By Treena Mielke
Ponoka County council has pulled back on capital requests this year, and the town will have to dig deep into its own pockets to come up with the funding needed for the new roof for the Peter Lougheed Community Centre.
While the town had budgeted $385,000 for the project, they were hopeful the county would come up with some funds to help cover costs.
However, Ponoka County CAO Charlie Cutforth says that isn’t going to happen.
He said county council needs to keep capital spending to a minimum and while their priority in the past has been to help out outlying communities, times are tough.
“We are in a fluid, volatile situation right now,” he said.
Cutforth explained the county was fortunate to receive $3 million in MSI funding this year, but there is no guarantee future funding will continue.
The roof to the community centre was not the only capital project denied by the county.
Speedway Race Park was turned down for $125,000, the Ag Centre’s request for $250,000 over three years was denied as was $125,000 for Pas Ka Poo Park and $140,000 to Liberty Hall.
The town has budgeted $385,000 for the community centre roof.
Cooper Roofing has been hired to replace the roof and
work could begin on the project by early summer.
Community director Cindy Bowie said once two HVAC units are installed on the roof, work can begin.
“I’m hoping by the end of May,” she said.
The new roof will take approximately two months to complete depending on the weather.