County to contribute to roofing costs

BARRHEAD-A community group restoring the St. Aidan's Glenreagh/Bloomsbury Community Church will get a financial boost.

County of Barrhead councillors unanimously approved a request from the organization for $2,500 through the Community Grants (AD002) policy to help them replace the building's roof during their April 20 meeting.

In August, councillors turned down a similar request from the organization for $5,000 for the same project, suggesting that they make an application under the Community Grant policy when it was in place.

Under the policy, eligible community organizations can apply for up to $2,500. Funds for the program comes from the recreational reserve and are capped at $15,000 annually.

County manager Debbie Oyarzun said this is the first application they received since the policy came to be in February.

To be eligible for a grant, under Section 4.1 of the policy, volunteer organizations, groups or service clubs must fulfill several criteria such as demonstrating that they bring value or benefit to the community. For a building that could take the form of historical significance.

There are two application categories, projects or events and sponsorships.

"The other thing we have to look at is financial viability and community involvement," Oyarzun said, noting in this case, the group is providing about 78 per cent of the project funding through community donations.

The total estimated cost of the project is $21,134.

She also noted the other thing administration needs to consider before bringing an application for councillors’ consideration is whether it aligns with the municipality's Strategic Plan.

"It falls under the Economic and Community Development pillar," she said. A goal under the pillar is that the county maintains its rural character and is recognized as a desirable location to invest, work and play.

"Although it does not address any particular strategy under this goal, it does align with the community hall strategy we hope to develop," Oyarzun said.

St. Aidan’s Church was constructed in 1913 at Glenreagh, Alberta. It was part of the Paddle River Mission established by an Anglican minister named Reverend Dallas, who is said to have played a significant role in the settlement of the county.

Until 1975 it was part of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton when they sold it to the community of Glenreagh/Bloomsbury.

Reeve Doug Drozd questioned whether the type of roofing material (the plan is to use metal roof tiles) would hamper the group's ability to have the church designated a "heritage building".

Administrative assistant to the county manager Pam Dodds said regardless of the types of shingles, the church would likely not qualify for such a distinction as they had already made other renovations that disqualified them.

Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com