Penhold town council accepted an increased grant from Red Deer County for use of recreational facilities during its Oct. 9 meeting.
The grant, which is given to cover Penhold's “market share” of Red Deer County residents who might use the town's facilities, was increased from $40,000 to $59,680.
Mayor Dennis Cooper said those facilities are the Penhold Regional Multiplex and the splash park.
He said he feels Penhold draws in more than what the county estimated is its market share. In a briefing notes package from the county, it was estimated Penhold serves 1,734 county residents.
He told council that Sylvan Lake had increased its grant from the county by getting numbers to present to Red Deer County.
“They started collecting data,” he said.
Coun. Chad Hoffman suggested using numbers from the library, the fitness centre and the hockey games. Coun. Heather Klein suggested throwing in the dance studio located at the multiplex.
Rick Binnendyk, the town's chief administrative officer, said using a mailing address could make data gathering tricky as many mailing addresses aren't necessarily reflective of the residence's location.
“To determine exactly where they live, that's a different matter,” he said.
Cooper said the town is happy for the significant grant increase but they want to make sure they get the data.
“We have to make sure there's clarity in the agreement,” Cooper said.
Council voted to express thanks to Red Deer County for reviewing the agreement and to accept the information provided with the report.
Coun. Kathy Sitter opposed the motion, while the rest of council present voted for it. Coun. Danielle Klooster was absent from the meeting.
