P6(i)
POLICY REPORT
ENVIRONMENT
Date: May 10, 1996
TO: Vancouver City Council
FROM: Special Office for the Environment
SUBJECT: Environmental Grant Program Funding and Guidelines
CONSIDERATION
A. THAT Council approve $250,000 for the continuation of the
Environmental Grant Program; source of funds to be the Solid
Waste Capital Reserve.
B. THAT Council revise the Environmental Grant Guidelines,
section B.6 third sentence, to read: "Applicants must submit
a detailed budget and financial statement upon completion of
the program (audited financial statements are to be provided
by grant recipients upon request)."
C. THAT Council revise the Environmental Grant Guidelines to
include a new section B.9 which will read: "Applicants must
submit a brief summary report upon completion of their
project or program detailing what actions were undertaken.
The summary should include an evaluation of the success of
the initiative and describe the environmental benefits
achieved."
COUNCIL POLICY
The City's Mission Statement speaks of a City which cares about its
environment. The associated objectives include the "protection and
improvement of the environment".
On March 27, 1990, Council approved an allocation of $250,000 to fund
the Environmental Grant Program.
On July 10, 1990, Council approved the Environmental Grant Guidelines
and Criteria, which are appended for reference.
Approval of specific grants under this program requires eight
affirmative votes.
PURPOSE
The initial $250,000 Solid Waste Capital Reserve allocation for the
Environmental Grant Program is nearly spent. This report provides a
summary of the program to date and puts forward, for Council's
consideration, the continuation of the initiative.
BACKGROUND
On March 27, 1990, Council approved a number of recommendations
concerning the City's Environmental Program. One of those dealt with
the creation of a $250,000 fund to sponsor private, non-profit,
community-based programs aimed at personal actions that reinforce the
three 'R's. Subsequent to the initial recommendation, grant guidelines
were developed and the original wording for the program was revised and
broadened to include personal or group actions which restore or improve
the environment.
This initiative came in response to staff receiving a number of
environmental project submissions to the Community Services Grant
Program. It was decided that the Community Services Grant process was
not appropriate for the applications and it was also acknowledged that
there was a public commitment to community based environmental projects
which the City had the potential to support.
To provide support to local community environmental efforts and respond
to the grant requests, $250,000 of funding was identified to be taken
from the Solid Waste Capital Reserve.
Since the grant program began, reporting has been done on an as needed
basis in order to provide a timely response to grant applicants.
Generally two or three Council Reports are completed each year. To
date, the program has been unadvertised.
There have been nine Environmental Grant Reports considered by Council.
In total, 34 requests have been reviewed with 24 funding awards to
organizations totalling approximately $250,000. One organization did
not proceed with their proposed project and the grant was cancelled.
This lowers the actual amount paid out to date to approximately
$225,000. With the balance of funding reduced to $25,000, it is now
time to evaluate the initiative and consider program continuation
beyond the initial funding allocation.
The program has been conducted in accordance with the original
Environmental Grant Guidelines which were formally adopted by Council
on July 6, 1990 and are appended for reference.
DISCUSSION
The Grant Program to Date:
Staff believe that the Environmental Grant Program has generally been
successful in meeting the objectives as laid out in the Environmental
Grant Guidelines. In terms of the organizations we have funded, all
the groups are still in operation with the exception of one. Most of
the projects have been solid waste related but we have also had some
air quality/transportation initiatives and one grant targeting urban
wildlife (coyotes). A complete list of environmental grants paid out to
date is attached as an appendix to this report. A more detailed
listing which includes a description of each project is available from
the City Clerk's Office.
Consistent with the program guidelines, grants have not been awarded
for ongoing operating expenditures and have favoured applicants where
the City is not the sole contributor. The new Alternative
Transportation Centre at the Main Street Skytrain Station is a good
illustration. The City contributed seed money towards this project in
conjunction with a number of other organizations such as Environment
Canada, Go Green, B.C. Hydro and VanCity.
Consistent with the guidelines, grants have also focused on projects
with measurable environmental benefits although some grants do not
readily lend themselves to quantifiable results. For example, with
Community Alternatives Society's composter project we can say they are
composting all the waste from their housing co-op as well as two other
facilities. However, with other successful projects the results are
not so straight forward to measure.
