The Blue Mountains council has approved a $4,000 grant to the local Lions Club for a capital project.
Council approved the request at its committee of the whole meeting on April 8. The Thornbury/Beaver Valley Lions Club is currently raising funds to replace the club’s trailer that is used at events and fundraisers all around the community.
The club initially applied for funding from the town’s grants and donations committee. However, a grant could not be approved by the committee because it is a capital project.
The club then approached council about a possible grant. The club is conducting its own fundraising for the $12,000 project.
Staff presented council with three options: fund the request through council’s donation budget, fund the project through reserves or refuse the request.
Council voted in favour of using $4,000 from the working capital reserve to support the Lions Club. Council’s annual donation budget would have been completely deleted if council had chosen that option.
“That’s our flexibility fund,” said Mayor Andrea Matrosovs, who noted that the Lion’s Club uses the trailer to support the overall community. “It’s an asset that helps them generate funds for the community.”
Council approved the move in a 6-0 vote. Coun. Alex Maxwell declared a conflict as he is a member of the Lions Club.
