County pledges more than $1 million for recreation

Rocky View County council approved more than $1 million for recreation funding, June 1.

Local pools, parks, hockey rinks, playgrounds and community centres will benefit from the funding.

“Recreational facilities are a vital part of Rocky View County’s fabric,” said Reeve Lois Habberfield. “Council is committed to supporting these public amenities and spaces so that they may be enjoyed for generations to come.”

The grants will be dispersed under Rocky View’s recreation levy, as part of the County’s community recreation funding program, which provides operational funding for not-for-profit organizations.

Funding is allocated in each of Rocky View’s 10 recreation districts based on recommendations by volunteer recreation boards, which review funding applications annually.

In addition to this annual allocation, the Cochrane and District Agricultural Society will receive $100,000 in cash-in-lieu funding.

The money will be used to purchase and install portable bleachers, a portable restroom and make improvements to the rough stock handling equipment in preparation for the RCMP Musical Ride in August.

“It is a great move for them,” said Councillor Paul McLean. “They provide a great role in our community, both rural and urban. It is great to support a group that has that vision.”

The County collects recreational levy funding through annual property taxes. Cash-in-lieu funding is used for capital projects and comes from financial contributions made instead of dedicating municipal reserve lands as part of the subdivision process.