BOWDEN – During a meeting, town councillors considered closing the rest stop in the community along Highway 2 if they didn't receive more money from the province to operate it.
BOWDEN – During a meeting, town councillors considered closing the rest stop in the community along Highway 2 if they didn't receive more money from the province to operate it.
Mayor Robb Stuart and chief administrative officer James Mason were scheduled to go up to Edmonton this afternoon to meet with Transportation Minister Brian Mason to deliver that message.
The matter came up during a town council meeting.
Councillors noted they've received $20,000 grants to operate the facility for the past three years, but CAO James Mason says that's not nearly enough to operate and maintain it.
In a document prepared for council, he guessed it could cost $80,000 or so to bring the facility up to proper running order, including repairs to the parking lot and roof.
He warned that could result in a 10 per cent tax increase because $80,000 is roughly 10 per cent of the town's tax base.
That didn't go over well with councillors.
After a lengthy debate, they voted to defer the closure decision until after they learn what happens in the meeting with the minister. If the meeting is cancelled for some reason, the issue might come up for further debate.
CAO James Mason said the attitude he's picked up from the provincial government is because the rest stop is in Bowden, the cost of looking after it is the town's problem, not the provincial government's.
But he doesn't see it that way.
"We've got this rest stop – primarily being used by the travelling public, and it may be a benefit to the town. Alberta Transportation expects the people of Bowden to belly up to the table and say, 'yeah, we're going to do this for you primarily because we may get some spinoff benefit,'" he said.
"And yet, the place is deteriorating badly. Let's face it – it's falling apart – and it's kind of becoming a little bit embarrassing, as I've been informed. Not really looking good.
"So to me, it's like, why do we have to run a losing business supporting the highway when all these other big contractors and Alberta Highways, I mean, they're not doing it for free; they're making a profit," he added.
Coun. Wayne Milaney expressed concern about possible closure of the facility, saying it provides some spinoff business for at least one restaurant on the highway and perhaps other businesses in town.
"The rest stop is one of the few things that welcomes people to stop in Bowden," he said, adding that in addition to restaurant business, if a hotel is built there, the rest stop would help its business too.
"I think we need to consider that when we make our decision," he said.
Stuart didn't agree.
"I'm personally of the opinion that people stop there to use the washroom and that's it," he said.
Milaney raised another argument as well.
"Nobody gave us a grant to keep the arena open. We've still got it open. So what's the difference?" he asked.
"The difference is that's for our use. The rest stop is for the travelling public," Coun. Paul Webb said.
"If it brings business into our community, then it is for our use," Milaney replied.
Coun. Sheila Church said if the town doesn't receive the funding it needs to keep the rest stop open and improve it sufficiently, a sign should be erected making that point to the public. It should also contain contact information for provincial officials who didn't provide that money.
Councillors agreed with that idea, amid some laughter.
"Why do we have to run a losing business supporting the highway when all these other big contractors and Alberta Highways, I mean, they're not doing it for free; they're making a profit." JAMES MASON CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERTOWN OF BOWDEN
