New policy changes the way large events are assisted

The town's new community investment grant policy will now require large-scale events to apply for funding and is no longer under the direct control of town council.

Last night, town council adopted the new policy that will dictate how applications can be made for civic partnerships and community grants in the future.

It clarifies both the scope of those eligible and clearly defines the perimeters 

It will no longer govern the town's arts and culture endowment fund. That is slated for review and will be brought back to council as a stand-alone policy.

The new policy includes the first-ever application process for major event funding.  In the past, funding for events like Cochrane Light Up, Labour Day Weekend parade, and Canada Day, were treated separately.

There is now a definitive process to follow for major event grant applications. That includes having the capacity to match the funds they are seeking from the town. The maximum that can be sought is $15,000.

This portion of the policy won't come into effect until 2022. The funding for major events has already been allocated for 2021.

There's no noticeable change in the process to apply for community association grants of up to $500, nor how small-scale events can apply for matching funds of up to $2,500.

In reviewing a draft of the policy at its Mar. 22 meeting, town council requested a revision to make administration responsible for funding requests. It also added a social category to the list of eligible sectors.