East Kent Councillor David Van Damme will be approaching Chatham-Kent Council Monday night, seeking funds to help out the Mary Webb Centre.
Van Damme is asking for council to consider setting aside funds for an interest-free loan of $250,000 to go toward the centre's expansion.
"Early last year, they decided that in order to meet the demand and provide better washroom facilities that they would expand the Mary Webb Centre," says Van Damme.
He adds the performing arts theatre has received funding from programs like the Trillium Foundation, but it didn't cover all of the costs. In addition, the funds were only available to use for a year.
That is where Van Damme's proposal for bridge financing comes in.
"This is an important thing to consider," he says. "When we look at our rural communities, what are unique and proactive ways to build them up? One of the ways to do that is by injecting small amounts of money into the local economy."
If the motion passes the loan is expected to be paid back by January 31, 2022.
"The people of Highgate and the board at the Mary Webb Centre have committed to paying it back over the short term," he says. "I believe with their work ethic they will."
