Richard Froese
South Peace News

A Big Lakes County councillor wants council to take steps to upgrade a collapsed outdoor skating rink in Grouard.

At its regular meeting July 24, a notice of motion from Grouard Councillor Jeff Chalifoux was included in the agenda package.

He requests that council discuss the issue at its next regular meeting Aug. 14.

However, Reeve Tyler Airth told council it cannot proceed as requested because the council procedures bylaw states that all nine council members must be present at the meeting when the notice of motion is presented. Enilda – Big Meadow Councillor Lane Monteith was absent from the meeting.

However, Chalifoux can resubmit his notice of motion to request the issue be discussed at a regular council meeting on another date.

Chalifoux recommends council resolve that the County and the community jointly plan and develop a strategy to renovate and upgrade the existing skating rink in Grouard.

“Residents within Grouard have reached out and advised that they would like Big Lakes County to prioritize the renovation of the skating rink for the citizens of Grouard and the surrounding area before focussing on building a community hall,” Chalifoux wrote in the notice of motion.

In the notice of motion, he says recreation is a priority in the County’s strategic plan.

“The first pillar of the County’s strategic plan is that we envision Big Lakes County as a place where residents enjoy a high quality of life, enhanced by access to essential services, recreational opportunities and a strong sense of community,” the notice reads.

“Our plan prioritizes the development of vital infrastructure, including recreational facilities and creating an environment where health care and education can flourish.

“Part of our plan is to prioritize the development of vital infrastructure, including recreational facilities.”

The used outdoor skating rink structure was constructed in 2017 as a project of the Grouard Community Association that leased the county land on Fourth Ave NE, east of the Grouard Municipal Services Building across from Grouard Northland School.

The rink structure collapsed within one year and has not been upgraded since.