Sidney council has approved a total of $18,500 in grants-in-aid to 12 local community organizations in 2025 to support initiatives that enhance community well-being.
This year's funding recipients include: Sidney Guide & Scout Hall Society, Parkland Parents Association, Stelly's Secondary School Parents Dry Grad, 676 Kittyhawk Sponsoring Committee Society, Navy League of Canada, Sidney Lawn Bowling, Sidney Arts & Media Society, Cycling Without Age Society, Friends of St. Andrew's, Saanich Peninsula Pipe Band, Need2 Suicide Prevention, Education & Support and the Compost Education Centre.
The decision followed a thorough discussion of each application during the town's most recent committee of the whole meeting.
According to Andrew Hicik, the town’s director of finance, the selection process was challenging due to the high volume of worthwhile applications.
"All the applicants are doing good work on behalf of their communities," Hicik stated in his report to council.
He also raised the question of whether property tax dollars should be used to support these organizations, or if individual donations were a more appropriate funding source.
While acknowledging the $37,600 in grant requests received, exceeding the allocated $18,500 budget, Hicik confirmed that no additional financial impact would be felt by the town as long as council remained within the pre-approved budget.
In addition to the grants-in-aid program, the Town of Sidney also makes significant annual contributions to larger community organizations, including ArtSea Community Arts Council, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Sidney Museum, Mary Winspear Centre and the SHOAL Centre for Seniors.
This reinforces the town's commitment to supporting a vibrant and thriving community.
