Richard Froese
South Peace News
Big Lakes County has turned down a request from the organization that hosts the annual North Country Fair south of Driftpile to be added to the county’s list of organizations that qualify for special annual county funding.
At its regular meeting Oct 9, council defeated a recommendation to add the Lesser Slave Lake North Country Community Association to the list of eligible community organizations eligible for annual grants for community halls and organizations.
The association was incorporated as a not-for-profit society under the Alberta Societies Act in June 1980, Joe Zdeb, director of corporate services, told council.
“Historically, this organization has not been on the list,” Zdeb added.
Reeve Tyler Airth noted the organization is in good standing and it provides a service to the community.
“They don’t have a hall,” Kinuso Councillor Roberta Hunt noted.
Zdeb said organizations must meet the criteria of the grants policy.
However, Grouard Councillor Jeff Chalifoux replied some councillors are not clear on the criteria.
“We don’t know the criteria,” Chalifoux said.
The society has hosted various events over the years, including the North Country Fair music festival, the North Country School and more recently the North Country Family Acoustic Music Camp, Zdeb noted.
Earlier in 2024, Big Lakes approved a $10,500 operating grant for the purpose of improving the safety at the festival grounds by removing about 100 dangerous trees along a portion of the county road allowance on the property.
The association requested the County add its name to the list.
By adding the association to the list, it will allow the organization to apply for up to $11,000 in funding in the 2025 budget, Zdeb said.
Some council members wanted more information and financial information on the association.
Faust Councillor Robert Nygaard spoke in favour of the request and noted that financial information would be provided about the organization in the application process.
“They have to provide financial statements,” Nygaard said.
Four pages in the agenda explain the history and objectives of the association.
The association states its mandate is, in part:
-To help meet the social, educational and recreational needs of members of the association and surrounding community.
-To use association lands, buildings and infrastructure for the good of the community, including but not limited to, one or more educational facilities, libraries, playgrounds camping areas, picnic sites and areas suitable for workshops.
-To provide and arrange for musical, dramatic and other entertainment and to arrange for lectures and other public gatherings on social, environmental, political or economic issues or on other issues the association decides appropriate.
-To promote organic gardening and responsible sustainable agriculture.
-To demonstrate and promote the use of alternative energy systems.
-To help foster opportunities for volunteer involvement.
-To help foster respect for self, family, community and Earth.