Trail city council is still thinking about whether to provide a $30,000 grant to the struggling Trail Skills Centre.
While council members spoke both in favour of and against the grant last week, they ultimately decided to seek more information from the organization first.
In its application, the Skills Centre said its operating funds come mostly from programs funded by the provincial and federal governments. But “changing priorities and tariffs” have resulted in “delays, reductions, and elimination” of the funding they rely on.
In the past year, the Skills Centre said it has applied for operating and program funding from the provincial government, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, and a variety of foundations. The RDKB recently agreed to provide $30,000, pending receipt of some additional information.
“We have had some success … but not enough to carry the organization through 2026/27,” the Skills Centre wrote. Two programs, Sparking Opportunities and Inclusive Futures in Industry and Trades, have been extended until the end of March 2027.
In the meantime the Skills Centre says it continues to look for ways to increase revenue through renting offices and meeting spaces in its building at 1060 Eldorado Street. It has also cut costs through staff layoffs and eliminating discretionary spending. Longtime executive director Morag Carter will leave at the end of March.
Councillor Nick Cashol said he was “strongly opposed” to providing the grant, in part because he felt it was unclear what the money would be used for.
“Will these funds address short-term operating gaps, debt servicing, staffing, or capital costs?” he asked. “What measurable outcomes or deliverables will the city receive in return? Council requires clarity on how municipal funds will directly benefit Trail residents in a defined, accountable way.”
Cashol said he worried a one-time $30,000 grant would represent less than one month of operating costs and wouldn’t “materially address” the organization’s financial challenges. “Council must consider whether such a contribution would meaningfully improve financial sustainability or merely delay difficult decisions,” he said.
Councillor Terry Martin said while he didn’t disagree with Cashol, he felt that in addition to the services the Skills Centre provides, they have made a significant investment into a building to improve the downtown core, and he felt comfortable supporting the grant.
Mayor Colleen Jones also spoke in favour of the grant, which she said was intended to bridge the gap until the Skills Centre can secure other government money.
“They are expecting funding to come hopefully before the end of the year,” she said. “They’re trying to have people continue to work for the next little while to help them through this difficult period.
“The service that the Skills Centre provides is so important to our community. They’re asking us to help get them over this bit of a bump. And they know that we’re not going to be doing this forever.”
Councillor Bev Benson said she wanted more information on how the money would be spent and suggested postponing a decision until the Skills Centre can provide those details. Council agreed. The organization will also be asked to provide more current financial information.
Councillor Paul Butler recused himself from the discussion.
The city previously provided a $5,000 grant to the Skills Centre in 2019 for child care centre planning and $18,000 in 2023 in reduced property taxes and utilities.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyKootenayNowNews Alerts.
