Council debates musical ride

A topic of much discussion at the June 18 meeting of Stephenville town council was whether or not council should apply for the town to host the RCMP Musical Ride in 2011.

Councillor Darlene Oake questioned why the town's finance committee would pass on the opportunity to apply for the event.

"I would ask that we apply for this for next summer. It's a good opportunity for the town," said the councillor, who noted she had done some research into the ride.

Her motion was seconded by Councillor Cec Stein, who said it was a sad day when the town can't afford $8,000 for something like the ride. He said children and other residents would enjoy such an event.

Councillor Oake said she was told by RCMP the town could charge a ticket price to the event, as a host town is considered a non-profit group, thus enabling them to make some money.

Councillor Stein said he felt whether there was a possibility to make money or not, it was something the town should apply to do.

Councillor Darren Roberts, council's finance chair, said while he personally had nothing against the RCMP, he did not see the value in the ride for the town.

"I think we have better use for that money," he said. "It's not going to do anything for us. If we spend money, we should see some sort of return."

Councillor Don Gibbon, who also sits on the finance committee, said people are constantly calling the town about potholes in need of repair and other sorts of issues that funds could go toward.

Mayor Tom O'Brien commented that whether the town chooses to spend the money on hosting the musical ride or not, that has no bearing on when, or if, potholes get fixed.

"That depends on public works and they do get busy, there is also sometimes a lack of asphalt," he said.

The mayor further commented that not everything the town does brings in a financial return. He said he felt the issue of whether or not to apply for the musical ride should be revisited.

Councillor Stein made a motion to apply for the RCMP musical ride at a cost of up to $10,000.

"If we can't do it for that, I'll go out and raise money for it myself," he said.

Council voted in favour of applying for the ride five to one. Councillor Roberts voted against.

It was noted the cost of the ride to the community would be to build temporary stables for the horses and also to feed them during their stay.

reporter@thegeorgian.ca