Councillor Raiser this week brought a motion forward that would see DOS match the funds raised by SORCA through its trail pass program. To date this year, SORCA has raised about $15,000 through this program. Really an exceptional initiative and as far as I know, exceeded their expectations. I proudly display my SORCA Trail pass on my mountain Bike.
Raiser's motion asked that DOS match the $15,000 [a notion brought forward by Councillor Corinne Lonsdale last Spring] by using council contingency funds. While the intent of the motion was agreed upon by all of council, the use of council contingency with almost 3 months left in the year was something council ultimately decided it could not do. In fact, it would have been irresponsible for us to do so at this time of the year. Council contingency is for emergencies.
This funding really has to be planned and committed to in the yearly budget process. It wasn't done this year because the program had just started in the spring and therefore it was impossible to budget for an unknown amount. We now know the amount so next year will hopefully be different.
I hope that come December [provided there are still funds left in council contingency] council will then decide to match the SORCA Trail Pass fund.
This is money well spent and will be leveraged many times over in SORCA's capable hands.
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