Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) directors look forward to seeing the results of an Area G referendum on funding community halls.
At their May 15 meeting, CSRD board directors gave three readings to the Electoral Area G Community Halls Financial Contribution Service Establishment Bylaw, along with its endorsement of an assent voting process to obtain elector approval in support of the service. Furthermore, the board authorized use of up to $40,000 from a related feasibility study to cover the costs of the assent process.
The referendum would give Area G electors a say on whether to financially support community halls within the electoral area.
"I'm looking for support for the establishment of this bylaw to provide service to all six hall associations in the area, noting one is a split between the Sorrento Hall and the Drop-in Society…," said board chair and Area G director Natalya Melnychuk. "This would allow for some continuity in funding around administration and operational costs that come with the hall, and also give them the space to be able to think about their asset needs and putting funds they have into necessary updates and problem solving for the halls that have some significant challenges…"
Melnychuk added the service, if approved, would address challenges the regional district is having with no longer having the Community Works Fund as a source of support for non-profit community groups.
The community halls that would benefit include those in Carlin, Notch Hill, Sorrento, Blind Bay and Cedar Heights. If approved, the bylaw would provide a contribution of $10,000 per year, per hall, with Sorrento Hall's tenants each receiving $7,500. Contribution for this service would be via parcel tax.
"I don’t have a problem with it – it will be interesting to see how the community reacts," commented Area F director Jay Simpson, who asked about inflationary costs.
"My understanding, with regards to inflation, there is a five year allowance to increase relative to what inflation looks like," replied Melnychuk.
Adding she also looks forward to the seeing the community's response, Area E director Rhona Martin noted many people think community halls are already supported by taxes, and that they're amazed when the learn their supported via grants in aid and "through the efforts of very few citizens within the community that volunteer their time and efforts to make sure their hall is maintained."
If the assent process is successful and the bylaw adopted, taxation will commence in the next calendar year and the community halls will start receiving contributions in 2026.
