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Hamilton Spectator

Port Colborne allocates $20K in grants to local organizations

Inclusive hockey training, lighthouse preservation and animal welfare are just a few of the things Port Colborne is investing in by awarding more than $20,000 to five local organizations this spring. The funding comes from the city's community grant program, which began in 2001 using funds from the sale of Port Colborne Hydro to Canadian Niagara Power. Since then, a five-member grant allocation committee has reviewed applications twice annually, distributing funds to local non-profits and volunteer groups based on council-approved criteria. Mayor Bill Steele said this year's first round of funds went to five groups with strong community impact. 'We're proud to present these grants to organizations that are doing meaningful work in Port Colborne,' Steele said during Tuesday's city council meeting. The largest grant, $5,369, went to Port Colborne Girls Hockey Association , which plans to use the funds to provide professional skating and skills training for girls in the under-7 to under-15 age groups. A representative speaking on behalf of association president Erica Hutton said the training goes beyond regular practice. She said the more girls are presented with opportunities and support, they more they stay in sport. Since launching inclusive development programs, the association has seen a 400 per cent increase in membership over the past two seasons. Port Colborne Optimist Club was awarded $4,000 to support two popular community events: the Canada Day celebration at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park and the annual Father's Day fishing derby. Friends of the Port Colborne Lighthouses received $3,600 to install a waterless composting toilet for volunteers and visitors at the historic breakwall lighthouses. The inner lighthouse, built in 1903, and outer lighthouse built in 1928, were both decommissioned in 2010. Since then, the volunteer-led group has run boat tours to preserve and share the history of the sites. 'It's been a community involvement right from the get-go,' said volunteer Scott Wolfe. 'It's an ongoing operation, but this year I'd like to get every one of you out there because this group is really passionate.' Port Colborne Feline Initiative, a volunteer-run charity addressing the needs of feral cats, received $4,335. The funds will support trap, neuter, vaccinate and return services for 10 cats, along with subsidized spay and neuter assistance for 10 more pets through its SNAP program. 'We truly appreciate it,' said group resident Debbie Burden. 'We know that (this grant) will help the needs of these feral animals.' Also, a $3,000 grant was presented to Community Living Port Colborne-Wainfleet. Its grant will help fund life skills programs for youths and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including job-search training and transportation assistance. 'On behalf of Community Living, thank you so very much, this is going to help us out a lot,' Christine Bowers, youth and family support co-ordinator, told councillors. The city's next grant intake deadline is June 30. Steele encouraged groups to apply early. Application forms and eligibility criteria are available on the city's website .