An agreement has been struck between Athabasca County and the Town of Athabasca for the future ownership and operation of facilities surrounding the Athabasca Brick School.
A proposal was made by Athabasca County in August 2019, to remove Athabasca County from ownership of the lands and buildings on the property. Included were provisions to transfer title for all lands encompassing the Brick School, Nancy Appleby Theatre, and Alice B. Donahue Library and Archives to the Town of Athabasca.
Athabasca County will continue to provide operational funding to the Nancy Appleby Theatre through the Athabasca Regional Multiplex Society, even though it will be owned entirely by the Town of Athabasca.
Athabasca County will provide the Town of Athabasca funding in the amount of $750,000, plus $194,680 in lieu of a proposed increase for the library over a 10-year period, for a total upfront contribution of $944,680. Athabasca County will continue its current annual operational funding ($65,532 in 2019) for the library over the next 10 years.
“This agreement provides both municipalities with a clear direction into the future,” says Larry Armfelt, Reeve of Athabasca County. “It benefits the County in terms of our budget planning and helps give the Town freedom to manage facilities that exist within their boundaries.”
Historically the land and facilities have been managed and financed by both municipalities. These changes will help streamline the process for funding and decision making when it comes to the future of these facilities.
Mayor Powell said “We are pleased that negotiations with the County have been successfully concluded giving title to the Brick School land to the Town of Athabasca. This will allow the Town to plan the future of the school and the library. The maintenance of the theatre will remain with the Multiplex. The money, along with grants, will be used to restore the Brick School.”
The agreement was approved by both Athabasca County Council and the Town of Athabasca Council at their recent meetings.
