The 'Creativeniss' Art Society gave a 'performance' at the Port McNeill Town Council meeting on June 6. The society requested funds to help officially open the local recycling building as a co-operative working art space. The building currently needs re-roofing, electricity hooked up, and the water and sewer brought and connected to the building.
The society asked for the Town to pay for materials for the roof ($2,200), pay for the electrical work ($1,400), pay BC Hydro's hookup charges and bring the water and sewer up to the building.
"We feel the Town would benefit from this reasonable investment in our community. The Town would have a building with a new roof, new electrical and running water and sewer for a very reasonable cost. Additionally, the Town would have a social space benefitting a wide range of North Island residents that could grow into a showpiece of community spirit," wrote Society member, Kathleen McArthur, in her correspondence to Council.
So far, the non-profit society has 10 official members on the board; signed and paid a five-year building lease; joined Arts BC; obtained liability insurance; received yearly membership fees of $50 from 14 people; held a bake sale at the SD85 career fair and raised $90; held an open house attended by 50 people who all expressed their desire to help, and; created a Facebook page with currently 43 members.
Council empathized with the request, with Mayor Shirley Ackland stating "I really applaud your tenacity, getting something together like this is impressive. Well done."
Councillor Shelley Downey asked if Council could table the request and bring it back up at their next meeting so that they could gather more information and think on it before voting.
"We absolutely could," said Mayor Ackland, adding that the society will "hear from us by the next council meeting, as we are very aware of your timeframe."