There was no early Christmas present for either the Town of Drayton Valley or Brazeau County after last week’s arbitration hearing.
Lawyers for the Town and the County spent three and a half days making their case before an independent arbitrator, but a ruling, which will likely have significant financial impact on one or both of the municipalities, is not expected until early next year.
The dispute dates back to late last year when the County unilaterally cut the amount of money it contributes to joint recreation facilities by more than fifty percent. That’s the equivalent of more than $500,000 a year.
While the vast majority of joint recreational facilities, including Park Valley Pool and the Omniplex, are operated by the Town, they are used by residents of both municipalities and have been funded accordingly. The County made the move arguing that costs were unacceptably high and there was a lack of clarity from the Town as to where the money was being spent. An attempt to reach a mediated settlement which was acceptable to both sides was unsuccessful. That meant that the dispute went to arbitration, which is “ a quasi-judicial process in which a third party renders a decision after hearing evidence from all involved. The decision is binding on all parties,” according to Alberta Municipal Affairs.
The decision of the arbitrator, Bob McBean Q.C., is expected sometime around mid-January.
