Stettler County council reviewed its community investment program and the latest round of applicants during its first meeting in 2025 which was held on Jan. 8.
Before reviewing applications, the council reviewed the program itself. The council had requested changes to the program so that two separate funding streams would be provided.
The Community Investment Program allows community organizations to apply to the county for funding that supports community activities.
The program's budget is $15,000 per year. It accepts applications during two windows, one in winter and one in summer.
Council requested that instead of all requests being lumped together, the program be split into a "New Investment" and an "Annual Support" stream.
Once the change to the program was approved, the applicants for the winter intake were reviewed.
For the winter intake, council received $22,500 worth of funding requests.
For new investments, council received a $2,500 request for the Coyote Classic, Predation Control, $1,000 for Sharebear Playschool Society improvements, $2,500 for the Donalda and District Ag. Society 50th Anniversary Celebration, and $7,500 for the Byemoor Centennial Celebration.
For annual support requests, there was a $1,000 request from the Big Valley Kids Christmas, $5,000 for Stettler and District Home Support for travel and mileage, and $3,000 from the Stettler Regional Board of Trade for the Big Jack Classic Ice Fishing Derby.
After some discussion, it was decided to fund the Stettler and District Home Support from the County's Rural Development Fund. As the Big Valley Kids Christmas limits public access, it was deemed ineligible for funding.
Ultimately, $1,500 was awarded to the Coyote Classic, $1,000 to Sharebear Playschool, $2,000 to the Donalda and District Ag. Society for the 50th Anniversary celebrations, and $3,000 to the Byemoor Centennial Celebration.
-This story was updated to correct the amount awarded to the Coyote Classic from $15,000 to $1,500
