Tay councillors gave some tough love to community organizations looking for a bit of fiscal love.
At a recent committee meeting, staff brought forward requests totalling $31,800 from several community groups looking to receive money from the $25,000 pot.
Council members hacked down the list to reduce the giveaway money to $18,500.
The discussion staggered around a few main groups, such as the two Royal Canadian Legions that requested a total of $6,300. The Waubaushene Legion was seeking $1,300 for a community BBQ while its Victoria Harbour counterpart was looking for $5,000 for building and landscaping.
"For me, it's the $1,300 that the Waubaushene Legion wants for an outside community BBQ," said Coun. Sandy Talbot. "Years ago, we were just supporting three events in each area. I think this ask should be deleted because we're already giving money for the three main events. I'm not sure how people feel about that one."
She also wasn't sure about was the Victoria Harbour request.
"They have a running water problem and I think that's a township issue," said Talbot. "I don't and won't support them for this, unless the township is responsible."
Deputy Mayor Gerard LaChapelle took a similar stance.
"There's some research required, but the water from the street continues to come into the property," he said, adding staff should look into how the municipality can help.
Mayor Ted Walker clarified for Talbot regarding the number of events that happen in Waubaushene.
"The Legion BBQ is the only other event they have aside from the Santa Claus parade," he said. "I think we should leave that in and reduce the Victoria Harbour one to $3,500 and that would give us our budget. Staff could still investigate."
But Talbot would have none of that.
"I don't support the Waubaushene Legion request because it's a slippery slope for other legions," she said. "Every legion needs help and has deficits in their buildings so why should be give money to one and not the others? With this, we will be setting a precedent and that would be wrong."
LaChapelle saw it as the township's responsibility.
"We can't run from problems we're causing," he said. "If staff reviews it and it turns out it's being caused by water running off from the street, then we have to fix it. Our only alternative is to block off that door to remove the access of water to the building. At some point, water is coming from our property to the building."
Coun. Paul Raymond added another aspect to the discussion.
"The Waubaushene Legion ask benefits the legion but if it were benefiting a community group, then I would support it," he said.
Walker then called a truce.
"After hearing all the discussion and some of the points raised, and we're realizing our legions are struggling, we could delete the one for the Victoria Harbour Legion and they can come back to us for another avenue," he said, adding staff would look into what was causing the issues at the Victoria Harbour Legion and how the municipality could help. "We can give each of the legions $1,000 for COVID impact."
Council further eliminated requests from the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce, Midland Minor Hockey, Port McNicoll Minor Ball, and Newton Street Art Barn.
