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County of Wetaskiwin council nominates resident for provincial award

Council nominates one for Leadership for Active Communities Award program
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County of Wetaskiwin councilors nominated a strong community volunteer for a provincial award during their regular meeting June 8.

Nomination

Director of Recreation Geoff Lynch presented councilors with a memo regarding the Leadership for Active Communities Award program. “On May 24th, 2018 a letter received advising that the Alberta Recreation & Parks were seeking nominations of individuals to receive an award that celebrates leadership and excellence in the Province’s recreation and parks sector,” stated Lynch in his memo to council.

“The deadline for submission is Saturday, June 30th, 2018. In 2011, Mr. Elwood Johnson was nominated and recognized and in 2012 Mr. Brian Brown was nominated and recognized, both gentlemen are county residents.” Lynch stated council has to forward the nomination, and he asked if council had anyone in mind for this award.

Only a few minutes before council had been discussing the Winfield Ag Society member Cory Anderson and decided Anderson would make a fine nominee. Councilors unanimously agreed to nominate Anderson for the award.

Rural recreation

Lynch reported the County of Wetaskiwin is playing a lead role looking at rural recreation across the province. “Administration is currently taking the lead on the ARPA board investigating the state of “Rural Recreation in the Province of Alberta,” he stated. “The sub-committee is currently working on proposals for funding two studies: Health and Wellness Study of Rural Communities and Infrastructure Assessment/Current Bench mark of Rural Facilities. The County of Wetaskiwin Director of Leisure & Community Services is taking the lead for the ‘Infrastructure Assessment/Current Bench mark of Rural Facilities.’”

Golden Bears

Lynch reported there will be a University of Alberta Golden Bears hockey school August 20 to August 24. “Administration has partnered with the University of Alberta Golden Bears Hockey and the City of Wetaskiwin in hosting a hockey school this summer,” stated Lynch.

Info guide

Lynch stated he attended a regional meeting to discuss the creation of a “Regional Program and Events Guide” to replace the “Parade of Programs Guide” that is currently unavailable to county residents. “The meeting included representatives from the City of Wetaskiwin Recreation department and library, Town of Millet and Pigeon Lake Chamber,” stated Lynch. “Discussions are in the initial stages and administration will update council as information is brought forward.”

Winfield security

“The Winfield Arena Alarm system will be operational on June 4th, 2018,” stated Lynch. “The alarm system will be integrate with our current system. All damaged doors have been replaced, including hardware and door jams.”

Parks

Lynch reported on various park projects. “The Mulhurst Bay boat launch was repaired on May 18th, 2018,” he stated. “Administration has obtained ‘Regulatory Approval’ from Alberta Environment that authorizes construction and maintenance associated to the boat launch.

“Administration is currently working with Alberta Environment to obtain a ‘Regulatory Approval’ for the Battle Lake Boat launch.

“The Ag Service Board department assisted with the clean up of the parks. Twin Lakes Park has a new parking area to assist with traffic in the park.

“The Coal Lake park attendant position has been filled, the Coal Lake Park will officially be opened June 9th, 2018. Battle Lake Park attendant house repairs are behind schedule, completion date is scheduled for June 5th, 2018. Administration will conduct a final inspection and sign off when work is completed.”

Recycling

Lynch noted the county has been awarded the “The Community Champions Program (CCP).”

“The grant program is specially designed for not-for profit organizations and municipalities in Alberta. It is a positive approach to building participation in beverage container recycling. The program provides funding for specialized recycling bins (indoor and outdoor) and start-up support to the CCP, by ensuring more accessible and convenient out-of-home opportunities for recycling.

“The County of Wetaskiwin will receive 10 new metal garbage cans for the parks. There will be no costs to the county as this was a non matching grant.”

Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca