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Photo Credit: EverythingGP
By Shane Clausing
County Council 2.7 million

County of Grande Prairie Council approves $2.7 million in grants for local organizations

Dec 18, 2019 | 12:00 PM

County of Grande Prairie Council announced Monday that they have approved $2.7 million in grant funding to sport, recreation and cultural organizations and facilities for 2020.

Over $1.5 million will go towards organizations receiving community assistance grants, over $700,000 for major capital community grants and $443,109 in capital assistance grants.

The grant funding helps support and offset operational costs for non-profit and community organizations that serves people inside and outside the county. These areas include Beaverlodge, Grande Prairie, Hythe, Sexsmith and Wembley.

The money given out also helps the organizations pay for things such as maintenance and upgrades to existing facilities as well as helps cover operational costs.

“The money is a part of agreements that we do annually for some of the organizations like the Ag. Society that run halls, arenas and different community buildings,” said Reeve Leanne Beaupre. “At budget time, we make the decision about what we can fund and what we can’t fund. This year, the 2.7 million dollars was approved in the interim budget and we felt it was important for those organizations to know that the funding has been committed to them for 2020,”

Beaupre also spoke about how important the money is for the citizens of the County.

“The County is proud to support non-profit organizations and groups who contribute to overall community well-being, safety and quality of life. Ensuring County and area residents have easy access to recreational, social, sport and cultural opportunities is one of the County’s priorities. We thank our local and non-profit organizations for their hard work, dedication and large role they have played in helping us achieve this priority.”

Of notable money given out, $50,000 went towards upgrades for the Clairmont & District Agricultural Society Community Hall.

$45,991 to the Beaverlodge Curling Club for rink upgrades and $56,000 to the Grande Prairie Regional Sport Connection for operations.

A full list of groups receiving grants can be found here.

by Shane Clausing