Smoky Lake Residents United in Common Cause

Smoky Lake Residents United in Common Cause

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Hank Holowaychuk along with Brian and Leesa Jones are united in a common cause to save the small gymnasium that is attached to H.A. Kostash School which is slated for demolition in the coming months.

Holowaychuk, a former Mayor for the Town of Smoky Lake, made his pitch to council more than a month and a half ago, pleading to have the gym saved and repurposed to continue benefitting the community.

The small gymnasium was attached to H.A. Kostash School in 1987 and comes complete with washrooms and kitchen facility. Holowaychuk said the small gym could serve a number of different purposes, including a possible tourism initiative.

Holowaychuk stated that all governments, including Smoky Lake town council, should take a hard look at demolishing buildings when they can serve another life in the community. During his presentation to council back on March 27, Holowaychuk listed off a number of downtown properties that have been repurposed over the years and are currently being utilized by business owners.

He understood the land title on which the building currently sits was being transferred over to the Town of Smoky Lake. Chief Administrative Officer Dawn Phillips confirmed that to be true. “We did do a land transfer with the school, so the Town now owns the property where the small gym is located. When the school is demolished, the small gym will lose utility connections and the wall that connects to the school, so there would be immediate costs to keep the building.

Interior of small gymnasium

(Hank Holowaychuk/Submitted Photo)

The topic was discussed several times at council, most recently in September and again in November, of 2022. At the council meeting on November 28th, administration brought forward estimates to bring in utilities, put up a wall and some basic renovation costs. The following motions were made at that time: Deputy Mayor Melody made the motion not pursue the existing small gymnasium building located at the current H. A.

Kostash School grounds and to include the small gymnasium in the demolition plans approved by Aspen View Public Schools, (AVPS). Use of the land it sits on would be determined in the future. That motion was carried.

Councillor Terry Makowichuk requested administration contact Michelle Wright, Community Economic Development Officer for Smoky Lake Region to discuss any potential business opportunities for the small gymnasium. That motion was carried.

Phillips said she asked Wright to reach out to the community to see if there was any interest in taking over the small gym.

“Superintendent Neil O’Shea said that he needed a final decision on whether the small gym would be demolished by January 5, 2023. Ms. Wright let me know on January 5, 2023 that she was unsuccessful in finding anyone interested in taking over the small gym. I advised Aspen View at this time and change orders were made to include the small gym in the demolishment of the school to take place in July.”

Hank Holowaychuk requested council reconsider the demolishment of the small gym during his presentation. There was a motion to reconsider the motion made on November 28, 2022 to demolish the small gym, but it was defeated.

Brian and Leesa Jones attended the April 24 council meeting to request that the small gym be saved and sold to them for the purpose of opening an art gallery. The couple said they would take on the responsibility of reconnecting sewer and other renovations.

The entrepreneurs currently own and operate four businesses in the community and would like to convert the building into an art gallery. They say, “There is a very large number of very talented artists in Smoky Lake and some world renowned! They all need a venue to display and teach. Council has approved the project but we are waiting for a change order to be approved because town council had approved demolition just prior to our submission.

Hank Holowaychuk standing outside the small gymnasium this spring.

(Hank Holowaychuk/Submitted Photo)

It will be very unfortunate if the change order is not approved because there is no other facility in Smoky Lake to accommodate and it would cost an estimated $800,000 to replace this structure.”

Brian added that, “Leesa and I have previously worked in the art and photography business. The local Studio 28 artist group has sent letter of support as have several other local artists. Businesses have also shown interest in assisting bringing artist from Ukraine from twinned area Kosiv, Ukraine. They could display along with other artists.”

Following their presentation, Coun. Makowichuk requested administration to contact Alberta Infrastructure to consider a change order to prevent the demolition of the small gym and find out the cost since a community member has shown interest in re-purposing the small gym.

At the May 4 school board meeting the issue was discussed in-camera. AVPS Communications Officer Ross Hunter said trustees voted unanimously to proceed with the full demolition on the advice of experts.

Phillips said she intends to bring back the item for discussion at the May 29 council meeting.

According to Benji Smith, Press Secretary to Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure, said the Alberta Government has committed $24,498,407 million for the construction of the new school and demolition of the old school. The contract with Delnor Construction Ltd. includes abatement and demolition of the old school.

Smith said, “The school division has been asked to identify any of the items they want to keep, including things like desks, by July 31, so that Delnor can begin abatement and demolition in August. The school division is to leave the old school empty, and will determine their furniture and equipment needs. Abatement and demolition is to be complete by December 31, 2023.”

The grand opening of the new H.A. Kostash School is currently slated for Sept. 13.