County of Stettler council has approved five applications under its Community Investment Program, awarding a total of $6,000 to support upcoming local events.
The annual fund, which allocates $15,000 to support community-based initiatives, had $6,650 remaining after spring grants were awarded to the U13 hockey tournament and the Stettler Music Festival.
Six applications were submitted for the mid-year intake, following a policy change earlier this year that split funding streams between new and recurring events.
During deliberations, councillors debated whether to include an application from the Botha Seniors Centre, which sought funds for an infrastructure upgrade rather than an event. An amendment was passed to remove the project from the motion.
Council then approved the following grants:
- $2,000 to the Foothills Model T Club for the Steam ‘n T Party tour
- $1,500 to the Big Valley Bust Out Rodeo Association
- $1,000 to the Red Willow Agriculture Society for its Father’s Day fair
- $1,000 to the Stettler Friends of the Library Society for Culture Days
- $500 to the Stettler Jr./Sr. High School Rodeo
After passing the grant approvals, council passed a separate motion to fund the $812.70 lighting upgrade at the Botha Seniors Centre.