The Peace River Regional District will issue a letter of support for AutismBC, following a Feb. 29 email from AutismBC Development Manager Susan Tarrant which clarified the non-profit's intentions in applying for a $10,000 grant through the BC Hydro GO Fund. The funds wanted to host workshops and provide support for those on the spectrum in the Peace Region.
"Upon reading the report in the Canadian Press article, I was most dismayed to see that the Directors felt that AutismBC was asking for support for virtual engagement only and that is not the case," wrote Tarrant in the email.
Virtual events would only be considered if inclement weather was a concern, or if there were too few attendees, explained Tarrant.
"In all possible cases, we would ensure that workshops, information dissemination sessions, assistance with obtaining assessments and events would be conducted in person in whatever communities in the Peace River District have need of these services and programs," Tarrant noted.
PRRD directors reconsidered the item during their March 7 meeting, defeating a motion to receive the email for information only. While the March 6 deadline has passed, PRRD CAO Shawn Dahlen noted the deadline can be extended if AutismBC has a letter of support.
The item had previously been discussed during a Feb. 22 PRRD board meeting, with Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen and Electoral Area D Director Leonard Hiebert both expressing concerns about the suitability of virtual workshops.
Hansen reiterated that she would prefer to see support for a local organization, and canvassed stakeholders in her community to see if anyone has worked with AutismBC.
"I can confirm that while they are primarily an advocacy organization that works directly with parents of children with autism to navigate the system, which is important, there is no partnership with the school district," said Hansen.
"I'd like to see funds go towards a local group or someone who we do work with," she added. "But ultimately the decision as discussed at the last meeting will be put forward before the BC Hydro Generate Opportunities Fund. But if they're asking for a letter of support, I can't support someone who I don't know and that in my community they're not actively working with, at least those that I reached out to and spoke with."
Hudson's Hope Mayor Travous Quibell suggested issuing the letter of support, noting that there could be a benefit to families in his community.
"It may not exist in a tangible form in our community at this time, but it looks like they're trying to grow and reach out and build service," he said, agreeing that any scrutiny would be practiced by the GO Fund committee.
Dawson Creek coun. Charlie Parslow noted that there are families in the region who have received support from AutismBC.
AutismBC's grant project proposes that $3,000 be used to host six lived-experience facilitator workshops, $5,000 be put towards, transportation, meals, accommodation for adults or families seeking health related appointments in Prince George, $1,000 for administrative costs, and a $1,000 for renting safe gathering places for in-person meetings.
There are 56 diagnosed individuals of all ages on the spectrum in the Peace Region, and over 100 waiting for assessment, according to AutismBC.
You can AutismBC's email here:
Business Arising_AustismBC Request for Support for BC Hydro Grant by Tom Summer on Scribd
