For the past several years, the Alex Dillabough Centre has not been booking New Year's events, and now an official policy has been put in place.
In an administrative report received by Battleford town council Monday, Jordan Schechtel, parks and recreation superintendent, said the practice of not booking New Year's events was adopted after several consecutive events saw damage done and extensive cleaning needed.
The policy adopted by council Monday was prepared by the Battleford Parks and Recreation Board. It has some flexibility, in that it does allow for weddings. It also states that in special circumstances the policy can be waived at the discretion of the parks and recreation superintendent.
Councillors said they were glad some flexibility was built into the policy as there may be occasion for some special event to be held on Dec. 31 that wouldn't be of the kind that causes damage and extra cleaning.
Mayor Derek Mahon said there have been numerous discussions on the matter and that council respected the parks and recreation board's decision.
The Alex Dillabough Centre, built in the 1980s and named after the mayor of the time, acts as the town’s community centre for meetings, weddings and conventions and sports. The facility accommodates about 600 people.
