Council unanimously approved a motion to apply for a grant in order to renovate the existing arena instead of building a new one at their regular council meeting on Mon. Jan. 9.
The two options council had were to either apply for a 10 million dollar grant in order to build a new arena or apply for a grant to renovate the existing building.
The MPE’s recommendation was to go with a renovation as the possibility of being approved for grant funding could possibly be more likely.
In the report before council, it stated, “MPE feels that the total cost for renovations could meet the under 10,000,000.00 and will provide a Class D Estimate.
“MPE also feels that the Town would have a more beneficial grant application opportunity for the grant to be awarded through the renovation stream.
“This stream has an 80 – 20 split reducing the cost to the municipality. Potentially costing $2,000.000.00 if awarded vs. the $4,000,000.00 in the new building stream.”
Members brought forward their worries regarding going with a new building over renovating the existing arena.
“If we are going to go new the old arena is just going to sit there,” said Coun. Mark Stannard during discussions.
Cemetery funding request
The community enhancement program made a request for council to provide $4,420 of the grant funding to go toward the cemetery.
The total project cost is $13,160 with $2,160 of it coming from the Coronation Cemetery Association itself.
While council likes the idea presented, council members also wanted to see a request made to the county for funding as well.
“I would rather see half this number and the county taking half,” said Coun. Matthew Peacock.
Council made a motion to request the Coronation Cemetery Society write a letter requesting half of the funding from the county.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Sarah Baker
ECA Review
