Replacing Brooks Junior High School originally built in 1953. This project is one of 43 funded in the Alberta Budget, providing $2.1 billion to build and modernize schools across Alberta. The new school will be located where the current track and football fields are. It will have space for an additional 157 students for a total of 820 students. The new school is anticipated to open in the 2027/28 school year.

Lake Newell Marina manager gave his resignation due to safety concerns regarding the poor state of the docks. He expressed worries about potential accidents and liabilities. The board considered resigning as well if safety issues weren't addressed.

Multiple meetings were held with developer Jeet Shergill highlighting the project's urgency. Shergill firmly stated he would not invest any more money, citing a loss of $4 million. When asked about the marina's potential shutdown, he said he didn’t care if it shut down.

The EID owns the shoreline but is unwilling to take responsibility for its maintenance because the developer owns land adjacent to it. Stakeholders agree that buying out the developer would be the best solution. However, his asking price of $2.8 million far exceeds the appraised value of $655,000.

During the March 21st Lake Newell Marina AGM over 50 attendees participated, signaling strong community interest. Two motions were passed: allocating $90,000 from LNM reserves for a new dock, and increasing annual dues from $630 to $900 a year to replenish funds. The deadline for slip owners to contribute $5,000 towards the new dock was meet with an overwhelming response and, plans to order a new dock are underway.

Skateboard Park built in 2008 is being rebuilt because it is sinking. So will there be the same problems with a new Skate Park in the same spot? The evaluation of the park showed that the sinking issues were due to how it was constructed. There was no rebar tying the pieces together, the compaction was not done correctly underneath the skateboard park and a good base was not installed.

Tap for REASON #6 You deserve a break . . .

Vendor Earlybird Rates end May 2.

Recreation Boards Awarded Funds

Divisions 5 (Cassils/Lake Newell Resort) and 10 (Brooks) had $70,000 allocated to be awarded.

• Lake Newell Resort received $52,000 for beach improvements and new sports court surfacing.

• Cassils Community Center received $7,300 for parking lot gravel and fence installation.

• Silver Sage Arena received $8,600 for a public address system upgrade.

Division 4 (Scandia) Bow Slope Recreation Board decided to disperse some of the funds that had built up.

• Rainer will receive $10,000 to redo their game room

• Scandia will receive $10,000 for a sound system

• EID park got the regular $5,000 + 20,000 to repaint their elevator which will cost $80,000-$90,000. Because it is so old it is best to be hand-scrapped to have the paint last for about 10 years.

*When no funds were allocated for the painting of Cassils Hall, the Quilting Guild stepped up to fund the expenses.

Dog Park update. In the fall of 2023, fencing of the small dog area was completed. The remainder of the work includes:

• Fencing around the perimeter (a total of 747m).

• Walking trails through the large dog area.

• Garbage cans, benches, picnic tables and poop-bag stations.

• Agility equipment.

• Signage.

• Dog drinking water station, through an on-site tank.

• Overhead lighting for parking lot.

• Small solar lights along pathways.

12 quotes were received for the remainder of the perimeter fencing. Quotes ranged between $85,000 - $47,000 from contractors as far as BC and ON. The budget for the fencing is $60,000. Quotations were evaluated based on price, references and warranty. Based on these factors, the job will be awarded to The Bobcat Guy of Brooks for $49,000.

“Existential threat facing our lakes, rivers and irrigation infrastructure from invasive Zebra and Quagga mussels” is how Todd Beasley described the situation in a presentation to City council. He is asking for an immediate “temporary moratorium” on ALL out-of-province watercraft – before the ice is off our lakes and rivers!

Thank you for sharing LarkSPUR NEWS and spurring others on! 😁👍