We are pleased to announce the 2023 Legacy Fund Grant Recipients! At two meetings of the Community Forest’s Legacy Fund Assessment Committee, letters of intent and grant applications for 10 projects totaling $235,000 in funds requested, were reviewed. The many worthwhile projects put forward demonstrate the incredible vision and generosity of time from volunteers in our community. The Committee was pleased to recommend funding the following grants, which were enthusiastically supported by District of Sechelt's Mayor Henderson and Council.
Pender Harbour Community School
Completion costs for the new community building - $30,000
Pender Harbour Community School provides opportunities for learning, mental health support, workshops, recreation, nutrition and drop-in programs, contributing to a wide variety of services and programs in this rural community. Many of these services would be otherwise inaccessible to community members due to transportation barriers. Funds will be used towards final costs of the substantial community building upgrades which were started in 2022 including foundation and geotechnical engineering, ramps, stairs, electrical and plumbing.
Sunshine Coast Salmonid Enhancement Society
Repair of water source pipes - $30,000
The SC Salmonid Enhancement Society owns Chapman Creek Hatchery, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining and building salmon stocks on the Sunshine Coast. Repair is required for the water source pipes that supply the hatchery. The pipe diverting water from Chapman Creek is leaking causing water to rise to ground level in the parking lot and slowly returning to the ponding area, risking failure of water supply to incubating eggs and rearing fry. A stop log gate is also required to shut off water flow in cases of repairs or emergency.
Tetrahedron Outdoor Club
New bridge over Chapman Creek - $30,000
Tetrahedron Outdoor Club's mandate is to foster and promote outdoor recreation activities while acting as stewards for the Tetrahedron Park. The park is used by thousands of hikers each year. To access the backcountry cabins maintained by the club, hikers need to cross the Steel Creek or Chapman Creek. The Chapman Creek bridge has deteriorated and been damaged over the years making it dangerous and requires imminent replacement. Grant funds will be used toward the building of a new safe 44 foot aluminum bridge.
BC Conservation Foundation
Scientific lab equipment for kelp nursery - $30,000
The BC Conservation Foundation’s mission is to promote and assist in the conservation of fish and wildlife resources. The Sunshine Coast and Salish Sea kelp beds have declined by 90% in recent decades which is of grave concern as the kelp provides shore habitat and food for diverse species along with its vital ecosystem services. The foundation’s goal is to establish a kelp nursery to enable biologists to cultivate local seed for restoration efforts. Funds will equip the kelp nursery space with lab equipment to cultivate kelp for restoration and planting for years to come.
