Bentley Council Requests $675,000 for Arena Repairs, Advances Asset Management Plans
Bentley Town Council is asking Lacombe County for $675,000 to replace the town’s arena slab.
The funding request, made through the RC1 Grant program during the Nov. 26 meeting, marks a significant step toward addressing the town's aging recreation infrastructure. If approved, the funds will cover the replacement of the concrete floor at the Bentley Arena, a core piece of the facility’s ice-making system.
Why It Matters
The arena is a central hub for the community, but major repairs come with high price tags. Seeking county support through the RC1 grant is intended to offset the cost for local taxpayers. Without the grant, the town would likely have to look at debt or significant reserve draws to maintain the facility’s viability.
Infrastructure Planning Moves to Phase III
Council moved forward with Phase III of its Asset Management program. This phase focuses on three key areas: stormwater, wastewater, and transportation.
This is a bureaucratic process that has real-world impacts on utility bills and road quality. The goal of these plans is to map out every pipe and road in the town to predict failures before they happen. By formalizing these plans, the town can better apply for provincial and federal grants that require detailed infrastructure data.
Land Sales and Tourism
Council addressed the sale of Lot 41, Block 1, Plan 2320333. Selling municipal lots is a standard move to convert town-owned land into tax-paying private property, though specific sale terms were not detailed in the public agenda.
Lacombe County Tourism also delivered its 2024 Annual Report. Executive Director Austin Weaver and Board Chair Merry Kuchle briefed the council on regional visitor trends. The report serves as a baseline for how Bentley is marketed to outsiders and how tourism dollars impact local businesses.
Financial Check-in
Council reviewed the third-quarter financial report and the latest list of prepaid cheques. This review is a routine but necessary check on the town's 2024 budget. With the year ending, the reports show where the town stands on its spending targets and whether there are any major overages in departmental budgets.
What’s Next
The town is now waiting on Lacombe County’s response to the $675,000 grant request. The timeline for the arena slab replacement will depend on when—or if—that funding is secured. Residents can expect further updates on the Phase III infrastructure plans as the engineering assessments are finalized.