Letter: Minnow Lake CAN pens plans for HCI

After much debate, council remains deadlocked over the issue of the HCI funds, and they remain in place despite the majority of citizens wanting change.

The original concept was well intended to provide funding for ward projects of value; however, the execution was flawed from a number of perspectives, not the least of which was councillor involvement, which, in some instances, could have been seen as, and perhaps was, a vote-getting mechanism.

Our Community Action Network (Minnow Lake) submitted a plan for a more democratic model for distribution of these funds, which we still feel has merit, and which was endorsed by a number of other CANs.

It involves the creation of a city-wide citizen panel (a representative from each ward) to review funding requests vetted by staff (to make sure they qualify depending on established guidelines).

The panel would then refer the requests to the appropriate local CAN for “grassroot” comment, then back to the panel for recommendations to council for approval. Anyone, including councillors or any group could make submission for funding, but the process would take place at arms length, an important consideration. The panel would keep records (with staff assistance) of projects approved and report to council as to the effectiveness of the process. This plan could be implemented as a pilot project to be reviewed at the end of the term of this council.

It is obvious that compromise is going to have to take place to satisfy all concerned, and, in particular, citizens who want to see worthwhile improvements in all areas of the city for the benefit of all residents, but want to see this take place in a fair and transparent manner, such as that suggested in this letter or in some similar fashion.

Let us hope council can resolve this issue as soon as possible, and get on to bigger (no pun intended) concerns.

John Lindsay
Chair, Minnow Lake
Community Action Network