Well, it is no secret that since late summer 2014, you couldn’t go very many places in Chestermere without the topic of the CRCA board coming up in conversation. A situation that was already tainted with anger, bitterness and confusion seemed to take on a life of its own as rumours and just flat out wrong information began popping up in discussions and on social media. Prior to the AGM that finally took place on January 22, 2015, there was so much build up and drama, that to say the meeting was passionate would be a giant understatement. Passion shows that people care, and at that January meeting, despite some tense moments, it was abundantly clear that people care.
It had been decided at that meeting that rather than rushing into a vote to just toss in some new bodies, that an elections committee be organized that would facilitate the nominations and election of not just one, but two boards. Up to this point, the CRCA and Ag Society were governed under one board – that is no longer the case as it was felt, by the majority of people at the January AGM, that each of those organizations have their own board. So from then until March 2, 2015, nomination packages were available and those that were wanted to step forward submitted completed paper work so that the elections committee could do a bit of due diligence in ensuring that candidates were properly qualified.
At the election meeting which was held on March 2nd, candidates were given the opportunity to address those that attended, which was significantly smaller than the crowd that congregated at the January AGM, where they could tell a bit about themselves and what they planned on brining to the table. There were no questions or comments allowed from the audience.
When the votes were all in and counted, this is what the two boards look like:
CRCA board – Jason Provencher, Mel Foat, Jed Snatic, Cyndi Deck, George Conroy, T Jason Kell, Kim Soderberg McRae and Jeff Colvin.
Ag Society board – Connie Boisvert, Janice Brown, Crystal Vanderweghe, Marita Gira, Terry Watkins and Bob Johnson.
One hiccup in all of this is that the bylaws of the Ag Society require a twelve person board and as only the above mentioned people put their names forward, they will be needing to appoint five more advised Carrie Lentz who was an integral part in the elections committee and process.
Some of these names are probably jumping off the page at you as they are high profile people of Chestermere, others not so much. But regardless of their name or how long they’ve lived here, the fact that they stepped up to be part of the solution and have Chestermere’s only community centre (at this time), speaks to the type of people they are.
George Conroy, who has called Chestermere home for 10 years said,” I put my name forward because I was asked by a few parties and I felt I could be a harbinger of positive change. I am hoping the new Board will focus on the FUTURE and not worry about the past. The past is over. Let’s go forward with a clean slate. I believe some of our focus should be on proportionate funding from the parties that should pay and on providing the facilities to the facility members. AKA our kids should get to play on our baseball diamonds!”
Likely one of the most recognizable names on the newly formed CRCA board is Dr. Jed Snatic – owner of Lifepath Wellness, MedSpa at Lifepath and other businesses. “I have 2 daughters, a wife and myself who love and use the facility. The AGM was a cry for help. This community has been nothing short of amazing to my family and my businesses. I realized that cutting a cheque wasn’t going to fix the turmoil. So I rolled up my sleeves and got in to be a part of the solution. To get structure to the facility. Develop operational efficiency so that we operate smarter not harder. CRCA has many similarities as my business which gives me insight. The population explosion is coming and we have to be prepared to handle it. Our City Hall and County of Rockyview can’t bear the costs of the CRCA. It’s up to our membership and citizens to meet the challenge. I’m ready. Hoping to be a catalyst. Play to the strengths of our new board. It is a capable and experienced board who you should be confident in the ability to get this CRCA back on track. I would like to see the monumental task of getting this facility into the 21st century. Recruit like-minded members to split up into task specific committees so we can attack this thing on several fronts. Don’t be surprised that a handful of dedicated residents can build an awesome community center that services all ages, in fact, that is the only thing that ever has!”
Kim Soderberg McRae, who has very deep roots in Chestermere says, “I put my name forward because I was extremely upset by what I saw and heard at the AGM. The complex could be considered part of my family’s legacy. My parents, with many other dedicated volunteers, helped build that facility. They put in their time to give my generation a great place to grow up in, and now it’s my turn to make sure that the complex will be around for the next generation. I hope the new board can repair the damaged relationships with the County of Rocky View and the City of Chestermere. And repair the CRCA board’s tarnished image. I would also like to get the recreation centre back on financial track”.
With the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre being the main hub for activities in our city, it is a place where our community comes together, reconnects and builds friendships. These new board members have the community’s best interest as their top priority – but not all of the responsibility can fall on them. As residents, you’re encouraged to purchase CRCA memberships, attend community events and also to volunteer when you can. With a big hearted board, who love their community, and residents who share that same love, the Chestermere Regional Community Centre will remain the heart of Chestermere.
