WSPR STAFF REPORT: 2021 Canada-B.C. Safe Restart Fund for Local Governments Request – Second Stream

WSPR STAFF REPORT

TO: West Shore Parks & Recreation Society Members FROM: Ben Currie, Manager of Finance and Administration DATE: January 26, 2021 SUBJECT: 2021 Canada-B.C. Safe Restart Fund for Local Governments Request – Second Stream

RECOMMENDATION:

That the West Shore Parks & Recreation Society Members grant approval of $372,000 to the West Shore Parks & Recreation Society to be funded by the Canada-B.C. Safe Restart Fund for Local Governments.

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.

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 “Canada-B.C. Safe Restart Fund 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 revenue 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 January 21st, 2021 the West Shore Parks & Recreation Society Finance Committee moved THAT THE COVID RESTART FUNDING ASK TOTALLING $372,000 BE FORWARDED TO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS FOR APPROVAL.

DISCUSSION:

In December 2020, the WSPR Board and Owners (Municipalities) approved the first stream of the restart fund ask totaling $690,636, to assist with the opening of the pool. The report today is a second request of the restart funds to further open WSPR services in 2021 under the current COVID-19 challenges. The request includes eligible expenses which assist in restarting services which were scaled back due to budget restrictions, to improve health and safety of operations, and provide technology upgrades for staff mobility and virtual meetings. The total request for the second stream of funds was originally $726,689 and after deliberations by the WSPR Board, the final total is $372,000.

The request for $372,000 includes:

• The restart of community programming that was eliminated due to COVID-19. The request includes adding the Roving Park program and other low cost/no cost programming for the Westshore. This includes programs like LGBTQ and low-cost sports drop-ins.
• Restore the funding for the accounts receivable clerk position which is currently being covered by the food and beverage supervisor.
• Technology upgrades to improve interconnectivity and virtual communications.
• Sanitization and safety equipment required to reduce risk and continue safer operations under COVID-19. Various sanitizers, a fogger, gear room sanitizer, and dividers for arena dressing rooms.
• Staff training in remote opportunities.
• Return one full-time maintenance person to increase cleaning regulations that may be imposed, reduce risk and ensure safer operations.
• Return two parks summer positions which were cut due to reduced revenues.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

WSPR is requesting $372,000 from the received Canada-B.C. Safe Restart Fund for Local Governments. The following table is the impact to each Municipality:

Respectfully Submitted,

Ben Currie Manager of Finance and Administration

Grant Brown Administrator