Renting venues in Radium Hot Springs can now be done with one less hassle, as the village has recently assumed administrative responsibility and will offer third-party insurance. The Radium Senior’s Association had previously been booking Radium’s public spaces — the Radium Community Hall, the fire hall meeting room, and Radium’s council chambers and gymnasium — but the duty has been transferred to village staff.

The village’s new responsibility was discussed during Radium’s regular council meeting on Wednesday, March 26th, when members of council agreed upon a model that is common in most other communities.

Renters who choose to privately insure their event will have to purchase a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage, and will be given a timeline to provide confirmation of purchase. Renters who are comfortable purchasing private insurance for their events can continue to do so, but now have the option of purchasing it directly through the village.

“There’s Lambert Insurance, or any other insurance company — but another option for them is we can have it right here,” said Radium mayor Dee Conklin, “This makes it easier for smaller organizations that may overlook the insurance.”

Disbursements doled out

Another topic which arose during last week’s council meeting was the grant in aid disbursements for 2014, which will see nearly $60,000 in support disbursed among local organizations.

Tourism Radium will receive $20,000 for its Visitor Information Centre operational funding, as well as $8,000 for Music and Market on Main, the Hospice Society will see $1,000, Wings Over the Rockies will benefit from $500, Greenways Alliance will be given $10,000 to assist with hard surfacing the Old Coach Trail, and $19,230 has been allocated to the Radium Public Library. The Bantam Boys Hockey Championships were given their first grant in aid with $1,000 in support.