Social services programming, grant funding, school sponsorships and upcoming community events were among the items before Pincher Creek town council at its March 23 meeting.

FCSS programming meets expectations

Family and Community Support Services programming in Pincher Creek is meeting provincial expectations with no concerns flagged, according to Lisa Goss, who presented an update on the program.

FCSS operates under a regional agreement between three municipalities, with the Town of Pincher Creek acting as the managing partner. The program works with an annual budget of just under $250,000.

FCSS funding in the community supports a range of initiatives, including early childhood programming, mental health and family wellness supports, youth programming and local heritage organizations.

Goss said local programs are not experiencing communication gaps seen in some other areas. The board has begun inviting funding recipients to present directly, allowing for greater understanding of program impacts and helping board members act as advocates.

Grant opportunities highlighted

Council received information from the Southwest Alberta Sustainable Community Initiative on several grant programs available to local organizations.

The federal Enabling Accessibility Fund provides up to $200,000 per project for small-scale construction and communication technology projects that improve accessibility, such as ramps, accessible washrooms, hearing loop systems and accessible playgrounds.

Westco Cares offers community donations up to $1,000 per event, event sponsorships up to $5,000 and gift-in-kind sponsorships for project deliverables.

FCC AgriSpirit, opening soon, supports construction or upgrades to community buildings, agriculture and food initiatives, environmental projects, accessibility improvements and food recovery efforts.

TC Energy Build Strong invests in non-profits, charities, municipalities and Indigenous groups working on first responder resources, education access, environmental protection and community well-being.

Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. offers loans, grants and advisory services for Métis entrepreneurs and businesses.

More information is available through the Pincher Creek Community Development Initiative online at pccdi.ca or by emailing the grant specialist at grants@pccdi.ca.

Training approved

Council approved covering the cost of a budgeting course completed by Coun. Bernice Cyr as part of the elected officials education program.

Summit attendance

Council also approved sending up to three members to attend the Infrastructure Services Regional Summit in Lethbridge on April 27.

Public engagement

Council members will be in attendance at a number of upcoming events, including a volunteer appreciation supper on April 22, a trade show booth April 24 and 25, the recycle and reuse fair on June 13 and a farmers market booth on June 24.

Closed session

Council moved into a closed session to discuss an appointment to the Municipal Development and Subdivision Authority and updates on human resources and recycling changes.

Four applications were received for one vacant position on the MDSA.

Human resources and recycling change updates were included in the closed session.