Several groups are getting grants from Coldstream next year, while the district is using one of its own grants to fix up the beloved Kal Beach Pier.
Council approved the additional funding of up to $34,000 for the installation of additional steel pipes for the pier. The funding will come from the Canada Community Building Fund grant.
Meanwhile council has approved the following grants in the 2025 budget:
- Lavington Community Association - $32,000
- Friends of Kalamalka Park - $1,400
- Jean Minguy Memorial RCMP Youth Academy - $1,200
- Vernon and District Riding Club - $1,000
- Vernon Winter Carnival - $500
- Society for the Protection of Kal Lake - $1,000
O'Keefe Ranch made a request at the meeting for a grant from Coldstream, but council did not approve it.
Costs to die increasing
Coldstream residents may have to cough up some extra dollars to be laid to rest.
The district is looking at an increase of 10 per cent across all fees and charges for the cemetery, rounded to the nearest dollar.
The new fees and charges, implemented Jan. 1, 2025 must go through first, second, and third reading at a regular council meeting, followed by adoption at a subsequent meeting.
On average, Coldstream collects $68,880 per year in fees through the cemetery bylaw, according to a staff report.
"With the 10 per cent increase, this amount will grow to $75,768, an average, an increase of $6,888 per year."