News of the Red Deer Region - June 1 to 15, 2006

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

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

June 15, 2006
Old CFB Penhold School Demolished
Anderson of Craigmyle elementary school, opened in 1954 for CFB Penhold when it was a NATO base and primarily vacant for several years, has been demolished in Springbrook to make way for new residential development. In the past 10 years, the summer cadets used the school for music training and it was used by Chinooks Edge School Division one year while a school was being renovated in Sylvan Lake but the building became more run down each year. The school division has no use for it and plans to build a new school in Springbrook in the next couple of years. The grade 1 to 9 school was named after three Anderson brothers from Craigmyle who were killed during World War II.
Another Red Deer Lot Draw Sold Out
As expected, all 83 lots in Phase 2 of Oriole Park West in Red Deer were sold out Tuesday in the last residential lot draw of the year. Three were duplexes and the remainder were all single family home lots. Next year, Phase 3 of Oriole Park and the new Timberlands subdivision will go on the market. A neighbourhood area structure plan for Timberlands, located on the east side of Red Deer near 67 St. and 30 Ave., will be completed later this year.
Red Deer Chamber Introduces New Executive
Incoming president Mitch Thomson, managing funeral director of Parkland Funeral Home, was welcomed by 150 members of the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon meeting Wednesday. He takes over from the now past president, Jackie Brooks, a human resources consultant with Toombs KWA. Graham Heron advances to first vice-president who will become the new president next year.

June 14, 2006
Highway 2 May Have to Be Realigned Through Red Deer Natural Area
Alberta Transportation has informed the City of Red Deer that it may have to realign Highway 2 through the westernmost part of Maskepetoon Park, a natural forest area along the river and west of Oriole Park subdivision. The present curvature of the highway in the area is blamed for the high collision rate and an adjustment have to be made for the safety of drivers. The park was named for a Cree chief who sought peace with the Blackfoot. The most easterly stand of tamarack trees and marshes that are habitat to deer, moose and other wildlife are characteristic of the park. In recent years, it has also attracted dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles which has left some areas scarred.
Red Deer Westerner Drafting 20-Year Master Plan
A long range roadmap for future development is being drafted by Westerner Park before any new expansion takes place. In the last few years, several projects have been completed including a $2 million addition to the Agricentre and almost complete is a $4 million stabling barn for horse shows. Future possible projects include expanding into the old landfill site to the east and building a grandstand and new offices.
CMHC Predicts Record New Housing Starts in Red Deer This Year
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is projecting that 1,050 new single family homes will be built this year in Red Deer, outpacing the record set in 2002 when 900 new homes were built. According to CMHC, 394 single detached homes were built in the first five months of 2006 representing a 33% increase over last year when 297 homes were built in the same period. Multiple family homes also increased, by 16% during the same five month period from 297 to 394. The diversified economy, low unemployment, a high job creation rate, 5% population growth rate and a one percent vacancy rate in rental accommodation are all fuelling the increased building rate.
Olds College Expands Apprenticeship Training
Several programs are being expanded at Olds College to meet Alberta's shortage of skilled trades workers. The Landscaping, Agricultural Equipment, Heavy Equipment and welding programs are all being expanded.

June 13, 2006
Red Deer Seniors Housing Project Expands
The provincial government has injected $4.4 million to help expand a seniors housing project at Michener Hill Village, a 13.5 acre parcel of undeveloped land at Michener Centre along Ross Street. The money, representing about half of the anticipated cost of the project, will allow private partner Extendicare, partnering with the David Thompson Health Region, develop 60 apartment-style supportive living suites. This is in addition to 220 nursing home beds and at least 45 independent living condominiums announced in January. The project is expected to get underway next spring and be completed in 2008. The nursing home portion will replace the aging Red Deer Nursing Home and Valley Park Manor.
Sylvan Lake Hotel Project Given Three Months to Proceed
The owners of a prime piece of real estate at the corner of Lakeshore Drive and 50 St. in Sylvan Lake have been given three months by town council to get the hotel project, already approved, going. Due to a variety of circumstances, the site has had no work done since early 2003. A revised design for a 94-suite nine-storey hotel was approved a year ago. The new owner of the property had asked for a one-year delay but Council determined enough time had already elapsed and the original development agreement needed to be honoured.
Red Deer Casino Project Clears Another Hurdle
After several months of negotiation and community concerns, Jackpot Casino's 3,900 sq. ft. addition received conditional approval from the Red Deer Municipal Planning Commission. The entire design of the building is being renewed with a stone, stucco and tile facade with gold-tinted faux windows and murals, replacing the trademark red and white colour scheme and rooftop flags.

June 12, 2006
Rapid Growth Strains Recreation Facilities
Red Deer City Recreation, Parks and Culture Department is noticing an increasing demand for more recreational facilities as the city grows. Although there are several smaller baseball diamonds throughout the city, there are only three full-size ones and they are close to being used to the limit. Two are at Great Chief Park and one is at Hunting Hills High School. An additional one at Edgar Industrial Park doesn't have water facilities. A community facility needs assessment is planned to determine needs over the next 10 to 20 years. Soccer, football, ice and other facilities are also feeling the pressure. Another large outdoor facility may be built in the northeast part of the city in the future.

