The Oyama Community Hall is getting a boost from taxpayers.
Lake Country council will provide a $3,060 grant to the Oyama Community Club to assist with the costs of emergency repairs to the furnace.
“It’s difficult for volunteers to raise big dollars so they can come to the municipality,” said Mayor James Baker of a district fund the community halls in Oyama, Winfield and Okanagan Centre can access for capital works.
District staff had recommended the grant.
“The society has cash in the bank to pay for the emergency repairs but this expenditure wold further erode its working capital which is used for operational expenses and contingencies,” said Rose Bronswyk Kassa, chief financial officer.
The $3,060 grant will be reduced by $435, which is the unused portion of a 2012 grant for fire escapes and electrical repairs that has not been returned to the district yet because of an accounting oversight.
Since 2006, the Oyama Community Club has received $180,000 in assistance from the municipality.
“Works have included roof replacement, replacement of the furnace, ducting and a new door, a fire suppression system, parking lot repairs and paving, a fire escape, electoral drainage and a historical display,” said Bronswyk Kassa.