County of Stettler council hears about pond’s recreational value
Stu Salkeld,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The County of Stettler pondered a report that suggested a provincially-owned pond may hold great recreational potential for the municipality. The report was submitted to council at their Agriculture Service Board (ASB) meeting May 22.
The ASB is comprised of members of county council and chaired by Coun. Les Stulberg.
Councillors read a report on Boehlke’s Pond submitted by Director of Public Works Joe McCulloch; the pond has been stocked with fish in the past and is located along Sec.Hwy. #855 west of Sullivan Lake straight south of Halkirk.
“This technical update report outlines the potential directions for the future management and maintenance of Boehlke’s Pond, a recreational area in east central Alberta, located within Stettler County but owned by the provincial government,” stated McCulloch’s report. “The aim is to provide the council with a clear understanding of the options available, including securing a recreational lease or requesting a disposition of lands to develop the area into a park for Stettler County.”
McCulloch stated that although the pond is property of the Government of Alberta the County of Stettler could possibly lease the site; a rate of $10 per acre was mentioned in the report.
A few challenges were observed by McCulloch if the County of Stettler wanted to offer it to the public.
“Boehlke’s Pond requires maintenance and oversight by Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) to restore it to its previous condition as a well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing park and stocked trout pond,” stated McCulloch.
“This could be part of the overall plan and feasibility study to allow the county to take over the lease.”
He added that an engineer would likely need to examine the pond and offer a professional assessment of things such as current state of the pond’s berm.
McCulloch stated in his report that the County of Stettler has two options moving forward, including a recreational lease or disposition of lands which allows more control over the property.
“Regardless of the decision, it’s obvious the County of Stettler would work with the Government of Alberta on Boehlke’s Pond and it was stated in McCulloch’s report a number of meetings with various departments would be required.
“The future possibilities for Boehlke’s Pond, including restoration, maintenance and the potential for a recreational lease or disposition of lands,” stated the report. “This structured approach will facilitate the successful acquisition of a recreational lease or the transfer of ownership, benefiting the community and promoting cultural and recreational activities in Stettler County.”
During discussion McCulloch stated that Boehlke’s Pond requires more than a simple restocking of fish; the restoration project would be more complex and far-reaching than that.
Chair Stulberg observed that it’s more complicated for a municipality to deal with multiple provincial departments on one project but in his opinion Boehlke’s Pond was worth the effort.
Stulberg stated a restored Boehlke’s Pond would be an attractive and popular recreation area the likes of which are not common in the County of Stettler or east central Alberta.
Stulberg noted he was happy with McCulloch’s report. “You’re heading in the right direction with your research,” said the chair.
Coun. James Nibourg, observing such a project would likely require tax dollars and council resolutions, suggested this topic move to committee of the whole (COW) and then on to a regular council meeting.
The ASB voted unanimously to forward the Boehlke’s Pond project to a future COW meeting.
