BOWDEN - Town councillors say they need much better communication with groups who organize things like the this year's Canada Day celebrations.
This Sunday, Canada Day activities in Bowden will take place at the rodeo grounds from 5:30 to 11 p.m.
Events planned include various family activities, a ball game and a family dance. A bouncy castle will also be set up to provide extra fun for kids. There will also be a concession and bar. Fireworks will be set off when it gets dark.
During council's June 25 meeting, Coun. Sandra Gamble, whose portfolio includes the Bowden Recreation and Culture Board, said she was not advised of any meetings during which these celebrations were organized.
Mayor Robb Stuart said that's a concern for the Town of Bowden because "if there are even volunteers down there, we have to make sure our insurance is kicking in."
Stuart said that all speaks to a need for greater communication between town council, administrative staff and residents/volunteers who want to plan various events in the community -- including Canada Day celebrations.
"Last year on the 150th Canada Day, it was cancelled because there weren't enough rec members. But we didn't know that until (shortly) before Canada Day," Stuart said. "We could have done something; paid people to do it. So I think we need way better communication."
"We just need to make sure that communication comes to the council and make sure our insurance kicks in and the budget is allocated and not over," Stuart added.
"And I don't know what to do with the budget either, because I don't have any communication with them so I leave it the same as the previous years," interim CAO Jacqui Molyneaux said.
Eventually, council passed a motion by Coun. Paul Webb that sanctions rec board volunteers to help out during Canada Day celebrations so that they're covered insurance-wise.
