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Archived News
2008
March 16-31
March 1-15
February 16-29
February 1-15
January 17-31
January 1-16
2007
December 16-31
December 1-15
November 16-30
November 1-15
October 17-31
October 1-16
September 15-30
September
1-14
August 16-31
August 1-15
July 16-31
July 1-15
June 16-30
June 1-15
May 16-31
May
1-15
April 16-30
April 1-15
March 16-31
March 1-15
February 15-28
February 1-14
January 16-31
January 1-15
2006
December 16-31
December 1-15
November 16-30
November 1-15
October 16-31
October 1-15
September 16-30
September 1-15
August 16-31
August 1-15
July 16-31
July 1-15
June 16-30
June 1-15
May 17-31
May 1-16
April 16-30
April 1-15
March 16-31
March 1-15
February 17-28
February 1-16
January 17-31
January 1-16
2005
December 16-31
December 1-15
Oct. 27-Nov. 30
The Future:
Red
Deer Plans
Strategy for
City of 300,000
Red
Deer County
Creates Plan for
Gasoline Alley
Major City Projects
Planned and
Proposed
Red Deer County
Deals with
Rapid Growth
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Snippets and Summaries of Red Deer Regional News
from news
reports in the local media (primarily Red Deer Advocate and Red Deer
Express) that would be of interest to residents,
visitors and potential residents and visitors.
April 17, 2008
Lacombe Museum Gets More Funding From Town
The Lacombe Interpretive Centre, located in the historic downtown Flat
Iron Building, has received an additional $31,000 on top of $28,000
approved in the municipal budget from town council in order to keep the
facility open. The Lacombe Historical Society has suffered from
increased rental and staff expenses and had to close the facility for
the month of April. The funding will also be used to help run the
Michener House Museum and Blacksmith Shop. The town will be reviewing
its long term policy for tourism services and promotion before the end
of the year.
April 16, 2008
Sunnybrook Farm Museum to Start Improvements Soon
More than $300,000 worth of renovations and expansions are planned for
the Sunnybrook Farm Museum in Red Deer over the next two to three years.
Construction will begin soon on a 3-car garage with heated flooring to
protect a 1911 McLaughlin and a Super Six Hudson truck from around the
same era. During the summer a large barn will be renovated to display
antique equipment used in grain elevators. In June, the former Calder
School is scheduled to be moved on site from 20 km east of Innisfail.
The main entrance will be moved from 30 St. to Bremner Ave.
Sylvan Lake Plans to Revitalize Beachfront
Sylvan Lake town council has approved the draft design concept for
ambitious plans to revitalize and improve the beachfront for residents
and the 900,000 tourists that visit annually. The final design is
expected in September after input is received from town residents.
Current plans involve improving Centennial Park and extending it over
the existing Lakeshore Drive, upgrading the stormwater system near the
beach, relocating parking and Lakeshore Drive and creating a wide
promenade to improve access to the lake.
Red Deer County Expenses Rise 14%
Average
residential assessments are up 38%, non-residential up 29% and farm
assessments stayed the same in 2007 compared to the year before,
according to a report presented to Red Deer County council yesterday.
Operating expenses for the county are up 14% ($3.9 million) this year, requiring a
corresponding increase in revenues and an amendment to the
previously-approved budget. Capital expenses are also up to accommodate
an aggressive road improvement program. Although the mill rate in all
categories will be reduced, taxes will likely go up significantly this
year. The actual mill rate will not be set until the county knows what
the provincial education requisition is. Assessment notices will likely
go out May 15 and taxes are due by July 31. Next year, taxes will be due
a month earlier.
Gasoline Alley Traffic to be Studied
Red Deer County is spending $250,000 to study current and future traffic
flows and transportation needs in Gasoline on both the west and east
sides of Highway QE2 south of Red Deer. In spite of considerable
development in the area over the past couple of years, this is the first
time a comprehensive study has been undertaken.
April 15, 2008
Ponoka Annexation Plan Would More Than Double Town's Size
The town of Ponoka wants to add 4,351 acres of land in its annexation
proposal to area residents. There is currently 3,326 acres within the
town limits but officials believe adding enough land for several decades
of growth would encourage development. At a recent open house where
about 160 residents attended, many expressed several concerns and
questions about the proposal. Input from landowners will be considered
in preparing the final proposal.
