The driving forces behind the proposed aquatic/curling center filled council chambers on the evening of April 14, taking part in the festive spirit surrounding the launch of the fundraising drive — ‘Rock the Waves’ for the major community project.
The fundraising initiative reached 12 per cent of its $10.6 million goal on day one, with over $1.27 million in donations.
The evening was highlighted by a presentation by Jay Westman (chair of Jayman MasterBUILT and Tamani Communities) of a $1.1 million cheque, earning Jayman naming rights for the aquatic facility — Jayman Aquatic Centre.
Jayman MasterBUILT and developer Tamani (sister company) have been a major presence in Cochrane communities such as Riversong, Riviera and Sunset.
“Cochrane had me at hello some 40 years ago… I asked Mayor Brooker — how can I give back to the community?” said Westman, who gave a speech in council chambers, revealing his passion and commitment to the Cochrane community.
Shell Jumping Pound made a sizeable donation of $150,000 to the project. Shojiro Okada, director of the local Team Taro Foundation, made a contribution of $20,000.
Mayor Ivan Brooker expressed his personal support of the project, becoming a ‘platinum’ sponsor with his $1,000 donation on behalf of his family.
“It’s not a pipe dream. We are going to make this happen,” enthused Brooker, emphasizing the user-friendly nature of rockthewaves.ca and how simple it is for Cochranites to donate online.
Every donation of more than $20 will be issued a charitable tax receipt. There are four recognition levels for donations: platinum status for donations of $1,000; gold for donations of $750; silver for $500; and bronze for $250.
The campaign emphasizes ‘No contribution is too small or too large — every drop counts!’
Suzanne Gaida, senior manager of community services for the town, has been team lead for the fundraising campaign since the beginning.
“I’m very excited,” said Gaida. “(The launch) was well-received and it was a great way to kick things off.”
Gaida said the role of the town is to provide assistance to all community and user groups who will be taking the lead on fundraising initiatives.
The core non-profits include the Cochrane Curling Club, the Cochrane and District Warm Water Therapy Pool and the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
Cochrane swim groups and other user groups will also be involved in the fundraising campaign.
“We’re working on the sponsorship side with those core groups and will be working on grant applications,” said Gaida, adding that the goal is to come back to council in the fall with as much money secured as possible.
She said that applications for federal and provincial funding would be made later this spring, as the design phase moves further along; the town is looking at applying for a total of $6 million in federal and provincial grants (through the Building Canada Fund).
The total price tag sits at $47.3 million, which is currently $2.3 million over the $45 million budget approved by council.
Other funding sources include $21.1 million ($16.3 million from MSI grants, $4.2 million from community enhancement levies and a top-up from land sales); 2.2 million commitment from Rocky View County; and $5 million from developer community enhancement fees.
The ‘Rock the Waves’ campaign concept incorporates the essence of ‘aquatic’ and ‘curling’ in its name, incorporating two hues of blue and centered on ‘striving to have members of the community be the face of the campaign’
