It wanted $5,000 but will have to settle for $1,500.
That’s the dollar amount West Nipissing council will give to the West Nipissing Chamber of Commerce for its upcoming Business Awards Gala.
The chamber holds the gala dinner every second year.
In 2011 and 2013 council donated $5,000 but turned down requests for sponsorships the next two times the gala was held.
Mayor Joanne Savage explained the large donations from the past by saying from 2010-13 council was a significant partner with the chamber involving a number of initiatives.
A discussion to give a smaller dollar amount to the chamber had support from five members of council while councillors Denis Senecal and Roland Larabie opposed sending any money.
Larabie pointed out the organization would be charging $100 a plate so it should not be asking the municipality for money.
Denis Senecal asked where would it stop if council gave the chamber money.
“I’m sure the food bank would like $5,000” Senecal told his colleagues adding he felt confident the chamber could survive without a donation from council.
On the opposite side of the debate, Yvon Duhaime said the chamber plays a vital role in West Nipissing as a business organization and that the gala “encourages businesses to celebrate what and who they are”.
It wasn’t a total strike out for the chamber.
Council approved its request to be able to use the Marcel Noel Hall where the gale takes place in addition to the kitchen at no charge.
The Business Awards Gala takes place May 4th.