Hanna town council heard from Hanna Seals swim club and other public delegations during its information meeting on Oct. 30, covering multiple topics.
Neal Woods, representing the Hanna Seals, discussed the need to replace starting blocks at the town pool. The current starting blocks, original to the pool, were installed in 2006.
The Hanna Seals are asking the town for financial assistance to replace the blocks and repair the concrete pool deck. The projected cost for five starting blocks, anchoring systems and shipping is $32,739 not including installation and concrete repairs.
The club is seeking $11,000, one-third of the cost, from the town for materials, shipping and handling, as well as additional funding for pre-installation surveys and installation costs.
As a non-profit, the Hanna Seals have applied for a $15,000 provincial grant to help cover material and delivery costs. If the grant is unsuccessful, the club has confirmed it will contribute one-third of the project cost from existing funds.
Due to anticipated delays in grant approval, the Hanna Seals are asking the town for a commitment to support the project financially, allowing for production, delivery and installation of the new blocks during the off-season. This would ensure they are ready by spring 2025.
Council will bring this to a future meeting.
Four-way stop
Following infrastructure improvements and a downtown beautification project, some residents have requested a four-way stop at Second Avenue and Second Street to address pedestrian safety concerns, especially with anticipated increases in foot traffic.
“I think it’s a terrible idea,” said Coun. Kyle Olsen.
“Would it not be safer to have stop signs at every block of our downtown?” asked Coun. Sandra Beaudoin.
“I don’t think it will make a difference whatsoever,” added Murphy. “Speeders will speed.” she said, noting that better speed enforcement could be more effective.
Council will bring this to a future council meeting.
Bylaw officer
It was noted that the town is currently without an active bylaw officer or peace officer, resulting in limited enforcement services and potential compliance issues.
“I don’t think we need a peace officer,” said Coun. Fred Crowle. Coun. Murphy agreed, suggesting a bylaw officer with a strong relationship with the RCMP could manage enforcement effectively.
The matter will be revisited in a future meeting.
Economic development
Council heard from Harvest Sky Regional Economic Development representative Thomas Trout, who presented several initiatives and grants aimed at boosting local economic development.
Among the suggestions were leveraging Hanna’s connection with the band Nickelback. Ideas included a Nickelback-themed guided tour, a self-guided tour via QR code, and a large Nickelback-themed sign.
Harvest Sky would apply for grants under the Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Program, which supports projects that diversify the economy and increase tourism in Alberta.
Discussion also centered on the legal need to obtain permission from Nickelback before promoting the band in these initiatives.
“It would be pompous of us to do all of this without their support,” noted Murphy, “you have got to have the band’s support.”
Another suggestion to enhance economic development involved creating a media team to promote local businesses and attract investment by producing high-quality content highlighting the community’s economic and cultural assets.
Council also discussed conducting a market analysis to identify growth opportunities and strategies for business retention, expansion and attraction. For this, Harvest Sky would apply for the Small Community Opportunity Program (SCOP) grant.
Council suggested that Harvest Sky apply for the grants and to review the initiatives at a future council meeting.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia Reporter
ECA Review