The urban home composting book developed by City Farmer has been a
great success and is considered one of North America's most
authoritative guides to home composting but it is not possible to
quantify the books success in terms of a waste reduction figure.
Similarly, with other educational products or programs it is difficult
to measure the scope of the results although we can generalize that
education is important for environmental stewardship and ultimately
achieving sustainability.
Proposed Changes to Environmental Grant Guidelines:
The Guidelines currently require audited financial statements from
grant recipients upon completion of their programs. Non-profit
societies which are not registered charities do not have to produce
audited financial statements and many of the funded organizations fall
into this category. As a consequence, they do not have audited
statements available, and it is very expensive to have them prepared.
It is not felt that audited statements are warranted in all cases.
Some grants have been as small as $100. We recommend that the
requirement for audited financial statements be changed to unaudited
statements with the stipulation that audited statements may have to be
provided upon request.
The second change we are recommending with respect to the guidelines is
to add a summary report requirement upon completion of the
environmental grant projects or programs. In many cases this is done
anyway but we feel it would be beneficial to formalize the summary
report as a Grant Guidelines requirement. A post project evaluation is
a useful tool for gauging the success of the various grant projects and
specifically, the environmental benefits achieved.
Program Advertising:
To date the Environmental Grant Program has not been advertised. If
the initiative is to continue, we intend to place information regarding
the Grant Program on the City of Vancouver, Internet Home Page. This
will provide some exposure to the public which could increase program
demand and the number of submissions. This does not necessarily mean
funding for the program would be used faster as we can also increase
our selectiveness in terms of the projects we fund should the program
demand increase.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
There will be positive environmental implications associated with
continuing the Environmental Grant Program as it is designed to support
community based projects which restore or improve the environment.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The original Environmental Grant Program was funded from the Solid
Waste Capital Reserve as it was anticipated that many of the projects
put forward would be solid waste related. The Grant Program to date
has confirmed the original assumption. Over 80% of the grants have
either specifically targeted solid waste reduction or have had a solid
waste reduction component and have comprised roughly 70% of the funding
spent to date. Given this fact, the Solid Waste Capital Reserve is
still an appropriate source of funding if the grant program is to
continue.
This report recommends that if Council approves continuation of the
Program, then an additional $250,000 be allocated from the Solid Waste
Capital Reserve for the Environmental Grant Program. There is currently
approximately $28.5 million in the Solid Waste Capital Reserve. The
Reserve serves as a landfill contingency fund and is to be used for
post closure landfill costs.
CONCLUSIONS
The Environmental Grant Program has been a success in terms of the the
initial intent and guidelines of the program. It has also been
successful with respect to the organizations and projects it has
supported. The majority of the initiatives to date have been solid
waste related and continuing the program through additional funding of
$250,000 from the Solid Waste Capital Reserve is being put forward for
Council's consideration.
If program continuation is endorsed, we are also recommending that the
Grant Guidelines requirement for audited financial statements upon
grant completion be changed. The new requirement will be unaudited
financial statements with the stipulation that audited statements have
to be provided upon request. A new requirement for a project report
upon completion, is also recommended.
* * * * *
APPENDIX
ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT PROGRAM UPDATE
Environmental Grant Summary:
GRANT RECIPIENT COUNCIL AMOUNT
DATE APPROVED
1. WEST END RECYCLING CONNECTION Sept. 13, 1990 $5,875.00
(Recycling Promotion)
2. DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE RESIDENTS Sept. 13, 1990$31,765.44
ASSOC. (Apartment Recycling)
3. PITCH-IN B.C. Sept. 13, 1990 $100.00
(Litter Clean-up Programs)
4. MOUNT PLEASANT NEIGHBOURHOOD Sept. 13, 1990 $1,700.00 ASSOC. (Compost Shredder)
5. STRATHCONA COMMUNITY GARDENERS Jan. 31, 1991 $12,900.00
(Composting Facility)
6. CITY FARMER Jan. 31, 1991 $10,450.00
(Composting Book)
7. GASTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT Jan. 31, 1991 $25,000.00*
SOCIETY (Recycling Program)
8. WEST COAST RECYCLING ALTERNATIVE Jan. 31, 1991 $5,000.00
(Office Paper Recycling)
9. SAGE FOUNDATION May 2, 1991 $10,650.00
(3 Rs Education Program)
10. IMAGINATION MARKET May 2, 1991 $15,195.00
(Art/Recycling Program)
11. PITCH-IN B.C. May 2, 1991 $1,700.00
(Litter Clean-up Programs)
2
Environmental Grant Program Summary: "cont'd."
