The town won’t be donating space or funding for a community thrift store but will assist a local group in finding support.
During their meeting Nov. 13, councillors directed staff to “provide assistance to the (Sylvan Lake and Area) Community Partners Association through the Community and Social Development Department to pursue other funding for a proposed thrift store.”
Ronnie Ploit, on behalf of the association, spoke to councillors at an open mic session before the Oct. 9 council meeting requesting a building and start up funds of $30,000 for a community thrift store since Care and Share had recently closed after operating for 28 years.
The association then submitted a written request indicating that a 1,000 square foot space is required and, while not specifying the start up costs, the letter said “any support by the Town of Sylvan Lake would be greatly appreciated”.
In her written report, Marlene Curtis, director of Community and Social Development, said she’d made Ploit aware the town didn’t have a building or space to donate, rent or lease. He was provided with information on property owners in the downtown area.
“This project does not fit the municipal mandate of preventive social services and does not qualify under provincial FCSS (Family & Community Social Services) Act and Regulations,” she wrote.
“The Thrift Store has the potential to be self-supporting and providing municipal funding is not recommended.”