INNISFAIL - The town has agreed to seriously consider a plan to partner with the community to invest in a new downtown community clock at Bankers Corner.
If everything comes together between the town, the Innisfail Downtown Association (IDA), local businesses and possibly service groups, the new community clock could be ready and ticking beside the ATB building at Bankers Corner by next summer.
The last community clock in town was on the upper front facade of the historic Berscht building on the southwest corner of 50th Street and 50th Avenue.
"The building burnt down. We lost the clock to the fire," said Debra Stoski, president of the IDA, noting the idea of raising money for a community clock became an association priority when the Berscht building and its clock were totally destroyed in the 2009 fire.
"We don't have one anymore and everybody can enjoy it. It doesn't matter what age you are," added Stoski, who noted the clock's potential future setting by the ATB could become a cherished gathering place. "Meet me by the clock, yes."
Stoski took her association's proposal to town council's regular meeting on Oct. 22. Council heard the decade-old IDA is being dissolved as Stoski can no longer carry on its business due to health reasons.
Council was told the association raised $12,000 through various fundraisers, with all of it earmarked towards the community.
"We always worked for the community as a whole and we want to give back to the community as a whole," said Stoski, who targets next summer for the community clock to be in place at Bankers Corner.
She told council the total estimated cost for the project is $30,000. She said the plan is to have a matching $12,000 contribution from the town, and additional monies from community groups, possibly a service club.
Council was told an important issue to be dealt with is the value of the Canadian dollar, as the clock has to be paid for in American funds. She suggested a trust fund be created, and when the Canadian dollar rises to an acceptable level, American funds can be used to minimize the overall cost.
Stoski also told council Central Alberta Co-op is considering providing materials for the base of the clock, once all funding is secured. Council was told the plan is to have a large base with flowers in the centre, which will allow citizens to sit, rest and socialize.
"The town can build it because in that way it's built to their specifications, but we can get all the materials from the Co-op. I need to know if they will agree to seeding, and then I can work with administration to find out how big we are going to make that," said Stoski, conceding power availability to run the clock also has to be worked out.
Council members were supportive of the proposal, although some said more information from the IDA was required, which Stoski countered it was fully prepared to provide.
"I think it is a great idea. The association has worked hard for a number of years. It (the clock) will be a recognition for their efforts too," said Mayor Jim Romane.
Coun. Gavin Bates, while supportive, said it was important administration "digest" all the details of the plan.
"I think it is a terrific idea but I would like to see us turn it over to administration to digest it and come back with kind of a schematic on how we do it and the total package," said Bates.
Council passed a motion to consider the clock project for its 2018 budget after being told there was still money in the town's contingency fund. Heather Whymark, the town's director of corporate services, said there was still $109,000 left in that account.
Todd Becker, the town's chief administrative officer, said it's hoped staff will bring back a detailed project report to council in December, and see what level of interest is there. He said if that is approved, the project can move forward with council's direction.
