Whitecourt’s town council met on Nov. 24 to approve funding and communication decisions.
Council approved the purchase of a telescopic seating system for the Culture and Events Centre at a cost of $599,995 plus GST.
By installing the system in the east wall of the multipurpose room, it can be extended for larger performances to convert the space into a theatre to provide a number of seating configurations to meet the needs of the event, users and the audience. It will have 322 seats available when expanded.
The system will be supplied and installed by Hussey Seating, which administration says is the only supplier of this type of seating in Canada.
Council also approved the adoption of a Tuition Assistance Bursary (TAB) program to support local students pursuing post-secondary education and training.
Through a pilot program with the University of Alberta, $10,000 has been allocated to the fund.
Successful applicants will receive up to $5,000, and more information about the application process and timelines will be posted on the town website.
Finally, following approval from town council, Whitecourt will submit comments to the Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission regarding proposed changes to provincial electoral divisions.
In addition to other changes, the commission has proposed a consolidation of seven northern electoral districts into six, thus eliminating a provincial representative of northern Alberta.
Whitecourt Mayor Ray Hilts explained, “The reason we’re interested in engaging in the process is more of a solidarity gesture with the rest of northern Alberta in making sure that rural Alberta maintains proper representation, fair representation within our region. Diminishing that by one seat isn’t fair, nor is it acceptable, to northern Alberta.”
He added, while he understands population is a relevant factor to consider, rural Albertans have a unique culture, way of life and unique challenges that require adequate representation, especially when considering the economic power focused in the region through oil and gas, forestry and other industries.
Under this change, the West Yellowhead electoral district would exclude the Town of Jasper and instead include the Town of Swan Hills.
The public is also welcome to submit their thoughts on the proposed changes online.
