Treena Mielke
BLACK PRESS
Sylvan Lake town council has given the green light to the chamber of commerce to move into the municipal building for a three-year term.
At its Monday meeting, council approved the proposal which will see the chamber relocating to the municipal government building on Feb. 1.
Council voted unanimously for the move, although Coun. Graham Parson said he wasn’t sure it was a good move.
“I would like to help them out, but I’m not comfortable with it. I don’t exactly know why. It is the chamber’s role to lobby the town,” he added.
Coun. Jas Payne noted that having the chamber in the same building as the town office may add to the confusion that already exists between the roles of the town and the chamber.
“I do have concerns about that,” he added.
But Coun. Matt Prete said he could see the move as a positive one.
“It’s putting our best face forward. My feeling is this is the best solution to getting our chamber stronger.”
“What we see here is a partnership,” said Coun. Dale Plante. We’re being proactive.”
Coun. Christine Lust agreed.
“It’s really tough out there. I agree this will give the chamber a much better look and we are giving them a hand up.”
Coun. Parsons agreed that allowing the chamber to relocate in the town office was a good temporary solution.
“Interim is fine with me, but not as a permanent solution.”
Chamber president Dwayne Stoesz said he is pleased and excited that council approved the move.
“The chamber is tremendously grateful and appreciative to the town and its leaders for giving us the opportunity to spread our wings during this time of growth. This will give the chamber the prospect of building an even larger membership base in an inviting and professional atmosphere, while working closely with the town and its administration in continuing to make Sylvan Lake the prosperous community that it has become. We look forward to many mutually successful endeavors in the years to come.”
The lease agreement will see the chamber paying $300 per month for a three year term. The agreement will be reviewed six months prior to the expiry date of the lease and if approved by council, renewed under a one-year option including a two per cent cost of living increase to the rental rate.
A clause will be added to the lease agreement that either party can terminate the lease agreement with six months’ notice.