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Boyle asked to fund new pool

Village of Boyle council said contributing to the new pool project is not something “they could just jump into” during a joint council meeting with Athabasca County Jan. 8.
(L-R) Village of Boyle councillors Shelby Kiteley and Patrick Ferguson, Mayor Colin Derko and chief administrative officer Charlie Ashbey attended a joint council meeting
(L-R) Village of Boyle councillors Shelby Kiteley and Patrick Ferguson, Mayor Colin Derko and chief administrative officer Charlie Ashbey attended a joint council meeting with Athabasca County Jan. 8.

Village of Boyle council said contributing to the new pool project is not something “they could just jump into” during a joint council meeting with Athabasca County Jan. 8.

County Reeve Doris Splane said while county council is considering contributing to village recreation, they would like to see a contribution from the village towards the new regional swimming pool.

Village of Boyle Mayor Colin Derko said the village is in a position of stretching every dollar, especially having lost the Millar Western mill.

“Our books and our doors are always open, so you know the situation we’re in right now. Put yourselves in our chair, and I’m sure it would be the same decision at this point,” he said.

“For us to just jump into something would be reckless and irresponsible,” Derko added.

The village also has very little information to work with on the pool, the mayor said, aside from media reports and rumours, and so it might be something for further discussion.

Village of Boyle Coun. Barbara Smith said if the village had to choose between contributing to the pool and being involved in the county’s Tourism and Economic Development (TED) committee, the “biggest thing” would be the committee.

“We really want to be involved in that,” she said. “So dollar-wise, if we had to pick between the two, we know which way we would be going.”

Athabasca County Coun. Larry Armfelt said he would like to change village council’s minds, and suggested the village could be involved in a small piece of the Athabasca Regional Multiplex Society’s rebranding campaign, such as $10,000 over four years.

County manager Ryan Maier said there is a fundraising co-ordinator responsible for the rebranding efforts of the Multiplex and pool, and asked if Boyle would like a presentation from her.

“Having said what (Armfelt) has said, and you guys seeming to be somewhat receptive to it, would it make sense to have her come and present to you at a future meeting about the different branding opportunities doing?” he said.

Derko said a presentation would be very welcome.

Village chief administrative officer Charlie Ashbey provided councillors with a list of regional development services that are located within the Town of Athabasca, saying the town receives a “huge” benefit from having these services.

“Part of the answer we would say is, part of our regional component should be covered by the town being the benefactor of every regional government service being located in town,” he said. Ashbey added a lot of people do not understand the impact of the mill closure on the village, and the municipality has lost 30 per cent of its non-residential tax base.

“I don’t mind what Larry said, a more modest way to contribute, but when you start throwing millions around we’re down the road,” he said.

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