April 14, 2008
City Plans Higher Capacity River Water Intake
Growth in Red Deer and surrounding communities supplied by the city
water treatment plant (Blackfalds, Lacombe and Ponoka) has created a
need to replace the existing water intake in the Red Deer River, built
in 1981. Current capacity is limited to 90 million litres a day but
demand is quickly approaching 80 million litres. The new intake system
would double capacity to 180 million litres a day but would only take in
what is needed. Construction of the new intake closer to the bank than
the existing one is expected to start this summer and take a year to
complete.
April 12, 2008
Blackfalds Annexation Bid Gets Lacombe County Support
Lacombe County has informally accepted the draft annexation agreement
with the town of Blackfalds for a 2,108-acre expansion of the town. The
town wants a 30-year supply of land to accommodate future growth. The
proposal affects 27 landowners, of which 16 are in favour of annexation,
5 opposed and 6 have yet to respond. Once formal approval is passed, the
plan will be forwarded to the Municipal Government Board of Alberta. The
annexation process is expected to be completed by the beginning of next
year.
Red Deer County Plans New Penhold-Springbrook Trail Route
At an open house recently, Red Deer County revealed its concept of a new
walking and bicycle trail between the hamlet of Springbrook and the town
of Penhold, to be located about 1 km west of Highway 2A and the original
proposed route. It would be a paved trail through a treed area and
beside a wetland south of Springbrook and then along unpaved Range Road
281 to Penhold. The county prefers a route that does not involve
provincially-owned land along the highway which was proposed by the
original stakeholders including the Central Alberta Regional Trails
Society, the Springbrook Community Association and the Penhold Lions
Club who were prepared to fundraise and build the trail. If adjoining
landowners agree to the trail, it is expected to be built in 2009.
Groups have been working toward getting the trail built for nine years,
partly to discourage children from walking and biking along the busy
Highway 2A or the adjacent railway tracks. The trail will ultimately
become part of the Trans Canada Trail and connect with Red Deer's
popular trail network.
Rocky Mountain House Airport Expanding
Seven new hangars are expected to be constructed this summer at the
Rocky Mountain House airport, bringing the total number of hangars to
25. The town has approved $52,000 for the expansion of the airport's
taxiway, with a similar contribution expected from Clearwater County.
The two municipalities, along with Alberta Sustainable Resource
Development, operate the airport through a commission. The province uses
the airport as a water-bomber base for fighting forest fires.
Preparations are underway for the Rocky Mountain House Airshow on
Wednesday, August 13.
April 11, 2008
Horse Track Moves Closer to Lacombe County Approval
A proposed race track and horse-racing entertainment centre, called
Alberta Downs, is a step closer to reality with the passing of second
reading by Lacombe County of two bylaws that lay the regulatory
groundwork for the facility. One bylaws rezones the land for commercial
use and the other allows for an entertainment centre as a discretionary
use. A development agreement will be worked out prior to third reading,
expected in May. Construction has already begun on the twin set of
racetracks, now used for training which is already allowed.
Lacombe County Studies Rural Central Waste Water Systems
A study done for Lacombe County indicates that using a central waste
water system in rural subdivisions, rather than having individual
systems on each property, is the most economical option in both the
short and long term, and the higher the density, the greater the
economic benefits are. Up-front costs per property are reduced and
hook-up costs when those properties tie into a regional system are also
reduced. Central treatment systems can also produce water suitable for
irrigation of golf courses and crops. The county is looking into new
rural residential subdivision developments in the Milton and Morningside
areas between Lacombe and Ponoka.
