The city will meet the Shuswap Agricultural Association (SAA) halfway on a request for $7,500 for ongoing restoration of the fairgrounds grandstand.
The ask, in the form of a letter from SAA director and engineer Scott Syme, was received by city council at its June 23 meeting.
Syme's letter begins with recognition given to the recent efforts of SAA volunteers, and the local construction industry, to bring the structure on the city owned south fairgrounds back to life.
"You should be very proud of the community members you serve – they're truly amazing!" said Syme. "Their passion, commitment and hands-on support have been the driving force behind the progress we've made."
Syme said the critical structural work needed on the grandstand is complete. However, more work is needed, including the replacement of the foundation along the west face of the grandstand.
"The building needs to be used for more than just the Fall Fair, Roots & Blues and the Demolition Derby," said Syme, adding the new SAA board is "eager to see more events and activities brought to life in this space."
While council acknowledged the "phenomenal" work that's been done and the community effort involved, not all councillors were onboard with the idea of supporting the SAA, which leases the south fairgrounds from the city and is responsible for maintenance on the property.
Mayor Alan Harrison offered three choices for council, the first being to just say no.
"That could be based on a very clear message – even prior to the vote to amend the lease on the south grounds… we were not going to contribute any money there," said Harrison. "It has been clearly communicated to the new board that part of assuming that lease was that there would not be any further city support money wise."
A second option involved a "yes" and providing support using money budgeted for council initiatives. Harrison's third option was having the SAA board pursue a city grant-in-aid through an application to the Shuswap Community Foundation.
As a compromise, Harrison's suggested providing half of the requested amount, $3,750, using council initiatives, while suggesting the SAA submit an application for grant-in-aid funding.
"It would be an olive branch… to show we’re appreciative and supportive, but that there’s also a process, because as you know this is not the first group that has come forward with a very good idea and a lot of good work," said Harrison.
Coun. Debbie Cannon initially spoke against using council initiatives, that it would be going against the lease.
"In that lease it says they’re responsible to maintain the buildings on that property, which has not been done," said Cannon, adding that providing the money would send a mixed message.
Other councillors supported Harrison's compromise. Coun. Kevin Flynn noted the SAA has a new board that is "trying to make a huge difference in a tough spot because of a lack of maintenance over many years."
"I think the work that has been done should be acknowledged, which we are, and I think that we can do this without setting a precedent and making it very clear we’re only providing half of the request and it’s a one time… and they need to apply to the Shuswap Community Foundation," said Flynn.
Harrison said Cannon's assessment was accurate, but stressed it would be a one-time grant from council initiatives, which "is kind of built in for this purpose."
"I’m working with the agricultural association and their heart is in the right spot but there’s a lot of learning going on there," said Harrison, the city's representative on the SAA board. "This is the political position they’re in and politics is not really their game, but they’re getting better at it and I’m doing my best to guide and to help, and this small olive branch, this small piece of help from council, I think rather than being a deterrent will be an encouragement."
Council voted in support of the $3,750 going to the SAA.
