The City of Prince George is going to bat for local non-profits and charities.
City staff is currently working on a resolution for the Union of BC Municipalities asking for reform of the provincial gaming grant system.
President of the Northern Interior Communities Association Shawn Bellamy has been in talks with the City, providing input on the issue. Her group helps local charities through the sometimes complex grant system.
She says the things have been getting tighter and tighter in recent years. “Prior to 2010 we were at $156.5 million in gaming revue that was distributed provincially. Right now we are at $135 million.”
Councillor Brian Skakun says that’s just not right, seeing as gaming revenue has climbed into the billions. The City of PG’s Intergovernmental Committee is suggesting the gaming grant payout is tied proportionally to overall revenue so the two rise together.
“That was the original intention of gaming revenue to start with, that was the big sales pitch from the province; to go to non-profits and charities.” Skakun noted
He says Council receives requests for assistance from non-profits who missed out on gaming grants on a “regular basis”.
While crafting the UBCM resolution, city administration was also directed to ask for the return of a three year funding model. Changes in 2010 require non-profits to reapply every year, which can prove onerous.
The resolution is also expected to request a simplification of the whole system and appointment of a provincial gaming grant committee to oversee it.
Bellamy says she has been lobbying the province for years on the subject, experiencing varying levels of receptiveness from different ministers.
Recently, she says they have been able to start an “ongoing conversation” with ministry staff.
“I can state that we still have a lot of work to do to develop a framework that is equitable for all and communicates concerns in a mutual fashion but I’m very hopeful.”
UBCM resolutions must be submitted before June 30th for the convention at the end of September. The forthcoming resolution will still need to be approved by City Council.