Strathmore resident in the running for $100K

Times Reporter

 

There has been a lot of talk around town about building a recreation centre to be a home for sports and the arts around Strathmore. One resident has found a way to try to work at getting something in place sooner rather than later. Burton Harker has lived in Strathmore for two years, and is a classical singing teacher. He teaches in Rosebud, Calgary and out of his home. 

“I’ve been wanting to get out of teaching out of my home,” said Harker.  

One of his students parents knew he was looking to open up a storefront or something along those lines, and told him about the Pepsi Refresh Project. Pepsi is giving away over a million dollars to fund great ideas. 

“I had about a week to get a proposal together and put it online,” said Harker. 

He is applying for the $100,000 grant through the Pepsi Refresh Project. His idea is to convert an existing building into a music education and arts performance centre. The project is geared at providing quality music instruction in a facility, allowing for performance experience which, Harker said, is an integral part of any student’s education. It will also provide opportunities for students and community members to view and participate in other arts performances. 

“Trying to run group recitals and lessons here in Strathmore for the last two years, I have noticed a need for space like this,” said Harker. 

Currently he is renting space at Hope Community Church, which he said, while it is great, it’s not ideal. Harker is on the Hope Bridges board and has attended the meetings hosted by the Strathmore Golf Course Strategic Planning Committee and the Lions Club. One of his concerns is that sports seem to take over in small towns, and he is worried it may be more of a sports type recreation centre with a smaller facility to perform in. Another concern is timing; he would like to see a facility available as soon as possible. 

“With this grant you have 12 months from the time you receive your money to finish your project,” said Harker.

“It’s a time thing for me, it’s just not cost effective to rent a space that isn’t quite what you need.” 

Harker said something needs to be in place fairly soon for people in Strathmore, and said there are concerns the town could lose some of the art groups if a facility isn’t found. Harker said it would be a small venue, but it would be for anybody and it would be an affordable space for artists to perform. 

The winners are picked through a voting process. Harker began as number 46 out of over 80 applicants for the $100,000.  As of March 8 his idea was in 24th place. If he doesn’t make it this round there is another round available to him – as long as he is in the top five.  

“If you make it into the top 5 for your round you automatically get advanced to the next round,” said Harker.  

“I keep moving up every day which is nice, I haven’t moved backwards at all.” 

Harker said things moved quickly and he didn’t really have time to prepare a voting strategy, but feels like he is doing fairly well. 

He said his original thought for a facility was to have the SAAN building, but said $100,000 wouldn’t be enough to cover it. The Sacred Heart Catholic church is up for sale, and converting the sanctuary into a theatre would also be a great idea. For now, getting into some sort of a building, even a storefront that’s not too outrageously priced, would be ideal.  

“I’m kind of hoping people come forward and say I have this great place, or I have this idea or I’m with this group, do you want to pool together and get a really great facility going,” said Harker. 

Harker would be happy to talk to anyone interested in his idea, and said his main focus is to provide a positive teaching atmosphere and performance opportunities for his students, or any community member interested. 

“There’s a lot of arts minded people here, there maybe hasn’t been enough community rallying in the past. I know they are looking at getting an arts council together and I think that’s a fantastic idea,” said Harker. 

“I think that’s just the start, it’s too bad it didn’t happen 50 years ago.” 

Harker is confident there are enough groups in town that could make use of such a facility. Having personal experience in Rosebud, and seeing the large number of theatergoers, proves to him an arts facility can work anywhere.  

People interested in speaking to Harker can email him at bj.harker@gmail.com. 

To find out more about his proposal and to vote for his idea go to www.refresheverything.ca, voting ends April 30.