By Scott Howard
Citizen Editor

Township council has passed on an opportunity to sponsor the Canada Day festivities in Cannington.

At last week's meeting, Walter Schummer -- chairman of the Cannington Lions Club's Canada Day committee -- requested a municipal contribution of $750 to help offset costs.

Mr. Schummer told councillors that this July 1 will mark the fifth straight year the club has organized a full day of activities at MacLeod Park. As the years have come and gone, the event has grown in size and scope, Mr. Schummer said, and the club has had to find ways to offset the increased costs.

He also noted that the Township contributed $1,000 to the Cannington Dog Sled Races in each of the last two years.

"We should be on equal footing... with other events in the township," Mr. Schummer said.

Mr. Schummer even suggested that the Township contribute an equal amount to the celebrations in Beaverton.

"I'm sure the organizers up there wouldn't turn it down," he said.

Regional councillor John Grant was the first -- but not the last -- councillor to speak against the request, saying it would set a precedent.

"If you do it for one (event), you've got to do it for them all," he said.

"This is a slippery slope."

The request for funding was unanimously defeated.

Despite the decision, Mayor Larry O'Connor congratulated Lions members for their efforts.

"We need to be thankful for the work the Lions club does," he said.

"This is a great community event and the Lions need to be patted on the back for that."

However, Mayor O'Connor also incorrectly stated that the funding for the dog sled races was based on a one-time request. After a request from organizers in 2008, the $1,000 grant was included in this year's budget.

After consulting with members of the organizing committee following the vote, Mr. Schummer addressed the concerns of council members in an e-mail to the Brock Citizen.

While he admits that funding community events is a "slippery slope" for the Township, he feels that slope got "greased" with the funding alloted to the dog sled races.

"Our committee's views extend beyond our event. There are at least five events in this township -- including fall fairs and a maple syrup festival -- which also do not receive the support of this council but yet one event has managed to receive substantial funding and even receives its own line item in the annual budget. That event is the Cannington Dog Sled Races," the e-mail read.

"Although the Cannington Lions Club fully supports, and even assists, in that winter event, there has been no explanation (from council) as to why that event receives funding and Township assistance year over year."

Mr. Schummer also said that municipal support for such events would go a long way in helping them prosper.

"The Lions have recommended to council for the past two years that this Township should set aside budgeted funds to help celebrate events in the communities," the e-mail reads.

"Many of Brock's surrounding municipalities do this and it not only shows support from the municipal governments but helps these events grow and survive."

According to Mr. Schummer, the Lions Club is just looking for an even playing field.

"In the end, the Cannington Lions respect the decision of council but only as far as its universality is concerned. Should The Township wish not to support events within the municipality that is the right of council. However, our committee and club feels it appropriate that a policy should be adopted and be applied to all with favourtism to none."