Springbank recreation
Rocky View County (RVC) council passed a motion at its Feb. 23 meeting that will allocate $740,000 in Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding for recreational initiatives in Springbank.
According to Althea Panaguiton with RVC’s recreation, parks and community support department, a motion was passed at a Recreation Governance Committee meeting on Jan. 27 that recommended council to approve the funding.
“[The funding] will go to projects including the Red Dutton Arena project at the Springbank Park For All Seasons,” she said.
To complete projects, the Springbank Park For All Seasons – a multi-sport complex – is now seeking to finalize approximately $3.3 million in project financing, according to Panaguiton. Based on the facility's present funding resources of approximately $2.4 million, they anticipate a shortfall of $910,000.
The remaining MSI funding allocated will go toward helping narrow the funding shortfall.
Coun. Kevin Hanson said he believes MSI funds are at risk, but the motion ensures shovel-ready projects can be finished before the program is shut down.
“I am 100 per cent behind this, I urge my colleagues to support us in taking care of this regional facility as well as making sure we get our due from the province,” he said.
Deputy Reeve Kim Mckylor made the motion, which was unanimously supported.
Master Rates Bylaw
At the same meeting, council also approved the 2021 Master Rates Bylaw, which will come into effect on April 4.
As the bylaw was approved, a number of changes came with the item. According to Michelle Mitton with the County’s legislative services, changes include the addition of volunteer labour into the arts, culture and recreation to reflect the value of volunteer hours. Another change is that some building fees are proposed to increase due to the current fee being below the minimum permit fee.
“We have a minimum fee of $160 which basically covers our administration,” said Stephanie Martin with RVC’s building services department.
Martin added the increase is a cost-recovery measure.
Additionally, some cemetery fees are proposed to increase by three per cent, reflecting the recommendations of both the Cemetery Master Plan and the County’s feasibility study.
Coun. Kevin Hanson put forward the motion in favour of the bylaw, which was unanimously supported.
Dog licenses
A motion arising was also passed right after the Master Rates Bylaw was approved by Coun. Samanntha Wright. Her request was for administration to review reinstating dog license fees, which were removed from the bylaw in 2019.
In 2020, there were between 700 to 800 dog licenses applied for in the county. The motion had a timeline for the review to be completed before the 2022 budget cycle.
According to administration, the County’s revenue from dog licenses ranges between $60,000 and $70,000 annually.
Wright’s motion arising to review reinstating dog license fees was also passed unanimously.
