NEWS of the Red Deer Region - March 1-15, 2006

 
News of the Red Deer Region
snippets and summaries of news reports from local media (primarily Red Deer Advocate and Red Deer Express)
March 2006 Part 1

Mar. 15, 2006
Arts and Business Degrees Planned for Red Deer College
As early as 2008-2009, Red Deer College could be offering its own degree programs in Business and Liberal Arts providing there is enough local interest. A preliminary study recommends that the first degree programs at the college be in business and commerce, and the humanities such as sociology and psychology. Currently, the college offers university transfer programs in nursing, science and other courses. Further study will determine exactly which courses will be offered for local degrees.
West Sylvan Lake Area Structure Plan Being Jointly Drafted for Future Residential
Both Lacombe County and Red Deer County are working together to plan clusters of housing developments along the west side of Sylvan Lake. The development could include a mix of housing types including single family, duplexes, townhouses and low-rise apartments. By clustering future development, more land will be preserved for recreation and agriculture.
Town of Sylvan Lake Rezones Land for More Housing
A new residential subdivision called Ryders Ridge and consisting of about 100 homes will soon take shape south of Hewlett Park Landing on the east side of town. Construction could begin in the spring. The area will include a new Catholic elementary school. Pending annexation of seven quarter sections of land from Red Deer County will open up more residential development between Ryders Ridge and Highway 11.
More Industrial Land Sought by Delburne
The Village of Delburne is planning to annex 360 acres of land from Red Deer County for industrial development. A manufacturer has already expressed interest in the area. It is hoped that approval will be granted before the end of the year and an area structure plan is already being contemplated. In the meantime, a new residential subdivision is ready to proceed.
Small Housing Development South of Joffre Gaining Support
A four lot subdivision is being planned in a hilly treed area southeast of the Joffre petrochemical plant and north of the Red Deer River. The most recent plan, called Jones Creek, provides for preservation of wetland and agriculture but some area residents are still a little concerned about the impact on wildlife. Lacombe County Council will review the plan soon and the developer hopes construction can begin this summer.
New Regional Web Site re 'Focus on the Red Deer Region' published in Red Deer Express

Mar. 11, 2006
Building Boom Creates Surplus in Sylvan Lake
The Town of Sylvan Lake is enjoying a $1 million surplus as a result of underspending in some departments. Several upcoming projects will be considered by Council as beneficiaries of the extra money. Replacing the RCMP station, fire hall and town offices need to be done in the next few years and the town, approaching a population of 10,000, wants to develop walking trails.

Mar. 10, 2006
Ecological Services Building Proposed for Red Deer
As a result of City Council rejecting a proposed $2.1 million Discovery Centre at Heritage Ranch earlier this year, the City is now suggesting an ecological services building be built at Three Mile Bend as part of the relocation of the civic yards. The Waskasoo Park Master Plan, generally approved except for the Discovery Centre, had recommended an interpretive centre, garden, offices, laboratory and research space replace the equestrian centre at Heritage Ranch but a significant public outcry nixed that part of the plan. The new proposal would not have the interpretive centre and would cost about $1 million less. Construction could start next year.
City Census Should Reveal Significant Growth
The City of Red Deer is conducting its own census this year even though the Canada Census will be done in late spring. A significant increase in population is expected to be revealed. The past two years showed a 4% increase each year and a similar increase is expected this year. The census is important because provincial and federal grants are based on population.
UFA Expands Facilities in Innisfail and Stettler
The United Farmers of Alberta have opened a new full service fuel facility in Innisfail including a convenience store and are building a new modern facility in Stettler. The Innisfail business includes a card lock and retail gas station, bulk fuel and propane and is located next to Highways 2 and 2A. The Stettler Farm Supply Store under construction will have 12,000 sq. ft.

Mar. 9, 2006
Innisfail Pet Food Plant Adds Warehouse
Nestle Purina PetCare in Innisfail has opened an 86,000 sq. ft. warehouse next to its manufacturing plant that will become the distribution centre for Western Canada. The addition will add 20 employees bringing its total payroll to more than 80. The $3.1 million project included some renovations to the plant's offices and processing area.
Health Board Hires Local Architect For Michener Renovation
The David Thompson Health Region Board has hired John Murray Architect to develop the historic Michener Centre administrative building badly damaged by fire in 2003. The 25,600 sq. ft. building exterior will be rebuilt to its original design including balconies and a 14,000 sq. ft. addition. The interior will be gutted and reconstructed into a modern office facility. It is expected that about 170 people will work in the building once finished in 2008. The historical integrity of the 93 year old building, originally a ladies college, will be preserved.

