BOWDEN ñ Organizers hope to begin construction of a new community hall in Bowden June 1, according to project manager (and town councillor) Wayne Milaney.
Milaney made that statement during council's May 8 meeting.
ìWe plan on starting the first of June. And the project management approach is so that we can employ as many local subtrades as we can and get as much local labour as we can. So that kind of a contract gives you the possibility of doing that. And I'll oversee all of that,î he told fellow councillors.
The new hall, spearheaded by the Expanding Horizons Bowden Cultural Enhancement Society, has been in the works for a year or two.
The 10,750-square-foot facility will replace the approximately 70-year-old Bowden Lions Hall, located just behind Main Street.
The budget for the new hall, to be located on 3.2 acres of land at the north end of Bowden along Highway 2A (27th Avenue) and 22nd Street, is $1.7 million.
The society has received a $750,000 matching grant from Alberta Culture and Tourism. The matching $750,000 was primarily acquired from two $300,000 grants from Red Deer County plus fundraising and private cash donations.
ìWe're real excited about going forward in the next few weeks,î Milaney said.
Coun. Sheila Church was happy to hear that, but noted organizers still need to fundraise for the project.
Milaney said he's confident some businesses connected with the project will help out by providing services in-kind (providing goods and services rather than donating money).
Coun. Paul Webb asked if the necessary permits for the project have been obtained.
ìIt's our building, it's our land, it's our money. I don't think there'll be a problem getting a permit,î Milaney said with a smile.
Mayor Robb Stuart and Coun. Lloyd Lane said Expanding Horizons has done an amazing job.
ìWhen you consider how far they are now from where they were last year you can't complain about delays. It's incredible what they've done,î Lane said.
Milaney agreed.
ìThat committee has incredible energy. Incredible energy has been generated in our little town,î he said. ìIn a time when you're lucky to raise five cents, they've got a million dollars.î
"Incredible energy has been generated in our little town. In a time when you're lucky to raise five cents, they've got a million dollars."WAYNE MILANEYBOWDEN TOWN COUNCILLOR
