Now that RV resort talks have ended for the time-being in Canal Flats, so too has the trend of 40 to 50 eager residents consistently attending council meetings.
The Village of Canal Flats’ regular council meeting on July 13th drew a five-person crowd to hear councillors discuss fishing, auditing, arena renovations and funding for Tilley Memorial Park improvements.
One of the first items covered was a motion to wave user fees for Tilley Memorial Park for the Learn To Fish Program, a joint initiative between the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and the village. The program began on July 18th at the park as a way to get young fishers-to-be interested in the sport.
In response to a question from Councillor Marie Delorme asking how the village would separate participants in the fishing program from regular beachgoers so that fees could still be collected from non-participants, deputy director of corporate services Sylvie Hoobanoff said the village would just have to trust the beach’s patrons.
“I guess we are just hoping they will be honest,” Hoobanoff said.
Council voted unanimously to approve the motion.
Evaluating the auditor’s fees
Canal Flats has used Adams Wooley, an accounting organization, for the village’s annual audit each of the last 10 years. During the council meeting, chief financial officer Brian Woodward said the village will be saving $6,000 on its 2014 audit because Adams Wooley was asked not to prepare “fancy versions of statements.”
In response to a questions from Councillor Paul Marcil asking whether there would be merit to using a different auditor next year to gain a new opinion on the village’s finances, Woodward reasserted his confidence in Adams Wooley.
“I believe Adams Wooley has the edge for the amount (of money), so I would like to see us continue with them,” Woodward said.
Council voted unanimously to approve the motion to accept the $19,391.52 fee from Adams Wooley for the 2014 audit.
RDEK arena capital grant
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has approved a combined $178,796 in funding for the arena renovation program.
The money will go towards the purchase of a Zamboni, upgrades to the arena parking lot, and installation of a wheelchair elevator, mezzanine flooring, dry wall and clad foundation.
“I think it is worth noting that the money we do not need goes towards other expenditures for our village,” Delorme said.
Infrastructure grant potential
The provincial government has another grant up for grabs. The province is offering $10,000 per year for infrastructure projects that contribute to community growth and sustainability.
Woodward suggested council move to allow him to submit a proposal for renovations to Tilley Memorial Park. The village has already applied for a $100,000 grant to make considerable improvements to the park, which Woodward said he is waiting to hear back about.
“I talked to the province and they said this was a very acceptable proposal,” he said.
Marcil enquired as to whether the village would be able to use the grant money on another project if the $100,000 grant is not approved. Woodward said the grant would be transferable, which led council to unanimously support a motion to launch an application for the grant.