PORT ALICE—Having secured a new Zamboni for the local ice arena — and under budget — council turned its attention last week to the rest of the aging building.
With the deadline approaching for application for a grant from the provincial Community Infrastructure Improvement, councillors put a new paint job and improvements to the exterior of the arena at the top of their wish list during their regular meeting July 25.
The motion by councillor Dave Stewart included three, prioritized projects for consideration by the province — painting and replacement of trim to the arena, replacement of staves and a new cover for the village's wooden water tank, and improvements to the Walkout Island Trail.
"It's an interesting grant," administrator Madeline McDonald noted. "There's no limit to the number of projects you submit, as long as you prioritize them."
The grants must be accompanied by matching funds from other sources, and projects requiring less than $250,000 in CIIF funds will be given priority.
The village is in solid position to take advantage of the grant after pocketing nearly $24,000 that had been budgeted for the new Zamboni and a replacement pad to eliminate the curb the old Zamboni previously had to negotiate while entering and exiting the ice.
"We got $30,000 from (Port Alice) Minor Hockey, and the business community and non-profits were very generous," said McDonald. "One hundred per cent was paid by contributions, so the $16,000 council budgeted for the Zamboni is now surplus."
Council had also budgeted $25,000 for repairs to the Zamboni pad, a project that actually came in at $17,050.
Alice Lake subdivision
Council was given a presentation by Doug Leighton, Vancouver Island Director of Planning for Brookfield Residential, on the proposed subdivision at Alice Lake.
Leighton presented a map indicating 17 subject properties around the Regional District of Mount Waddington-managed Link River Park, noting that the company's purchase allowed for 23 lots.
"We decided not to push the density limit for this development," Leighton said.
He indicated Brookfield was willing to commit to improvements to the boat launch in anticipation of increased traffic at the facility with new residences on site, and other improvements including access to as-yet undeveloped portions of the park.
Council thanked him for the information, but wanted to see more and invited Leighton back for another meeting, after his scheduled meeting with RDMW's planning committee the following day.
"We need to see some proposed designs," acting Mayor Janice MacLeod said. "It will give us a better overall picture; we can't really tell enough from just the map."
New constable
Newly arrived RCMP Constable Clayton Twamley was introduced to council by Cst. Darren Regush.
"Where I came from we had about 50 constables," said Twamley, who previously was stationed at the North Cowichan/Duncan detachment. "So this is a little different. It's nice to drive down the road and get an occasional hand wave. Instead of the alternative."