The County of Wetaskiwin council approved many recreational funding requests during their regular meeting May 1.
The funding requests were presented to council by director of Parks and Leisure Geoff Lynch.
Zone 1
Lynch noted in his report, “In the County of Wetaskiwin’s 2018 Municipal Capital and Operating Budget, Zone 1 was allocated $18,476. There is currently $35,506.92 in Zone 1 Operating Reserves and $55,485 in Zone 1 Capital Reserves.”
Lynch noted Zone 1 received a funding request from the Wetaskiwin Ski Club, for $5,110.21 for operations. Staff recommended the county grant $3,000.
A second request came from the Wetaskiwin Ski Club, $1,750.52 for Family Day. Staff recommended the requested amount.
Other requests included the Wetaskiwin & District Museum Society (request for $5,500, alarm and sound upgrades, recommendation was for $2,000), Wetaskiwin Ski Club ($31,835.11, snowmobile, t-bar, deep fryer, recommendation for $10,000), Old Rosebrier Schoolhouse ($10,000, recommendation for $1,500) and the Wetaskiwin Ag Society ($20,000 for the multiplex, recommendation was for $12,500).
Councilors approved the recommended funding amounts.
Zone 2
Lynch noted in his report, “As per Zone 2 Recreation Grant Funding Policy #7106 the recreational funds from Recreation Zone 2 (Pigeon Lake/Falun Area) is currently allocated based upon a 60/40 funding model, with 60 per cent of total zone funding going to major facilities for operations and maintenance (according to the approved Cultural Master Plan).
“The allocated 60 per cent is then divided among the major facilities based on the population to provide the annual Operational Funding Grant
in Zone 2. The remaining 40 per cent will be allocated towards Recreation Program, Events and Activities Grant within Zone 2.”
Applicants for facilities included Falun Community League ($13,532.47, facility operations and maintenance), Fletcher Community Association ($1,871.27, operations), Lakedell Ag Society ($12,414.27, operating), Lone Ridge Community Hall Association ($3,263.31, facility operating costs), Mulhurst Bay Community League ($9.196.60, facility operations), Pipestone Community Society ($9,721.47, facility operations), Porto Bello Community Society ($5,773.55, facility operations) and Usona Ag Society ($10,155.06, base grant).
A substantial list of programs and events were also provided to council, including bonspiels, Farmer’s Day, Mulhurst Daze, the harvest supper and much more. Council approved the recommended amounts.
Zone 3
Lynch stated in his report, “The County’s 2018 Recreational proposed budget allocation to Zone 3 (Winfield & Area) is $28,094.58.”
Two of the largest program/event requests included the Winfield and District 4-H Beef Club ($1,134, rafting) and West of the Fifth Rodeo Society ($1.191.75, but $404.25 recommended).
In the facility capital category the Winfield Minor Hockey Association requested $1,846 for a new gate in the hockey boards. “The Winfield arena receives a big chunk of money,” said Lynch. Councilors approved the requested amounts.
Zone 4
Lynch stated in his report, “The County’s 2018 Recreational Budget allocation to Zone 4 (Alder Flats/Buck Lake Area) is $51,137.06.”
Under programs/events, some of those listed included Alder Flats Community Agricultural Society requested $1,788.50 for beer garden security, but staff recommended $1,000, and Buck Lake Senior Citizens Drop-In Centre requested $3,540 for various community events but staff recommended $2,662.
Under facility operations, some of the larger ones included Buck Lake Agricultural Society (Hall operations, $9,560 requested but $5,650 recommended by staff) and Western Pioneer Seniors Citizens Association of Alder Flats (Operating costs, requested $6,000 but staff recommended $4,500). Councilors approved recommended amounts.
Millet area
Lynch noted in his memo to council, “The Zone 5 Recreation Committee Members met on April 10th, 2018 to consider funding requests for 2018. The Committee meets approximately twice a year which is determined by the number of requests received. The County of Wetaskiwin’s 2018 budget allocated to Zone 5 totals $11,634.00. There is currently $62,386.17 in Zone 5 Operating Reserves and $54,000.00 in Zone 5 Capital Reserves.”
The only program/event listed was The Millet and District Historical Society/Pioneer Women Induction 2018 which requested $2,800 but staff recommended $1,000. Council unanimously approved the staff request.