Memorial benches and trees program a go

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Many families like to have tangible way to remember a loved one who has passed away and it is often part of a family’s grieving process.
The Town of Strathmore is introducing a memorial tree and bench program for the public.
“The intention of this policy is to address requests from members of the public who don’t have access (or) belong to other memorial or community groups, so they may participate in the program,” said Dave Rimes, Town of Strathmore interim operations manager.
In the past, guidelines regarding memorials were not clear and it is hoped the new policy will give direction to town staff and provide clarity for the public.
In the past, there were also some concerns about memorial plaque vandalism, and materials and maintenance issues. Town of Strathmore staff said they have consulted other programs and have developed policies that will protect public and municipal investment in the new memorial program.
Application forms for a memorial tree or bench can be picked up at the Strathmore town office, including a list of associated fees.
Staff and applicants will discuss the type of tree and its location, and a plaque will be placed on the tree dedication memorial situated in the Strathmore cemetery. The family will pay for the cost of the tree, planting of the tree and the plaque; then the town will maintain it, with disclaimers and authorization for tree disease or other contingencies as they arise.
Those wishing a bench will be required to pay for the bench, plaque, plaque installation and placement of the bench in a designated location. Some rules apply for sidewalk and business placements. The town will maintain the benches; however, it will not be responsible for any repair or replacement should vandalism occur, and some conditions apply to bench removal.

 

Wildflower bylaw public hearing.
Plans to facilitate the new Catholic school site in Wildflower Ranch are moving ahead, as Strathmore town council approved Bylaw 17-02 on March 15.
One change was the wording regarding the roadway along the property. Previously it would be part of the ring road around Strathmore, but the new site places it on Wildflower Road.
“We are not changing the bylaw except for changing the school site,” said Mel Tiede, Town of Strathmore director of corporate services.
The road will curve to the west and south and connect with Hwy 1.

 

Regional fundraising strategy
The new fieldhouse recreation centre is looking for a name and Town of Strathmore staff is recommending town council use it as a fundraising opportunity.
“We recommend the fundraising strategy be augmented by a professional consultant,” said Mark Brown, Town of Strathmore director of community and protective services. “And to ensure the sponsorship donation asset is comprehensive, the administration documents are developed and best value is received by the town.”
Staff is hoping to have documents in place by April 5, so that tender applications and information can be available at the April 10 open house.

 

Canada 150 planning begins
The Town of Strathmore’s Canada 150 committee has nailed down some interesting events for the Strathmore and area public Canada 150 celebrations.
According to Tracy Simpson, Town of Strathmore’s community services manager, the committee requested and received $15,000 to book concert retainers and merchandise purchases for the event.
The Western District Historical Society will be featuring the On This Spot smartphone app at the senior’s week celebration, which Simpson said fit nicely with celebrating this area’s historic past.
Leaning back to an established western family tradition, a Sunday family picnic is in the works for July 2, with family games, pie auction and restaurants selling picnic lunches and baskets for families to enjoy.
A “battle of the bands” is planned for Aug. 25-27, with space for 36 bands in the competition. The top six bands will be judged by a panel of local judges. The winner opens for Juno breakout artist Tyler Shaw and performer Lyndsay Butler in a final evening performance. Golden West Broadcasting is being retained for the event.
The total budget is expected to run about $60,000 and revenue from the event is expected to cover costs.
“The goal of the committee is to keep ticket sales low, about $30, so everyone can participate,” said Simpson.
Some other ideas were a get-to-know-your-neighbour event, community merchandising and market, and a commemorative medallion given to 2017 graduating students.
Simpson said anyone wishing to help plan events can contact the town office.

 

Fee amendments for fire, protective services
The original fire and protective services fee schedule was drafted in 2014, and Chief Muir Furzer brought changes to the bylaw for town council approval on March 15.
“It is looking at enhancing our ability to provide technical response and advice, best safety practices, public education material to businesses and organizations that we are able to, or required to provide in the community,” said Furzer.
He said the new fees and services overcome some of the restrictive parts of the earlier bylaw. He hopes in this way to give more support to businesses that may be at higher risk in the community.
Yearly fire inspections have no fee; however, licensing inspections for the business or insurance purposes would fall under the fees.