Plans to beautify Barrhead under debate

The need for Barrhead to look its best during the 2013 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games is weighing on the minds of town councillors.

One councillor called for more trees, while another expressed hope the parks would be in much better shape than in 2011.

At the March 12 town council meeting, much of the debate centred on how much input the authority should have on plans to spruce up Barrhead.

Coun. Madelaine Wessel argued for an inclusive approach, saying she wanted to know what was being planned.

She hoped landscaping plans would include more trees, which were needed to improve the look of the area.

Wessel said councillors had a responsibility to ensure the best interests of the town were being served.

Coun. Roy Ulmer was keen that the parks should be in tip-top condition.

“Our parks were terrible last year,” he said. “We could not be very proud of them.”

Coun. Dave Mackenzie, who serves on Recreation, Parks and Tourism, said recreation staff were very aware that the summer games would be a chance to showcase Barr-head and the surrounding area.

Mackenzie said he had full confidence in the department’s staff, including the foreman.

He added he would be happy to bring to council a general report on the department’s plans, including signage for the entrance to the town.

Some councillors were wary about the authority getting too involved in proposals, including such landscaping details as where flowerbeds would be planted.

“I don’t want us to be seen to be micromanaging,” said Coun. Ty Assaf.

Coun. Don Smith said people had been hired to come up with ideas to beautify the community.

“I don’t think they take the task lightly,” he said.

Mayor Brian Schulz said questions and concerns about beautification plans and proposed signage at the entrance to Barrhead should be channelled through the town manager.