BOWDEN ñ Town council is mulling over a suggestion from the Friendship Centre Club that the town sell the land the building sits on ñ preferably for a dollar.
Friendship Centre directors Dale Simpson, Glen Fox and Don Peterson made that request during the April 27 council meeting.
Peterson served as the main spokesman. He said centre officials have heard rumours that the provincial government may shut down casinos as a source of revenue for non-profit groups, requiring them to obtain funding through provincial grants.
Peterson pointed out currently, the town owns the lot the centre sits on and leases it to the club for a dollar a year. He said that's been the case since about 1983.
Peterson said the concern is the province, as one level of government, may not be willing to provide grants to another level of government (the town). As a result, the club would like to buy the land so it can get around that problem by owning the property.
The provincial Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) oversees casinos.
In an email to the Albertan, AGLC spokesman Michelle Hynes-Dawson wrote, ìwe have not received this direction. While we continually review the charitable gaming model, collect feedback from the sector and make improvement to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the charitable sector, the direction that you outline below is nothing more than a rumour.î
Chief administrative officer James Mason noted the property the building sits on is large ñ about the size of two residential lots ñ but is actually under one title.
Coun. Sheila Church expressed sympathy with the group's concern.
ì(If the rumour is true) it's just going to make it more difficult,î she said. Instead of getting a casino going and working and getting your money, you're going to have to apply for it and maybe not get it.î
ìThat's right,î Peterson said.
The delegation told council the club pays about $7,000 a year for expenses such as power, gas and insurance, but makes very little revenue.
ìOur rentals are very, very slim,î Peterson said. ìWe made $4,000 last year on rentals.î
Mayor Robb Stuart said he was open to the group's request.
ìWe want to support you as much as we can. You guys have been excellent to deal with. The Friendship Centre is probably one of the best- kept buildings in town,î he said. ìI think it has merit, if we can help you out.î
"The Friendship Centre is probably one of the best-kept buildings in town. I think it has merit, if we can help you out." ROBB STUART MAYOR TOWN OF BOWDEN
