DIDSBURY - Town council has approved a request from the Didsbury & District Chamber of Commerce for a letter of support for a proposed grant application.
The move came during the recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and on YouTube.
The chamber is applying for up to $75,000 through the provincial Community Facilities Enhancement Program.
If successful, the funds would be used to update the chamber facility’s technology, for office improvements, and for an expansion of the office rental space, council heard.
In a letter to the town requesting the letter of support, chamber president Helen Hafke said the chamber’s recently opened new office is proving very popular and the expansion is warranted.
“The use of the facility has indicated the need for reconfiguration of space, including more office and improvements to technology,” said Hafke.
The Didsbury Business Centre opened on 19th Avenue in December 2022.
“The move has been successful with all monthly office space rented and meeting room rentals being consistent,” she said. “Small businesses are utilizing the space to start up and grow their business. Service groups hold monthly meetings. Artists are holding classes. Training programs are booking, helping to create the business centre we envisioned.”
Council carried a motion to approve that mayor Rhonda Hunter, on behalf of council, provide the letter of support to the chamber for use in the CFEP grant application.
Once the grant application is made, the chamber expects to hear back from CFEP by November, council heard.
Council defeated a motion put forward by Coun. Joyce McCoy calling for the request for a letter of support to be received as information only.
Coun. Ethan Williams did not attend the May 9 meeting.
