Black Diamond antique clock’s future unknown

The future of an antique clock that adorns Black Diamond’s downtown is in limbo.

The Town is looking into the cost of repairing the white-faced clock that stands amongst bushes and trees at the northeast corner of the Centre Avenue and Government Road following concerns from the public about it no longer working.

“The first concern came forward in December,” Sharlene Brown, chief administrative officer, told council at its Jan. 16 meeting.

“Then there was another concern that came in and a request that this goes to council. The town clock hasn’t been working for about a year or maybe longer, maybe two.”

Brown told council the Town purchased the battery-operated clock in 2000 from Tiffany’s on Whyte in Edmonton at a cost of $2,800. She said records can’t be found providing more details on the timepiece.

Brown said administration contacted Tower Watch and Clock in Calgary to determine what needs repairing.

“They came out Friday and gave us suggestions,” she said.

“They may be able to help us fix the clock, but we don’t know the pricing. We have to take it down and do further inspection.”

Brown said the clock will be removed from the stand and placed in the public works office where pictures will be taken and sent to the company to get a quote.

Administration requested council’s support before moving forward, she said.

Council directed administration to continue researching resources to repair or replace the clock and report back to council with the details.

Coun. Jackie Stickel asked what the repercussions would be if the clock can’t be fixed.

“I know that a lot of that antique stuff becomes a thing you’re going to be fixing every five years and at what point do we cover losses,” she said. “Maybe while we’re trying to figure out what it will cost maybe we should come up with a plan. Maybe there’s something different you could put in there. Maybe we wait and see what the cost is.”

Coun. Ted Bain agreed, saying if it’s going to be costly to repair the clock with fixes needed every few years the Town should consider replacing it.

Mayor Ruth Goodwin suggested while administration continue its investigation into fixing the clock, it should determine the worth of the clock and whether it can be sold.

Coun. Daryl Lalonde was the only councillor not in support of the motion, telling council it should remain as is for decorative purposes only.

“I think the cost is going to be too high,” he said.