Promote Alexandra's proposal for a cherry blossom sculpture, roughly 2m by 3m, was discussed at a Vincent Community Board meeting in Alexandra this week.
The group sought $13,500 to commission the sculpture as part of a request for $75,500 of promotional funding from the board.
Promote Alexandra's application stated "anecdotal evidence" showed the community desired its own sculpture, which could be freestanding or mounted on a building.
"Far from being a frivolous expenditure in the current economic environment, [the sculpture] will create a positive feel in the community," it said.
Board members said less than $4000 of promotional funding was available from the 2008-09 account, and $45,000 was budgeted for the financial year ending June 2010.
"If you look at all or any of the money available it's a long way short of what you're asking for," board chairwoman Clair Higginson said.
Board member Barrie Wills said the group's application was "way up there in la-la land".
Additional to the sculpture funding, Promote Alexandra requested $17,000 to put signs along the river track between Clyde and Alexandra; $25,000 to contract someone to make applications for further funding on behalf of the group; and $20,000 for a feasibility study into the group's plan to purchase a $100,000 working gold dredge.
Promote Alexandra secretary Alice Stewart told the board the group's application was an "awareness exercise", as much as anything, to inform board members about the group's long-term plans for promotional projects.
Group members were aware not all of the funding was likely to be granted.
The board resolved to leave Promote Alexandra's application on the table, asking the group to provide a more detailed funding application identifying projects and showing how money would be spent on contracting someone to apply for further funding.
