Changes to how community groups receive funding for the provision of needed services and projects are being questioned by the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
CSRD board chair Natalya Melnychuk has written Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) president Trish Mandewo, expressing concerns about recent changes to Community Works Fund (CWF) eligibility.
In her March 18 letter, Melnychuk pointed out the regional district relies heavily on funds allocated though CWF, an important funding stream of the Canada Community-Building Fund. But in the new five-year agreement, funds can no longer be provided directly to third-party organizations such as community groups.
In her letter, Melnychuk recognized the vital role third-party organizations play in providing services and much-needed infrastructure in rural areas and the impact these changes may have on rural communities. She asked UBCM to fully recognize the vital role third-party organizations play in supporting the continued growth, sustainability and resilience of rural communities.
“Rural communities have relied on the support of the Community Works Fund to address gaps, meet unique needs, and enhance services for their residents,” wrote Melnychuk, noting the CSRD has always worked closely with third-party organizations and supported them with funding for projects that directly impact residents in rural areas. “The funds have provided an invaluable resource for projects that are often overlooked or underfunded.”
Melnychuk also took issue with new eligibility requirements stating community assets must be identified in CSRD “public-facing” documents, such as an electoral area parks master plans, to qualify for funding.
“This creates challenges in working with third-party organizations, as we must ensure they understand the CSRD is not assuming control of their services, programs, or facilities,” Melnychuk said, noting that while regional district projects and infrastructure needs must be prioritized, they need to be balanced with the requests and needs of third party organizations that struggle to fund projects and services on their own. “The board of directors also faces a political challenge in determining how to allocate funding fairly and equitably through board resolution.”
Melnychuk also asked that concerns on the rule on third-party funding in the new Community Works Funds agreement be included as an agenda item at the next Electoral Area Forum and that the letter be copied to all B.C. regional districts.
At the March 20 board meeting in Salmon Arm, Electoral Area A director Karen Cathcart and Area E director Rhona Martin, who have previously voiced deep concerns about the changes to third-party funding opportunities, thanked Melnychuk for writing the letter.
