Council learned of a survey relating to Alberta’s charitable gaming model at their regular meeting on Tues. Jan 15.
According to a letter from Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC), they are reviewing the existing model and gathering input from the volunteer organizations that receive funding by working at fundraising casinos to help fund their local projects.
Coun. Shelley Cook questioned the purpose of the survey having just returned from working a casino the previous day.
Information she received from one of the advisors noted that 7,100 charity groups work casinos in Alberta generating $1.7 million for community projects and that Alberta is the only province that does give to groups.
“I think we should be really careful how we answer these questions,” said Cook. “Are they [the government] trying to take control of the money?
“It’s the town’s livelihood and it doesn’t take any money out of any of our pockets.”
It’s not known what organizations in Coronation would get this survey but Council agreed the Town should facilitate a meeting that together looks at the questions.
Some sample questions said Cook include: Do you have trouble finding volunteers?
“So if everyone is having trouble finding volunteers, will they get rid of it?”Another question said Cook, “If you can still get money and not work, would you? People would think that would be good. Okay, but are we going to get equal money?”
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sandra Kulyk will talk to Barry Brigley, the Town’s recreation director, about getting the concerns expressed out to the organizations who participate in the casinos.
Snow removal placement
Council considered additions to the Community Standards Bylaw that included the issue of snow and ice removal from sidewalks and driveways being deposited on public property including roads, alleys, pathways or sidewalks.
One exception of public sidewalks in the downtown commercial area is that snow may be deposited onto the adjacent street if the front of the building abuts the sidewalk and if there is no other alternate privately-owned area adjacent to the building.
The addition also includes no depositing of snow or dirt in drainage ditches, culvert ends, storm sewer grates, catch basins or fire hydrants.
A fine of $250 was added to the Schedule of Fines however Deputy Mayor Ron Checkel asked, “Is there no increase in fines for repeat offenders?”
Council passed all three readings with the fines to include the second offence at $500 and third offence a $1,000 fine.
Bylaw officer enforcement activities included 29 sidewalks, four snow complaints, one call over a cat issue and two dog calls that ate up 21.5 hours of the bylaw officer’s time and 82 km.
J. Webster
ECA Review
