RMWB Council meets on Oct. 8, 2019, to discuss Rogers Hometown Hockey and the Fort McKay Community Centre.
Both mainly discuss budget approval and the economic and community impacts of both motions.
Hometown Hockey
Rogers Hometown Hockey is coming in November.
The hockey touring festival visits Wood Buffalo on Nov. 23-24, 2019, at MacDonald Island Park.
Council meets to discuss the budget.
The two-day festival not only celebrates Canada’s national sport but spotlights communities for their contributions to the game.
The Municipality would lead the Community Committee in partnership with several regional community groups.
- Regional Recreation Corporation
- Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association
- Northern Alberta Athletics Association
- Fort McKay Community Arena
- McMurray Gentlemen’s Hockey
- Fort McMurray Old-Timers League
- Fort McMurray Tourism
The event also promises children’s activities such as kids zones and live entertainment.
Also, the national broadcast showcases individuals and their hockey-inspired stories during the weekend.
The administration estimates the budget at $131,700.
It projects parking, labour and operations at $57,950, first aid and security at $13,750, rural involvement $20,000, marketing $30,000, and $10,000 for community involvement.
Furthermore, the administration hopes to showcase a rebuilding community, attract young families, and thank Canada for its support during and post-2016 wildfire.
The RMWB seeks to generate a direct economic impact of $350,000 with a promotional impact of $1,000,000.
A motion brought before Mayor and Council seeks to receive funding from the 2019 Division operating budget.
If it’s not available there, then from the 2019 corporate surplus budget or the Emerging Issues Reserve.
Community centre
Next, Council will decide which route to take with the Fort McKay Community Centre.
The Fort McMurray Métis Community Association (FMMCA) hired a company to design and build the community centre in 2017.
They approached Council in December 2018 and requested assistance in finishing the project, reporting 90 per cent of the design was complete.
Council approved the budget for construction at $6.2-million and assumed project management.
They project the centre to house 500 people upon completion.
Also, the facility would include a commercial kitchen, concessions, retractable bleachers, stage, 145 parking stalls, and other improvements.
However, feedback from 24 Fort McKay residents from March 6-13, 2019, and again at the Fort McKay Open House in September showed varied results.
Development was not in line with community interests.
The administration asked the FMMCA for a ‘Master Plan’ so they could help fulfil the hamlet’s infrastructure requirements.
The plan would cover design, finances, scheduling, land acquisition, construction budget, and project scope.
Unfortunately, the administration has yet to receive that plan.
Therefore, RMWB Mayor and council must consider their next move.
The administration does not have a motion to recommend but instead will present three options.
First, buy the land and finishing construction in 2021, which the administration estimates would cost nine million dollars.
Also, calculate costs, confirm user groups and figure out the scope of the project.
Finally, the Council may choose not to proceed with the project.
Council meets on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, at 4 p.m.
