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CEP grants get big ask

Twenty-three community groups danced, sang and otherwise tried to convince council they deserved some money for their non-profit programs last week.


Twenty-three community groups danced, sang and otherwise tried to convince council they deserved some money for their non-profit programs last week.

Applicants for the $175,000 vying for funding from the Community Enrichment Program (CEP) ranged from environmental organizations, to groups benefiting disadvantaged members of society, to school programs.

"Year after year, I continue to have a smile on my face at the appreciation of the depth of the commitment of the community and of the amount of innovation, inspiration and passion that is there," said Mayor Ken Melamed.

"The sad news is, we have $400,000 asked, and $175,000 in the budget, so council is going to be very challenged to portion that in a fair manner.

"We have risen to the challenge in the past, but it is not an easy matter. In a perfect world, we would like to support all of them because they are all tremendous."

Council will decide who gets the CEP grants within the month.

The pot of money is similar to last year, when the municipality cut grant funding by a third.