News of the Red Deer Region - April 16 to 30, 2006

Red Deer Region, the life, culture, attractions and economy of Central Alberta

Home	The Region	Accommodation	Attractions	Recreation
Municipalities	Business	Community Life	Shop & Dine	History

NEWS of the Red Deer Region - April 16-30, 2006

Overview

Recent News

News Headlines

Archived News

Coming Events

Maps

Features, Reports and Comment

About Us

Links

Site Map

News of the Red Deer Region
snippets and summaries of news reports from local media (primarily Red Deer Advocate and Red Deer Express)
April 2006 Part 2

Apr. 29, 2006
Next Phase of Red Deer Shopping Centre Renovations Proceed
Bower Place Shopping Centre is proceeding with servicing for the next phase of its reconstruction. The food court was moved a few months ago to an expanded area on the south side of the mall. Work is finishing up on the new Shoppers Drug Mart relocating close to where the food court was and the new Centre Court area. Excavation work is now proceeding in the parking lot between Zellers and the current location of Shoppers to accommodate the relocation of Toys 'R' Us. By August 2008, Sears will locate at the current location of Toys 'R' Us.
New Sylvan Lake Theatre Set to Open End of May
Finishing touches and paving of the parking lot are preparing for the opening of the three-screen Silver Lake Cinema on May 26 at the Beju industrial/commercial park. One of the screening rooms will be 200 seats with the other two at 100.

Apr. 28, 2006
E-One To Close Red Deer Plant
Fire truck manufacturer E-One is consolidating its operation by closing the Red Deer plant at the end of the year to relocate to its head office at Ocala, Florida. E-One purchased the former Superior Emergency Equipment, a Red Deer based manufacturer started in 1973 by three local businessmen, in 1991. The 85 employees are being offered severance packages and some will be offered relocation to Ocala. Many have worked at the plant for 15 years or more.
Province Relaxes Some Lacombe County Restrictions at Sylvan Lake
A major environmental restriction imposed on a developer who plans to build a 17-lot residential subdivision on Sylvan Lake was overturned by a provincial appeal board. A five metre setback from the top of the bank was determined to not be necessary by the board. A 30 metre setback from the shore will still apply.
Province Approves Funding for Water Line to Alix
The province has approved $8.9 million toward a $9.9 million 16 km water line from Stettler to Alix that is expected to be constructed this spring and summer. The line is the first of a three phase regional water system that will eventually be connected to Mirror, Bashaw and Clive. Red Deer River water will be treated in the Stettler water treatment facility for the line. The new system could become part of an even larger regional system in the Stettler area.
Red Deer Regional Airport Reports Surplus
Although operating costs were similar to last year, revenues at the Red Deer Regional Airport have increased substantially in spite of the departure of Regional 1 Airlines. There were 45,000 take-offs and landings recorded in 2005 compared to 39,000 the previous year due to an increase in business charter flights. Peace Air still offers scheduled passenger service to Grande Prairie, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Edmonton and several other communities. More improvements are being planned to the facilities and another passenger carrier is being pursued.
Heritage Recognition Awards to be Announced May 8
Several Central Alberta businesses and organizations are nominated for the annual Heritage Recognition Awards, the winners to be announced at a ceremony at the Red Deer Library May 8. Several of the nominees have been nominated before and many are new this year. Nominees include Rolyn Hills B & B and Guest Ranch, Buffalo Hotel facade, Prairie Office Products restoration, Danish Canadian National Museum, Double Tree Village Museum, Modeling a Century along the Medicine-Hola to Markerville, Renaissance on 54th Street, Young at Heart Historic Mural, David Whiting Architect and others.
Residential Lot Draw for Sylvan Lake
Since there have been twice as many enquiries for lot purchases as lots available in a Sylvan Lake subdivision north of Hewlett Park Landing, the developer is setting up a lot draw for the 95 single family residential properties. This will likely be the only residential building in Sylvan Lake this year as the next subdivision south of Hewlett Park probably won't be ready until fall. The same developer is planning to request rezoning of land for highway commercial along Highway 20.

