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Ice allocation policy approved
Councillors have approved a new ice allocation policy for the Sundre arena.
Following consultations with user groups and earlier discussions by council, the new policy #141 was adopted at last week’s regularly scheduled council meeting.
“Through the revised policy, the users now have the ability to exchange ice amongst the user groups with the qualification that they notify the Town of Sundre, the original ice use is involved, and that exchanged ice is not eligible for cancellation or refund,” CAO Verne Balding said in a note to council.
The stated purpose of the new policy is to “manage the arena and ice resources to ensure optimum usage and programming. This will be done in a manner that will reflect municipal directives, minimize risk and operational issues, as well as enhance the overall health of the community.”
Under the policy, the community service department is given the authority to allocate and distribute ice time within the arena.
“On an annual basis, the department will distribute ice usage in the facility that best reflects the expressed needs of the users and the application of this policy’s directives and guidelines supported by council,” the policy states.
“To ensure fair and equitable distribution of ice times, the ice allocated for youth groups (18 and under) will have priority over adult groups when allocating weekday ice time.”
The order of allocation priority (from highest to lowest) is minor sport, children and youth programs; public skating and programs; resident seasonal clients, adult groups, men’s/ladies hockey; residential special events; and non-resident events.
The cancellation section states, in part: “All user groups are responsible to notify the community service department in the event of any scheduled ice time that will not be used. A minimum 48 hours advance written notice is required otherwise user groups will be charged for the ice.”
Recreation committee established to look at new facility
In other council news, councillors are establishing a public committee to propose plans and partnerships for the development of a new multiplex recreation facility for the town of Sundre.
During last week’s council meeting, councillors passed a motion to establish an ad-hoc committee to propose committee membership, mandate, structure and recording relationships for the new committee. The ad-hoc committee will report back to council at the July 16 council meeting.
Councillors Paul Isaac and Chris Vargas will sit on the ad-hoc committee, along with two town staff members and a community ‘champion’ to be named.
Regional auxiliary pumper cost share proposal tabled
Sundre town council has tabled a proposal that would see the town pay a portion of the maintenance costs of an auxiliary pumper that is used by fire departments across the region.
The town’s portion of the cost would be $2,410, which would come from the fire operating reserve.
In a note to council, CAO Balding said: “Regional unit #920 is a fully operational pumper unit that is available to regional departments as a mechanical backup unit as well as a trainer pumper. The unit is currently stored at the Olds training area and is available to all departments as a ‘spare’ in the event a pumper is put out of service for extended repairs.
“It is also available to the region to use for training at the Olds training grounds, which would save transportation and wear and tear of a working pumper.”
Councillors tabled the proposal until the July 3 council meeting so fire chief Marty Butts can give council more information on the proposal.
5 Peaks Trail Run ATV use OK’d
Councillors have approved a request by 5 Peaks Trail Running Series organizers to use an all-terrain vehicle during the Snake Hill run on July 21.
“We anticipate this year’s event to be as successful as in years past,” said Balding. “5 Peaks organizers (provide) in-house security and emergency management, however the emergency services of the community have been notified. 5 Peaks is very respectful of the environment and have left the areas used as clean or cleaner that when they arrive.”
The ATV will be used to help set up and take down the racecourse on race day.
The run is expected to attract between 200 and 500 runners this year, with Canadian Ski Patrol System personnel on site to provide emergency care if needed.
Council provides letter of support to Aquatic Society
Councillors have OK’d the writing of a letter of support for the Sundre Aquatic Society for its operating grant application.
“The Town of Sundre is fortunate to have such a facility in the community that provides much-needed programming and health opportunity,” said Mayor Annette Clews. “Council realizes the desire of the community and the continued need for the operations of the Sundre AquaPlex. It is with great pleasure and pride that we write this letter of support.”
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