I had planned to appear as a delegate on behalf of GCL tonight but laryngitis has precluded that option. Below is the script of my presentation.
At the ECO committee last year, I spoke (on behalf of the Guelph Civic League) in support of the additional $50,000 in funds requested by the N.S.C. At that meeting and since, I have discovered much more about the fantastic job NG’s do in delivering services. Not the least of which is the participatory budgeting process employed to allocate funds by consensus. My understanding at that meeting, was that NG’s had not received an increase in their funding for some years despite a consistent growth in groups. I believe that at that meeting, Jane Cabral demonstrated a fifty percent increase in the number of groups accessing municipal funds.
I was quite concerned at this year’s ECO committee, when staff reported that they were not recommending the $50,000 this year, as an ‘above the line’ priority.
This seemed ironic as just 2 days prior, staff had recommended that festive occasions (Sparkles in the Park, Canada Day Fireworks, Labour Day picnic) be included for consideration within the city’s budget. As you know, these events also have Rotary and Labour Council funds behind them. While I appreciate festive occasions as much as the next person, I don’t see how they can come close, in terms of priority, with the value of neighbours helping neighbours — leading to better engagement and indeed less isolation for new families, the elderly, new Canadians and those living in poverty EVERY day — not just on occasions.
I believe that neighbours coming together to develop and deliver their own services has value beyond any city, province or federally delivered service. Beyond the importance of self-determination as it relates to maintaining healthy communities, GCL also values NG’s as the stepping stone to citizen engagement and civic leadership. Councillor Hofland moved from NG President to councillor, Mark Bailey stepped from his NG to school board trustee — I’m sure there are many other such examples.
I am requesting that if the NSC funds are still ‘below the line’ of priorities for 09, council will please consider moving these funds into the budget for consideration. I would hope that – given the demonstrated growth in groups and the absence of increases other than last year, the $50,000 would remain accessible this year while Ann and her team go forth with a community-based evaluative process.
I would presume that this addition to the budget would have a very small impact on the tax percentage and in return many, many families and individuals will be able to access support, leadership skills and a true sense of community thanks to the thousands of volunteer hours delivered by Guelph citizens. We have these people to thank for our “Caring Community” recognition — it is their hours of dedication that greatly assisted the City of Guelph to achieve this honour.
I respectfully request that Mayor Farbridge and council support the significant value and services delivered by neighbours for neighbours ‘making a difference’ each day, across our great city. AO