Youth advocates approach county council

Times Contributor

 

Five students from the Strathmore Youth Assembly asked council to appoint a member to their group, which is dedicated to long-term solutions for youth in the Strathmore area. Their aim is to create positive activities which will redirect youth from criminal activity into constructive venues. The goal is to create a safe environment for youth, help mentor understanding of societal rules and provide education about community leadership and government procedures. Some of their ideas are: participating in an anti-drug campaign, a graffiti wall where artists could display their work, and dealing with family violence issues. The group meets after school in the high schools every second Wednesday of the month. They approached council for a $3,000 donation to cover some operating costs and gain special speakers for the group. Council said a donation may be available through community enhancement funds and will contact the group later with their reply.

 

AREA RECREATION CENTRE

Council heard an update from Craig Stone, representative for Strathmore Golf Course Arts and Recreation Foundation, about the new recreation centre that will be proposed to its membership at the March 15, stockholders meeting. 

“We couldn’t in good conscience bring this forward without feedback from our shareholders,” said Stone.

The plan includes a $6.5 million facility which would include banquet facilities, meeting rooms, a fine arts theatre, bowling facility, virtual golf and a high end restaurant upgrade. The Foundation is expecting the improvements to serve the community on a year round basis. Plans were shown to council as they had expressed interest in the plan’s development.

“This is not just for the golf course, but will be an improvement for the whole community,” said Stone.

 

WASHBOARD CONDITIONS

Area residents complained of washboard conditions on rural roads. 

“With it being warm and dry, we have been doing quite a bit of grading,” said Gerry Van Oostwaard. “But with the warm weather it just isn’t staying.”

Crews are using flat blades on their graders and looking for a little moisture to improve conditions. However if a lot of moisture accumulates the roads will be in trouble again. Van Oostwaard said stockpiling of gravel from various sites is almost complete.