Red Deer city council is excepting a decision on how it will address the financial problems at Westerner Park in the coming weeks.
In a statement Friday, Mayor Tara Veer said the city has heard many questions and concerns about the recent decision to table the matter for four weeks.
Last week, the majority of city councillors voted to delay a decision surrounding financial support for Westerner Park pending further information from city administration.
Council put off approving a recommended $3-million grant and a $19-million loan to provide short and long-term stability. They requested additional information concerning options around financial support, adjustments to the proposed Relationship Framework Agreement, board delegation, and outstanding responses to any questions submitted by councillors.
“Council believes in Westerner Park and we are committed to protecting the 130 years of history Westerner Park has brought to our community,” Veer said in a statement Friday.
“Given the significance of the recommendations before us, council’s purpose is financial due diligence on behalf of our citizens prior to making a generational decision. We recognize the decision will have broad community impact through our capital investments; resulting in the need to delay or cancel projects in the city’s capital plan, which we have a responsibility to fully consider.”
Veer said she met with the Westerner Park board, Westerner Foundation Committee and Westerner Park past presidents Friday to update them on the city’s decision-making process.
“We are committed to helping Westerner Park, because it is the right thing to do, but how that is structured will be the decision on the table in the coming weeks,” she said.
The city has special council meetings planned for both Monday and Tuesday next week.