An emergency funding request from the Chestermere Regional Community Association (CRCA) was unanimously approved by Rocky View County (RVC) council at a regular meeting July 23.
According to Theresa Cochran, manager of Recreation, Parks and Community Support, RVC received a letter May 27 from CRCA requesting funds to assist with the repair of the parking lots at the Chestermere Recreation Centre and three of the arena’s compressors.
“A subsequent application for an emergency request in the amount of $632,510 in order to complete the required repairs was received,” she said.
The parking lot was temporarily patched and no longer presented an immediate hazard, but Cochran said further, and more costly, deterioration would occur without comprehensive repairs.
Unfortunately, according to Cochran, administration reviewed the application and found it did not comply with the Community Recreation Funding Program policy, as there was no cost-sharing opportunity proposed.
She added a study to determine the facility’s long-term viability was underway, and suggested council table the request until the report could be completed.
“This facility is a core project for the east side – not just for our community, but for surrounding communities,” said Area Coun. Jerry Gautreau, who moved to grant $36,520 of the requested funding despite administration’s recommendation to table the application.
The amount covers the repair of the compressors and reimburses CRCA for the work already completed on the parking lot.
“I do think it’s dire straits," Gautreau said. "I do think this needs to be done before the report comes.”
