The County of Grande Prairie recently awarded more than $670K in grant funding to numerous organizations across the region.
Among them, nine cemeteries in the communities of Hythe, Webster, and others were awarded more than $40,000 (around $5,000 each) in funding for various maintenance projects for the grounds.
The bulk of the funding went to numerous community organizations that operate sport, recreation, and cultural facilities in the county to cover utility and operating expenses.
Grande Prairie Reeve Bob Marshall says the grants come at a time where quality of life among residents is a top priority for council, calling the chosen organizations the “backbone” of the county’s communities.
“We are pleased to recognize their valuable contributions with support from our grant program,” he says.
A variety of recreation boards were chosen, including those representing the areas of Beaverlodge, Clairmont, the Grande Prairie area, Hythe-Demmit, Sexsmith, and Wembley each receiving around $30,000 in grants from the county.
Additionally, the Hythe Arena received just over $131,000, and the La Glace Arena received more than $48,000 in funding for their indoor ice arenas. The county says arenas in neighbouring towns will be funded as per their Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework agreement.
Operating assistance grant funding is provided to non-profit organizations and volunteer groups throughout the Grande Prairie region. Eligible applicants must provide proof of volunteerism and fundraising and applications are available through any of the six County Recreation Boards to eligible community-based organizations.
