ATHABASCA – Athabasca County has contracted a consulting firm to examine the future uses and potential of the Boyle Fish Pond through a series of stakeholder engagement meetings and discussions.
During the Aug. 19 committee of the whole meeting, councillors heard from Authenticity, the firm that will be running the engagement, about the timeline, schedules, and expectations for the community consultation.
“It’s extremely informative. I really appreciate the information provided and understanding the deal with the province,” said Reeve Tracy Holland after the presentation.
“I’m looking forward to the open houses and hearing what everyone has to say.”
Since 1982, Athabasca County has been responsible for the recreation area – located five-and-a-half kilometres south of Boyle on Highway 831 – which includes an observation platform, picnic area, and a camp kitchen. The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) stocks the pond with trout each year.
Authenticity outlined six potential scenarios for the fish pond, ranging from letting the lease lapse and removing everything from the site to renewing the lease and enhancing the existing amenities.
With the help of Athabasca County’s administration, the consultants prepared a list of key stakeholders they would be consulting with before the open house. Locally, the company identified the Boyle & District Senior Citizens Association, Village of Boyle, Athabasca River Runners Snowmobile Association, and local law enforcement as key entities to engage with.
Councillors had a few recommendations of their own, including Holland’s suggestion of the eastern summer villages, like Bondiss and Mewatha Beach, as well as Coun. Kelly Chamzuk’s suggestion that community groups like the North Skeleton Lake Community Association be involved.
“It’s an important rest stop as well for the folks that are travelling from north and heading down. I don’t know if those are necessarily stakeholders but it will attract some attention there as well,” said Holland.
Community engagement for the project hasn’t started yet, but an open house is being planned for October; whether it’s before or after the election has yet to be determined.
“This will be a traditional open house with stand-up panels; we’ll likely have a couple of facilitators from my team, as well as administration, soliciting feedback. We’ll also be launching an online survey that will be advertised through the website and social media,” said John Buchko, who presented on behalf of Authenticity.
“That will be available to all county residents, and certainly outside the county. We’ll gauge it closer to the period whether we need to do two events. Ideally, we see 50 people. That would be excellent for a project of this nature, and considering the size of the community.”