GRANT RECIPIENT COUNCIL AMOUNT
DATE APPROVED
12. BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB Oct. 1, 1992 $12,050.00
(Envir. Education & Action Program)
13. BETTER ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND Oct. 1, 1992 $3,964.00
TRANSPORTATION (Ride for the
Environment)
14. PITCH-IN B.C. Oct. 1, 1992 $1,700.00
(Litter Clean-up Programs)
15. DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE YOUTH ACTIVITY July 8, 1993 $15,000.00
SOCIETY (Needle Pick-up)
16. COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVES SOCIETY July 8, 1993 $12,650.00
(Composter Design and Construction)
17. PITCH-IN B.C. July 8, 1993 $1,700.00
(Litter Clean-up Programs)
18. ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH ALLIANCE Feb. 17, 1994 $11,225.00
(Strathcona Park Restoration)
19. SOCIETY PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL Feb. 17, 1994 $9,000.00
CONSERVATION (Education in Action)
20. BETTER ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND Feb. 17, 1994 $7,000.00
TRANSPORTATION (Our Community
Bikes)
GASTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT May 17, 1994 ($25,000.00)*
SOCIETY (Recycling Program Cancellation)
21. ECODESIGN RESOURCE SOCIETY March 28, 1995$15,000.00
(Environmentally Sound Design)
3
Environmental Grant Program Summary: "cont'd."
GRANT RECIPIENT COUNCIL AMOUNT
DATE APPROVED
22. CANADIAN EARTHCARE SOCIETY March 28, 1995 $10,000.00
(Clean Air Campaign)
23. BETTER ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND March 28, 1995 $20,000.00
TRANSPORTATION (Alternative
Transportation Centre)
24. STANLEY PARK ECOLOGY SOCIETY Dec. 14, 1995$10,820.00
(Urban Coyote Project)
TOTAL $225,444.44
* The Gastown Business Improvement Society recycling program was never undertaken
and as a consequence, the funding was not issued and the grant was cancelled.
iii
Environmental Grant Program Details
The Environmental Grant Program was approved by Council on March 27, 1990. At that
time, the Environmental Grant Fund was established in the amount of $250,000 and
funded through the Solid Waste Capital Reserve. Guidelines were established for the
program which specify the funding is for non-profit, community based groups with
projects directed at restoring or improving the environment. To date 34 applications
have been considered by Council and 24 grants awarded. One of the projects which
received grant approval was not undertaken and as a consequence, the funding was
never issued. The total funding which has been paid out to date is $225,444.44.
The following is a list of the organizations which have received grant approval, a
description of the project, the amount of funding awarded and brief details regarding
the status of the initiative.
1. Group: West End Recycling Connection (WERC)
Project Description: Recycling Promotion
Grant Approval Date: Sept. 30, 1990 Grant Amt.: $5,875
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was to provide start-up funding for
the West End Recycling Connection; an organization dedicated to providing
education and information with respect to recycling. The seed money was
successful as WERC is still operating and providing its recycling information
service to Vancouver residents and remains in contact with the City's Solid
Waste Management Branch staff.
2. Group: Downtown Eastside Residents Association(DERA)
Project Description: Multi-Unit Recycling Pilot Project
Grant Approval Date: Sept. 30, 1990 Grant Amt.: $31,765.44
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was to partially fund start-up costs
for a seven building multi-family pilot recycling program. This program is still
in operation. After the first year of apartment recycling the initiative became
part of the City's regular recycling collection. The program is considered to be
the first phase of the City's four phase apartment recycling program which is
still underway.
