Fort St. James council voted to greenlight the 2024 summer recreation program, allocating a budget of $32,059 to support the initiative.
The resolution came after a period of uncertainty following a motion in the February 26 budget meeting where a proposed budget increase for the program was initially defeated, sparking concerns about the program’s future.
The deliberations stemmed from concerns raised among staff members regarding the implication of the previous decision on the continuity of the program.
The potential discontinuation of the Summer Recreation Program was looming, prompting discussions about its removal from the Financial Plan. However, with the recent approval, the program is set to proceed as planned.
The decision to proceed with the program was reached after council considered various factors, including the availability of funding and the program’s historical significance in the community.
The district historically relied on the IMAGINE Northern Health Grant, which plays a crucial role in supporting such initiatives. Returning allocated funds could have potentially jeopardized the district’s access to this vital funding stream, prompting the council to weigh the long-term implications carefully.
The approved budget of $32,059 includes provisions for staffing, supplies, and services necessary for the successful implementation of the program.
Three seasonal employees will be hired for eight weeks, with a total staffing cost of $24,059. Additionally, $8,000 from the IMAGINE Northern Health Grant will cover expenses related to supplies and services.
The anticipated revenue for the program is $14,000, resulting in a total cost to the district of $10,059.
The staffing arrangements for the program will see the office assistant and events coordinator II taking the lead, following a successful track record of effectively planning and executing the Summer Recreation Program in previous years.
Despite previous considerations for alternative staffing structures, logistical constraints ultimately led to the decision to maintain the existing framework for the program’s management.