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“No is not an option,” says M.D.
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
Too much red tape on a proposed $15 million marina and campground project in Joussard has prompted the M.D. of Big Lakes council to try and find a pair of scissors to cut through it.
Council decided at its July 22 meeting to write several Government of Alberta departments to try and move the project along.
Ron and Linda Williscroft, who could not be reached for comment, have encountered nothing but hurdle after hurdle in trying to move the project forward, say M.D. councillors.
And now is the time for action.
“We’re too bloody complacent,” says Joussard Councillor Guy L’Heureux. “We have to knock someone on the head. As a municipality, we have to get someone to listen to us.”
L’Heureux commended the Williscrofts for stepping forward to build the much-needed project with their money, something he felt all MLAs in Edmonton should realize.
“It’s (the project) dying before our eyes,” says L’Heureux. “We have a big mouth government promoting tourism and no place to go (for help).”
A suggestion was made to get the federal government involved and overrule the red tape put up so far by the province.
Council did not disclose all the reasons for the delays, except to say three Western Grebes found in the area prompted one delay.
“We’ve got to start getting pressure on someone to open this door,” says L’Heureux.
Council agreed to schedule a meeting with Premier Ed Stelmach, Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen, Environment Minister Rob Renner and Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister Cindy Ady as soon as possible.
Reeve Alvin Billings agreed with the rest of council in recognizing the importance of the project to boost tourism on the lake.
“And we’re not taking no for an answer,” says Billings. “No is not an option.”
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