Kicking Horse Culture survives the demise of GAI

Since 2006 the Town and the CSRD have provided joint annual funding through Golden Area Initiatives (GAI) to fund the Cultural Services Contract held between GAI and Kicking Horse Culture (KHC). Since 2009 the value of the town's contributions has been $60,000 annually, funded by local property taxes. An additional $60,000 has been contributed annually by the CSRD.

With the imminent termination of the tripartite agreement and the uncertain future of GAI, the contract with KHC and its funding arrangement are in question.

At the council meeting on Nov. 5th 2013, Council voted to replace the GAI as the contract party under the Cultural Services Contract and to solicit the CSRD for funding through the Economic Opportunity Fund (EOF). The EOF account represents an annually replenished source of funds provided through the regional district by BC Hydro as a part of its Grant in Lieu of Taxes (PILT).

The CSRD in a letter dated October 22, 2013 has confirmed that Director Habart supports the $120,000 request for KHC operational funding for 2014. Historically the EOF has contributed $100,000 annually to the GAI; this funding will cease December 31 2013.

The opinions expressed in this post are my personal opinions and may not represent the opinions of other councillors nor the opinions of council.