3. Group: Pitch-In B.C.
Project Description: Outdoors Unlittered Campaign
Grant Approval Date: Sept. 30, 1990 Grant Amt.: $100
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was towards funding for Pitch-In
programs undertaken in 1990. Pitch-In B.C. coordinates clean-up days which
includes contacting community groups, responding to free garbage bag requests,
liaising with the clean-up coordinators, preparing records of participants and
issuing certificates of participation.
In 1990, the Pitch-In program involved approximately 30 Vancouver
organizations.
4. Group: Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood Association (MPNA)
Project Description: Purchase of a Compost Shredder
Grant Approval Date: Sept. 30, 1990 Grant Amt.: $1,700
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was for the purchase of a compost
shredder to be used by the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood Association. The
organization operates a 42 plot community garden in the vicinity of 8th and
Fraser and needed the shredder for their on-site composting operation. The
shredder was purchased and is still being used on the MPNA site.
5. Group: Strathcona Community Gardens
Project Description: Construction of a Composting Facility
Grant Approval Date: Jan. 31, 1991 Grant Amt.: $12,900
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was for the upgrading of the
Strathcona Community Gardener's composting facility. Specifically, to construct
a 100 foot by 100 foot concrete pad, build composting containers and educate
with respect to composting. The composting facility has been constructed and
the Strathcona Community Gardens are flourishing. The Strathcona Gardener's
have received considerable positive press including a Vancouver Sun Article
regarding the City of Vancouver Environmental Grant and the
construction of the composting facility.
6. Group: City Farmer
Project Description: To Produce a Home Composting Book
Grant Approval Date: Jan. 31, 1991 Grant Amt.: $10,450
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was for City Farmer to develop and
distribute a Home Composting Book. Under the terms of the grant the City is
allowed to print and use the document. The composting guide was very successful
and has been distributed throughout North America and is now considered to be
one of the most authoritative guides available with respect to home composting.
7. Group: Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS)
Project Description: Gastown Recycling Society Project
Grant Approval Date: Jan. 31, 1991 Grant Amt.: *$25,000
Status:
* The Gastown Business Improvement Society was unable to get this very ambitious
project to the operational stage and as a consequence, the City funding was not
paid.
The grant was officially terminated on May 17, 1994.
8. Group: West Coast Recycling Alternative
Project Description: Paper Recycling Service
Grant Approval Date: Jan. 31, 1991 Grant Amt.: $5,000
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was to support West Coast Recycling
Alternative in their attempt to provide a paper recycling service to small
offices without the minimum volume of waste paper to attract the large,
for-profit recycling firms. Specifically, the funding was directed towards the
purchase of recycling containers and advertising to promote the service. West
Coast Recycling Alternative is still in operation providing their office paper
recycling service to small offices.
9. Group: Sage Foundation
Project Description: 3 Rs Education Program
Grant Approval Date: May 2, 1991 Grant Amt.: $10,650
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was to provide one time start-up
funding for a Sage Foundation, Environmental Education Program. The Sage
Foundation is a non-profit society dedicated to educating the public with
respect to environmentally sound choices as well as a conservation ethic.
Preparation of the Sage Foundation Ecomotion Program was completed in 1991 and
more than 80 presentations were made to community and business groups in the
Vancouver area during 1992. Feedback to the program was very positive and the
group has since developed other education programs such as "Destination
Conservation" which was presented in schools.
10. Group: Imagination Market
Project Description: Art/Recycling Program
Grant Approval Date: May 2, 1991 Grant Amt.: $15,195
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was to fund roughly half the cost of
an art/recycling initiative involving nine of Vancouver's elementary schools.
The purpose of the program was to have a coordinator use salvaged materials to
teach children to reduce waste by taking a second look at what is normally
considered "trash".
The program was carried out and was well received by the Vancouver School Board.
Unfortunately, the Imagination Market did not receive the necessary public
support to continue operation through 1992 and closed after 10 years of service.
Prior to closure the store was collecting and reusing approximately 37 tonnes of
"discards" per year from over 300 businesses.
