Nanaimo Council poised to approve 3 year funding for 4-H Barnyard

The City of Nanaimo is looking to take a little pressure off the Cedar 4-H Club, with a three year grant for the petting zoo at Beban Park.

The City cut back on the funding it gives the Club by $1-thousand in 2013, and was planning to trim the grant by that amount every year to “wean” the group from City funding.

Monday night, Council votes on a new plan: guaranteed grants of $4-thousand a year until 2017.

A report from the Parks, Rec & Culture Commission says 4-H hasn’t had any success getting money from other sources, but the community values the Barnyard a lot, so it’s important to make sure it stays open.

Barnyard Manager Linda Barnett says it represents a valuable learning opportunity.