Photo courtesy of Colton McKee

By Scott Roblin

$36,500 Grant

One-time Community Vibrancy Grant made available for locals

Jun 22, 2020 | 5:57 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Money for city groups and individuals with ideas on how to brighten up Medicine Hat during the COVID-19 pandemic will soon be made available.

The City of Medicine Hat’s Public Services Committee has approved the creation of the ‘Community Vibrancy Grant’ which will allocate roughly $36,500 over the next year.

On Monday, the committee approved the criteria for the incoming grant which combines the Special Cultural Events Assistance Grant, Community Development Grant and Special Events/Competition Assistance Grant into one pool due to challenges posed by the pandemic.

The City is counting this new grant as a positive however, as they’re opening applications to any group or individual wanting to make Medicine Hat more vibrant.

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“I think this is quite exciting,” said chair Julie Friesen. “It’s not a huge amount of money, but enough for a group to do something with certainly to try and embrace the spirit of Medicine Hat in a more holistic way.”

Proposals will be required to reflect the City’s strategic plan and support vibrancy in the community, emphasize the spirit of Medicine Hat, promote recreation, leisure, culture, or arts opportunities locally, or promote a sense of belonging for residents.

Not-for-profit ventures and ideas will be given priority with Friesen adding the climate is right to make this money more accessible.

“Some of the pots of grant money are specific to events, whether they be in the city or not,” she said. “None of those will be happening this year, so it’s a very different environment for the next year that we’re facing. So, this is going to be a one-time thing.”

There is no restrictions placed on who can apply, however a combined board will evaluate the ideas that are best suited towards promoting Medicine Hat.

“The others were more targeted because the criteria was more specific,” said Friesen. “This is totally community wide, community driven. So, it opens the door for almost any creative project to come in.”’

Medicine Hat City Council will be presented the one-time grant for approval when they return for their next meeting on July 6.