Three of the Imagination Market's staff have since started a smaller operation
based on the same principles as the Imagination Market. The organization is
called Alternative Art Materials.
11. Group: Pitch-In B.C.
Project Description: Litter Clean-up
Grant Approval Date: May 2, 1991 Grant Amt.: $1,700
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was towards funding for Pitch-In
programs undertaken in 1991. Pitch-In B.C. coordinates clean-up days which
includes contacting community groups, responding to free garbage bag requests,
liaising with the clean-up coordinators, preparing records of participants and
issuing certificates of participation.
In 1991, the Pitch-In program involved approximately 30 Vancouver organizations.
12. Group: Boys' and Girls' Clubs of Greater Vancouver
Project Description: Earth Recovery Youth Project
Grant Approval Date: Oct. 1, 1992 Grant Amt.: $12,050
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was to jointly fund a Boys and Girls
Club environmental project in conjunction with the Federal Government's
Environmental Partners Fund. Specifically, the City and Federal funding was to
go towards hiring a coordinator for nine months to develop and implement
environmental education programs, reused and recycled material creation programs
and environmental leadership programs.
The education component consisted of education regarding recycling, composting,
waste disposal, smart shopping, waste reduction and how to value and protect the
environment. The materials creation component focused on how to create arts and
crafts, useful household objects and games using objects that would otherwise be
thrown away. Finally, the leadership portion dealt with how to become involved
with community events and promote recycling and waste reduction in the
community.
A coordinator was hired and the program carried out as per the terms of the City
and Environmental Partners Fund grants.
13. Group: Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST)
Project Description: "Ride for the Environment"
Grant Approval Date: Oct. 1, 1992 Grant Amt.: $3,964
Status:
BEST co-sponsored the "Ride for the Environment" in 1992. The event was to
promote cycling as an environmentally preferred method of transportation plus
raise general environmental awareness. The funding was to offset police and
engineering costs associated with holding the event. Approximately 1,400 people
participated in the event.
14. Group: Pitch-In B.C.
Project Description: Litter Clean-up
Grant Approval Date: Oct. 1, 1992 Grant Amt: $1,700
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was towards funding for Pitch-In
programs undertaken in 1992. Pitch-In B.C. coordinates clean-up days which
includes contacting community groups, responding to free garbage bag requests,
liaising with the clean-up coordinators, preparing records of participants and
issuing certificates of participation.
In 1992, the Pitch-In program involved approximately 38 Vancouver organizations.
15. Group: Downtown Eastside Youth Activities Society (DEYAS)
Project Description: Needle and Condom Pick-up Program
Grant Approval Date: July 8, 1993 Grant Amt: $15,000
Status:
In 1993 an environmental grant was awarded to DEYAS to fund a single part-time
worker to pick-up needles and condoms in the downtown eastside area for one
year. The worker concentrated his efforts on parks, schools, daycare centres
etc. where the needles posed the greatest risk to residents. In addition to the
needle pick-up, the DEYAS worker also distributed sharps containers and tongs to
neighbourhood businesses so they could dispose of syringes safely.
The program was a success in that the D.EY.A.S. employee was able to collect
thousands of needles as well as other drug paraphernalia and condoms. This
service is no longer being offered by D.E.Y.A.S. due to a lack of financial
resources.
16. Group: Community Alternatives Society (CAS)
Project Description: Composter Development and Testing
Grant Approval Date: July 8, 1993 Grant Amt: $12,650
Status:
The grant to Community Alternatives Society was for the design, construction and
testing of two mid-sized rotary composters. CAS has been actively involved in
composting for 14 years and during that time has composted the entire kitchen
wastes of the approximately 40 people in their Kitsilano housing Co-op. The
composting has been done using a rotary composter designed and built by CAS
members.
Community Alternatives Society feels there is a market potential for this type
of composter as its size is mid-way between large scale composting facilities
and the City sponsored backyard composter. Grant funding was to replace the
existing CAS composter, which was built from wood and had rotted, as well as to
build and test a second composter in another location. This project has
received considerable positive press and with the help of the Federal
Government s, Environmental Partners Fund, CAS has been able to install and test
a third and fourth rotary composter. Locations include a housing
co-op, restaurant and
community care facility.