June 10, 2006
Red Deer Johnstone Crossing Subdivision Lots Sold Out
In a lot draw this week for the 134 lots in Phases 7 and 9 in Johnstone Crossing in Red Deer's north end, all were sold to home buyers, a trend that has been consistent for the past couple of years. The final phase, Phase 8, will be available next year. Since 2004, about 550 homes have been built in the subdivision. Another lot draw will occur next week for 86 lots in Oriole Park West.
Community Savings Opens Branch in Elnora, Plans 6th Branch in Red Deer
Community Savings opened its 29th branch recently in the village of Elnora, a new 1,200 sq. ft. building designed to match the streetscape of the village centre. Meanwhile, plans are underway to build Red Deer's 6th branch, a 5,000 sq. ft. building at the new Taylor Plaza, expected to open next April.

June 9, 2006
Red Deer Westerner Announces Entertainment
The Westerner Exhibition, which runs from July 19 to July 23 at Westerner Park in south Red Deer, will feature Steppenwolf, a famous rock group of the 1960's, country singer Charlie Major and 54-40, all at the Centrium and all included with the price of admission. Entertainment for children and all ages, agricultural and creative arts displays, pony chuckwagon races, the midway, the West Coast Lumberjack Show, the Alberta Fire Power Competition and several other events will round out the family-oriented fair.

June 8, 2006
New Corn-Sunflower Maze Proposed Near Bowden
The Bowden Sun Maze received approval of Red Deer County municipal planning commission this week. The seven acre operation, located seven km northwest of Bowden, will feature a corn maze with sunflowers to give it a unique flavour and it is planned to be open around the end of July. The operation will also include the u-pick Eagle Creek Flowers.
Three New Developments Approved in Red Deer County Industrial Park
An oilfield trucking and storage business, a welding and fabrication shop and an oilfield maintenance shop and office in the new Clearview Industrial Park south of the city east of 40 Ave. have been given approval by Red Deer County municipal planning commission. Since it is located outside the inter-municipal development plan, it is expected that no objections will come from the city.

June 7, 2006
Airport Now Looking At $20 Million in Upgrades
In its report to Red Deer County Council, Merv Phillips of the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority indicated that they are now asking the province for $20 million in funding as a result of increased construction costs. The most pressing projects include lengthening the main runway so regional airline carriers could add service, expanding the terminal building, updating the runway signing and reopening a Customs office. Other projects needed within the next ten years include rehabilitating aging water and sewer lines and updating navigational systems. To attract more industrial development, a new access road will need to be built. At a meeting today with representatives of the city, county, chamber and airport authority, the three local MLA's (Mary Anne Jablonski - Red Deer North, Victor Doerksen - Red Deer South, Luke Ouellette - Innisfail Sylvan Lake) all agreed to meet soon with the Transportation minister Ty Lund to promote the request for safety reasons.
Upscale Red Deer Condo Project Expected to Start Construction Soon
Diamond Key Homes is constructing a $30 million condo project on 7 acres along 22 St. in the Lancaster subdivision. The first phase will consist of 30 2-storey homes, a 3-storey apartment-style building and 7 large townhouses with double attached garages. The common area will include a demonstration kitchen, wine bar, 20-seat home theatre, playroom and fitness centre. The overall project is believed to be unique in Canada.

June 6, 2006
Permolex Plans Major Expansion in Red Deer
The City of Red Deer's planning commission has given approval for a $5 million expansion at the Permolex ethanol plant in the Edgar Industrial Park. The federal government provided a $1.1 million grant as ethanol, which is grain based, is considered a renewable fuel. It is hoped that construction will be complete before the end of the year. The grain processing facility also produces gluten, bread flour and livestock feed.

June 5, 2006
Eckville Creates New Residential Subdivision
A new 42-lot residential subdivision called McDonald Heights has been created in the town of Eckville (pop. 1,019 in 2001) about 22 km. west of Sylvan Lake. There has been increasing interest in people wanting to move to the town for more affordable housing as the prices of residences in Sylvan Lake and Red Deer continue to increase.
Sylvan Lake Construction Continues in Beju Business Park
A new Boston Pizza is the latest project to get started on the east side of Sylvan Lake in the Beju Business Park. It's the first part of a project that will include a hotel, convenience store and gas bar. Meanwhile, nearby, the Nabors Production Services Central Alberta head office complex is well underway with a 13,000 sq. ft. office building and a 40,000 sq. ft. shop under construction.

June 3, 2006
Annexation and Growth Creates Stress Among Municipal Neighbours
The land disputes between the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County are not unique in Alberta. The roaring economy and the opportunities for communities, large and small, to get in on the action by expanding its boundaries for residential and industrial growth, is putting a strain on municipal neighbours all over the province. Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Lloydminster, St. Albert, Airdrie and others are going through the same turmoil. Red Deer County has found itself at odds with the growth ambitions of Red Deer, Penhold and Bowden and, to a lesser extent, Sylvan Lake, