The Town of Bashaw is looking into agreements to allow user groups to run the local arena. The move was discussed at the Nov. 20 regular meeting of council.
In a phone call to the ECA Review Nov. 29 Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller confirmed the town is drafting agreements that will turn over management and operation of the local arena to two major user groups, Bashaw Minor Hockey and Bashaw Skating Club, by September 2025.
Fuller noted that the arena’s expense to taxpayers had been a concern for some time and the user groups voiced interest in taking the venue over.
Readers should note other communities in the region use the same non-profit society model for managing some recreational facilities.
Fuller stated at this time the town is just in the process of drawing up the agreements while the user groups are researching which type of non-profit will best suit their new undertaking.
The CAO stated the town looked into hiring a contractor to run the arena but tax laws complicated that idea. However, the laws become more manageable if the arena is delegated out to a non-profit society.
The CAO stated managing, operating and maintaining the arena was a major job for town staff; she said the idea of working collaboratively with users seems to be a win-win, as the user groups wanted more of a voice at the arena anyway.
She added that for the first year of user group management the town expects to assist and help as needed.
Letter of support
Councillors unanimously approved a letter of support for the Bashaw Wellness team, which is looking for funding from the provincial government.
The money will be used for the collaborative response model, a method for rural communities to combine healthcare services under one umbrella.
Fuller noted councillors are very supportive of the collaborative response model, which many in Bashaw feel is going to become popular in other rural communities too.
Water bills
The CAO noted councillors looked closely at the town’s most recent water reconciliation report; that is, how much water is being used and where it’s going.
Fuller stated the rate of water loss has dropped to 20 per cent, noting that before some problematic water leaks were found this year that the rate of loss was as high as 33 per cent.
As Bashaw is a member of the Hwy. #12/21 Water Commission, residents pay for water by the cubic metre, so the less water used the lower their water bills.
The CAO noted that projections for Bashaw’s 2025 water use call for reduced water use as well.
Budget requests
Councillors heard two financial reports from groups that accept grants from the Town of Bashaw annually: the Bashaw Public Library and the Bashaw Handi Bus.
It was noted the library’s budget grew slightly, with the total request for town dollars coming in at $9,000.
Fuller stated the handi bus volunteers reported that they usually work casinos to raise funds for this service, but the casino results have been down lately. It was noted the service is heavily used, including local trips plus trips to Red Deer and Camrose.
Water budget
Councillors examined the proposed Hwy. #12/21 Water Commission 2025 budget and accepted it as information.
The CAO stated the commission has bumped up its per cubic metre rate to $3.55 in 2025.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
