JASON SETNYK
Cornwall City Council has referred a request from the Stormont Community Optimist Club to the Municipal Grants Review Committee, delaying a decision on whether the new organizers of Ribfest should retain its designation as a Signature Event.
Previously hosted by the Cornwall Optimist Club, Ribfest was one of three festivals recognized by Council in 2022 for annual in-kind support of up to $10,000. The Stormont Community Optimist Club, now taking over the event, requested continued support and a municipal resolution recognizing Ribfest as a community festival.
Councillor Sarah Good questioned how the funding would directly benefit Cornwall residents. “I just want to know, if this is a service club that is serving Stormont and not directly serving Cornwall, where are the funds ultimately ending up and where are they benefiting?”
“We will be using the funds raised to support the community of Cornwall and surrounding area, just like we always did,” said Ribfest Chair Terry Muir.
Councillor Todd Bennett noted that while the organization’s name has changed, the people behind the event remain the same. “Stormont Community Optimist Club operates in Cornwall and area. It is almost all of the same volunteers working on the event that have been involved with Cornwall Ribfest for many years,” Muir added.
Several councillors emphasized that the application should go through the Municipal Grants Review Committee to maintain a fair and transparent process.. “We bring this back to the Municipal Grants Review Committee,” said Councillor Denis Sabourin, citing the need for consistent process. Councillor Dean Hollingsworth agreed, adding, “If I can write a really nice letter, I get the money-whether I meet criteria or not.”
Others disagreed. Councillor Elaine MacDonald said the event was bigger than what the grants program usually encompasses. “This is a group attempting to put on a festival that will be a signature event,” she said. “I’d hope to see it get approval without attachment to the policy.”
Ultimately, Council voted in favour of the referral. The committee will evaluate the application based on the City’s updated Municipal Grants Program Policy, with a final decision to follow.
L’article Council debates Ribfest signature status est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
