WHEREAS local government expends time and resources when applying for grant programs, and the application process essentially pits communities one against the other resulting in winners losers; AND WHEREAS local government sees the current granting program structure used by senior levels of government as lacking essential criteria required to make fair and equitable decisions during the evaluation of applications for funding: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that other orders of government review their current granting programs to include consultation with local government in formulating a new approach in granting.
Ministry of Community, Sport Cultural Development The government of British Columbia recognizes that submitting an application for a funding program requires local government resources. Pooled funding through application based programs ensures the best use of limited senior government funding. Programs are designed to maximize outcomes supporting broad goals and objectives from all levels of government. Program applications and application guides identify all the necessary information required to submit a successful application. Robust assessment tools are developed in conjunction with the application in order for ministry staff to assess projects using the information provided by the applicant that support a merit-based approach. The Province has a strong working relationship with UBCM and continues to involve UBCM in discussions regarding the development of future funding programs. The Province is still waiting for the federal government to provide more details on the new Building Canada Fund andor to initiate negotiations for this important source of infrastructure funding. The Province will consider new program aspects as raised through the UBCM consultation process and other engagements.