Stettler County Council has approved a 10-year lease agreement with the Buffalo Lake Meadows Owners Association for a new community event area.
The decision, made during council’s June 24 meeting, authorizes the community association to build and manage park improvements on the municipal reserve land.
Project funding was first approved in June 2024, but the deal stalled while officials navigated third-party liability coverage.
Under the finalized terms, the association must maintain $2 million in insurance for the portion of Lot 38MR, Block 1, Plan 062 0721.
The agreement allows the Buffalo Lake Meadows Owners Association to develop a fenced multi-sport pad, volleyball courts and a picnic shelter, among other amenities.
The space will remain open to the public, although the association can temporarily reserve it for tournaments.
County officials noted that the nature of the upgrades is more substantial than past community association projects, necessitating a stricter defined lease to balance public access with private maintenance.
The contract is for an initial 10-year term with an automatic 10-year renewal option.
Upon the eventual termination or expiry of the lease, full ownership of the improvements would transfer to the County, at which point the municipality would assume responsibility for ongoing maintenance costs.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
