On Thursday, January 29, 2026, during its Committee of the Whole meeting, Champlain Township Council agreed upon a series of community grants and in-kind donations to local organizations. In total, $75,000 in grants will be awarded, surpassing the $70,000 initially approved for the year.
Champlain Communications and Community Officer Shanna Steals said more than $136,000 had been requested from 24 applicants.
“We based our decisions on several criteria, including the benefits to the population, the number of people served, the steps taken to secure various sources of funding, and the collaboration with the organizations throughout the year,” Steals said.
Vankleek Hill applicants received the largest share of funding at 57 per cent, or $40,200 of the original $70,000 in funding available, followed by L’Orignal with 39 per cent, or $27,430. The rest of Champlain accounted for approximately three percent, or $2,370.
Successful applicants included the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society, organizer of the Vankleek Hill Fair and Truck Pull, which received $10,204 of $16,204 requested. Excellent Events, organizer of the annual May Show and Festival of Flavours, received $9,589 of requested $12,589. Arbor Gallery received $3,000 of $3,500, while the L’Orignal Food Bank received $8,475 of $10,000 requested.
Councillors Paul Burroughs and Sarah Bigelow agreed that costs should not be cut for organizations like the food bank, citing the rising costs and need of the non-profit locally. They recommended increasing the allocation from $7,830 to $8,475, matching last year’s funding to help maintain the centre’s operations.
Additionally, the 57 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps requested $15,000 to rebuild its pipes and drums band, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to restore the band’s functionality by the end of the cadet training year.
Council voted to support the 57 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps with a $2,450 grant, citing its commitment and the value of youth programs.