17. Group: Pitch-In B.C.
Project Description: Litter Clean-up
Grant Approval Date: July 8, 1993 Grant Amt: $1,700
Status:
The City of Vancouver Environmental Grant was towards funding for Pitch-In
programs undertaken in 1993. Pitch-In B.C. coordinates clean-up days which
includes contacting community groups, responding to free garbage bag requests,
liaising with the clean-up coordinators, preparing records of participants and
issuing certificates of participation.
In 1993, the Pitch-In program involved approximately 48 Vancouver organizations.
18. Group: Environmental Youth Alliance (EYA)
Project Description: Strathcona Park Restoration
Grant Approval Date: Feb. 17, 1994 Grant Amt: $11,225
Status:
The intent of this grant was to fund the Environmental Youth Alliance's
restoration of a derelict piece of Strathcona Park. The site referred to as
Cottonwood Community Gardens has been a tremendous success with numerous
positive articles written about it. The site is the focal point for many of the
EYA s environmental education and action programs targeting youth.
The organization continues to promote environmental management and provide
programs focussed around the Strathcona site. They are well respected in the
community for their work and have received numerous environmental awards such as
from the Provincial Government for being the most outstanding environmental
youth organization in B.C. 19. Group: Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC)
Project Description: Education in Action Program
Grant Approval Date: Feb. 17, 1994 Grant Amt: $9,000
Status:
The grant to SPEC was to develop and promote their Education in Action:
Rethinking Our Urban Environment Program. The initiative was comprised of
five, two and a half hour interactive workshops. Developing the curriculum was
completed and the program was made available to community audiences in 1994.
The initiative is not currently being offered.
20. Group: Better Environmentally Sound Transportation
Project Description: Our Community Bikes
Grant Approval Date: Feb. 17, 1994 Grant Amt: $7,000
Status:
Our Community Bikes has been in operation for approximately two years recycling
old bicycles and bicycle parts, offering bike maintenance courses selling
inexpensive reconditioned bicycles to the public and promoting cycling as an
environmentally friendly transportation alternative. The initiative has
generated a substantial amount of interest and public support.
City funding was directed towards start-up costs. The location of the shop,
which is open seven days a week on a volunteer basis, is 197 East 17th Avenue.
21. Group: Canadian Earthcare Society (CES)
Project Description: Clean Air Community Challenge
Grant Approval Date: Mar. 28, 1995 Grant Amt: $10,000
Status:
The Clean Air Community Challenge was a month long event (June) in a number of
communities that was designed to enhance the public s awareness of air quality
issues. The project was a joint effort which included the City and many
organizations such as the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Environment
Canada, B.C. Hydro and the B.C. Automobile Association. It was an ambitious
project with many events that received considerable media coverage. A large
number of people were mobilized for initiatives such as the Take Another Way
Day which encouraged organizational and departmental transportation challenges.
It is hoped that with the support provided in 1995, the event will have gained
enough exposure and momentum that it can continue in future years. Numerous
public relations documents were generated such as a Ministry of the Environment,
Clear Air Poster as well as brochures and documents produced by CES. These
materials will greatly assist future Clean Air events.
22. Group: EcoDesign Resource Society (ERS)
Project Description: An Environmental Resource Centre
Grant Approval Date: Mar. 28, 1995 Grant Amt: $15,000
Status:
The environmental grant to the EcoDesign Resource Society was for start-up costs
for the establishment of a resource centre designed to provide the public and
industry with environmentally sound design, building and manufacturing
information. For example, information pertaining to recycled building
materials, energy efficient designs, water conservation etc. To support the
resource centre ERS has established a quarterly design journal which generates
sales and advertising revenue and in addition, businesses and individuals pay a
membership fee for their environmental information service.
In addition to the physical library at ERS, they have established a computerized
library catalogue and product database and electronic bulletin board. This
enables businesses convenient electronic access to the EcoDesign service. ERS
also offers tours of environmentally sound buildings and developments to
promote and educate with respect to environmental practices.
