Image: Submitted / The Fraser Valley Regional District board of directors, comprised of elected officials from throughout the Fraser Valley, is set to vote this Thursday (Sept. 28) on a grant request of $4,000 from Chilliwack-based Streams Foundation to help beautify the Chilliwack River Valley. Occupied and unoccupied homeless camps have put a stain on the otherwise pristine meadows, hills, trails and backcountry of the Chilliwack River Valley east of Chilliwack.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack River Valley beautification

FVRD to vote on $4,000 grant to Streams Foundation to beautify the Chilliwack River Valley

Sep 27, 2023 | 5:45 AM

CHILLIWACK — The Fraser Valley Regional District board of directors, comprised of elected officials from throughout the Fraser Valley, is set to vote this Thursday (Sept. 28) on a grant request of $4,000 from Chilliwack-based Streams Foundation to help beautify the Chilliwack River Valley.

Occupied and unoccupied homeless camps have put a stain on the otherwise pristine meadows, hills, trails and backcountry of the Chilliwack River Valley east of Chilliwack. No one, to date, has devised a comprehensive plan to put an end to the homeless camps north and south of Chilliwack Lake Road.

Earlier this year, the FVRD received a one-time grant of $200,000 from the provincial government to support FVRD operational costs related to Chilliwack River Valley cleanup of abandoned homeless encampments, including tipping fees for refuse, removal of destroyed vehicles, or rental of containers to remove debris.

According to an FVRD staff report from accountant Melanie Jones, FVRD’s operational grants include providing grants-in-aid to the community and therefore require applications to be eligible for funding under the grant-in-aid policy and provincial government funding requirements.

The report from FVRD accountant Melanie Jones goes on to say Streams Foundation’s vision is to beautify the Chilliwack River Valley and “spread awareness and education in the community about the importance of the CRV (Chilliwack River Valley) ecosystem.”

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Streams plans to host garbage cleanup events twice a month and arrange monthly meetups to gather feedback on their cleanup efforts and provide educational talks about the importance of keeping the Chilliwack River Valley clean. It plans to run this pilot program for approximately seven months or until funds are depleted.

Streams has engaged with the broader community by holding four free multicultural events in the past year, partnering with the City of Chilliwack on a project to pick up large items from residences in Sardis and Promontory, teaming up with local youth for “Coffee with Seniors” events and organizing a free weeklong camp during spring break at the Great Blue Heron Reserve in Chilliwack.

FVRD has several requirements attached to the funding grants, including the condition that grants over $1,000 require follow up with the FVRD upon completion of the capital project or event. Follow-up will include a letter to FVRD about the exact usage of funds their success, accompanied by pictures of the project or event and any other supporting documentation. Grants of over $4,000 require submission of financial statements and/or financial reports for the applicant to be included with the funding application.

There are also application restrictions for the grant-in-aid programs. For example, businesses, commercial and industrial organizations are not permitted to apply for grant funding. Grant-in-aid may not be used to subsidize any activities that are the responsibilities of senior levels of government. It remains unclear why unpaid volunteers are being tasked with addressing unoccupied homeless encampments.

Non-profit organizations that wish to apply for grant funding need to submit an application and meet several application criteria, including a clear explanation for why the funding is being requested.

Chilliwack resident Ross Aikenhead, who has been involved in cleanups around Chilliwack for a number of years, says the City of Chilliwack has a much easier process for volunteers interested in cleanup efforts.

“The city of Chilliwack still gives out dump passes to citizens without the need to jump through hoops,” said Aikenhead. “Most people don’t even want to have to ask for a dump pass, never mind dealing with the paperwork now. Any complications are a step in the wrong direction. Once the $200,000 funding is gone, that’s it. It’s a one-time thing.”

by Mike Vanden Bosch

FVRD to vote on $4,000 grant to Streams Foundation to beautify the Chilliwack River Valley

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