A motion was passed yesterday by Kitimat council that would have them reviewing a partnership request from the Mountain Elizabeth Cycling Association (MECA) in their upcoming budget process.
Daniel Chimko who is with MECA made the presentation last night at a committee of the whole meeting. Currently, there is $562,673 that is unfunded for MECA’s 3-year plan.
MECA is requesting a partnership with the District of Kitimat to fund some of these upcoming projects. These include new trails on Haisla Hill as well as new trails in the Kuldo area. The funding requested is a $250,000 trail development capital contribution as well as a $30,000 maintenance funding agreement.
A little over $2-million has already been funded for a new bike park in Strawberry Meadows. MECA will be doing some of their own fundraising. Kona Bikes has donated a bike worth roughly $2,000 for MECA to raffle. MECA is also looking into creating its own clothing to sell.
“We’ll be seeking grants as well, we’re a bit held up with the grant applications as it stands now just because we don’t officially have access to any land. That will be proceeding as soon we get official land access,” said Chimko during the meeting.
Chimko says MECA will also be reaching out to local stakeholders including Rio Tinto and the Haisla Nation for sponsorship. A letter has been drafted to begin soliciting these corporate sponsorships.
Council will be reviewing MECA’s funding request as part of their upcoming budget process.