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Public centre turned into a ‘business’

Dear Editor;

I think it’s time the residents of Winfield and area and the remainder of the County of Wetaskiwin know what is happening with the Winfield Recreation Centre. It was agreed that the County would operate the arena but they have unilaterally taken over the entire Recreation Centre and are running it as a “for profit” business. The only keys available are from a county employee, if one can be found. Otherwise, someone would have to drive from Wetaskiwin with the keys. We are virtually locked out of our community centre.

I belong to a group of Senior Floor Curlers. The county has raised the rent for our limited facility by four or five times what we paid to the Agricultural Society. We used to raise funds by having a bonspiel. Since the County has locked us out of the kitchen and eating area this is no longer possible. We therefore have been unable to raise the exorbitant rent the county asked for. I explained this in a letter I sent to all the councillors and the administrator.

On Feb. 12 the county had posted a notice on the door saying floor curling was cancelled. They even had a couple of county police officers present…expecting a riot of 70 and 80 year olds? They did not have the common courtesy to inform us beforehand, so we could inform the seniors who drive long distances.

There is usually a county truck at the Centre, sometimes two or thee. Who pays for this? Look for a surprise on your next tax notice.

Sadly, we no longer have a community centre, but a “for profit” county business. From whose pockets will this profit come from? It won’t be only the residents of Winfield and area. To the other communities who have a lease agreement with the County of Wetaskiwin, I suggest this could happen to you.

Many of us have worked 20, 30, or 40 years to build a community centre, only to have it taken from us. How did our public servants become public dictators?

Concerned senior,

Doris Jones

Winfield, AB