Chris Clegg
South Peace News

A decreased level of recreation service to area residents is almost assured in the coming year, but just how much is an issue the Town of High Prairie is struggling with.

Council denied a request from the High Prairie joint recreation committee at its Oct. 27 meeting to keep the 2021 funding request the same as 2020. The Town of High Prairie and Big Lakes County each contributed $615,000 in 2020.

Instead, council directed administration to report back on the effects of a recreation budget that gave them only $450,000 or $550,000 a year.

Town CAO Rod Risling told council that even maintaining the same funding would result in decreased services due to increased operating costs, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added the pandemic has resulted in “reduced numbers at the door” at the indoor pool.

The indoor pool has operated at an average deficit of $400,000 to $500,000 a year since its opening.

The recreation committee agreed to ask for a commitment from both the Town and County councils to help a “smooth transition into 2021.”

“They cannot maintain our existing service levels with COVID,” said Mayor Brian Panasiuk, who attended the meeting.

“The recreation committee is looking at cost savings. Maybe not having the facilities open as often,” he added.

Councillor Brian Gilroy was not happy the recreation committee made the request, saying the committee bypassed council’s own budget review committee process.

“I have a problem with that,” he said.

The budget review committee was set up to review budgets, then make a recommendation to council for approval.

Risling gave the bad news.

“There’s going to have to be changes,” he said. “Service levels are going to have to change.”

“I understand your concerns,” replied Panasiuk.

“Ultimately, how much is each council willing to commit to recreation? They need to have something to plan on.”

Chair of the recreation committee, Arlen Quartly, agreed.

“They need a number.”

Councillor Michael Long was against holding the line, and wanted a decrease.

“So…we’re going into a second wave [of the pandemic],” he said. “Rural Canada will be hit hard. We’re unprepared as a community. It’s going to happen…people are going to be sick.”

And, he predicted, facilities will be shut down due to health concerns as they were in March.

“I don’t think maintaining [funding] at 2020 is realistic.

“We are not seeing the big picture here. It’s going to happen.”

Cuts were necessary, added Councillor Donna Deynaka.

“Right now, we know we can’t afford that. This is the time we have to make those ugly, gut-wrenching decisions. What can we afford? $200,000 or $400,000? We know something is going to have to give. We cannot afford the 2020 amount.”

“I agree,” said Long.

“Let’s be realistic,” added Deynaka. “That’s all I’m saying. Yeah, we know we’re going to have some angry, pissed off people.”

“You’re right,” said Panasiuk. What is that number you’re going to come up with?”

Deynaka referred to council’s strategic plan, citing the need to replace aging infrastructure and equipment, adding council has to balance wants and needs.

“We have to be realistic on what we can afford.”

Panasiuk replied recreation is a service the community wants.

“Residents are willing to pay for recreation.”

Deynaka replied council does not give the citizens enough credit, saying in the difficult economic times, coupled with the pandemic, “I think they’ll understand.”

“We’re going to have to talk to the community,” said Panasiuk. “There’s going to be some cutbacks. We’ll have to get some feedback from the residents.”

Long suggested starting with $450,000 instead of the $615,000 which is a $165,000 cut. If the County did the same, it would be a total cut of $330,000.

However, Panasiuk noted they did not have to fund the same as the County.

Deynaka and Gilroy agreed to start at $450,000.

“You’re pulling that out of the hat,” said Quartly.

“615,000 is too much,” replied Long.

A frustrated Quartly suggested $375,000 and later, even zero.

Panasiuk noted the $450,000 suggestion was about a 25 per cent cut which was “a big, big hit.”

In response to Quartly, Councillor Judy Stenhouse said, “I don’t know a magic number. $615,000 is too high.”

Long then called the figure “not very responsible.”

Quartly reminded council that once facilities are closed it is difficult to reopen them because staff move on and are hard to replace.

And, as far as the proposed cuts?

“That’s a big cut. It’s a locked door. It’s the truth. $615,000 is still a reduced service,” said Quartly.

Council directed administration to report back on the effects of a budget that gave recreation $450,000 or $550,000 a year.

Deynaka and Gilroy opposed the motion.

Despite the financial hardships hitting the recreation committee, there was one option not considered. Panasiuk said the recreation committee decided to not increase any rates in the coming year.

Earlier in the meeting, Long managed to sum up council’s problems best.

“Is this fun? No! This is politics!”