WSPR STAFF REPORT - Covid-19 Safe Restart Grant Funding Request – 2021 Pool Facility Re-opening

WSPR STAFF REPORT

RECOMMENDATION:

That the West Shore Parks & Recreation Society Members review and approve the West Shore Parks & Recreation Society Covid-19 Restart Grant Funding request to re-open the pool facility in January 2021.

BACKGROUND:

Due to the Gatherings and Events Order (Order) issued by the Provincial Health Officer in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the West Shore Parks & Recreation Society (WSPR) has faced many financial challenges in 2020 which will continue into 2021. The Order has led to severe reductions in WSPR’s ability to generate revenue by reducing allowable capacities in programs and facilities. While direct expenses were also reduced, many indirect expenses remain. As a result, in June the WSPR Board of Directors made the difficult decision that the pool facility will remain closed for the remainder of 2020.

To help address the fiscal impacts of COVID-19, in September the Province of British Columbia announced nearly $2 billion in joint federal/provincial spending.

One of the streams of funding will provide direct grants to local governments. This funding stream is called the “COVID-19 Safe Restart Grants for Local Governments” and will provide up to $425 million for local operations impacted by COVID-19. This funding supports local governments as they deal with increased operating costs and lower revenues due to COVID-19. It will also ensure local governments can continue to deliver the services people depend on in their communities. Eligible costs will include:

• addressing revenues shortfalls;
• facility reopening and operating costs;
• emergency planning and response costs;
• bylaw enforcement and protective services like fire protection and police;
• computer and other electronic technology costs (to improve interconnectivity and virtual communications);
• services for vulnerable persons (e.g. persons living with disabilities, mental illness or addictions, persons experiencing homelessness or other vulnerabilities); and
• other related costs.

On November 25th, 2020 the West Shore Parks & Recreation Society Board of Directors moved THAT THE SUPPLEMENTAL REQUISITION COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH OPERATING THE POOL BE APPROVED AND PRESENTED TO COUNCIL MEMBERS.

DISCUSSION:

The WSPR Board of Directors have discussed, at length, the significant community asset the pool facility is and the role it plays in the community as a recreation and exercise destination as well as the importance of swimming lessons as a life skill. Therefore, the re-opening of the pool facility is a priority for 2021.

With the announcement of the Covid-19 Safe Restart Grants for Local Governments by the Province of British Columbia to support local government service delivery, the WSPR Board of Directors discussed requesting these funds to support the re-opening of the pool facility and directed staff to submit a funding request to the WSPR Members for consideration.

In order for WSPR to begin the necessary rehiring and training of staff in anticipation of a January pool facility re-opening, WSPR requires the prompt approval of the Covid-19 Safe Restart Grant funds by December 31st, 2020 in order to not jeopardise the financial position of the services currently offered.

A secondary request will be discussed at the January WSPR board meeting which will include funding to facilitate the restart of other WSPR services and equipment required for the safe start-up of various WSPR operations.

Attached is a categorized listing of the pool re-start funding request and the secondary funding request at its current value.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

WSPR is requesting $690,636 from the COVID Restart Grant funds to facilitate the reopening of the pool facility in January 2021 under the fiscal restraints of COVID-19.

Grant Brown, Administrator