M.D. examining support for VAB dryland facility

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Vauxhall Advance

By Heather Cameron
Vauxhall Advance
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the M.D. of Taber Council meeting on April 22, Council reviewed a Request for Decision memo regarding the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball Dryland Training facility.

According to the memo, which was presented by Administration, the proposed Vauxhall Academy of Baseball Indoor Facility Capital Project has successfully acquired $600,000 in provincial grant funding and requested $100,000 from the Town of Vauxhall toward a goal of $1,700,000 total funding. The Vauxhall Academy of Baseball, the memo states, has provided a financial plan along with an operating budget that includes fundraising and outside donations.

A delegation and presentation regarding the Indoor Training Facility was given on March 11, 2025 by the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball at which time the Academy also provided rationale, project history, building plans and their funding strategy along with emphasizing the importance of such a facility to the continued growth of the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball.

M.D. of Taber Chief Administrative Officer Arlos Crofts stated that Administration recommends incorporating the project into the capital budget as early as this year through budget amendment or through the capital budgeting process next year.

“We think it would be good practice to incorporate it into our budget planning process not just this specific time, but moving forward as well,” said Crofts.

Councillor Turcato also mentioned that although he is in support of the facility, he is interested in how it will be operated and maintained, as that information is missing from the operational budget.

Reeve Miyanaga explained to Council that the province made a $600,000 commitment to the project, but COVID slowed things down, so the Town of Vauxhall has had to pivot and are asking the M.D. of Taber if they would consider contributing a $200,000 donation.

“It was noted at the Baseball Academy Awards night that the M.D. of Taber has been an incredible partner to them when it was helping with the ball diamond,” said Reeve Miyanaga. “When the Academy opened, we funded the flooring that was used 20 years ago in the hall. They were very grateful and they spoke of the value it would bring.”

Reeve Miyanaga also mentioned hearing similar feedback from other residents at the AGM and the Academy Gala.

Ultimately, Councillor Claasen made a motion that the M.D. of Taber refer the request for funding for the Vauxhall Baseball Academy indoor facility capital project be included for consideration in the 2026 budget deliberations and further within the context of long-term capital planning.

Councillor Hildebrand expressed concern about the lack of available information regarding the expenditures, as the only expenditure listed was the utilities, but Administration stated they would work on acquiring the additional information as it relates to the budget. The motion was carried.