COCHRANE— Providing funds to help the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre survive the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cochrane Council provided $750,000 to support the facilities operations for three months.
Of the funds, $500,000 has been earmarked to help recover the costs of when the building was closed to the public due to COVID-19 public health measures. An additional $165,000 was granted for critical capital work at the facility.
At the council meeting on Monday (July 13) Councillor Alex Reed said the extension of the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program to December will also help lower costs at the facility. He added that the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre has also been able to find efficiencies to help cut costs.
Reed noted that Rocky View County administration will be bringing a report to Rocky View Council in the fall regarding the county’s role in providing economic support for the sports centre.
Reed said members of the community are grateful the centre was able to begin a phased reopening on July 1 with the Spray Park and amenities inside the building opening on July 3. He added the aquatics centre is undergoing renovations and is targeted to reopen in mid-August.
Mayor Jeff Genung noted that 2020 has been an unpredictable year and it is uncertain what the future holds. He added that uncertainty can make it difficult to make decisions regarding the economic future of many organizations.
“That’s been the hardest part for most— To adapt to change, ours included, and foresee the uncertainty of the future,” Genung said.
During the meeting Coun. Marni Fedeyko asked what efficiencies have been found at the facility to help save on funds. She noted that the community needs to see the sports centre reopen, but council needs to know how the money is being spent— Especially given the limited program that is currently being offered.
“The bigger picture is what are we funding, why are we funding it, is our money being used in the best way possible,” Fedeyko said. “I would question any organization, whether it was the fire department or anybody, coming forward for a great amount of money I would ask them the same questions.”
Coun. Morgan Nagel questioned why members of council were grilling the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre because it was critical to support the facility. He noted that without the funds provided by the Town the recreation centre would be inoperable.
Echoing Fedeyko's sentiments, Coun. Tara McFadden said that while the Town has a commitment to cover the operational gap at the sports centre it needs to be clear how money is being spent on operations.
McFadden said she wants to see how the sports centre is working to move back into a place of economic sustainability.
“A big part of the commitment was we were going to see Town administration and Spray Lakes work together to move up some efficiencies,” McFadden said.
She cautioned that in September if it is not clear how Spray Lake Sawmills Sports Centre is taking steps and adapting to deal with the new tighter fiscal reality she will not be supporting future funds for the facility.
“There’s going to have to be a new solution heading into next year’s budget— It’s one thing to fill the gap during a COVID emergency but our reserves aren’t infinite.”
