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By Justin Dionne

GP Storm get financial help from City and highlights from City Council

Jan 28, 2019 | 10:18 PM

The Storm hockey team is getting financial help from the city.
 
Last night council passed a motion to approve zero-dollar rent for the 2018/2019 season and a $20-thousand rent for the 2019/2020 season.
 
A loan of $200-thousand over a 5-year term is also being granted to the Swan City Hockey Association with an interest rate of 4.25% and City Administration will be reviewing how the money is spent. 
 
The Grande Prairie Storm’s Business Manager Eric Hein says the City is going to be getting money back from the loan and he’s going to be working even harder to make the most out of its investment in the team.

“As an organization, we’re excited to move forward with the City,” says Hein. “It’s a loan; they’re going to make money on investing in the team and the organization, and we’re headed in the right direction. I’m excited to get to work with the City and continue our strong season.”
 
 Council also approved the following recommendations:

 – Storm Lounge to operate each home game, midway through the 3rd period until one hour after game’s conclusion

 – Crystal Catering to manage this service on behalf of the Storm and bill the team for inventory, a staff member ($15 per hour) and any food that they might request, with any net revenue to be retained by the Storm.

 – Revolution Place will supply and pay for one guest services staff member

 – A member of City Council to sit on the Grande Prairie Storm Board as a voting member

 – Revolution Place General Manager to review Grande Prairie Storm 2018-2019 business plan 

 – Monthly financial statements, Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) & Statement of Operations (Income Statement) to be filed with the City within 15 days of month-end, and annual Notice to Reader statements to be filed with the City of Grande Prairie Finance Department within 60 days of fiscal year-end

 – Annual, end of season review of the Storm’s operations with City Council.

Some other highlights from last night’s council meeting included amendments to the Utility Bylaw which will see residential garbage and recycling collection charges dropping by 6.5% this year and wastewater rates increasing by 2.5% over the next two years. No solid waste rate changes have been identified for 2020.

Council has also made changes to the Municipal Development Plan and adopted the Bear Creek North Area Structure Plan. 

The proposed plan prepares land for future development. It will establish road networks and land use while integrating the existing agricultural, country recreational and residential uses into plans for future land use.

 

by Justin Dionne