Nova Recognizes Joffre Ethylene Plants as Crown Jewel
At their annual general meeting in Toronto recently, Nova Chemicals
indicated that the ethylene and polyethylene plants at Joffre east of
Red Deer are the company's crown jewel, producing record operating
results. The two petrochemicals are the building blocks for synthetic
fibres, plastic containers and hundreds of consumer products made from
plastics. Pittsburg-headquartered Nova, which has its major operations
in Alberta and Ontario, have benefitted and will continue to benefit
from the price advantage for feedstock at its Joffre operation. Two
recent energy-related announcements place Joffre in an even brighter
light, including plans to build a natural gas pipeline from Alaska
through Alberta (where ethane would be stripped and made available to
the petrochemical industry) to the continental U.S. A major natural gas
development in southeastern British Columbia has also been announced.
April 10, 2008
RV Dealership First Tenant in Lacombe County Business Park
Lacombe RV is the first tenant to start construction in a commercial
park being developed by Okanagan Manufacturers west of Highway QE2 and
south of Highway 12. The 22,000 sq. ft. building is more than double the
size of its current building within the town of Lacombe. More lots in
the 75-acre park are expected to be available by summer. Last summer,
the county and town struck a revenue-sharing deal whereby the town will
extend water and sewer services to approximately 1,800 acres west of
Highway QE2 and not pursue annexation there. Wolf Creek Community Church
has purchased Lacombe RV's current premises.
April 9, 2008
Housing Surplus Results in Reduced Residential Construction
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reports that residential
construction in Red Deer and most other Alberta cities are down this
year compared to last year due to a surplus of new homes, a large
inventory of properties on the resale market and a slowdown in the
migration of people into Alberta. During the first quarter, there were
89 single-detached homes and 30 multi-family units that started
construction in Red Deer, compared to 282 single-detached and 211
multi-family units during the same period last year. 2007 was a
record-setting year for Red Deer in construction.
City Proceeds with Inventory of Historic Sites
Phase 1 results of the Red Deer Historic Site Survey were revealed at an
open house at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery yesterday. Four
hundred city homes and businesses, all more than 50 years old, were
surveyed. In the next phase, about 75 of the sites of special historical
interest will be identified. Finally, the sites deemed most historically
significant will be recommended for municipal designation and placement
on the Registry of Historic Places. There are currently 12 Red Deer
sites on the list including the old courthouse and the CPR train
station.
April 8, 2008
Timberstone Park Structure Plan Approved with Amendments
Red Deer city council gave approval to the Timberstone Park
Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan yesterday after negotiating some
amendments between the developer (Laebon Homes) and affected landowners.
The 700-lot, 118-acre residential subdivision will be built on a quarter
section northeast of 30 Ave. and 55 St. (Hwy. 11). In one amendment, the
developer agreed to incorporate a 10-metre wide buffer of trees for
about 140 metres between 21 existing College Park residences and the new
development. The developer also agreed to make a portion of the
development next to an existing home single family rather than multiple
family. One area of the development will consist of 82 single family
home condos, built to the gold standard of environmental design with
many energy-efficient features. Construction could begin at the end of
this year or the beginning of next.
Zoning Change Paves Way for Seniors Facility
A proposal to build a 225-unit assist-living seniors complex in a
commercial zone close to a number of hotels in north-west Red Deer was
narrowly endorsed by Red Deer city council after passing a zoning
amendment. 'The Gardens' will target seniors who require some assistance
with cleaning, laundry and meals with some units for sale and others for
rent. Features will include a gym, beauty salon, kitchens, common dining
room, restaurant, and door-to-door transportation. Staff will be on hand
24 hours per day but no medical personnel will be on hand. The first
phase of the complex, which is estimated to cost $25 million, could
start construction this fall and take 14 months to complete.
April 7, 2008
Airport CEO Decides to Retire
The Red Deer Regional Airport Authority is seeking a new Chief Executive
Officer after current 76-year-old CEO Merv Phillips announced he was
retiring at the end of June. The airport has reached a critical turning
point and Phillips says it's time for someone else to take the helm. A
former chairman of the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, Phillips became
chairman of the authority when it formed in 1996. He became CEO in 2003
and oversees a staff of four. The airport recently received a $2.1
million grant to upgrade the runway lighting and Red Deer County will
soon be upgrading the aging water and wastewater infrastructure. A
presentation will be made soon to Air Canada Jazz for scheduled
passenger service to Vancouver.
