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15 projects

Red Deer County gives $300,000 to community facility upgrades

Dec 7, 2022 | 1:58 PM

A number of Red Deer County community facilities are to benefit from an incoming round of Rural Community Facility Capital Assistance Grant dollars.

Contained within the Support to Rural Community Facilities Policy, this funding gives rural community facilities between $1,000 and $100,000 for capital projects involving maintenance and upkeep.

This year’s budget for the program is $300,000, with 15 applications received totally over $438,000 in requests.

Approved grant amounts. (Red Deer County)

This funding is in its 16th year, with more than $3.65 million going out over that time.

Project details (via County)

Level 1 Facilities – Annual Operating Expenses >$20,000 or Emergency Reception Centre

Cottonwood-Gordon Ag. Society (Hall) – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial amount of $25,000 to add enclosed patio at side of hall to provide shelter during inclement or hot weather. They are contributing a large amount of cash towards this project.

Poplar Ridge Community Centre – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial amount of $20,000 to replace the roof. An important upgrade as roof was at least 45 years old. New roof installed in summer of 2022.

Ridgewood Community Association – Council approved this funding request at the April 5, 2022 council meeting as there was an Emergency/Critical Need to replace two furnaces. Ridgewood received full payment of $27,193; the furnaces were replaced, and the hall re-opened.

Spruce View Community Association (Hall) – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial payment of $15,000 towards replacing washroom vanities and mirrors with stainless steel sinks and touchless taps

Level 3 Facilities – Annual Operating Expenses $5,000 to $10,000

Antler Hill Community Association – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial payment of $35,819 towards several items: hot water heater, fireplace gazebo on concrete, ice rink installation, portable outside toilet, and entrance sign. This organization has only received 2 capital grants in the past and is contributing a large amount of cash and volunteer labour and equipment.

Balmoral Community Association – It is recommended they receive full payment. This group had applied for fencing around the basketball court with an open gate area to deter vandalism. Open gate area will still allow community and other users to utilize the court.

Glenellen Community Centre – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial payment of $50,000 towards demolishing old entrance, 12’ x 50’ deck connected to existing deck, 14’ x 50’ deck covering, and load of gravel. This group is contributing some volunteer labour and equipment to replace the aging deck. A new deck will also increase outdoor space for their facility.

Linn Valley Community Hall – It is recommended they receive the full requested amount of $8,493.28 towards vinyl plank flooring and installation and for custom wooden sign at entrance. The flooring is an important improvement, and this group is providing some volunteer labour.

Willowdale Community Hall – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial payment of $7,000 towards kitchen upgrades (new island and countertops). Some items can be put towards their Operational Expenses.

Level 4 Facilities – Annual Operating Expenses less than $5,000

Burnt Lake Community Centre – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial payment of $2,418.10 to cover the cost of replacing big, damaged picture window.

Level 5 Facilities – Agricultural Societies – Operating Arenas

Spruce View and District Agricultural Society – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial payment of $35,000 towards a new sound system. The current system cuts in and out and sometimes does not work. A new sound system will allow hosting events that require sound and create an improved environment for hockey and figure skating.

Level 6 Facilities – Agricultural Societies – Other

Crossroads Agricultural Society – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial payment of $3,000 towards upgrading and repairing existing plank periphery fences along border of entrance driveway, and chain link fence upgrade at ball diamond entrances. This fencing will improve usage and security of facilities. This group will provide some volunteer labour and equipment.

Level 7 Facilities – Approved Outdoor Amenity

Kevisville Ball Diamonds Association – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial payment of $14,000 towards purchase of a lawn mower, and purchase and installation of shale for infield at ball diamonds. Important items as a better lawn mower is needed, and the shale provides good drainage, cuts maintenance costs, and is safer for the players by providing better traction and less glare. This group will provide a large amount of cash and volunteer labour.

Unranked Facilities – Do Not Receive Operating Funding Support from County

Danish Canadian National Museum – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial payment of $35,000 towards several items: removal of 100 trees, main entry step replacement, electrical upgrade, and electricity restoration. This group will provide some cash donations and large amount of labour and equipment.

Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society (for Buttermaker House in Markerville, Municipal Historic Designated Program) – Due to over-subscription, it is recommended they receive a partial payment of $16,395.62 towards the following items: necessary well upgrading to comply with AHS for water testing (critical), and as part of continuing restoration, new studs and drywall was necessary. This group is providing some cash.