Collingwood Council has a plan to try to avoid further controversy when it comes to making grant applications.
This became a hot issue when a government grant was given to Pretty River Academy instead of other town projects.
The application for the private school was supported by a member of town staff, apparently without the knowledge of town council.
A half million dollars was given to the school from the federal and provincial governments to fix up the school’s soccer field.
Now council has decided to hear a recommendation for a grant application, discuss it and then decide whether to give permission for a letter of endorsement to be written.
That letter will then go back to council for approval before it’s sent out.
Councillor Ian Chadwick says this policy works because it makes council responsible as it should be rather than hold staff accountable and let them be criticized.
Meanwhile, town staff department heads will be meeting this week to discuss Pretty River Academy’s request for a dome to go over the new soccer field once it’s fixed up.
The issue will come to council for discussion in a couple of weeks.