SUNDRE – A company that was among the recipients of the Town of Sundre's 2024 grants to organizations program will be able to defer the allotted funding to next year.
Linda Nelson, the town's chief administrative officer, told council during the Dec. 2 meeting that Crude Energy Beverages Inc. had been approved for $3,000 back in March.
“The applicant has indicated that this funding was to be used towards storefront improvements at their location at 104 Main Avenue East,” said Nelson.
“Unfortunately, due to circumstances they have requested that those funds be carried over and they would complete the storefront improvements in 2025,” she said, reminding council extensions have been approved in the past.
A letter to council and the grants committee dated Nov. 21 and signed by the company’s CEO Kimberley Johnson expressed gratitude for the funds and explained the extenuating circumstances that ultimately led to the deferral request.
“We were given notice at the end of August to vacate our current premises by the end of 2024,” reads part of Johnson’s letter.
“We have since worked out a deal with the landlord and Crude Energy Beverages is allowed to remain in the location and at the beginning of February, we will be taking over rent of the entire building.”
Coun. Jaime Marr moved to grant the extension request.
Speaking in favour, Coun. Owen Petersen said, “It was by no fault of their own that they had some uncertainty. But now there’s certainty, so I would like to see them finish their project.”
Coun. Chris Vardas echoed his colleague’s sentiment and added, “It’s always kind of nice to be able to help a business improve their building to beautify it for the community.
“Any chance we can give somebody a break like this because it wasn’t their fault, I’m all in favour,” said Vardas.
No members of council spoke opposed and the motion carried unanimously.
The town’s policy outlines processes and eligibility criteria for non-profit organizations, charities as well as local business operators that qualify to apply for funding in two annual intakes with deadlines on Jan. 31 and Sept. 30.