Lacombe County to Expand Municipal Headquarters
Lacombe County council has approved the $5.8 million expansion of its
municipal administrative headquarters and public works shop, adding
almost 15,000 sq. ft. to the centre. The building, which opened only a
few years ago west of Highway 2. will double in size with the addition
of 10 new offices, meeting rooms, a training area and expanded council
chambers, entrance and parts area. Construction is expected to begin
within weeks and be completed early in 2009.
Ronald McDonald House Planned Near Hospital
The Alberta Ronald McDonald House executive director has announced that
the organization is planning to establish a 9 to 17 suite house within
two years near the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre for rural families
with sick kids admitted to the hospital. Between April 2006 and March
2007, the Red Deer hospital's pediatric ward treated 28,843 patients. Of
those, 8,899 or 31% lived more than 25 km from the hospital. Of those,
1,457 stayed as inpatients for at least one night.
April 5, 2008
More City Commuters Choose to Walk, Bike or Bus to Work
A Statistics Canada report indicates that 3,090 Red Deer respondents to
the 2006 census said they walked or cycled to work, compared to 2,600
five years earlier. The results are partly due to the city's extensive
trail system that provides an opportunity to walk, cycle, in-line skate
or board around the community. The census results also revealed that
1,730 people used the transit system to get to and from work, up from
965 reported in 2001. Ridership on Red Deer Transit has boomed in recent
years with an 8% increase last year compared to 2006 and a 12% increase
the year before. The transit fleet has increased from 38 buses in 2004
to 47 this year. Most riders use the service to get to school, for
shopping, recreation and other uses.
Statistics Indicate Where City Residents Came From
Of the total 82,772 residents calling Red Deer home at the time of the
2006 federal census, 3,000 people had come from another part of Canada
and 790 had come from a different country during the previous year. In
the previous census in 2001, a total 2,490 residents of the population
of 67,707 had come from a different province, territory or country
during the previous 12 months. The 2006 census also indicated that 5,100
residents moved to Red Deer from another part of the province during the
previous year while 11,675 changed residence within the city. The number
of private dwellings in 2006 within the city was 32,664, compared to
27.136 in 2001.
Bio-Energy Grants Awarded to Rimbey Plant and Olds College
Alberta Energy has provided a $5 million grant for a bioenergy project
in Rimbey that will consume cellulosic material like agricultural straw
and municipal waste to produce ethanol. The plant could have a capacity
of 25 million litres and cost about $35 million. No timeline has been
determined. Meanwhile a $1.275 grant, of which $600,000 will be provided
initially, will be provided to Olds College for a research project to
test production techniques and viable alternative feedstocks for
commercial biodiesel fuel production.
April 4, 2008
Regional Housing Prices Rise Slightly, Sales Drop
Statistics released by the Red Deer and District Real Estate Co-op Board
indicate that multiple listing service sales of homes in the region
during the first quarter of 2008 was down 26% from the same period last
year. However, the median price of single family dwellings was up in six
of eight communities analyzed by the board. In Red Deer, the number of
listings jumped 38% over 2007 while in the surrounding area, the number
was up 60% for the first three months of 2008. Sales of single family
homes in the city totalled 296 during the period compared to 348 a year
earlier at a median price of $327,000 compared to $325,000 a year
earlier. Duplex prices were down but townhouse prices were up from
$208,000 in 2007 to $239,000 this year. The median price of single
family homes in Sylvan Lake was $323,000, down slightly from the
previous year. In Blackfalds, the median price was $305,000, up from
$291,000. In Innisfail, the median price was also up from $260,000 last
year to $280,000 this year. In Lacombe, the median price was $320,000,
up from $279,000 last year. The board cautioned that median (average)
prices are useful for establishing trends over time, but do not indicate
actual prices for specific homes.
Habitat for Humanity to Build 3 City Homes This Year
The Red Deer chapter of Habitat for Humanity is planning to build three
single family homes this year, the most ever done in one year. The homes
are sold to families in need with downpayment-free and interest-free
mortgages. Qualifying families must be willing to volunteer 500 hours
working with the agency. Those eligible for a new home include families
living in homes that are too small, too expensive, unsafe or that do not
meet medical disability requirements. Since 1994, the chapter has built
12 homes in Red Deer.
