Thanks to city council over-riding a staff recommendation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas Elgin will receive a $3,500 community grant.
The funds will be used to renovate a room in their office to provide a space for young people and their mentors to meet, participate in activities and relax.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Coun. Jeff Kohler suggested the grant request did fit funding criteria.
Coun. Gary Clarke agreed.
The city’s director of finance, Dan Sheridan had recommended the grant be rejected because it did not support a new operation at the agency.
“The addition of this room is seen as an enhancement to the normal course of operations and not to support a new operation.”
Council did approve a funding request from the Rainbow Optimist Club Southern Ontario related to Elgin county Pride Family Day to be held on Aug. 13 and 14.
The club sought $563 to cover rental fees for the bandshell in Pinafore Park plus the cost of police services to provide traffic control for a parade.
