Woodlands County has officially declined to participate in the Town of Whitecourt’s Culture and Events Centre.
In a statement released on May 27, 2022, the County announced they are turning down the Town’s request for funding for the project.
“The County is confident that funds are best spent within the municipality on projects supported by its residents,” reads the statement.
The Culture and Events Centre is a new facility the Town of Whitecourt is hoping to build. It would incorporate new Town offices, a new library, a conference centre, and a 600 seat theatre all in one complex.
The current estimated cost of the project is $59.5 million. Under the proposed funding model, it was hoped Woodlands County would contribute $7.1 million.
In their statement, the County cites the opposition of County residents as their main reason to turn down the Town’s offer. In a survey the County carried out in April 2022, 87 per cent of County residents said they were not in favour of funding the project through a tax increase. The County’s survey projected a 6.4 per cent tax increase to cover the County’s share of funding.
“Woodlands County believe public consultation is paramount and focuses on supporting the wishes and best interest of its residents, while pursuing its current and long-term financial strategy,” says the statement.
On a related note, at the Town of Whitecourt’s May 24, 2022 meeting, Whitecourt town council approved the Culture and Events Centre Ad Hoc Steering Committee’s request to form a fundraising committee.
