A few people watched the forum of the candidates for town council on Rimbey library’s facebook page, while 160 people crowded into the Peter Lougheed Community Centre to attend the event.
Chuck Hendricks, former councillor Gayle Rondeel, Bill Coulthard, Bernie Bast and Lana Curle faced off against incumbents Brian Godlonton, Jack Webb, Paul Payson and Mathew Jaycox at the forum.
Questions ranged from allowing chickens in town to having bike racks installed, to allowing tax incentives to the importance of the library to dealing with the high crime rate in Rimbey.
The forum ran from 7 p.m. to shortly after 9, with many of the questions for the candidates read by library manager Jean Keetch.
For the most part candidates agreed on many of the issues presented.
A question as to the role of the library in town, however, did spark a debate.
“They are a thing of the past. Libraries are on their way out,” said candidate Chuck Hendricks.
“The library is the most essential part of the town,” said Paul Payson.
“The library is the hub of downtown,” agreed Rondeel.
“I have long supported Jean and the library expansion,” added Webb.
A question regarding bringing in tax incentives also stirred some controversy.
“I don’t believe them to be fair,” said Payson.
Rondeel suggested the idea of the home purchaser receiving a tax incentive could be explored.
Godlonton said tax incentives are great for new businesses, but they don’t compute to keeping taxes fair and generating funds for the town’s operational budget.
“We try to keep the tax rate low for all taxpayers.”
Crime in Rimbey generated a great deal of discussion.
“The crime rate in Rimbey is out of control,” said Coulthard. “This isn’t a big city, this is Rimbey.”
While candidates agreed organizing a Citizens on Patrol group was important, both Jaycox and Godlonton pointed out that council had tried to generate interest and only one person showed up for both meetings.
Rondeel suggested that more councilling services available in town might help nip the problem in the bud.
Payson added that a town hall meeting should be held to discuss the problem further.
Earl Giebelhaus questioned if the Community In Bloom program could be brought back.
Rondeel said she would like the see more involvement locally regarding beautification.
“Rimbey is looking tired,” she said, adding the town should take responsibility for keeping the snow off the sidewalks and taking care of the potholes.
However, the incumbents argued that they have budgeted funds for beautification that has gone towards planting trees at the cemetery and trails. Funding is also earmarked for road and sidewalk repair each year.
Candidates were questioned as to how they would bring more business to town.
Godlonton said the business in Rimbey is growing now, noting that there are only three empty storefronts on main street, compared to 11 in 2012. He added a new business will soon be moving into the premises vacated by The Tickle Trunk.
He also noted that new families are moving into Rimbey.
“Let’s grow Rimbey, but not too much,” said Hendricks. “Be careful what you wish for.”
Bast suggested having an indoor pool would bring more people to town.
Rondeel suggested having a shop local day once a month in conjunction with the Market at the Park.
Allowing chickens in town was met with opposition by the candidates.
“This is a town for people, not chickens,” said Hendricks.
The issue of noise caused by big trucks driving through town was also questioned.
Webb said he didn’t believe police officers should spend time trying to enforce a noise bylaw when the crime rate was so high.
Rondeel suggested encouraging the trucks to take another route might be a viable option, but Jaycox said the people near the alternate route would not be happy.
He also noted that council is looking at a price tag of $4.1 million to replace wooden pipe at the 4-way stop which is in danger of collapsing.
The repurposing of Parkland Manor was discussed.
A written question was directed at Curle asking how she planned to fix the problems she felt Rimoka was dealing with.
“I don’t feel Rimoka has problems,” she said, adding she was interested in being part of the process to find a solution for the repurposing of the manor.
Rondeel said she understood from a conversation with Rimoka CAO Peter Hall that it will cost between eight and 10 million dollars to refurbish the building.
Webb said turning the manor into a women’s shelter has also been suggested.
“If that building stays empty I will be back on patrol making sure its not getting vandalized,” said Coulthard.
All the candidates thanked Jean Keetch from the library for sponsoring the forum and encouraged people to exercise their democratic right and vote.
Advanced polls will take place at the Kinsmen Room at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advanced polls will also be held at Parkland Manor Lobby on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The regular vote will be held at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre on Monday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.