The Village of Forestburg council has granted funds to a seniors development that provides services to improve the lives of its residents. The decision was made at the Mar. 19 regular meeting of council.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Dwight Dibben provided councillors with a funding request from the Big Knife Villa Residents Club, which the club noted supports its residents in many ways.

“Big Knife Villa’s Residents’ Club has written to Council asking Forestburg to consider providing a donation in support of the Big Knife Villa van expenses,” stated the staff memo.

“Any donations that are provided to the club need to be issued by Apr. 2, 2026, for any advertising as stated on the poster.”

The Big Knife Villa Residents Club poster sent to council stated the group was conducting a fundraiser by canvassing local businesses and organizations for financial help; the poster noted such donations will replenish the club’s accounts and support the following activities: the Villa van’s annual insurance and registration, taking residents on life-enriching trips, grocery trips, van maintenance and other programs.

The Big Knife Villa Residents Club letter went on to state the club would ensure donors are publicly recognized and noted such recognition would be published mid-April. The group also noted, “No amount is too small to give.”

Coun. Elaine Fossen commented first by saying she was happy to support the Residents Club, but asked the CAO where the funds would come from in the town budget if councillors decided to grant the funding request. “I just think it is a really good thing,” said Fossen.

Dibben responded the request, if granted, would likely come from the community development envelope.

Coun. Blaise Young noted that a community van used in Forestburg in the past had the names or logos of donors emblazoned right on the vehicle and wondered if the same thing could be done here.

Councillors discussed how much money Forestburg could donate; Fossen started with $100, while Mayor Dwayne Giroux said he’d be happy to see the village grant $200.

Councillors unanimously passed a motion to grant $200 to the Big Knife Villa Residents Club fundraising project in support of the Villa van.