There are two service functions on the upcoming municipal elections ballot that will affect Tumbler Ridge.
In the past, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) supported the Tumbler Ridge Museum and Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark (to the tune of $1,378,993 and $660,000 for each), but in 2021, it was discovered that the Economic Development Funding Function they were using to support the two organizations was not actually valid, which meant the PRRD withdrew funding for the organizations, while it put its political house in order.
To do that, the PRRD has created two new service functions which would allow the organization to directly support the museum and geopark.
But in order to do that, these functions will need to be approved by the electorate of the PRRD, which includes folks from Tumbler Ridge, Chetwynd, Pouce Coupe, Dawson Creek, Hudson’s Hope and Fort St. John, as well as rural residents from as far south as Kakwa Provincial Park to as far north as just south of Prophet River, and all areas west of the Great Divide, which stretches as far west as the Spatsizi Plateau.
The first motion says “Are you in favour of the Peace River Regional District adopting ‘Dinosaur Museum Grant in Aid Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2476, 2022’ for the purpose of creating a new region wide service that will authorize provision of grants to fund the costs of operating and development of a Dinosaur Museum in the region, at a maximum annual tax requisition limit that is the greater of $200,000 OR $0.0125/$1,000 of net taxable value of land and improvements, and assessed on improvements only, imposed in the entire Peace River Regional District, including all member municipalities and electoral areas?”
The average house in Tumbler Ridge had an assessed value of $145,000 in 2021. This function would add an additional $1.04 to your annual taxes.
A second motion in support of the Geopark reads: “Are you in favour of the Peace River Regional District adopting ‘Global Geopark Grant in Aid Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2477, 2022’ for the purpose of creating a new region wide service that will authorize provision of grants to fund the costs of developing, improving, operating and maintaining a Global Geopark in the region, at a maximum annual tax requisition limit that is the greater of $200,000 OR $0.0125/$1,000 of net taxable value of land and improvements, and assessed on improvements only, imposed in the entire Peace River Regional District, including all member municipalities and electoral areas?”
This would add another $1.04 to a home assessed at $145,000.
Al Kangas, President of the Geopark Society says “the Geopark has become an iconic feature and draw for many people of many talents. The Mayors of the Peace Region have emphasized the importance the Geopark has had in attracting health care and other industry professionals to work in our area communities. Over the past couple of years of pandemic restrictions, the Geopark became a safe place for many of the residents of the Peace Region to spend time outdoors and interact with the natural beauty of the area. Our workshops and organized hikes teach Peace Region residents and students; the importance of our local Indigenous history and their ways of life, the various geological aspects of the geopark, and how the Geopark can help improve a healthy lifestyle. Help sustain this regional treasure for the benefit of residents, visitors and future generations. On October 15, vote YES to Geopark funding.”
There are three additional service functions: one to support the Fort St. John Library (an additional $0.11), one to improve regional connectivity and high speed internet and cellular ($1.97) and a Sports and Cultural Events Grant In Aid function to fund events like Hockey Canada in the region ($1.04).
Mayor Keith Bertrand says these organizations need financial help. “We can’t do it alone. We need the PRRD’s help. Unfortunately, [the PRRD] has left these two groups in the wind over the last two years. This is secured funding that will not only help the geopark and museum to continue, but to survive. This is absolutely a regional asset, that I think we all need to support. I’m very disappointed that the Federal and Provincial governments have left it to us to foster these organizations. It’s not only a regional asset, but a provincial asset. The worldwide marketing ability with the Geopark is tremendous. The exposure opportunities for the Geopark is incredible.”
Unfortunately, even if the funding is approved, it means the museum and geopark will be waiting another year for funding from the PRRD, as the deadline for getting funding in place for 2023 is Oct 1.
The election is Oct 15.
The two organizations have managed to eke by over the last few years, as a combination of Covid-related relief funding and other sources of financial aid has allowed them to continue. But the next 16 months could be slim for both of them.
Zena Conlin, Executive Director for the Museum says “as we plan for at least another 18 months of lean budgets and increasing costs, we’ll have to continue to be careful and creative. We’ll have to up our fundraising and sponsorship support, but unfortunately, we may also have to consider other options like temporarily reducing operating hours during low season.”
Reducing operating hours is a hard choice to make, especially after one of the best summers the museum has ever had. Still, says Conlin, “we are committed to serving residents of Tumbler Ridge and the Peace Region to the best of our abilities with the resources available.”
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
