The Town of Drayton Valley is looking to beautify the town, but they’ll do so without breaking the bank.
Drayton Valley town council recently directed administration to discover what initiatives could be undertaken in 2022 to beautify the town that could be covered under the existing budget.
The 2022 budget allows for $100,000 in beautification projects, with a scope of initiatives approved at the June 29 meeting.
The project budget means the Town can add fountains to the ponds at the Drayton Valley Omniplex and Sunrise Park, erect 10 metal banners on some of the blue light posts along 50 Street, add solar lights to the trails around Sunrise Park, and add decorative lights to the trees and upright structures in Discovery Park, Downtown Park, and the Drayton Valley Civic Centre.
Councillor Tom McGee liked the proposals, and wanted to know when administration could get started.
Administration replied that most everything is in stock, and they could have it all installed before the snow comes. They added that the most difficult part would be the design work for the banners.
This sparked Councillor Monika Sherriffs to ask what designs they are currently considering.
Administration shared that most projects of this nature tend to focus on Drayton Valley’s oil and gas industry. They want these banners to have a broader focus, and encompass the town’s forestry and agricultural sectors as well. Administration is also considering an option for a sponsor’s logo to be easily added and removed from the bottom of the banners, should the Town decide to seek sponsorships.
Councillor Amila Gammina wanted to know why the Town’s new welcome signs were not a considered project. According to Gammina, the new signs are in a poor location, and he would like to see them moved to a place that is more visible.
Administration responded that that project was too large for this year’s budget, but would be brought before council in the fall for consideration in the 2023 budget.
Circling back to the idea of sponsorships, Mayor Nancy Dodds pointed out that several Drayton Valley businesses had already approached the Town about partnering up on beautification initiatives. Dodds wanted to know if Administration had approached those businesses for their assistance yet.
Administration replied that they will be reaching out to those businesses to see what form a partnership could take, but they wanted to get the green light from council first.
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