City Councillors passed a motion to provide the first year of funding to the Rising Tide Community Initiative, but it didn’t happen without debate.
Several councillors engaged in heated conversation over whether Rising Tide would be required to provide public updates.
The group had several conditions that had to be met to receive funding. They achieved the first by securing matching funding from the provincial government but have yet to fulfill the remaining three.
“It seems to me that it wouldn’t be unreasonable to set a timeline in light of the fact that we don’t want to arrive at the end of the year and be in the same situation,” Councillor Susan Edgett suggested regarding Rising Tide meeting the remaining conditions.
Rising Tide stated that the need for the funding to be disbursed is to begin purchasing properties. Councillor Bryan Butler was quick to state “Property prices are going up. We have to get on this.”
Council decided in favour of requiring Rising Tide to commit to public reports. It was later added that the organization was more than willing to provide transparency throughout the process according to Councillor Charles Leger.
The suggestions that proved to be lengthy were viewed as useless for some members of the council.
“There’s no need to put something in writing to say you will come. I’m confident they will come because this is the first $2 million, they still need another $4 million,” said Councillor Paul Pellerin.
The Moncton City Council first promised to commit $6 million in November. The project will create 125-units for affordable housing.
