Lacombe County is looking to create an environmental grant program to help community organizations with their projects.
Council reviewed on Thursday a draft environmental improvement grant policy that would include a $10,000 fund.
County commissioner Terry Hager said the policy was designed to provide consistency in how the municipality responds to funding requests for groups tackling environmental projects.
The need for some sort of guiding policy was apparent when similar projects came before the county for funding, but their proponents left with different results.
Several years ago, the county agreed to pay for water testing for three years on Lacombe Lake, where residents have been concerned about the impacts of agricultural runoff on water quality. However, a similar request from a group involved with Gull Lake water quality was denied.
Coun. Cliff Soper supported the creation of some sort of policy. “I think this is a good start.”
Soper said it is difficult for small groups, such as the Lacombe Lake Stewardship Society, to line up funding for projects. The group had sought charitable status to tap corporate donations, but the process is complicated and expensive and was beyond the group’s means.
Coun. Rod McDermand warned that since only a small amount of money is available the county needs to be clear about its intentions and the kinds of projects eligible for funding.
“I just think we’re creating a cat’s fight for groups that are after the money.”
Blayne West, county environment co-ordinator, said the grant program could encourage community involvement in environmental issues.
By providing cash outlays for new groups, the county could give them a boost until they reach the point they are able to fund their own ongoing efforts.
Having community groups tackle projects such as water testing could also mean significant savings if hiring costly consultants can be avoided, she added.
Council opted to delay passing the draft policy until it has had further review at an upcoming council gathering on June 10.