Canmore council has clearly outlined whom it will seek for sponsorships to offset the yearly operational costs for Elevation Place, set to open next year.
At its Nov. 6 meeting, council voted unanimously to adopt a new policy which specifically omits certain businesses that do not align with the Town’s values as potential sponsors.
According to the new policy, sponsorships will not be pursued with companies involved in tobacco or alcohol products, pornography, bottled water brands, religious or political groups or those that present negative imaging that is harmful or intolerant to any specific group or individual.
It also states that companies that create fiscal hardship for the Town and its residents will be omitted.
In a presentation to council, the Town’s communications co-ordinator, Sally Caudill, indicated several of the measures in the new policy are based on policies from other municipalities such as Banff, Prince Albert, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, among others.
Caudill indicated the Town would be involved in any type of sponsorship that is worth over $100,000, deals with naming rights or is perceived to be of a sensitive nature. Ultimately, the decision to further pursue a sponsorship will be left to the discretion of the Town’s chief administrative officer, Lisa De Soto.
During a debate period to rescind the current policy and adopt the new one, Councillor Hans Helder made an amending motion to eliminate a list that names specific companies for sponsorships.
“It’s a bit of a slippery slope,” Helder said regarding his motion. “This could become complicated. The policy written without basically says the CAO has veto power. It creates complexities that are not there.
“I’m quite prepared to go with the judgment of the CAO and leave it at that,” he added.
Responding to Helder, Coun. Jim Ridley indicated he wouldn’t support the amending motion because the policy sets “the tone for the quality and type of sponsor we wish to engage with.
“It’s not up to the CAO initially,” Ridley said. “There’s going to be a consultant talking to sponsors. They may not be aware of the Town’s values or guiding documents.”
Supporting the amending motion, Coun. Gordie Miskow also said he sees this turning into something more difficult, adding the town already has a good process and a good administration.
Coun. Vi Sandford said she would not support Helder’s motion because it is important to state very clearly the type of businesses the Town is interested in and not waste any time looking at others.
Mayor John Borrowman reiterated Ridley’s comment about having a consultant unfamiliar with the Town’s values speaking with potential sponsors and said he also would not support the amendment.
In a 5-2 vote, Helder’s amending motion was defeated.
According to Caudill’s report, any sponsorship that is approved for Elevation Place will be used to make sure the services and programs offered within the facility for residents and visitors is set at an affordable rate.