23. Group: Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST)
Project Description: Alternative Transportation Centre
Grant Approval Date: Mar. 28, 1995 Grant Amt: $20,000
Status:
The grant funding to B.E.S.T. was for start-up costs related to an Alternative
Transportation Centre (ATC) which is located in the new Van City building
adjacent the Main Street skytrain station. The initiative has been supported by
the Federal and Provincial Government s as well as Van City. This is an
interesting and ambitious project to provide a variety of services and programs
designed to encourage the public to use environmentally friendly transportation.
The facility will include a community bike shop and park and ride for cyclists
and in addition, a variety of programs and services will be offered through the
ATC. Programs and services will include a yearly modal shift campaign,
community bike skills courses, an educational outreach program, an alternative
transportation policy consultation service, and an internet support network etc.
24. Group: Stanley Park Ecology Society
Project Description: Urban Coyote Project
Grant Approval Date: Mar. 28, 1995 Grant Amt: $10,820
Status:
The grant funding to the Stanley Park Ecology Society is for the organization to
conduct research and produce public education related to urban coyotes. Coyote
complaints have risen dramatically in the lower mainland with the animal
flourishing in the urban environment. Although the coyote rarely causes a
threat to people, they do prey on cats and small dogs. The intent for this
funding is to learn more about the urban coyote and educate the public regarding
the animal, to alleviate people s fears and provide tips to protect pets etc.
It is also hoped that a protocol for responding to the complaints can be
developed for the many affected agencies which include the: S.P.C.A., Park
Board, City Pound, Ministry of the Environment and other wildlife organizations.
Appendix A
Environmental Grant Program Summary
Appendix B
Environmental Grant Guidelines
CITY OF VANCOUVER
ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT PROGRAM
A. INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS
1. Please read the Environmental Grant Guidelines and Criteria below before completing your application form. If
you have questions about your application, call John DuMont of the Engineering Department at 873-7284.
2. Please be precise in your answers and keep support documents to a minimum.
3. Please enclose the following documents:
a. Your latest budget and audited financial statement. If audited statements are not available, your most
recent financial statement endorsed by two signing officers of the Board of Directors.
b. A list of your Board of Directors including addresses and phone numbers.
c. Annual Report, if available.
d. Certificate of Incorporation, if not previously submitted.
4. Return the original completed form and attachments to: Assistant City Engineer, Water, Sewers & Yards,
Engineering Services, City of Vancouver, 453 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1V4.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA
1. Groups sponsoring activities or programs must be private, non-profit registered societies which are community
based. Applicants must demonstrate financial need as well as managerial and environmental knowledge and ability.
2. Programs or projects must be directed to personal or group actions which restore or improve the environment. As
an example, in the solid waste area, proposals must be supportive of the City's objectives of waste reduction,
recycling and re-use.
3. Programs for funding consideration should not duplicate existing programs in the public or private sector; they
should be directed to new initiatives or unmet needs.
4. Programs should be generally supportive of City policies with measurable physical environmental benefits accruing
primarily to City residents.
5. Priority will be given to those proposals which require one time funding or initial seed money, and do not
require ongoing City financial commitments. Grants are not intended to supplement existing efforts by defraying
a portion of the current operating or program costs. The City will consider grants where the City is the sole
contributor but preference will be given to supplement existing funding or volunteer efforts. Grants are not
intended to address accumulated debt or past operating deficits.
6. To qualify for an Environmental Grant, an organization must supply accurate program and financial information.
It should specify what the grant is to be used for and the period for which the grant is requested. Applicants
must submit a detailed budget and audited financial statement upon completion of the program.
7. Term of the program should be a maximum of one year.
8. Not all groups meeting the above criteria will automatically receive a grant or grant increase. Grant
allocations are dependent on the environmental grant budget level.
C. CITY COUNCIL DECISION ON ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS
A copy of the Environmental Grant Staff Committee recommendations will be sent to all applicants, along with a
notice of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting at which the report will be discussed.
Those groups not in agreement with the recommendations may write to the City Clerk s Office requesting to speak
at the meeting. Following the meeting, all applicants will be notified of Council s decision by the City Clerk s
Office.