Vermilion council put a hold on a $5,000 funding request they received from the Vermilion and District Chamber of Commerce.
“What they’re looking for is money to help them support the businesses that are in our community, specifically chamber businesses,” said Coun. Robert Snow.
He says the chamber’s looking at how they can support existing businesses.
“They’re looking at supporting all the businesses and trying to help figure out how to keep businesses in our community and support the ones that are here,” said Snow.
The money would go towards helping build a more stable future for local businesses.
”They’re looking at putting on courses and training that are going to help businesses survive the future. We know businesses really took a hit during COVID and that recovery time is like anything, if it took one year to happen, it’ll take five years to recover from,” said Snow.
While he does support the plan, Snow would like to see the chamber outline how they’ll use the $5,000.
“I’m for it. I think there has to be some requirements if we’re going to give money though, we need to see how they’re going to be putting that money into our community,” said Snow.
He said if the money goes towards hosting events, it doesn’t help keep businesses in the community. Rather, he would like to see the money go towards training and equipping businesses for the future.
Deputy Mayor Joshua Rayment agreed with Snow, saying there needs to be a more detailed plan in place.
“I would like to see more of a plan for what they’re planning on doing with the money,” said Rayment. “If we’re going to contribute to this, it would be nice to see what it’s going towards.”
While he wants to see more details from the chamber, he says they play an important role in the community.
“I believe the chamber has a place, and it has an important role to play in the community in retaining businesses and working with our local businesses,” he said.
On the other hand, Coun. Robert Pulyk spoke to the difficulty of council considering the item.
“To even consider this, I don’t think we’re able to consider it, unfortunately. Council has already approved our capital and operational budget for 2025. In my view, if council was to even try and entertain it, I agree with getting more information before even considering it. That $5,000 has to come out of some other budget,” he said.
Rayment commented on the fact there should be leftover budget as they are short a member of council. There are also unbudgeted vacancies at the city.
Administration said they would get back to council with more information on those comments.
“If we see a benefit and a growth to community, that’s seed money, that’s going to grow and grow our community. It’s important to remember that when we’re looking into how we fund things,” said Snow.
Snow made a motion to table the item until further information is brought back. Council unanimously carried the motion.
Read more: Vermilion gets RCMP roof funding
