Edmonton’s 160 Community Leagues have serious concerns about funding cuts in the Fiscal Measures and Taxation Act, which became law Dec. 5.

Funding for the Community Initiatives Program and the Community Facility Enhancement Program were cut by a combined $70 million. As well, the $1.4 billion Alberta Lottery Fund will be moved into general revenue. The Lottery Fund currently disperses casino earnings to non-profits. There is uncertainty about how that will continue.

All are essential sources of funding for community leagues outright as well as helping them obtain matching grants. In Ritchie’s case, hopes to fund a new hall (and possibly whole site redevelopment) are based, in large part, on the league continuing to grow its nest egg of casino funds and securing CIP and CFEP grants to match other funding sources the league has yet to tap.

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, in a letter to Premier Jason Kenney and NDP MLA Nicole Goehring, chair of the standing committee on families and communities, warned that the changes threaten league facilities as well as the programs and events they house.

The letter points out that community leagues have built more than half a billion dollars worth of community-based infrastructure in the past 100 years, including:

• 126 Community League halls

• 250 playgrounds

• 119 outdoor community ice rinks

• 55 water spray parks

• 46 basketball court facilities

• 25 community gardens

• 24 outdoor tennis court facilities

• 10 BMX/skateboard tracks

Under the new law, significantly fewer leagues will be able to access CFEP.  Repairs and renovations may not be possible. Gathering places will become unsafe. Some leagues may to cease operation, says the EFCL.

“Cuts to this program will have a devastating and lasting impact on communities and neighbourhoods,” says Laura Cunningham-Shpeley, EFCL executive director and former RCL president, in the letter. She called on all leagues to send letters of their own to the government. The EFCL is also seeking a meeting with Minister Leela Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women, to present these concerns.