The pleas were sincere, passionate and pressing. But even the 80 minutes of presentations from half a dozen residents and a gallery with standing room only were enough to ensure Slave Lake Town council’s ‘carte blanche’ approval for a $3.4 million expansion at the Northern Lakes College last week.
In the end, councillors voted 4-2 in favor of not supporting the expansion – for now. Councillor Valerie Tradewell – who works at the college declared an interest and abstained from the discussion.
“I hope this group can come back with a project that is feasible or small enough that we can absorb” without huge tax increases, offered Mayor Ray Stern.
The proposal, as it stands, would mean a two per cent tax hike “across the board,” Stern told the gallery, and that doesn’t guarantee homes for many of the groups that were supporting the project.
“I clearly have heard a desire for all those things” that have to do with many arts and fine arts projects, he said. But the fact remains “we have no funds and I have to be very concerned” about supporting such a venture without some financial ‘padding’.
And at the same, Stern added, none of the presentations “proved we need a 350-seat facility.” There are other possibilities that have not been explored to date, he added, like one that would see a community library within a community wing” that could also offer ‘homes’ to many of the arts and crafts groups looking for a home.
“I invite you to re-submit this proposal with a change in scope.”
Making the motion to “not accept this proposal at this point because there are some misconceptions,” Councillor Shirley-Torresan Chykerda suggested the proposal, as it appeared last week “is quite limited.”
“I believe we need a venue like this in Slave Lake, but I don’t think people understand what the expansion” will include.
“It’s quite limited, and once it’s built, I think groups will find out that it doesn’t suit their needs.”
Agreeing, Councillor George Snider said “supporting in principle is easy, but once you give it (support) you’ll have to live with it for the next 40 years.”
Suggesting the operating costs could be much higher than are being projected in the proposal, Snider said at least that area should be re-examined realistically.
“I don’t think we have all the information we need to go forward.” That said, however, when Stern called the question, Snider and Councillor Lisa Brown were the only ones that opposed Torresan-Chykerda’s motion not to support the expansion.
Supporters adamant that Town’s rejection will ‘kill’ the project.
Supporter Bruce Martel led off the long line of delegates urging council to support the project. Representing Slave Lake’s Community Choir, he said that group because it has a home, the group has managed many accomplishments over the years – including raising many thousands of dollars to help various projects in the community.
“The choir does much more than sing tunes,” he told councillors, explaining its added another dimension to the cultural offerings to residents in the community.
More than 600 residents take part in various cultural endeavors in the community, he said, “and I believe those numbers will increase if you build” the new wing at the college. It’ll also attract countless professionals and skilled labourers who might not otherwise move to the community.
Many recreation facilities – like the ski hill and the arts and crafts society – have been closed in recent years, he reminded councillors, and losing the Walter Twinn theatre will be another black mark against the community’s inventory of assets.
Adding her support to the venture, artist and instructor Carol Kropiniski said the proposed wing could also provide a home for would-be artists. Her classes currently include students between the age of 13 and 80 years, “and I believe as time continues, this number will expand.”
Next at the microphone, representing the River’s Edge, a group promoted by the Abundant Life Assembly. He said his group offers a non-denominational opportunity for youth to gather at least once a month to examine “life choices. “It gives youth an opportunity to come together as brothers and sisters in the Lord” in a drug and alcohol-free environment. “We’ve had an awesome time using the Walter Twinn Theatre,” he said, and organizers hope to “stay away from being affiliated with any particular church.”
He said a facility like the one proposed at the college would “benefit any event -- and we’d certainly love use it on a monthly basis.”
Local resident and leader of the Auger Family dancers, Peter Auger said the expansion would be a great asset for many ventures, particularly those with Aboriginal roots. And while the Gathering Place has the praises of most in the community, its owners would likely never allow the burning of sweetgrass, a ritual essential to any native gathering or feast, he said.
“I don’t mean any disrespect, but they did allow smudging at the college where everybody’s welcome.” That same facility is an asset to this community, he added, and would surely become even moreso if it’s allowed to expand.
“And there’s always economic spin-offs,” he added.
Long-time community resident and promoter Harry Bartlett likewise offered encouraging words for council. He said he likes many of the possibilities offered with the proposed expansion, adding that “nice facilities attract and retain employees within our town.
“I see this as an exciting challenge for three partners to do something very exciting.” Adding that his final reason is a ‘selfish’ one, the recently retired high school principal said he’d “love to see my grandkids on the stage or on that waterslide.”
Offering his personal contribution of time for fund-raising ventures, Bartlett said he’s just waiting to climb onto that particular train.
“That’s one thing I really enjoy doing,” he told council.
Senior Joy James said she was very disappointed several years ago when the arts and crafts society had to close its doors, adding “there’s still six potters’ wheels and two kilns – and we’re just waiting for four walls and room to put then in.”
Several other individuals added their voices to the choir of supporters, but in the end, Councillor Torresan-Chykerda said many people don’t understand the scope of exactly what’s being proposed at the college.
There won’t be a room for everyone, she said, and there are still many outstanding questions about where the money will come from and how it’ll be spent.

Copyright © 2000 The Lakeside Leader. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster