Although there is no requirement for an application to the Recreation Facility & Program Assistance Grant, there are final accounting requirements.
Click Here to view the Recreation Facility & Program Assistance Grant Policy.
Where funds are provided to other jurisdictions, what is Lac Ste. Anne County's portion as compared to the other jurisdiction and what specifically are the funds for?
This will vary from municipality to municipality, and you should contact the applicable municipality to determine their funding levels to specific programs, services and/or facilities.
The funding for Lac Ste. Anne County’s Recreation Facility & Program Assistance Grant can be used for operations, capital (renovations/retrofits) or a combination.
Click Here to view the Recreation Facility & Program Assistance Grant Policy
Isn’t there a grant available from the Provincial Government to support the Alberta Beach Boat Launch? And what is Alberta Beach's portion?
The County is not aware of provincial grant funding available for municipally managed boat-launches. Alberta Beach holds the maintenance and operational responsibility for this launch and contributes significantly to it (total annual budget is approximately $30,000 to $60,000 dependent on the work needed in any given year– for example when dredging is required the budget increases). Lac Ste. Anne County Council believes that County residents access this facility on a regular basis, and therefore contribute funds to offset those costs. The Boat Launch & Beach are contemplated through the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement – Lac Ste. Anne County/Alberta Beach
Beachwave Park, what are we expending $8,000 on per year?
The Beachwave Park program is managed by the Alberta Beach & District Agricultural Society but has a stakeholder group that meets twice annually and includes various representatives from community groups and participating municipalities, including Lac Ste. Anne County representation. Each of these stakeholder groups contributes funding.
More information about this program can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/p/BeachWave-Park-AB-BEACH-100071695900535/
This funding is contemplated through the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement – Lac Ste. Anne County/Alberta Beach.
If the County previously funded the Mayerthorpe Fair Rodeo $500 why the increase to $2,000?
The $2,000 is proposed at $500 for the rodeo and $1,500 for the fair. County Council believes these types of community events are beneficial opportunities to support community development. As such, the proposed allotment of ‘up to’ $2,000 is being recommended for all large community fairs throughout the County.
Why fund the Onoway Curling Association $25,000?
Unlike many recreation facilities throughout the province, the Onoway Curling Rink is owned/operated by a community association instead of the municipality. $25,000 is allocated to the Association to assist with operational and capital costs as they require.
Similarly, $25,000 is allocated to the Mayerthorpe Curling Society.
These are the two curling rinks within our borders.
Can you provide the financial statement for the Rich Valley Agricultural Society for $119,500? And what specifically is this money for?
The Rich Valley Agricultural Society is a standalone Not-for-Profit organization, and the County has no authority to provide their financial statements.
$119,500 is allocated specifically for the operations/maintenance and/or capital project(s) of the Arena. Unlike many arenas throughout the province, the Agricultural Society owns/operates this facility rather than the municipality.
Note that the County provides $119,500 to each of the arenas within the County – Mayerthorpe, Onoway, Sangudo & Rich Valley.
Ste Anne Natural Gas, while it’s a good program, why do they need funds from the County? Have you taken a look at their Financial Statements? Once you start funding various fund-raising organizations you set a precedent, and there are multiple cancer organizations for children.
Lac Ste. Anne County values our relationship with Ste. Anne Natural Gas (SANG) and is supportive of this initiative. The funds are not held for SANG; the proceeds of this event are donated to Kids with Cancer Society.
What is the difference between the two-line items for the “Town of Mayerthorpe?”
$119,500 is directed to the Mayerthorpe Exhibition Centre (Arena)
$35,000 is directed to the Mayerthorpe Aquatic Centre (Pool)
Both are contemplated in the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement – Lac Ste. Anne County/Town of Mayerthorpe.
Funding for the Elmer Elson Elementary School? Why this school? When you fund one school you set a precedent for all schools to receive equal funding. If the program is part of the core curriculum, rate payers are already paying school taxes, so it’s like double dipping.
The funding is specific to extra-curricular athletic programming, much like minor hockey or minor ball as examples. These funds are not intended for core-curriculum.
$1,000 is proposed for each school within the County boundaries:
Darwell School, Elmer Elson Elementary School (Mayerthorpe), Grasmere School (Alberta Beach), Onoway Elementary School, Rich Valley School, Mayerthorpe Jr/Sr High School, Onoway Jr/Sr High School.
What is Envirothon?
Envirothon is an environmental competition for high-school students: https://www.albertaenvirothon.org/
How many municipalities in the province have a Special Recreation Tax Bylaw?
Each Municipality can set their own Bylaws and govern themselves in accordance with their municipal Council direction; the County is unaware of how many Municipalities have chosen to create similar bylaws.
Response dated July 27, 2023