Coun. Doug Graham doesn't mind the city donating staff time and city space to help the Youth of Today Society raise money through a project that would, 40 years from now, also celebrate the city's 100th anniversary.

But it's not a project he believes the city needs to spend $3,000 on, he told his fellow council members Monday evening.

The veteran councillor made the remark after it was proposed by staff that council approve spending up to $3,000 and investing 15 hours of staff time into the project.

The youth society proposal would see the group sell and administer the project. Under the plan, groups and individuals could buy space in the time capsule that would be opened in 2050 – the city's 100th anniversary.

The organization asked the city to participate by finding a permanent location for the capsule. It also asked the city to prepare the site for the capsule to be buried, help out with promoting and advertising and assisting with the burial ceremony and celebration.

The report to council estimates prepping the site for burial at about $1,000, advertising at another $1,000 and the celebration event at $500.

Graham stated his support for the initiative. He then argued the city could cover off all but the celebration through resources already available through city operations.

Staff and city equipment could be used for the site preparation while the City Page space the city already takes out each week in the local newspapers could be used for advertising, he pointed out.

Outlined in an administrative report presented to council by Brian Crist, director of operations, is the financial and time costs attached to each of the tasks for the city, including:

• Finding the right, permanent location for the time capsule that would take about two hours' staff time;

• Preparing the location which would depend on the size of the capsule. As the city explained: "There is no indication of what size of time capsule is required. Depending on the size, there could be a cost for staff and equipment time and a permanent marker.” It estimated the cost at approximately $1,000;

• Assisting with promotion and advertising is estimated at taking about 10 hours of staff time and $1,000 in direct costs that would cover radio spots, a link from the city's website and inclusion on the City Page; and

• The ceremony and celebration estimated at $500 and three hours of staff time.

"There is no indication of what the expectations are for the ceremony and celebration, but at the minimum, it would likely include participation by the mayor and some refreshments.”

The funding would be in addition to the $15,000 the city provided to the youth society in this year's budget for its operations.

"There is no funding available for initiatives such as this, especially fund-raising initiatives; however, assistance can be provided in some aspects of this project,” reads the report.

"The city could leave the project clearly in the hands of the Youth of Today Society as the lead and provide assistance where possible. More detail would be required for some of the requests in order to determine if the city can provide assistance.

"At a minimum, a location could be determined and mayor and council could participate in the ceremony and celebration.”

One councillor already has an idea of where the time capsule could go.

Coun. Florence Roberts suggested staff should look at burying it somewhere around the outdoor artwork that's set to be installed at the new public safety building under construction off Two Mile Hill. The building is set to open later this year.

The city also has another time capsule, buried in 1986, that is scheduled to be open for the 100th anniversary as well.

Council will vote on funding youth society's project next Monday.