Councils approve bid for 2018 SASG in Coaldale

By Stan Ashbee
Sunny South News

At a recent Town of Coaldale council meeting, council approved the motion to direct administration to move forward with the bid to host the 2018 Southern Alberta Summer Games (SASG) and further, council approve the operational budget, as presented or amended. Another motion was passed — council will table decisions on capital improvements until upcoming budget deliberations.
In a report submitted to town council, it was stated, Coaldale and the surrounding area were engaged through surveys to determine if community members are interested in seeing the SASG in Coaldale. It was also stated responses indicated the community and surrounding municipalities are in fact supportive of Coaldale’s endeavour to host the SASG in 2018.
The report also noted Coaldale Junior Pride football is aiming to help fundraise $10,000 for this project. The town has also spoken with the Coaldale Chiefs, as it was stated, the organization is interested in fundraising for possible recreation upgrades for this project, in regards to tennis and volleyball court upgrades or a part of the costs. It was stated in the report, there is also an option to approach service clubs including the Coaldale Kinsmen and Kinettes, and the Rotary Club to fund smaller capital projects including courts and pits and there could be an opportunity for the clubs to work together to fund one community project.
In the report, it was stated, Lethbridge County submitted a letter of support indicating Coaldale to apply for the Land Trust grant in 2016 and 2017 and the application would be favourable.
The report also noted the town needs to begin discussions with Palliser Regional Schools to see if the school board can fund a portion of Kate Andrews High School upgrades, as these upgrades would also benefit students.
Town of Coaldale representatives met with Lethbridge County council to discuss the town’s bid for the 2018 SASG. County council went with the recommendation to support the Town of Coaldale’s bid and the motion was carried unanimously to approve $25,000 to help with the hosting of the Games in 2018.
“It’s a great thing to have in our communities,” said Lethbridge County Coun. Morris Zeinstra, at the county council meeting.
With facility upgrades, Town of Coaldale Community Services Manager Stephanie Wierl said the town hopes to be able to pull in more sporting events in the future.
Lethbridge County Coun. John Willms asked if enough funds can’t be raised for facility upgrades, will Coaldale still be able to host the Games.
Wierl said there are some changes that can be made to the facility upgrades in order to still be able to host the Games.
“We would be able to host, it would just look slightly different,” Wierl said.
Zeinstra added, “we don’t do much as a county for recreation and this is a way for us to do so.”
He moved council commit the $25,0000.