Mayor Brian Spiller is in the unenviable position of wanting to help local sports organizations but has the dark spectre of recessionary forces hanging over his head.
And with messaging from the provincial government, which is always bad even on its best days, hinting the April 14 budget will not be kind to municipalities, the mayor will not be able to make everyone happy.
The Innisfail Eagles want improvements at the Arena, especially a top-notch dressing room. The team absolutely deserves that, and the town would love to oblige them. Last year, administration presented a report to council stating the town was willing to put $375,000 towards upgrading the facility. But this was dependent on a federal grant, which was denied.
In the meantime, the Eagles hockey team soared on ice, packed the Arena during the playoffs and came ever so close to defeating archrival Bentley in the playoffs. These were thrilling moments that boosted the community's morale during these dark times. The Eagles' value to the community can never be understated.
And right now all they want is a proper dressing room. Nothing unreasonable about that.
Spiller would love to give them one, but there is this troublesome business coming down from the capital in three weeks. The recession is already hitting the community hard. Signs of financial struggle are everywhere. Many citizens have lost their jobs. Future prospects look grim.
Already, the province has indicated for the second year in a row there won't be money, about $30,000, sent to the town to pay for the taxes on social housing, a grant in lieu to cover the tax bill for Autumn Glen Lodge and assisted living housing. Ouch.
And there is even more worry from town hall and all municipalities across the province there will be cuts to MSI provincial funding, monies Innisfail needs to help cover critically important infrastructure projects. And what about this carbon tax? We all know it's going to hit everyone hard in the pocketbook.
Spiller is right in taking a hardline stance; the best thing the town can do for the Eagles right now is “pick away” at what needs to be done at the Arena. As mayor, it's his duty to practise fiscal prudence in times like this.
However, on March 14 it was announced at town council there was a $406,452 surplus from 2015. It was decided to put this excess cash in reserves, but as council heard, it could also be used for local projects.
Last week, Spiller also noted he was open to helping out the Eagles, as long as the team was willing to help themselves at the same time, which might mean the team may be forced to fundraise harder and look for more corporate support instead of relying solely on taxpayers' money. After all, as Spiller added last week, there are other local sports organizations that need a helping hand, like better storage facilities for minor football and soccer.
The mayor is in a position right now where he can't make quick, rash decisions. The news from the capital on April will be a blueprint for how the town moves forward, and that includes what the town does for the Eagles, and other special interest groups.
Something positive will be done, for sure. But the immediate answer is patience, collaboration and thinking outside the box.
