Rick Strankman, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Drumheller-Stettler riding, joined council to present a cheque for $113,326 to the Castor and District Museum.
The received funds will go towards the construction of a new freight shed and upgrades to the current Canadian Pacific Railway house.
“I don’t normally make big fanfare out of these kinds of things, because this isn’t my money that I am giving out,” said Strankman. “I believe the government’s money should get treated with reverence and respect.”
Museum secretary and past president, John Wright, applied for the Community Facility Enhancement Grant earlier this year.
“On behalf of the Castor and District Museum, we would like to thank the Alberta Government, and the culture and tourism department for these funds. They will certainly help us to improve our museum,” said Phil Dietz, current museum president, who accepted the cheque from Strankman.
Other museum representatives present included Wright, Mike Bain and Keith Turner.
Construction will begin in September.
Tax auction
Council has set Nov. 17 as the date for the upcoming tax sale auction.
There are currently two properties that will be up for auction.
Both have reserved bids; one for $40,000 and the other for $67,000.
The owners of these properties can pay the owing accounts until auction day.
Arena renovations
Council has moved to purchase a new chiller for the arena for $80,470.
Administration gathered quotes from multiple companies including a service quote for yearly maintenance and brine sampling.
A large crack was found in the previous chiller and was therefore condemned.
The chiller was installed in 1991 and had reached well past the typical lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
To keep this crucial component of the arena safe, the chiller requires proper maintenance.
Emily Wheller
ECA Review
