Christmas came early for a delegation presenting to Stettler’s town council during their Dec. 7 meeting.
A contingent from the group of volunteers working on the Stettler History Book approached council during the meeting seeking funding support for their ongoing project.
The project has been in the works for many years and has received some donations, however, funding is beginning to get tight.
Council had previously agreed to provide funding to the History Book, however that funding was offered as a matching grant tied to a provincial grant the group was hoping to get.
Unfortunately, the volunteers were unsuccessful in securing that grant, leaving them in funding limbo.
With $16,450 worth of expenses anticipated over the next six months as the book gears up for production by the end of 2022, the volunteers were looking for any assistance possible from the town.
Coun. Gord Lawlor initially proposed funding the group the $10,000 that they were going to fund anyway as part of the matching grant, however Chief Administrative Office Greg Switenky pointed out that around $150,000 is available in the town’s cultural reserve fund.
“I think it’s worthy of the cultural reserve for sure,” said Switenky.
The sentiment was echoed by Coun. Wayne Smith, who proposed an amendment to Lawlor’s motion, that the town fund the full six months worth of projected expenses to ensure that the project carries on.
“I just want to reiterate how important I think this is,” said Smith.
“Whether we get the physical book or not, we get the information, and that’s worth the investment itself.”
Mayor Sean Nolls agreed.
“This is so important for Stettler,” said Nolls.
Coun. Travis Randell did request one further amendment to the motion, requesting that the volunteers return in six moths to provide another update on the History Book progress.
The motion carried with all amendments.