Lacombe County passed on providing further financial support for the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
Organizers for the Games recently pitched municipal partner and municipal sponsor programs. Municipal sponsorships range from $10,000 to $250,000.
However, county council voted last Thursday to not increase its financial commitment. The county previously approved $1 million for the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, which will be used for a number of events
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The county typically does not support sporting events, read a staff analysis. Many requests have been received to help financially support tournaments, provincial playoffs and other events.
“(T)he county has consistently declined support due to concern over the unlimited number of other requests that would follow if approval was granted to one,” read a report to council.
Town of Blackfalds and City of Lacombe have also declined to help fund the Games. Red Deer County is giving $500,000 and Ponoka and the Ponoka Stampede are sharing a $50,000 sponsorship.
The Games Host Society is responsible for raising $14 million – one-third of the cost of the Games. Last month, the society said it was about halfway there.
The county intends to help out with promotional support through the Lacombe County News and social media outlets.
Similar support was pledged by the City of Lacombe council, which opted not to provide financial support earlier this month.
County council did approve $65,000 to help pay for major repairs to the Clive Arena’s ice plant, and the cost of a temporary ice plant.
The county’s policy allows for funding up to 50 per cent based on county usage on the condition the facility operator puts up 15 per cent and the village provides funding based on its usage.
Council deferred a $45,000 request from the Bentley and District Agricultural Society, which is embarking on a $94,000 renovation of the Blindman Valley Ag Centre. Council wanted to get more information from the society.
Carpets, dance floor, and roof will be replaced and a security system added in the project that would also be funded through provincial grants.
pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
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