INNISFAIL – The town is looking over the details of a formal $35,000 cash donation request by the Innisfail Ski Hill for help to cover a portion of the $385,000 cost for the new chalet project.
The ski hill is also requesting tax relief and in-kind assistance. All the requests were briefly discussed at council’s regular March 22 meeting but a decision will be made at a later date to give administration more time to sort out details.
“The expressed support from the town for the ski club and new chalet is appreciated, and there has also been a tremendous reception to the project from the community at large,” said Brent Jackson, president of the ski hill, in a letter to council that was received by the town for the March 22 meeting. “We will continue to pursue funding through a number of sources.”
Jackson said the $35,000 cash donation request is to support the chalet project’s completed work, as well as what is currently underway and unplanned expenses and upgrades to meet improved cleaning standards as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said in the letter the cash request is based on a similar $25,000 contribution from the Innisfail Lions Club.
Jackson’s letter outlined a list of in-kind requests for materials, equipment and labour, including concrete barriers to protect the existing light pole and black dirt and gravel to improve the parking and landscaped areas.
The letter noted the ski hill does not have access to equipment and labour to support this request.
The ski hill is also looking for security gate installation near the entrance to the parking area. While the intent of this request would have the town install the gate and the ski hill operating it year-round, the town would be able to access it for snow clearing and other maintenance.
Coun. Gavin Bates wanted to know what the cost of the in-kind list would be, noting most of the items will have a “definite cost” and that “$35,000 could be $50,000 really quick.”
Coun. Jean Barclay wanted more details about any lighting improvements, noting the parking light at the ski hill is on town land.
Administration staff responded by saying the fine details of the in-kind requests still need clarification and will be sorted out before a formal overall recommendation is made to council.
The letter from the ski hill also details the organization’s ongoing efforts to secure other sources of funding. Jackson said the ski hill has already secured $148,500 in donations and has currently raised $4,675 of its $10,000 goal on its GoFundMe page.
The ski hill has also held a bottle drive over the past several weeks and cash totals for that are being calculated.
Council was also told the club will be approaching Red Deer County for additional support.
