INNISFAIL - Local residents are rallying in light of concerns that their voice is not being heard.
Myrna Kissick, president of the Innisfail Horseshoe Club, recently spoke with several local individuals following a recent presentation to council about the location of the town's new skatepark.
Feeling their voices and concerns were not being heard Kissick decided to reach out to the community in response to the feedback she's received.
“We need a community association to allow people's voices to be heard,” said Kissick. “There needs to be more transparency from council involving the community.”
She pointed to council's decision-making process.
“The community (people) are the ones that should decide major projects because they are involved and they're impacted,” she added.
“By The People, For The People Community Association” is a possible name for the newly formed group, in the early development stage she noted, adding it would be a registered non-profit organization.
Kissick said there's never been a problem with the horseshoe club and the town until now.
“They've been very good to us over the years,” she said, noting some of the feedback she received from the community.
“People are absolutely shocked that they would even think of putting something in that beautiful little park,” said Kissick, noting the park's daily use. “I talked to a lot of people and every one of them said the same thing.”
Innisfail mayor Brian Spiller said council welcomes a community group like this with residents' opinions and input, but the group won't have a say in any final decisions.
“Input is always good as long as the input is from everybody and not just from one association or group only,” said Spiller. “At the same time the (final) say is going to stay with the town council.
“We welcome a group of people with concerns about the town bringing items to town council. We will listen to them but they will not have a say at the town council table,” he said, adding council is transparent and works towards what is best for the entire town.
“We cannot have public input on every decision that the town makes. The people vote you in and they have to trust you to do your job.”
Kissick said she is encouraging individuals and organizations to come together and join the grassroots association.
“There's other organizations in this town and I would like to see them all get together and (help) start this association,” she said. “They can have a representative from each group or club. That is the community.”
Kissick said there were actions the town should have taken when deciding on the location for the skatepark.
“They should have had an open, public meeting before they decided where they were going to put it,” she said. “We'll decide where it's going. The people are paying for it.”
The community association will help residents get involved, be informed and have input about important issues, activities and projects, noted Kissick.
“It needs to be done. People have to be involved and not shut out.”
For more information or those interested individuals wishing to join the association can call Kissick at 403-227-6507.
Myrna Kissick
"We need a community association to allow people's voices to be heard."
