A non-statutory public hearing is set for June 11 at 5:30 p.m. to allow public input on the growing controversy over the proposal for YMCA Calgary to take over the operation of the SLS Centre.
In advance of the hearing, Jeff Genung, in his role as interim president of the Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society, is arranging individual meetings between YMCA representatives and user groups. The society's board held a special meeting earlier today.
Town council unanimously approved the hearing last night, with Coun. Marni Fedeyko pushing for added flexibility in the speakers list for those unable to attend at the scheduled start time.
Originally proposed for 7 p.m., council opted for an earlier start based on indications that several residents wish to speak. Tonight, council chambers were again filled with residents eager to hear if council would proceed with the hearing that was proposed at the May 20 committee-of-the-whole meeting.
“The amount of interest in this topic is absolutely incredible," said Coun. Patrick Wilson, while pushing for a 5:30 p.m. start time. "I think it's going to be a really long public hearing.”
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Whether YMCA representatives will attend has not been confirmed, but Stacey Loe, Cochrane’s executive director of corporate services, said they will be given the opportunity to do so.
Attendance by YMCA reps was encouraged by Fedeyko, who said it would be valuable for residents to hear from them to provide balance to the discussion.
Genung said he is emailing user groups to invite them to private sessions with YMCA representatives to discuss the proposal and address any concerns.
“That’s going to be happening over the next couple of weeks, hopefully in advance of the public meeting,” he said.
At last week’s committee-of-the-whole meeting, Genung originally recommended holding the sessions.
Council also requested to review a copy of the proposed contract at last week’s meeting. While that has not yet occurred, it is expected to be made available to councillors along with an executive summary. Town administration is currently determining which portions of the agreement can be shared publicly to ensure YMCA Calgary's trade secrets aren't disclosed.