I read with interest your coverage of Monday night’s all candidates forum in the Sept. 29 Gazette in which a candidate for council — Norm Harley — is quoted as criticizing the city for an expenditure of $14 million for grain elevators. He is quoted as saying “I’d rather have a medical facility for $14 million than a grain elevator,” and you report that this comment elicited a round of applause.
As is often the case in a campaign, statements are made that are not entirely based in fact or are reported inaccurately.
As I was not able to attend the event in question I cannot speak to the accuracy of the report, but I would simply like to ensure that the taxpayers and voters of St. Albert have the correct information.
As stewards of the grain elevators, Arts and Heritage St. Albert is working closely with the city during the restoration work currently under way. We have also been successful in accessing supporting provincial grants for the work that total almost $300,000.
The project is designed to both stabilize and conserve these two significant landmarks in our community. In fact most of the work is focused on three areas of concern — the foundations, which have been severely damaged by the elements over the years, the exterior cladding, which likewise has deteriorated due to weather and finally the roofs, which are in need of replacement as they have reached the end of their useful life.
Whether or not one agrees that grain elevators are important to conserve, there is no doubt that a number of communities across the Prairie provinces have recognized their historic value and they are working hard to protect the small numbers that are still intact. The grain elevators in St. Albert are an important part of our heritage and are designated by the Province of Alberta as provincial historic resources.
The work undertaken by the city is on a much more modest scale than reported and in fact the total cost borne by city taxes is approximately $1.4 million. The newly restored elevators will be unveiled on Canada Day in 2011 and we look forward to sharing the results with the entire community.
As ever we welcome the opportunity to provide information about any aspects of the work of Arts and Heritage St. Albert.
Paul Moulton. executive director, Arts and Heritage Foundation
