By Treena Mielke
Town council has given the green light to begin the process towards the refurbishment of Parkland Manor.
At its regular meeting, Monday, Nov. 14, council agreed to foot the bill for conceptual drawings of a proposal that includes refurbishing the existing Parkland Manor into 20 independent seniors apartments.
The remaining space at the manor would include housing the Rimbey Municipal Library and The West Country Outreach School.
Mayor Rick Pankiw told council he had met with Janet Parsons from Alberta Seniors Housing on Nov. 4 regarding the issue.
He said the seniors housing department is receptive to the proposal, but are not ready to move forward until they see a conceptual drawing.
Council agreed to shell out $12,000 for Berry Architect to complete the conceptual drawing.
Getting the plan into the hands of the provincial government is the first step towards dealing with the vacant space left at the manor after the new lodge is open.
Council discussed approaching the Outreach School and the library to help out with funds for the drawings, but agreed that, at this point, the town needed to take the financial bull by the horns, themselves.
“They do have a vested interest,” said Coun. Jack Webb.
“We don’t need to nickel and dime them at this point,” said Con. Paul Payson. “The town needs to throw the dice.”
The cost of renovations is estimated to cost around $3 million. There was some concern of asbestos in the building, but a building report issued in 2008 states no asbestos is present.