Some feel tourism and economic development (TED) has been relegated to the periphery in local municipalities, with no related personnel employed by the Town of Athabasca, and a job vacancy in Athabasca County since the departure of TED officer Jodie Pruden earlier this year.
The town and county once shared a joint tourism board, but decided to split the board up. At least some funding came from Tourism Alberta, but according to town councillor Tim Verhaeghe, “that funding has dwindled,” and the government has shifted its focus to mountain parks rather than rural Alberta.
Mayor Roger Morrill brought forth an idea at the Dec. 17 town council meeting that, subject to the county’s approval, one member of town council sit on the TED committee formed by Athabasca County.
Morrill said the 2013 Athabasca County budget for TED was set at approximately $179,000, but suggested it could be increasing in 2014.
The mayor’s motion was “to participate with Athabasca County with the (Tourism and Economic Development) Board for a one-fifth share, with one town councillor at one-fifth budget share, if Athabasca County allows the Town of Athabasca to do that for the 2014 year.”
Councillor Steve Schafer wondered if a one-fifth share is sufficient; Morrill suggested this is a valid point as it only represents one vote.
Still, “That’s still a commitment of around $40,000, and that’s not a small commitment for our town,” said the mayor.
“I would be proud to sit on that committee,” said councillor Joanne Peckham.
From councillor Shelly Gurba’s standpoint, municipal collaboration should be at the forefront of economic development in the community of Athabasca.
“I think we really need to really start working on some joint ventures. We’ve talked about it previously,” said Gurba. “You can start small like this, and if they want any more support, you can always add more if we see that there is a need to continue with it.”
Schafer requested the mayor amend to his motion to “at minimum one-fifth” so that in future discussions, the town is not limited to a one-fifth share.
The motion was carried unanimously.
