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County council hears about Winfield Arena break-ins

County of Wetaskiwin looking at regional recreation guide
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County of Wetaskiwin councilors heard the regular report of director of Leisure & Community Services Geoff Lynch during the regular council meeting Apr. 3. All councilors were present for the meeting along with CAO Rod Hawken.

“Administration has reached out to many organizations within the County of Wetaskiwin to collaborate on developing a Rural Recreation Program Guide,” stated Lynch in his report.

“A scheduled meeting for May will be proposed. The group will discuss the possibility of partnerships to deliver a program guide to our County residents.

“Administration has attended all of the Recreation Zone Committee Night meetings; Buck Lake (Zone 4), Winfield (Zone 3), Lone Ridge (Zone 2).

“Administration has passed a motion at the Alberta Recreation Parks Association Board (ARPA) meeting to draft two proposals for research papers/position papers regarding; current state of rural recreational infrastructure and a Health and Wellness study of rural youth and communities. These proposals will be taken to the September ARPA Board meeting.

“Administration is working on bringing the University of Alberta Golden Bears Hockey School back to Wetaskiwin, in partnership with the City of Wetaskiwin recreation Department,” stated Lynch.

Arena crime

He noted his department had to cope with some rural crime recently. “The Winfield Arena has been broken into two times in the past six month, once on January 16, 2018 and March 24, 2018.

“The arena concession had all its supplies stolen. The Parks Foreman tools have been stolen. Three commercial doors have been damaged.

“Administration will be working with our insurance provider for the claim of damages and stolen tools. Administration will be installing an alarm system in the Spring.

“A key pad for the staff entrance that is compatible to the County office system.”

Lynch noted it’s almost time to shut down the skating ice for the summer. “The arena Ice plant will be shut down on March 29, 2018. Ice removal will occur on April 3 -5 2018.”

Parks

Lynch noted there was some misfortune at a campground. “The Battle Lake Campground house had a fire in the kitchen on March 8, 2018, the Pigeon Lake Fire Department was called out.

Previous contractors had tenant insurance. Administration is working with the County insurance provider to repair the damages to the kitchen.

“Administration has applied for Temporary Field Authorizations to the Province, this will allow the County of Wetaskiwin to repair the Buck Lake and Mulhurst Bay Boat Launches in the spring.

“Administration will be conducting a Park Attendant meeting on April 19, 2018 for the yearly start up meeting, as well as to discuss the firewood process.

“Administration will be removing the Battle Lake Interpretive Centre in April 2018. The Parks department will be seeding and landscaping to create a picnic area.

“The Parks Department will be installing “Report Impaired Boating” signs at all of our boat launches,” stated Lynch.

FCSS

Lynch said the FCSS department has a number of great programs coming up soon. “Administration has scheduled several Community Bus Trips for the 2018 Year,” stated Lynch. “All programs will be advertised in the local paper, County of Wetaskiwin website as well as contacting local organizations of event list.

“The Seniors Income Tax Program is expecting 10-15 per cent increase in users.

“The County of Wetaskiwin sponsored computer classes have another large list of classes for our rural residents to enjoy.

“Administration is working on providing several Seniors workshops for the upcoming year: Internet Safety, Finances and Health.”

Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca