While the City of Chilliwack spends more than $25 million on policing, council has rejected a request for $3,000 of additional funding for a program with a track record of stopping young offenders from reoffending.

The Chilliwack Restorative Justice and Youth Advocacy Association's (CRJYAA) request for $34,500 for 2012 was denied by council Tuesday. Instead, all six councillors, along with Mayor Sharon Gaetz, agreed with a staff recommendation to maintain the program's current level of funding. The city had provided $31,500 in 2010 and 2011. It will do so again in 2012.

The restorative justice program brings young offenders and their victims together outside the court system. It allows youth to pay restitution for their crimes. The city provides about 40 per cent of CRJYAA's funding.

Each year, the city spends 800 times more-$25,566,750, or 29 per cent of the city's total budget-on policing. The city also provides space, utilities and office supplies to the group, which operates out of the city-owned Community Policing Society Office on Wellington Ave.

The restorative justice association doesn't need the money badly, however. A staff report notes that the organization has a surplus of $96,385, representing more than one year's operating expenses. It also has no pending capital needs.

Gaetz told the Times the surplus was one of the reasons the city didn't give the program more money this year.

"It's difficult for the city, when we're trying to be very careful of how we're spending money, to give additional money unless the need is really demonstrated," she said. "It certainly doesn't mean that in any way we would undervalue the work of the organization. They're doing extremely well."

In its application to council, restorative justice executive director Kim McLandress noted a 2003 study that showed a recidivism rate of just 17 per cent, compared to 43 per cent of youth handed through the court system.

The program has expanded dramatically in recent years. In 2010, it opened 214 files, compared to 159 the previous year.

Gaetz attributed its success both to the commitment of volunteers and participating businesses, and to the non-profit's ability to fundraise independently. The CRJYAA's bike sale is a major fundraiser and the organization also hosts the local Operation Red Nose.

"I think part of why they are doing so well is they really think outside the box as far as fundraising goes," said Gaetz.

She said the city continues to pressure the B.C. government to ante up with funding for the program, which she said takes money off the provincial court system.

tolsen@chilliwacktimes.com