Council sponsors military service recognition book

By Rob Vogt Local Press Writer
For more than a decade, the Town of Claresholm has sponsored a special book put out by the Royal Canadian Legion recognizing military service.
At its March 14 meeting, town council agreed to support the Military Service Recognition Book produced by the Royal Canadian Legion Campaign Office in the amount of $485.71 plus GST for 2023.
The publication recognizes those brave individuals who sacrificed so much for the freedom everyone enjoys today. Thousands of copies are distributed free of charge to all Legion branches, advertisers, select schools and libraries, and is available online. This was up from $442.86 plus GST, the same amount the town contributed from 2018 to 2021, and council has supported this initiative since 2008.
Fundraising hockey game
Council agreed to waive the fees including ice time and usage of the mezzanine for the Emergency Services versus U-18 Benefit Hockey Game scheduled for March 19, 2022 at the Claresholm Arena.
Health foundation barbecue
Council agreed to allow the Claresholm and District Health Foundation to hold their annual charity barbecue in downtown Amundsen Park on June 15, 2022 with the stipulation they follow all current public health guidelines.
Municipal Sustainability Initiative
Council also reviewed information about the town’s Municipal Sustainablity Initiative funding for this year.
Tinney noted the town will receive $404,602 in Municipal Sustainability initiative capital funding, and pointed out the province front-loaded funding last year when the town received $987,000.
Municipal Affairs critic
Council reviewed information from Joe Ceci, the official opposition finance critic, who pointed out the provincial government has added 0.5 per cent to the 0.75 per cent premium to borrowing rates for local authorities, such as municipalities. He also invited municipalities to meet with him on March 9 and 10 at the Alberta Municipalities’ Spring Leaders’ Caucus. Petrovic said that, although she did not book a meeting, she chatted with him briefly at the event.
Strategic plan
Council reviewed the Municipal District of Willow Creek’s strategic plan, which was sent to council for thir feedback. Coun. Brad Schlossberger said he appreciated the M.D. sending the plan to council.
“Looks like they’re very much aligned with us,” he said.