The Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society report they received 10 grant requests in 2013 totalling $32,990. The board of directors increased the initial grant funding for the year from $15,000 to $17,250 in awarding the following:
• Yellowhead Pioneer Residence Society requested $2,000 for a landscaped berm for shade and privacy. They received $1,000.
• The McLure Volunteer Firefighters and Recreation Association requested $5,000 for new firefighter uniforms and training. They received the full $5,000 they requested.
• The Barriere and District Heritage Society requested $3,000 for the establishment of a heritage garden at the museum. They received $1,000.
• The North Thompson Volunteer and Information Centre requested $1,000 for After School Program improvements. They received the full amount they requested.
• The Yellowhead 4-H Club requested $10,000 for the purchase of a weigh scale, 4-6 stock blowdryers and 4-6 event tents. They received $2,500.
• The Little Fort Recreation Society requested $2,500 to replace the kitchen counter top in the upper community hall. They received the full amount they requested.
• The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association requested $3,500 for the replacement of the announcers booth and crows nest structure in the Dick Ross Memorial Rodeo Arena. They received the full amount they requested.
• The North Thompson Communities Foundation requested $750 for a bursary/scholarship writing workshop. They received the full amount they requested.
The Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society say they are currently looking for input from the communities they represent; McLure, Louis Creek, Barriere, Chu Chua, and Little Fort, in developing a long vision/plan for the organization.
“This will ultimately affect what strategies, projects, roles, and investment decisions we make into the future, so it’s an important opportunity for the public to have their say and share their ideas.,” says Mike Francis on behalf of the organization.
“The Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society (LNTCFS) is holding a series of community meetings during February to get input to help us develop a long term vision for the Lower North Thompson Valley. We’re hoping for a good turnout and would ask that people pickup one of our flyers to fill out, and bring it with them to the meeting, or drop off at our office if they can’t make it.”
Here are the questions on their flyer:
• Are you familiar with the Lower North Thompson Community Forest?
• Did you know that student bursaries and scholarships are available from LNTCFS?
• Did you know that LNTCFS grants money to local community projects?
• Have you a suggestion for an LNTCFS sponsored project?
• What is your vision of the Lower North Thompson and your community in 25 years?
• What can the LNTCFS do in your area to help?
They also are looking for input on several points, including;
• Self determination for the people of the Lower North Thompson;
• Guidelines for economic development and community investments; and
• Draft strategic plan process.
The meetings will be startings at 7 p.m. on the following dates:
Feb. 5 - McLure Community Fire Hall
Feb. 6 - Squam Bay Community Hall
Feb. 12 - Chu Chua Community Hall
Feb. 13 - Little Fort Community Hall
Feb. 20 - Barriere Lions Hall.
For more information about LNTCFS and the meetings, call Mike Francis at 250-672-1941 or email lntcfsociety@telus.net.