Free swimming on Family Day Feb. 19 is in the works with hopes the District of Houston is successful in receiving a grant.
Small grants to a maximum of $1,000 are available to local governments through the provincial government and the B.C. Recreation and Parks Association.
This year priority is being given to remote and rural communities, communites affected by wildfires or mill closures, Indigenous communities, groups that represent equity and communities that have not received a grant in recent years.
In a memo to council leisure services director Cassie Henrickson said the District last received a grant in 2021 for $1,000 to provide a free family-swim day.
If successful, free public swimming on Feb. 19 would take place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“Funding would help cover the facility fees of $565 over the five hours of operations, plus approximately $435 in staff wages,” Henrickson wrote.
Wildfire grant sought
District of Houston officials are planning a comprehensive wildfire information and action campaign based on getting a grant to buy 30 bags packed with emergency supplies to sustain two people for three days.
A portion of a grant applied for from the Wawanesa Insurance Corporation would be used to buy the bags. In turn they would be given to the first 30 people to complete a home ignition assessment program starting with getting the assessment done to undertaking any subsequent recommendations and then applying for a rebate through the program.
“With the 2023 wildfire season still fresh in the minds of local residents, it is the hope of the District of Houston that we can actively engage residents in FireSmart practices and prevention efforts,” a memo from deputy corporate services director Karen Hogstead indicated in having the bags act as incentive. The bags would cost $6,929.69.
The District is applying for a further $6,772.50 from the same grant program to buy 10 sets of wildfire turnout gear for the Houston Volunteer Fire Department.
“This clothing will not only protect life and property, it will also ensure imperative health and safety protection for our firefighters,” said Hogstead.
The gear is not as bulky and not as hot as the traditional protective clothing worn by firefighters in battling structural blazes.