Kneehill County councillors have given their moral support for a business seeking to expand in the Horseshoe Canyon area. The resolution to write a letter of support was passed at the Nov. 26 regular meeting of council.
Councillors heard a presentation by Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mike Haugen regarding a tourism business owner’s request for moral support amidst his efforts to land a government grant.
“We have received a request from Horseshoe Canyon Campground and Cabins asking for a letter of support for an application for the Travel Alberta Project Development Fund,” noted Haugen’s memo to council.
“The submission deadline is Dec. 2, 2024.
“The campground is applying for assistance in developing cabins on-site. This development was approved by the county (Development Permit 4212-24-P).
Under policy, administration can provide some letters of support, but as this request is from a business, it is to be brought to council.
“Administration is recommending the council approve providing a letter of support. This particular development has been approved by the county and aligns with council’s goals.
“It also fosters private development at Horseshoe Canyon. Council has approved similar requests for businesses in the past.”
Horseshoe Canyon Campground and Cabins is located southwest of the Town of Drumheller along Hwy. 9; it offers dozens of camping sites plus overnight cabins.
During discussion the CAO clarified that the campground is a for-profit business that isn’t asking for the county’s financial help, simply a letter to assist in securing a grant from the provincial government.
Haugen stated letters such as the one requested can be automatically approved if they’re for non-profit entities, but since this is a for-profit business, the request had to come directly to councillors.
Haugen noted Kneehill County has written such letters of support for private business grant applications in the past although not necessarily for the same grant program.
Coun. Carrie Fobes asked if by lending moral support to the campground’s grant application the county would negatively affect its own application to that grant program if the municipality made one. The CAO responded no, supporting the campground’s application wouldn’t affect a county application to the same program.
Coun. Jerry Wittstock asked if the campground’s grant application is turned down would the expansion project still go ahead? Haugen responded he didn’t know, but pointed out the campground applied for and received a development permit for the project.
Reeve Ken King noted the campground’s project may be somewhat similar to county projects when planners discover a grant program exists to support it.
Councillors unanimously approved Kneehill County sending a letter of support for the Horseshoe Canyon Campground and Cabins grant application to Travel Alberta.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
