Council explores possible muni housing
Council is discussing the possibility of community-owned housing to help shelter municipal staff in the future.
The discussion was suggested by Coun. Gilbert Wall at the May 13 committee-of-the-whole meeting.
“After hearing that Banff has 33 units that house 50 staff, it really drives home the point that we are a long ways behind,” he said. “It will be painful to get into it, but I think it’s going to be a necessary thing to do in the future.”
Mayor Richard Ireland responded by saying he sees the practicalities in community-owned housing, especially when attracting workers to town, but he isn’t in favour of “indentured servitude.”
“We don’t want staff that’s beholden to its employer.
“There’s a downside to it. You see that in many businesses in town, where employees can’t speak their minds or stand up for themselves for fear of not only losing their jobs, but their housing.”
Coun. Rico Damota countered the mayor’s point, by saying, as long as the business—in this case the municipality—operates with integrity, that shouldn’t be an issue.
Council requested that the municipality’s director of finance look over some numbers provided by Rich Potter of Royal LePage, and return to committee-of-the-whole with an analysis.
At that time, council will discuss the idea further.
Battling for festival slot
For the second year in a row, Jasper’s musicians will duke it out in the Jasper Folk Music Festival’s Battle Royale at the Jasper Legion.
This year’s brawl is May 24 and will feature artists in two categories: band and solo/duo, with the winners snagging a slot at the second annual festival this September.
Last year’s winners, Some Irish Pirates and Emma Acorn, will be on hand to help with the judging this year.
Registration is required to participate in the competition. For more info or an application, shoot an email to [email protected].
The show starts at 7 p.m. and has a $5 cover charge.
Afternoon of classical music
Edmonton’s Baroque string ensemble, La Folia, will return to the Jasper Anglican Church Sunday, May 25.
The classical performance is being presented by Arts Jasper and begins at 1:30 p.m.
La Folia will perform Concerti Grossi by Handel, Corelli and Locatelli and the third Brandenburg concerto by Bach.
Tickets are available at the door for $10.
