Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
A recommendation was made that council approve an additional net deficit of $143,000 to reopen the Fitness Centre starting July 13 with reduced hours, pending staff availability and training.
Town staff reviewed the Alberta Health Services guidelines and determined that municipal facilities could reopen with restricted numbers, additional safety precautions in place for staff and users, and increased cleanliness standards.
That includes reopening the Fitness Centre and the climbing wall. It was reported that Culture and Recreation staff get requests for access to the facilities daily.
Councillors voiced concerns about safety.
"I think it's too soon," councillor Paul Butler said. "People can use the outdoors for recreation."
He suggested opening the facility in September.
Coun. Bert Journault echoed Butler's comments, and said people can enjoy the great outdoors of Jasper National Park at no cost.
Opening later in the fall - in mid-September or October, was his recommendation.
Mayor Richard Ireland reminded council the topic was not on the table for a decision on June 30, that the earliest the decision will be made is council's next regular meeting scheduled for July 7.
Kelleher-Empey said she had great concerns with opening the facility now and suggested it open in September.
"We live in Jasper National Park, there's lots for people to do," she said, and added the safety of the community needs to be considered in the timing of the opening.
After a lengthy discussion, the withdrawal of a motion to bring back the information for discussion on July 28, and the defeat of a motion to review the opening of the Fitness Centre on July 28, council went with Ireland's reminder that the information will be discussed on July 7. "We can make a decision or defer a decision on July 7," he said.
Keeping parking times
Council did not move forward with a proposal to reduce parking limits in the downtown core from two hours to 50 minutes.
Council discussed the reduction of maximum parking time from two hours to 50 minutes on Patricia Street and the west side of Connaught Drive at their meeting June 30. Designated handicap parking and off street parking would be exempted.
Councillors presented a variety of views about it.
Deputy mayor Jenna McGrath said: "I haven't heard enough from Jasper residents that making this change is important to do.鈥�
Coun. Helen Kelleher-Empey noted she was in favour of the change initially, but has since changed her mind. That follows her conversations with people in the last week, who pointed out that seniors, for example, and those with appointments, need more than 50 minutes' parking time.
Coun. Bert Journault said: "I think we should try it. I think this is a way of accommodating retailers."
Like Kelleher-Empey, coun. Paul Butler said he liked the idea at first but said he's not seeing support from the downtown core.
Administration received nine letters from residents and business owners opposing the time limit change and one in favour. Parking limits downtown will remain at two hours between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