April 3, 2008
City's Visible Minorities Numbers Double in Ten Years
According to the latest numbers from Statistics Canada, the number of
people identified as visible minorities in Red Deer doubled between 1996
and 2006 from 3,000 to 6,000. Even though the overall population
increased substantially in that period, the percentage of visible
minorities in the city increased from 5.3% to 7.1%. The highest group,
at 1.7% of the total population were of Latin American descent, 1.6%
Filipino, 1.1% Chinese, 0.8% south Asian, 0.8% black and 0.4% southeast
Asian. Alberta was home to 454,000 people belonging to a visible
minority in 2006 compared to 330,000 in 2001. In 2006, 96% of the
visible minority population lived in a major city compared to 68% in the
total population. Overall, visible minorities make up 16.2% of the total
population, up from 13.4% in 2001 and 11.2% in 1996.
Citizens Express Views for City Strategic Plan
Citizens, community groups, business leaders and nearby municipalities
were asked recently for their views for a revamped Strategic Plan for
the city of Red Deer. Updated every three years, the plan outlines the
city's mission, goals and vision. Views expressed included more parks,
less traffic, more support for arts and culture, a new concert hall, an
Olympic-size pool, environmental sustainability and a greater emphasis
on community values and involvement. Several ideas were presented on the
future of the Riverlands redevelopment. A draft plan incorporating many
of the ideas will be brought back to the public by the end of the year.
Sylvan Lake Census Will Ask About Recycling and Child Care
This year's census in the town of Sylvan Lake will include questions
about citizens' use of the town's recycling program and child care.
Currently only about 50% of the town's population use the green box
program started two years ago and town administrators want to know what
can be done to improve the service. The town also wants to know if
current child care services are adequate and satisfactory. Last year's
census put the population at 10,729. Results are expected in August.
New Acura Dealership Nears Completion
A $5.5 million 14,000 sq. ft. Red Deer Acura dealership building is
close to completion in the city's south end. It will be the first in
Western Canada to have the new Acura Advance design. Acura is a
subsidiary of Honda Motor Company specializing in luxury cars and SUV's,
and typically locates in cities with a population of 100,000.
April 2, 2008
Committee
to Consider Canal Proposal for Downtown Plan
The city of Red Deer and the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce have put
together a 4-person committee to hire a consultant and prepare a report
to determine the feasibility of creating a canal system in the
redevelopment of the Riverlands area west of downtown as part of the
Downtown Action Plan update. Four key areas will be examined including
engineering challenges, development of a concept, environmental
considerations and economic benefits. The study will estimate the cost
of the proposed project and the effect of the project on Waskasoo Creek.
Some believe that the continual flow of water into the creek will
improve it while others fear a detrimental effect on the creek. The
committee will attempt to secure funding for the study from Alberta
Tourism, Recreation and Parks.
County Rezones Land for Proposed Cluster Housing
Red Deer County council has rezoned two quarter sections of land
adjacent to Alberta Spring Golf Course and 3 km west of Red Deer, for
clusters of housing surrounded by plenty of open space that could be
used for agriculture, recreation, natural habitat or commercial
development. The Hidden Springs concept anticipates that residents would
own an interest in the neighbouring open space, creating harmony between
higher density housing and rural uses. The proposal is a departure from
the normal practice of creating acreages for rural housing. A detailed
plan must go to council for approval.
City Building Permits Up From February
A $16.5 million 4-storey 55-unit high-end condominium project, called
the Views of St. Josephs, accounted for almost half of the $33.3 million
the city of Red Deer issued in building permits in March, compared to
the $21 million issued in February. Other significant projects that
received building permits included the $3.3 million new Brick store in
the south part of the city, the $2.5 million renovations to the Golden
Circle seniors centre and the $2.5 million renovation of the former
Festival Ford building for Gord Scott Nissan. The $22.5 million of
residential permits brought the first-quarter residential total to $39.3
million, compared to the $46.8 million issued during the same period in
2007, a record year for construction. Commercial projects in the first
quarter were up $2.9 million from last year with $15.6 million in the
first three months this year with $7.7 million issued in March. Public
and industrial projects were down compared to 2007.
