By Cheryl Jahn

Council puts off Caledonia Nordic Ski Club request

Mar 22, 2021 | 7:50 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It was looking like a request for a commitment of funding by the City fr a pair of events at Otway in 2024 would be denied. Instead Council put off a decision, seeking more information.

In 2019, the Caledonia Ski Club got a commitment of $250,000 from the City when there was confirmation of Prince George hosting the World Para Nordic Skiing championships. The same group was back before Council tonight with the same ask, but in support of the 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships and the 2024 World Para Nordic Skiing World Cup finals.

The money, in 2019, came from the Major Events fund. Unfortunately that fund is created through money the City gets from gaming grants. And the local casino has been closed for the past year. There is only a small amount, $60,000, left in that reserve.

Should Council commit the $250,000 and the casino does not re-open, one of the only options for meeting its obligation is the taxpayer.

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Councillor Cori Ramsay sought advice on drawing from the City’s Endowment Fund and paying it back once gaming returned. The Director of Finance, Kris Dalit, noted that is one of the very few options available.

The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club is looking for commitments of $20,000 in April of 2021 another $20,000 in January of 2022 and the remainder in January 2023.

But many Councillors expressed reservations about when those gaming grants would start flowing again.

However, Councillor Kyle Sampson noted the there is still $3 million in Safe Restart funds, saying this is exactly how those funds should be spent.

However, Council voted to put off a decision until more information could be forthcoming.

by Cheryl Jahn

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Council puts off Caledonia Nordic Ski Club request

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