Mar. 8, 2006
Airport Seeks $16 Capital Upgrade
Expanding the terminal, lengthening runways and upgrading water and sewer infrastructure are all part of a $16 million plan to modernize the Regional Red Deer Airport. Authority representatives will be meeting with provincial officials soon to request the one time capital funding to allow for more and larger aircraft and improved service. The Airport is currently negotiating with carriers to provide scheduled passenger service east and west of Red Deer. Peace Air provides service north and south presently and has recently added direct service to Grande Prairie.
Biogas Plants Not Economical Without Government and Producer Assistance
A report presented to Red Deer County Council revealed that building biogas plants to process organic waste would not be cost effective unless all levels of government and producers get involved. The new technology could be feasible in the future if certain conditions are met including long term purchasing agreements and government initiatives encouraging environmentally friendly means of producing power.
Regional Real Estate Sales Increase
The number of homes being sold in most parts of the Red Deer Region has increased by more than 50% over the same period last year and the average selling price has also increased significantly. Approximately half of the sales occurred in the City with most of the remainder in the towns and counties along the Highway 2 and Highway 11 corridors.

Mar. 7, 2006
Red Deer Peavey Mart Plans Major Expansion
The Peavey Mart hardware store in Red Deer is undergoing a $900,000 expansion that will more than double its current size. Storage space, a greenhouse and outdoor garden centre will be added to the existing facility and is expected to be completed by this fall. The store, in Red Deer for 35 years, is operated by Red Deer based Peavey Industries which also operates 25 other stores in Western Canada.

Mar. 4, 2006
Sylvan Lake Getting Close to 10,000
Even though Sylvan Lake is close to eligibility for city status, the town is in no hurry to take that step. Expecting the population to go over 10,000 this year, the municipality wants to maintain its small town character. Sylvan Lake is one of the fastest growing towns in Canada at an average growth rate of over 6% per year since 1996 and there is no sign of it slowing in the near future. The town is also in the process of annexing 7 quarter sections of land from Red Deer County.
Meet City Hall at the Mall Biggest Yet
Several city departments as well as members of Red Deer City Council and Administration were on hand at Parkland Mall on Saturday for their annual Meet City Hall. There were over 20 display booths with information and opportunities to ask questions on everything from museum and archives to transit and emergency services. Future growth plans, state-of-the-art parking meters and a model of the city's sewage treatment plant were a few of the many features on display. The most common questions asked to Councillors and the Mayor included future annexation, the feud with the County and snow removal.

Mar. 3, 2006
Cultural Capital Award Helps to Achieve Goals
When Red Deer was awarded the Cultural Capital of Canada award in 2003 for medium size cities, it came with a cash award which has helped the city achieve many of its goals in the Community Culture Master Plan. One of the projects was Alexander Way, transforming 48 St. into a pedestrian friendly corridor linking the parks system through the downtown and eventually with the proposed Riverlands arts, residential and commercial district in the Cronquist area when several city departments are moved to the Three Mile Bend area. The funding was also the impetus to the Scott Block being rejuvenated by the Culture Link as a multi-purpose arts centre for theatre productions, rehearsal space, studios and cultural offices.
Westerner Park Expands With Horse Stabling Barns
Two of four horse stabling barns have been constructed at Red Deer's Westerner Park as part of a $4 million expansion which will be capable of housing 700 horses when completed, making it the second largest horse facility in the province. Already home to 17 major horse shows a year, the Westerner hopes to attract more. This project follows a $2 million extension to the AgriCentre and further expansion is planned for the future.

Mar. 2, 2006
Red Deer County Proceeding With Public Open Houses
Even though the Public Hearing that was scheduled for March 21 has been postponed as a result of the City launching a dispute mechanism, information open houses are proceeding as planned. Informal public open houses on the new Municipal Development Plan and the new Land Use By-Law will be held March 13 at Benalto, March 14 at Pine Lake, March 15 at Spruce View, March 16 at Bowden and March 20 at the Red Deer County Centre each between 2 and 6:30 pm. In addition, the Springbrook Gasoline Alley Area Structure Plan will be highlighted at the March 20 meeting at the County Centre. On the same day and at the same locations, public meetings will be held at 7 pm about the restructuring of the divisional boundaries in the County. More information is available at the County website.
Red Deer College Expansion Slated for Construction This Spring
Construction at Red Deer College of the first phase of a major expansion, an applied research and trades facility, should begin this spring according to RDC president Ron Woodward at a Red Deer Chamber of Commerce luncheon yesterday. The facility will contain programs in trades and technology, innovation in manufacturing, business enterprises and visual arts. The expansion will result in a campus of about 10,000. Future phases will involve regional sports and wellness and health education. Once completed, the expansion will add about 400,000 sq. ft. to the million square foot college. The college also hopes to be able to grant degrees in the not-too-distant future.
Red Deer Residential Construction Continues to Climb
Twelve million dollars in residential construction in the City in February has helped raise the total construction for the year to date to $38 million, $8 million ahead of the same period last year. Some of the larger permits for the month included expansion at Westerner Park and 3 commercial buildings at the new Taylor Plaza.

Mar. 1, 2006
Red Deer Home Show Even Bigger Than Last Year
Almost 400 exhibitors are planning to participate in the region's largest home show to be held at Westerner Park March 10 to 12, a significant increase over last year's event. The show features builders, renovators, products, ideas and decor in Canada's strongest economic region. Other participants will include non-profit groups and community services.

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