It is no secret that there has been some tension surrounding the relationship between the CRCA board and Rocky View County (RVC). To give the full history of this situation…well I think we’ve told that story and picking away at who’s right and who’s wrong – well, let’s be honest, that gets us nowhere.
As of late, it did appear from this side of the curtain that some positive baby steps were occurring. A hard working and dedicated CRCA board has kept the programs and events at Chestermere’s only rec facility operating business as usual and also having new opportunities coming on board. But it appears that even the smallest of improvements and additions are being squashed by Rocky View County.
In January, the CRCA Board contacted the City of Chestermere to find out what permits would be required for a renovation. “While we didn’t know the exact scope of the project at that time, we provided them with our different requirements”, explains the City of Chestermere.
This project was the construction of a new concession which was to be built in the lobby between the two rinks by way of donation by Chestermere resident, Alex Halat. “This project was something out of the norm merely a mechanism to employ youth and give the ability to raise funds for non for profit and registered charities locally and surrounding areas”.
The concession would have initially employed about 9 staff (2 adult and 7 youth), and as the second phase moved forward in the summer, about 15 plus staff would have been brought on.
So the planning and designing commenced, fully funded by Halat, and in February, the contractor for the work at the CRCA applied for electrical and plumbing permits for the project with the City of Chestermere. “The contractor was under the impression that a building permit was not required and indicated that it was not a large scale renovation project. As is our process upon receipt of completed applications, we issued electrical and plumbing permits”, added Megan Matthies, Communications Coordinator with the City of Chestermere.
As the building began and the opening started to become a reality, the whole project came to a screeching stop this past week when allegedly, someone with Rocky View County reported the project for not having the proper building permit.
“We heard concerns from the landowner (Rocky View County) that the project was much more extensive than was understood and hadn’t been authorized by them. Our building inspector investigated and determined that the scope of the project was in fact much larger than initially understood and a building permit is necessary prior to construction. All building permits require approval from the landowner (Rocky View County)”, added Matthies.
The City was left with no choice than to rescind the permits that were previously issued. “We (the City of Chestermere) are waiting for a completed application for a building permit from the project manager which would include a letter of authorization from the landowner. In the meantime, we have issued a stop work notice until a completed application is received”.
I reached out to Corwin McCullagh, Recreation Manager with Rocky View County, with a number of questions regarding this situation but no response was received. However, on February 11th, McCullagh issued a letter to the CRCA Board stating in part, “I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of CRCA’s responsibilities with respect to proposed construction activities in relation to the recreation facility. CRCA has an obligation as the tenant under the lease with the County, to obtain the County’s written approval for any construction activities it intends to carry out on the lands and the facility, prior to carrying out such construction. This requirement applies to all construction activities whether carried out by or on behalf of CRCA directly, or by any other party, including any current or proposed subtenants. In addition, prior to carrying out any construction activity, CRCA is required to obtain all related permits and approvals from the City of Chestermere. Sincerely, Rocky View County Corwin McCullagh Manager, Recreation & Community Support”.
Rocky View County Councillor, Rolly Ashdown commented, “I think the work was commenced without any permits, any and all volunteer efforts should be applauded but the efforts no matter how noble need to go through the proper steps. No member of Administration has the ability to simply take it upon themselves to halt something on a personal vendetta of some sort, I expect everyone is enforcing existing bylaws and legal instruction. The County is not the aggressor in anything going on with Chestermere by the way but does have a mandate to defend any challenges or correct any transgressions”.
Halat, a long time and generous supporter in the community says, “Like anything in life you will have hurdles to overcome. Unfortunately we had a timeline in mind for this project and we will have to work with the proper authorities in RVC/CRCA and the City of Chestermere to resolve this. I am extremely optimistic we will complete this. Regardless of whatever situation between parties, at the end of the day everyone is human and the last thing they will want is to see a non for profit or charitable group lose out. This project is different as funds will be redirected to groups rather than a for profit business”.
So for now, in its place, is a tarped off section of the lobby waiting to be a finished concession that would have served those that come into the facility and provided employment to local youth. Halat ended with, “It’s unfortunate we are in this situation however this being so unique hopefully this could be the start of a resolution between the powers that be”.
