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A chance to mend some broken fences
Chris Clegg
South Peace News
For the last 12 days, I’ve assisted the Enilda and District Society for Recreation and Culture, who operate Enilda Mud Bowl, get some money from High Prairie town council.
Regular readers of this column know I’ve argued the fact for years that High Prairie town council should be contributing money toward bowling.
The argument is simple. Town council demands each year the M.D. should contribute money toward the arena and swimming pool, etc. because M.D. residents use their facilities. In this case, town council is 100 per cent, unequivocally right.
And the M.D. recognizes this responsibility and contributes accordingly.
But for 26 years, town council has never stepped forward and given one penny to EDSRC.
Heck, they haven’t even offered to assist, knowing full well town residents use the facility and they have an obligation – like the M.D. – to contribute.
It’s time to right this wrong, or, as Joussard Councillor Guy L’Heureux says, “It’s a two-way street.”
So, I helped Bissell write the letter he presented to council. Actually, to be honest, I wrote it.
Why? Because EDSRC members have told me they have never received a penny from town council. I’ve never known them to contribute and would be very “interested” to know if they have.
Enilda has operated the bowling alley for 26 years. One year before, they offered roller skating. The estimated cost to replace the lanes is about $40,000 to $50,000 with another $45,000 needed to install a new scoring system once the new lanes are completed. Work is planned for this summer if all goes well.
The bad news is, town council did not put the matter on its April 20 agenda for budget deliberations where it should have been.
But the news is still good. Town of High Prairie CAO Larry Baran says town council may be ready to contribute.
“The EDSCR letter will be considered, but it was not able to be added to the April 20 agenda,” he says. “The next council meeting is scheduled for May 13, and their request is added to the agenda.”
Baran adds Mayor Rick Dumont requested him to complete some research for council’s consideration before the matter was debated.
“I see good news on the horizon for EDSRC,” says Baran.
There was no reason the matter couldn’t be added to the April 20 agenda, if only for information purposes. Since the matter will be debated May 13, we can only hope for the best.
As a matter of interest, at the M.D.’s April 22 meeting, Reeve Alvin Billings asked me why a similar request was not sent to the M.D.
“They didn’t have to,” I replied. “You have a policy that says you will match whatever town council gives them.”
So, if town council gives $10,000 the M.D. will match it. Then EDSRC can take the $20,000 and apply for a matching CFEP grant. If successful, town council’s contribution could turn into $40,000.
So, imagine if town council gave $20,000 or $30,000! The lanes would be paid for if all goes well.
For now, Bissell is pleased town council is considering the matter. Add my name to the list. At the very least, council is debating the matter. It’s time to do the right thing!
And, as one person told me, “It’s a chance to mend some broken fences” in regard to the relations between EDSRC and town council.
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