White Rock – currently planning $2.2 million in upgrades to the promenade, parks, sports fields and multi-purpose facilities – has applied for more than $700,000 in federal grants to jump-start the work.

Council Monday officially endorsed applications to Recreation Infrastructure Canada (RInC) totalling $734,903.33.

But that was only after objections from Coun. Doug McLean, who pointed out the applications for RInC funding were submitted by staff by a June 19 deadline – before council had a chance to discuss them.

“We were very tight on timelines,” city manager Peggy Clark explained. “If they don’t get an endorsement, then we would ask for the application to be withdrawn.”

Clark explained that all applications to RInC required a resolution by the municipal council concerned, which could be received up to the end of June.

But McLean said he was “disappointed” by the process.

“I’m not very much in favour of endorsing something that has already gone in. This program was announced on May 11. There would have been an opportunity to come to us (with projects) by then.

“If we don’t endorse it, then we won’t get any money – even though these aren’t necessarily projects I would have included.”

Clark noted all three projects are part of the city’s current five-year capital plan.

But after council endorsed the applications, McLean successfully moved the city’s governance committee prepare a policy for grant applications that would spell out options and timelines for council before funding deadlines.

The RInC program, part of the federal government’s strategy to counteract the current economic downturn, will funnel $500 million into recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period, with an eye to renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure.

Western Canada has been earmarked for close to $54 million to be distributed through Western Economic Diversification Canada.

RInC grants can be as high as $1 million, but normally represent a third of overall project costs, and cannot exceed 50 per cent of the total cost.

Among the work for which White Rock is applying for RInC funding is revitalization of the promenade by upgrading older infrastructure, and redesigning it for a higher level of use; developing a stronger connection between the promenade and the town centre and upgrading facilities to maximize efficiency and potential levels of use.

Total budget for that project would be $1,291,500, for which RInC funds, if approved, would amount to $430,070 between 2009 and 2011.

Also on the city’s wish list is creating and upgrading sports field infrastructure. Plans for Centennial Park would include looking at upsizing the sports fields, baseball diamond and track. Officials are also considering replacing bleachers, the ball diamond fence and the track, as well as upgrading washrooms. Other projects include improving infrastructure at Peace Arch Park; and creating new washrooms and baseball fence at Peace Arch Elementary. Total project costs for the sports fields improvements would be $310,000, of which the RInC grant would supply $103,333 over two years.

Multi-purpose facility upgrades would include refurbishment of the Kent Street Activity Centre, including new flooring, roofing, furniture and window treatments, plus design and installation of an elevator and improved signage; and extensive renovations to the Centennial Park Leisure Centre, including improvements for handicap access, electrical upgrades, installation of window film to reduce energy use, plus door, table and floor replacements and improved signage.

Price tag for this work would be $645,815, of which the amount requested of RInC is $201,500 over two years.