Apr. 27, 2006
Regional Water and Sewer Lines Proposed for Sylvan Lake Area
Several municipalities in the vicinity of Sylvan Lake are proposing regional water and sewer lines that would either tie in with Red Deer city facilities or new plants built outside the city. Regional lines are seen as more efficient and cleaner than each municipality having its own system. The proposed plan would cost around $168 million and include the Town of Sylvan Lake, Red Deer County, Lacombe County and the summer villages of Birchcliffe, Jarvis Bay, Half Moon Bay, Norglenwold and Sunbreaker Cove. An application for provincial funding will be forwarded soon. The Sylvan Lake sewer line could eventually tie in with a larger $395 million Central Alberta system that could include Olds, Bowden, Innisfail and Penhold.
Red Deer Co-op Celebrates 50 Years
Started in 1956, Red Deer Co-op now operates two grocery stores, a home and garden centre, a liquor store and gas bar in Red Deer and a grocery store, liquor store and gas bar in Lacombe. The Plaza Co-op Mall, opened in 1962 east of downtown, was the first shopping mall in Red Deer. The Deer Park store opened in 1989. A new facility is under construction at the corner of Taylor Drive and 67 Street which will include a gas bar, liquor store, convenience store and car wash. Sales in 2005 were up 12% over the previous year.
Sylvan Lake Taxpayers Can Expect a 5% Increase
Even though the mill rate is about the same as last year, the increase in property assessments will result in most Sylvan Lake taxpayers paying an average increase of 5%. Some property values in the town have gone up 20% or more in the last year but will not necessarily be reflected in this year's assessments. The town's operating budget has gone up from $12.4 million in 2005 to $13.9 million this year.

Apr. 26, 2006
New Red Deer County Road Under Construction; Creates New Link to Gasoline Alley
Roadwork began recently on the extension of Lantern Street in Gasoline Alley to Highway 2A. The new roadway which is expected to be completed this year will create a new and safer route for Red Deer motorists to get to and from Gasoline Alley which contains several major businesses including Costco and Staples. Currently many motorists attempt to cross three lanes of high speed traffic on Highway QE2 to get to the growing commercial and industrial area. Meanwhile a 1.5 km stretch of Highway 2A has reduced speed limits during the construction period.

Apr. 25, 2006
Red Deer County Passes Rezoning for Waste Transfer Site
In spite of opposition from neighbouring residents, Red Deer County has rezoned a 40 acre parcel of land 1.5 km. east of Highway 2 and close to Highway 42 for a $4 million waste transfer facility. Council determined it had no choice as the contract with the City of Red Deer expires in July. Furthermore, the facility will be state-of-the-art and landscaped in such a way that it will hardly be noticeable. No waste will actually be disposed of at the site but all forms of waste will be accepted at the facility and transfered to a disposal facility at a later date. Details of the plan will be presented to interested parties at the County Centre next Thursday, May 4.
Red Deer College Expansion Attracts No Opposition
A public meeting on a $50 million expansion, initiated by Red Deer College officials for 1500 nearby residents, drew little attention Monday and therefore was considered as local approval for the project. The 200,000 sq. ft. expansion on the north east side of the property includes new trades and technology classrooms and labs, an applied research centre for manufacturing, a business enterprise centre focusing on small business and a visual arts centre. Work is expected to begin this summer and be completed in 2008. The few residents that attended were very impressed by the plan.

Apr. 24, 2006
Long Term Sylvan Lake Plan Pleases Residents
An open house for Sylvan Lake residents to view and comment on the 30-year Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan was greeted with satisfaction that future needs and current challenges will be addressed. Land use, park space, landscaping, architectural guidelines, public transportation and parking are all considered in the plan as well as some nostalgic elements and expansion of the tourist season. Sylvan Lake is one of the province's fastest growing communities.
Regional Artists Open Gallery in Red Deer
An art gallery owned by Central Alberta artists has opened on Red Deer's Ross Street presenting them an opportunity to display and sell their original work. Paintings, three dimensional art and jewellery are all featured.

