Rocky Mountain House town council has approved several budget changes to move concept planning for a proposed multiplex ahead.
Earlier this summer, the town signed a memorandum of understanding with a landowner for a 54-acre site south of 47 Avenue in Old Town to explore its potential for a new multiplex.
As council has expressed interest in combining the project with a new town office, members approved several resolutions reallocating existing project funding toward the concept planning process.
Council redirected $200,000 previously budgeted for the design of a new civic building to the multiplex project.
Members also approved redirecting the town’s $50,000 share of a recreation centre expansion concept project to the multiplex initiative.
Council further voted to ask Clearwater County to approve changing the scope of its matching $50,000 contribution from a recreation centre expansion concept to the multiplex concept.
The town’s current 10-year capital plan includes $8.2 million for a future civic building, along with a $400,000 annual placeholder for future recreation projects.
Council also authorized administration to issue a request for proposals to hire a consultant to prepare concept plans for the site including some amendments from members.
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Councillors pitch possible amenities
Councillors also discussed amenities they would like included in the concept plan.
Coun. Kevin Stalker suggested a dive tank, while Coun. Justin Sinclair envisioned a shopping mall-type layout with a central corridor connecting different amenities, similar to a recently built multiplex in Edson.
Other ideas previously discussed have included a curling rink, agricultural centre, library, hockey rink, additional space for youth groups and performing arts.
Citing limitations at the Rocky Recreation Centre, Deputy Mayor Dale Shippelt said the facility should be designed with flexibility for future add-ons, such as seniors housing or a library.
Councillors also agreed the facility would require ample changeroom space so swimmers, hockey teams and recreational walkers would not have to share the same facilities.
Council to meet with sport minister
Councillors said advancing the concept planning process would strengthen the town’s position ahead of a meeting with Alberta Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko.
Stalker said having more of the project approved would put the town in a better position ahead of the meeting, while Coun. Denise Boniface said it was better to present the province with all its “hopes and dreams” rather than a scaled-back vision.
“We don’t need to design the multiplex here and now,” said Shippelt, adding the budget reallocations were an important next step.
Council is scheduled to meet with the minister on July 23.
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