Black Diamond residents were given the opportunity to provide feedback on a community centre being pitched to their community.

Following a March 31 open house on a new Sheep River Library, the Diamond Valley Community Centre 78 Society (DVCCS) held an open house April 14 to clear up confusion surrounding plans for a new community centre.

Black Diamond resident Malcolm Hughes attended the open house at the Griffiths Memorial Centre to gather the latest information regarding the proposed community centre which was first intended to be built in Turner Valley.

“Massive change has taken place. I want to find out why, what the changes are and how they were allowed to happen,” said Hughes.

Tyler Bray, chair of the Diamond Valley Community Centre 78 Society, presents a power point display to citizens during an open house on April 14 at the Griffiths Memorial Centre in Black Diamond. photo by Rick Northrop

Hughes was a volunteer on the community centre project and he said he would rather see the community centre in Black Diamond, but won’t oppose a move back to Turner Valley.

“I was not unhappy with the whole thing being built in Turner Valley,” said Hughes.

As a resident of Black Diamond, Hughes said having the Legion in his hometown would be more convenient, but the location is not his main concern. The prospect of increasing property taxes to pay for a new community centre also does not bother Hughes because the society has worked hard to make the community centre project a reality.

“Nobody worked to raise money the way the society did,” said Hughes. “I think it (the community centre) brings with it so much potential. Whether it’s the arts or recreation.”

During a Feb. 4 meeting, the DVCCS voted to ask the Town of Black Diamond for land to build the community centre after negotiations with Turner Valley council broke down.

Black Diamond resident Bill Firth said he is a concerned citizen and wants to see the issue go to a vote.

“I myself would like to see this go to a plebiscite,” said Firth. “There’s about 700 voters in Black Diamond and they are entitled to have a vote on any money that’s being spent.”

Firth attended the previous open house at Oilfields High School in Black Diamond. He said he will go with the majority vote on any tax increases but said as a retiree he is on a restricted budget.

“The thing is everybody is going to have a chance to share that opinion by the ballot,” said Firth.

The DVCCS is asking the Town of Black Diamond for a land agreement and up to $50,000 in operating capital for a maximum of five years to help run the community centre. The location of the proposed 10,000-square-foot community centre is immaterial according to Firth.

“Wherever the selection will be, will be good, as long as the people vote for it,” said Firth.

Jean Hardy attended the meeting to get up to date on the details surround the community centre.

“I just want to know what’s going to happen,” said Hardy.

She said she is also unconcerned about the location of the community centre despite being a resident of Black Diamond since 1976.

“It doesn’t matter to me as long as we have one,” said Hardy.

As a retiree, Hardy is also on a restricted budget and she was not sure whether she would be in favour of increased taxes because it would depend on how much and whether she could afford it.

“I don’t know, it depends on how high they go,” said Hardy. “You only have so much money to spend and you have to live, everything can’t go into things like that.”

A proposed budget for the community centre was also made available to citizens who were interested. Black Diamond Coun. Tyler Bray, who is also chair of the DVCCS, presented a short power point presentation highlighting the history of the society and the community centre.

Architectural plans drawn up by the Ben Pond architectural firm were on display. The plans called for leasable space, a community hall for events like weddings, a new Legion and a restaurant. There would also be a gymnasium for sporting events.

Another open house is in the works for Turner Valley residents but no time or place has been announced.

rnorthrop@okotoks.greatwest.ca

http://www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca/

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