Mountain View County council has approved a new policy for the funding of visitor information centres in the municipality. The approval came during the recent regularly scheduled council meeting.
On Feb. 3 the county's policies and priorities committee made the recommendation that council approve policy 7001 and related procedure 7001-01 for visitor information centre funding.
“There are approximately four visitor information centres (which provide such things as information on local attractions) within the geographical boundary of MVC,” CAO Tony Martens said in a briefing note to council.
The centres across the province are typically maintained by chambers of commerce, private businesses and volunteers within the community, he said.
“The following recommendation was made as part of the visitor friendly study completed in 2014 in conjunction with the Town of Olds, Town of Sundre and Alberta Parks and Recreation,” he said.
“The county's economic development department has allocated an annual budget amount of $25,000 commencing in 2016 for VIC funding. Accredited VICs within the county may apply for up to a maximum of $5,000. These funds may be used to enhance their ability to operate and/or for special projects or fixed outdoor assets.”
Under the new policy, funds that are not allocated will not be carried over to the next year.
“Administration is recommending that unallocated funds may be used for specific county projects that are tourism related and contribute to visitor experience. These projects may be in collaboration with other municipalities,” he said.
Council would have to make the final decision on the allocation of funds.
“We want to improve our visitor experience in the county and if we can collaborate with other municipalities I think that is good,” said Reeve Bruce Beattie.
"The county's economic development department has allocated an annual budget amount of $25,000 commencing in 2016 for VIC funding."Tony Martens,CAO
