Challinor successfully encourages Milton Council to restore original Milton Community Fund balance

The original $500,000 allocation, which was and continues to be funded entirely by Ontario Lottery Corporation proceeds from Woodbine Mohawk Park, was reduced to $250,000 by a previous Council about 12 years ago. The restoration of the funds will have no impact on local property tax levels. 

Mr. Challinor’s motion was seconded by Town of Milton Ward 1 Regional Councillor Colin Best. It was approved unanimously by members of Council. 

Originally supported by the Milton Council of the day and working with Milton Mayor Gord Krantz, Mr. Challinor helped to establish the Milton Community Fund in 2000. 

In making his case for full restoration, Mr. Challinor said the Fund was established to help non-profit community organizations enhance the quality of life for all Miltonians by providing the monies necessary to support well-subscribed community activities and programs, finance capital initiatives in those organizations that help to build Milton’s volunteer capacity and capability and ensure the community’s voluntary sector keeps pace on all fronts with Canada’s fastest growing municipality. 

“Over the last 21 years, the annual allocation of OLG funds to the Milton Community Fund has typically represented less than 10 percent of the monies received by the Town of Milton,” explained Mr. Challinor. “That low level of annual financial commitment to the Fund was not what was intended by its original drafters. Before the end of this term of Council, I will be returning to the Council table with a request to review the annual allocation to this critically important Fund. Miltonians cannot possibly continue to enjoy a great quality of life in this community without a strong and growing voluntary sector. And that requires a more fiscally supportive Milton Community Fund.” CR