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File #: RFD 14-019    Version: 1 Name: Devonian Botanic Garden Funding Request
Type: Request For Decision Status: Tabled
File created: 2/4/2014 In control: Community Services Division
On agenda: 2/11/2014 Final action: 2/11/2014
Title: Devonian Botanic Garden Funding Request Proposed Motion(s) That Council approves funding for the following amenities at the Devonian Botanic Garden: Green Roof in the amount of $150,000 and the seminar room in the amount of $100,000 with funding coming from the Environmental Restricted Surplus $150,000 and $100,000 from Contingency Restricted Surplus
Attachments: 1. Contingency Restrictred Surplus Authorization Form, 2. Environmental Restrictred Surplus Authorization Form
Title
Devonian Botanic Garden Funding Request
 
Proposed Motion(s)
That Council approves funding for the following amenities at the Devonian Botanic Garden: Green Roof in the amount of $150,000 and the seminar room in the amount of $100,000 with funding coming from the Environmental Restricted Surplus $150,000 and $100,000 from Contingency Restricted Surplus
 
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration supports this recommendation as it provides a unique opportunity to partner with the Devon Botanic Gardens on a project that is planning to bring 200,000 visitors yearly to Parkland County, provide a venue for increased public education, increased research and become one of the largest tourist attractions with Parkland County.
Purpose
Devonian Botanic Gardens requested support for their Ecological Learning Centre initiative with naming opportunities for some of the features of the Learning Centre at the November 19th Governance & Priorities Committee meeting.  The Committee directed Administration to provide a recommendation regarding this sponsorship opportunity.  
 
Summary
The request provides a unique opportunity to attach Parkland County's name to a world class facility and provide our residents access to world class programs and educational opportunities within our local community.  Governance and Priorities Committee tabled this item at their December 3, 2013 meeting and requested administration to prioritize the request from the Devonian Botanic Garden.  
 
Administration has evaluated the request and offers the following comments for Councils consideration.
The Ecological Centre being proposed has not yet been fully funded. Should Council decide to provide funding for any amenities, a condition would be that funds would not be forwarded fro the project until such time that construction has commenced and the final plans have been reviewed by Parkland County.  This will ensure that the concept shown to Council in November is the actual final design.
      
The proposed Ecological Centre is an opportunity for Parkland County to provide leadership in the area of environmental stewardship. The Centre's design of the green roof will provide a working example for other       
such ventures in both the private and public sector.  Further, the support and naming of the seminar room would be a testament to the County's commitment and support to environmental education.
 
Administration has reviewed Councils strategic plan and is in support of the proposed amenities as they are most closely aligned with the strategic plan.
 
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
Environment Goal 1:  Parkland County will be a respected steward of the environment.
Strategy 1.  Parkland County will increase public education
 
Financial Impact:
Cost:   $250,000
Source of Funding: $150,000 Environmental Restricted Surplus, $100,000 Contingency Restricted Surplus