By Patricia Harcourt, Editor
A Viking/Beaver Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) request for its annual funding was approved by Viking council at council’s regular Jan. 19 meeting.
A motion was passed to give the social service agency the $14,280.32 grant, which is the town’s 20 per cent share portion of the five local municipalities.
Council also agreed to pay an extra amount of $2,801.24, called an “over contribution.” This was requested to help the local FCSS maintain its services as the province has not increased its FCSS funding since 2023.
This puts the total amount from the town for FCSS this year at $17,081.56, which was the amount officially requested.
Viking/Beaver FCSS’s (VBFCSS) mandate is to provide preventative social programs and services to residents in the area, stated Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Doug Lefsrud in his report to council.
He explained that “the funding request forms part of VBFCSS’s annual operating and service delivery planning.”
He said the regional funding support request was for the 2025 fiscal year, the Town of Viking’s share to deliver FCSS programs and services in to people in the community.
The intent of the program is to help enhance individuals, families and community wellness, all while promoting regional cooperation.
The province mandates that municipalities have to provide 20 per cent of the funding for these local FCSS programs, which in this case is $14,280.32 for Viking.
Council also gave an over-contribution of $2,801.24, a request which had been granted in previous years.
“This over-contribution request is supported by neighboring municipalities and the county,” said Lefsrud, which is “reflecting a shared regional commitment to sustaining enhanced FCSS service levels.”
He added that, “Council’s consideration of this funding requisition will allow VBFCSS to formalize its 2026 budget and ensure the continued delivery of services.”
He also noted that the $17,081.56 is included in the town’s 2026 operating budget, with funding of $18,000 allocated pending the specific amount being requested.
Viking/Beaver FCSS Director Dawn Chrystian provided information in a request letter to the town.
“Demand for services remains consistent and, with provincial FCSS funding remaining largely unchanged for the current grant cycle, municipal partnership remains essential to sustaining effective local programming,” stated Chrystian.
And in order for that to happen, she said that Viking/Beaver FCSS “continues to steward public funds responsibly while adapting services to meet ongoing and emerging community needs.”
FCSS is dealing with “operational pressures associated with sustained service demand,” she said, which is the reason for the requested extra community funds in the from of an extra amount to top off the formal request.
She also noted that the total requested amount has not increased since 2023.
Chrystian said that FCSS “remains committed to meeting the needs of residents in our service area,” as does the town and community it serves.
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