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Council discusses future of manor

With a new seniors’ lodge in Rimbey closer to becoming a reality, a decision as to the future of Parkland Manor is rising to the forefront.

With a new seniors’ lodge in Rimbey closer to becoming a reality, a decision as to the future of Parkland Manor is rising to the forefront.

At its meeting Monday, council hashed over suggestions by Mayor Rick Pankiw about housing the library, West Country Outreach School and 20 large senior suites in the facility.

“It’s a very unique idea,” he said. “I think it would be very healthy and it would fit perfectly.”

The mayor explained to council that the provincial government wants verification that valid plans are in place to utilize Parkland Manor once the building is no longer in use as a seniors’ lodge.

“It’s just a proposal,” said Pankiw.

Librarian Jean Keetch is receptive to the idea of moving the library.

“I would be more than thrilled to move anywhere where we would have sufficient space,” she said. “The location is not ideal, but Rimbey is not a very large town and the people are mobile. Patrons will find us and continue to use the library. I think the ideal spot for libraries is downtown, but other municipalities have libraries that are not in the downtown core and they function well.

Pankiw said he has talked to Alva Holliday, the principal at West Country Outreach School, who has agreed to talk to the superintendent about the proposal.

“I like the idea of moving the Outreach School out of the commercial area,” said Coun. Brian Godlongton.

Residents now at Parkland Manor will move to the new lodge when it is completed.

Pankiw is hoping to have the proposal prepared in time to present it to Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health at the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association’s convention Thursday in Edmonton.