SRAC requests art policy

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

The Strathmore Regional Arts Collective (SRAC) is hoping to see a new art policy created by the Town of Strathmore. The policy will allow for the installation of art on both indoor and outdoor town-owned property.
“We know that (art policies) exist in other communities and we’d like to have the opportunity to do the same,” said Councillor Denise Peterson of the request.
“We think that it would be a great addition to the community in terms of elevating the downtown revitalization project and adding interest as well as providing opportunity for artists to display their work and perhaps even sell their work.”
Peterson moved that the request be looked into and information be brought back to council from administration
Councillor Steve Grajczyk questioned whether it only has to be town owned, stating that in Canmore it is done on both town and private properties.
“You don’t dictate it, you just encourage it” said Grajczyk, when a question arose about how it could be dictated to the residents.
The motion was passed and a policy will be brought back to council at a later date.

 

Earth Hour Challenge
Each year people across the globe are asked to participate in Earth Hour, which is when people are encouraged to shut off all unnecessary lights and electronics for one hour to conserve energy. The Earth Hour Challenge is March 28 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Town of Strathmore will once again be taking part and asks that all residents in the community do so as well. There is also a chance to win money for the community if Strathmore is one of the three top energy conservers for that hour.

 

Former Mayor honoured
Former High River Mayor Emile Blokland was praised in council during the Feb. 18 meeting. Councillor Rocky Blokland was granted permission to read a letter aloud about Emile being selected as a recipient of a Peace Tower Flag.
It is given to people or groups who have contributed significantly to the wellbeing of citizens as part of the national flag’s 50th anniversary celebration, read Rocky.
During the 2013 flood Emile was both praised and maligned for his handling of the disaster that forced roughly 13,000 people in High River from their homes under a mandatory evacuation order. It was nine days before residents could begin to return to their homes.
Throughout that time Emile met with town and provincial authorities and displaced High River residents in emergency shelters, and addressed reporters. He was generally well received though tempers did occasionally boil over as it dragged on. During that summer his wife also suffered a stroke, and that was one part of the reason why Emile made the decision not to run again for Mayor in the election, but instead seek a council seat.
“I am so proud of this person. He is my brother and what he went through I don’t wish on anybody, this was just unreal what he had to do and I’m very proud of him,” said Rocky.