HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-07-015 - General Provision Grant Request - Kitchener Alliance Community Homes (Four Churches Project Coalition)J
I~TC~~R . , .
Community Services
Report To: Finance and Corporate Services Committee
Date of Meeting: February 5, 2007
Submitted By: Ann Pappert, General Manager, Community Services
Prepared By: Renate Willms, Supervisor of Administration (ext. 2395)
Ward(s) Involved: All
Date of Report: January 22, 2007
Report No.: CSD-07-015
Subject: GENERAL PROVISION GRANT REQUEST - KITCHENER
ALLIANCE COMMUNITY HOMES (FOUR CHURCHES
PROJECT COALITION)
RECOMMENDATION:
That a general provision grant in the amount of $35,000, to assist with funding Phase 3 of
a four phase assets/needs research and feasibility study for the Four Churches Project
Coalition, not be approved to Kitchener Alliance Community Homes.
BACKGROUND:
Kitchener Alliance Community Homes applied fora $35,000 general provision grant during the
2006 budget process to assist with costs for a feasibility study for the redevelopment of the
downtown Kitchener properties associated with the Four Churches Project. The study was being
conducted by the GSP Group, with an expected completion date of March 2006, at a total cost
of $131,922.98. At the time, $83,301 had been raised by the Project Working Group of the Four
Churches Project, leaving an unfunded balance of $48,621.98.
At the January 30, 2006 Council meeting, Council denied the grant request.
REPORT:
Kitchener Alliance Community Homes, on behalf of the Four Churches Project Coalition (4CP
Coalition), has re-submitted a general provision grant application, again requesting a
contribution of $35,000 to finance phase 3 of a four phase assets/needs research and feasibility
study currently being implemented by the GSP Group. Details of the four phases are outlined
below:
Report No. CSD-07-015
Page 2
Phase 1 -Background and Existing $ 58,048.75 (funding secured)
Conditions
Phase 2 -Consultation Process
Phase 3 -Development Options and
Analysis
Phase 4 -Findings and Recommendations
Sub-Total
GST
Total
$ 17,362.50 (funding secured)
$ 33,893.75 ($35,000 requested from the
City of Kitchener)
$ 13,987.50 (funding being sought from
other sources)
$123,292.50
$ 8,630.48
$131,922.98
The study was commissioned by a coalition of downtown community partners and interests,
initiated by four downtown mainline churches (Trinity United Church, St. Peters Lutheran
Church, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and Zion United Church), to "better understand the
assets and the needs of the downtown core and surrounding neighbourhoods" and to identify
their "potential roles in facilitating, supporting and complementing the City's commitment to
fostering and achieving renewal and intensification in the downtown and surrounding
neighbourhoods". Further details are provided in the attached application.
The funding is intended for a capital expenditure and does not fit with the grant criteria, which is
directed mostly towards programming, rather than capital expenses. As a result, staff is not in a
position to recommend approval of the grant request. Further, the City generally provides
grants to organizations providing municipal services, primarily recreational, cultural,
environmental and community-related activities. Grants for projects or studies related to social
programs and housing will generally not be considered.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The existing capital grant account has unallocated funding of $35,000 remaining. This capital
account has no future funding allocated in the City's existing 10 year capital forecast.
The 2007 general provision grant budget is $100,000. A total of $18,500 has been pre-
committed for grants, leaving a balance of $81,500. If the grant is approved and funded through
the 2007 general provision grant account, the 2007 general provision grant account will be
reduced accordingly.
COMMUNICATIONS:
The grant applicant has received a copy of this report.
Renate Willms
Supervisor of Administration
AP