCA, just to mention a few,” said Smith, “We strive to keep Chestermere an active community.”
The funding approvals come after the implementation of a new grant application and approval process in Chestermere.
Approved in March, the Recreation Grant Funding Policy provides council with a guideline for determining where recreation funding should be allocated.
Smith said that this was the first application with the new system and that council and staff will continue to refine it as more organizations apply.