Report to: General Committee Report Date: April 23, 2007

SUBJECT: 2007 Celebrate Markham Grants Allocation by the Grants Sub-Committee

PREPARED BY: Fuwing Wong, Manager of Financial Planning, x2513

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Grants Sub-Committee’s 2007 Allocation of Celebrate Markham Grants as outlined in Appendix 2 be approved;

And that the Grants Sub-Committee’s recommended increase for 2007 Celebrate Markham Grants budget, in the amount of $7,450, be included in the proposed 2007 Operating Budget;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Not applicable

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Appendix 1 outlines the changes to Celebrate Markham grants, in narrative form, including the addition of two grants, Tony Roman Hockey Tournament and startup funding for a Tourism Markham initiative, for 2007. Appendix 2 outlines the changes to Celebrate Markham grants in numerical form. The first three columns of Appendix 2 highlight the 2006 actuals, 2006 budget and variance. The last two columns show the Grants Sub-Committee’s proposed 2007 allocation and the increase or decrease compared to 2006 budget.

In total, the 2006 Celebrate Markham budget was $211,800 (detailed allocation of the budget shown in the second column “2006 Approved Budget” of Appendix 2). The Budget Sub-Committee proposes to increase the Celebrate Markham Budget by $7,450 in 2007 (from $211,800 to $219,250). The $7,450 in additional funding, if approved by General Committee and Council, will result in a minor increase in the proposed 2007 Operating Budget.

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

To communicate the Grants Sub-Committee’s 2007 allocation of Celebrate Markham grants to the General Committee.

BACKGROUND:

Celebrate Markham grants are funds provided to community groups/organizations that enhance and promote the Town, and are committed to building the community by celebrating the artistic and cultural uniqueness of Markham.

Appointments to the Grants Sub-Committee were finalized by Council on January 23, 2007 and two Grants Sub-Committee meeting were held, March 1^st and March 29^th.

Changes in allocations and new events/organizations recommended by the Grants Sub-Committee for inclusion in the 2007 Celebrate Markham budget are outlined in Appendix 1 and 2. Other recommendations of the Grants Sub-Committee are outlined in the Options/Discussion section of this report.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Other items discussed by the Grants Sub-Committee are as follows:

• Request from York Centre for Children, Youth & Families from May 15, 2006 ($155,000 over 3 years) – The Committee decided this was a Social Service, not supported in the Town’s grant guidelines, and recommend the group seek funding from the Region.
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Annual General Meeting in Markham – Committee decided this is not a Celebrate Markham event.
• The Grants Sub-Committee will be conducting an audit of one organization each year where the grant is equal to or over $5,000.
• The Grants Sub-Committee is also considering the implementation of a Small Events Fund for 2008 where minor Markham events may apply for funding of $500.00 per event. The Committee will develop procedures, guidelines, deadlines for consideration for implementation in 2008.

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE: (external link)

None

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

None

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

None

ENGAGE 21^ST CONSIDERATIONS:

None

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

None

RECOMMENDED

BY: ________________________ ________________________

Barb Cribbett Andy Taylor, Commissioner

Treasurer Corporate Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix 1 – Summary of Changes - 2007 Celebrate Markham Grants Budget

Appendix 2 – Celebrate Markham Grants – 2006 Actuals and Proposed 2007 Allocation

Appendix 3 – Request for Startup Funding $4,750 – Promote Tourism in Markham