Apr. 22, 2006
Red Deer Casino Expansion Receives Conditional Approval
The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission has approved the expansion of a casino at the east edge of Red Deer's downtown area in spite of opposition of nearby residents providing the casino can find sufficient parking. The 4,300 sq. ft. addition will accommodate more than 100 more slot machines bringing the total to 299.
Red Deer College Board Approves Expansion Plans
The first of a two phase major expansion of Red Deer College was approved by the Board of Governors Thursday with construction to begin next month on the first of a three step process for phase one. The first two steps include the expansion of the existing welding shop and heavy equipment technical shop each by about 10,000 sq. ft. The 180,000 sq. ft. main building, which will house trades, technology, business and visual arts, should start construction in July. The cost of phase one is estimated at $50 million of which the province has committed $29 million, Nova Chemicals $1 million and Bruins Plumbing $250,000. The college is seeking further government and industry contributions. Phase two, expected to start construction in 2008, will include a regional sport and fitness centre and health education centre.
Moving Rural RCMP to Blackfalds Would Have Little Impact on Red Deer
Even if the traffic group and the rural RCMP moved out of its 55 St. building and moved to Blackfalds as proposed, the impact on the city would be minimal, according to City Community Services Director Colleen Jensen. Other police services would likely continue to use the building including a drug squad, investigative services, forensic and communications services and support services. Blackfalds has applied to the province for the 13 person rural detachment and 6 member highway segment to be housed in the town's proposed $3.15 million municipal building. Blackfald's current population is 4,400.
Penhold Poised for Growth
Twelve residential building permits have been issued so far this year in Penhold, a 200% increase over last year, and a proposed 45 lot residential subdivision is poised for construction to start this summer. The town, with a population of 1,750, is also hoping to start construction next year on a multi-plex facility that would include an arena, gymnasium, walking track, library and meeting rooms.

Apr. 21, 2006
Travelaire Plans Expansion in Red Deer Region
Sometime in the next five years, Travelaire, a 40-year Red Deer manufacturer of recreational vehicles, plans to relocate its plant in order to gain more efficiency and more space. The company plans to build somewhere in Central Alberta close enough to Red Deer to maintain its current staff of 275. The current facility consists of three buildings on 12 acres and produces 2,000 recreational units per year.
Red Deer City Average 4.8% Tax Increase Proposed
Although Red Deer Council approved a 9.2% tax increase in the municipal portion of property taxes earlier this year, the average increase will likely be closer to 4.8% due to an averaging of municipal, library and school portions of the tax bill as well as a very high construction growth rate. The City will also benefit from a reduced education requisition from the province resulting in an unexpected 'tax room' that administration recommends being put toward future capital projects.

Apr. 20, 2006
Dental Office to Replace Former Medical Clinic in Red Deer
Recently a failed women's medical facility and once the UFA Farm Supply Store in Cronquist Business Park, the 8,000 sq. ft. premises is being transformed into a 2,000 sq. ft. dental laboratory with the remaining space being leased out, probably to medical related businesses. It's located close to another proposed medical centre in the former Atco building. Both facilities are located in what will eventually become a trendy commercial and residential area called Riverlands.

Apr. 18, 2006
Central Alberta Towns Attracting Retirees
A trend is developing in that retirees from the larger cities are looking at small town living as an alternative to the hectic pace of living in larger centers. Several towns in Central Alberta including those not on the Highway 2 corridor are attracting seniors from Edmonton, Calgary and other centers across Canada. Real estate agents and developers are noticing the trend believing that it's a combination of getting back to their roots, extended independence and a slower pace of life with all the major amenities of living in a larger community.

Apr. 17, 2006
Airpark Proposed for Rocky Mountain House
An unused strip of property along the runway at the Rocky Municipal Airport is being proposed as a high-end small acreage 'airpark' for aircraft owners. There is room for 15 or 16 lots of 2.5 acres each where pilots could park their aircraft on their property and have instant access to the airport as well as front row seats to private air shows as stunt pilots from across Canada use the airport for practice. Strict controls would ensure that only high-end homes would be allowed on the site.
Private College Opens in Red Deer for Trades Training
A British Columbia based private community college has entered the Alberta market by opening campuses in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer. Sprott-Shaw Community College is helping meet the need for skilled workers by offering pre-trade courses in construction practices, tools, mathematics, computers, workplace safety and first aid. The program is funded by the provincial government as it opens up spaces for traditionally under-represented segments of the population, including women and aboriginals.
Two Major Hotel Projects Nearing Completion in Three Hills
Partially as a result of coalbed methane gas projects in the area and prospects of long term growth, two hotels and a restaurant will be opening soon in Three Hills. The existing Super 8 Motel near Highway 21 is expanding from 48 to 82 rooms including kitchenettes and jacuzzi suites. The project includes a meeting room, pool, waterslide, sauna and hot tub. A 52-room Best Western motel with a variety of room types is also nearing completion with the provision of adding 30 more rooms in the future. A restaurant is scheduled to open nearby at the same time.

Top of Page

Directories:
- Business
- Community