Athabasca County approved spending up to $10,000 on a hazardous material assessment of the old Brick School.
Council made the decision on Aug. 25, following a recommendation from the Tourism and Economic Development committee.
The money will fund the lab tests, a hazardous materials report, and a consultant if Alberta Infrastructure does not take on the project.
County manager Ryan Maier said the main concern is that the building could have asbestos. However, the county had already set aside money for a similar purpose in the project’s budget.
“We budgeted $10,000 for an environmental assessment,” Maier said.
The old Brick School is an agenda item for the Town of Athabasca council meeting Sept. 6, where council will speak to matching funding.
The building has been empty since 2013. Several groups have proposed moving into the building or redesigning the space, but that has been delayed pending a hazardous materials report.
The school was built in 1913 and was used as such until the 1950s. Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) took over the space for several years, but moved out in 2013.
County has denied Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL)’s request for a 30 per cent reduction on its 2017 taxes.
This is the third time the oil company has asked for a tax break this year.
In February, CNRL sent a letter asking for a 30 per cent tax reduction for 2016 and then appeared in front of council in March for a second request.
In May, Reeve Doris Splane replied that she believed the county’s non-residential mill rate was fair and appropriate, given the infrastructure and services it must maintain.
In August, CNRL responded with another letter suggesting the county reconsider and reduce the rate by 30 per cent for 2017.
“Despite our success in reducing overall costs, there remain too many properties where property taxes are a concern,” wrote Scott Stauth, CNRL senior vice president of North American Operations. “Increasing property taxes are likely to result in early abandonment of wells and facilities which will reduce the assessment base, local employment, and royalties.”
Maier said that CNRL suggested the county trim its budget.
“They should have looked at their budget,” noted Coun. Denis Willcott.