Expansion Planned at Dickson Danish Museum
Red Deer County council has approved the rezoning of 6.6 acres of
agricultural land adjacent to the Danish Canadian National Museum and
Gardens for future expansion. A new museum and archives building is
planned west of the museum's current site at Dickson west of Innisfail.
The museum is home to a collection of artifacts, art, archives and
stories about Danish immigration to Canada. A more detailed plan will be
submitted to council before the development proceeds.
Green Dome Home to Celebrate Earth Day
The owners of a monolithic dome home east of Red Deer that is off the
grid and produces most of its own energy needs, is celebrating Earth Day
April 19 by inviting the public to view their residence. Energy is
generated by solar panels, a wind generator and passive solar heating.
The home uses several green-friendly tactics including radio frequency
for their internet and phone. Outdoors they have a large organic garden
and a greenhouse where they grow most of their own food and a detached
root cellar.
County Industrial Lots Available Late Summer
Red Deer County council has approved the 70-acre Phase 1 of McKenzie
Industrial Business Park south of the city and north of McKenzie Road.
The business park will have high architectural standards and there will
be four commercial, seven light industrial and five medium industrial
lots ranging in size from 1.6 to 9.77 acres.
April 1, 2008
City Council Approves Major Intersection Improvements
Red Deer city council has approved a resolution approving major
improvements of the intersection of Gaetz Ave. and 32 St. amid some
opposition from businesses in the immediate area. The $10 million
project, intended to improve safety and traffic flow, is expected to
start this spring and be completed in the fall of 2009. Improvements
include a 3-metre wide paved trail for walking and cycling. Several
public meetings, consultations with affected business owners and design
changes have occurred over the past three years to come up with the
current plan.
High Speed Rail Could be Running in Five Years
If the provincial government gave the green light today, Red Deer
passengers could be riding on North America's first bullet train in five
years, claims a spokesman for Alberta High Speed Rail Inc., the only
company to come forward so far to create such a system between Calgary
and Edmonton with a stop in Red Deer. The company, funded by investors
from throughout Western Canada, proposes that the province buy the land
and build the double-track line with Alberta High Speed Rail providing
the trains, operating the system and maintaining the infrastructure.
Taxpayers would invest $1.8 billion for the land and rail but a portion
of each fare would go back to the government. Over 40 years, the
investment would be equivalent to building three overpasses per year.
Red Deer would be the biggest winner for several reasons. Travelling
time to each of the major cities would be only 42 minutes in all weather
conditions, running at one hour intervals. The city's location half way
between the two centres would encourage both residential and commercial
development. The estimated fare between Calgary and Edmonton is $65.
City Sees Power Use Drop for Earth Hour
The Red Deer electric light and power department reports that during
Earth Hour, between 8 pm and 9 pm Saturday, power use dropped 1.8% or
1.5 megawatts, enough to power half of the city's street lights for that
hour. It was suggested that if every household in Red Deer turned off
just one light bulb, there'd be three times the amount of energy savings
per hour than the savings over Earth Hour.
Scheduled Air Service to Calgary
Initiated
Twice
weekly scheduled flights to Calgary started today from Red Deer Regional
Airport by Northwestern Air Lease. The Fort Smith-based airline has been
flying out of the airport since December 2006 with two airplanes, four
pilots and support staff based at Springbrook. The Calgary flights depart Tuesdays
and Thursdays at 7:15 am. From Calgary, the plane flies to Edmonton and
then to Peace River. The flight takes the opposite route back and
arrives back at the Red Deer airport at 3 pm.
New Hotel, Restaurant, Lounge Approved
The Red Deer planning commission has approved a 40-suite hotel, a Tom's
House of Pizza and sports lounge at a site in the northwest part of the
city close to Highway 2 and other hotels. The restaurant, lounge and
meeting facility will be in one $3 to $4 million building expected to
start construction this summer with completion by the end of the year.
The adjacent hotel, likely operated as a Comfort Inn and Suites, is
expected to start construction next year.
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March 1-15 News
March 16-31 News
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