Courtesy: CHAT Newsroom

By Angela Kazmierczak

Tensions run high at Cypress County meeting for proposed library and resource centre

Feb 7, 2023 | 5:28 PM

CYPRESS COUNTY, AB – Some heated discussions and questions were exchanged this morning at Cypress County.

A number of Irvine residents expressed their concerns about the proposed library and resource centre to be built at Woodward Memorial Park.

The Irvine and Lions Club suggests the county consider building near the Irvine Sports Centre. Councillor Richard Oster says his intention was for the park to revitalize the downtown area.

“This is not a good idea, but you guys come to this meeting and say: here is the picture, this is where it’s going to go, like it or love it,” said a man during the first delegation.

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To some Irvine residents, Woodward Memorial Park holds historical value and a sense of nostalgia, and they wish to protect the location and the park from being built on.

The Irvine and Lions Club started a petition, which 684 people have signed so far.

However, during today’s meeting, the county expressed that the formal petition process wasn’t followed. Community members claim they weren’t informed about the process during phone calls.

As for others, more specifically Deborah Woodward-Colley, she is trying to take a more neutral response.

“Obviously it’s a nice park. I hope to see a library, whether it’s on this property or elsewhere. I think the library is a great idea. The thing I was sort of pushing for was that the playground be geared to children under seven for the little ones,” said Deborah Woodward-Colley, whose grandparents donated the memorial park to the county years ago.

For Irvine resident Darren Lutz, he says he found the meeting a step towards the right direction.

“It seems to me that the county was receiving us..I think they understand we just want to have a little more input on where this building is going,” said Lutz.

Around 4 p.m., Cypress County released a statement, saying they are grateful to see the level of passion and engagement regarding the resource centre. Council plans to review all the feedback received and announce their decision about the future of the centre at the next meeting on Feb. 22.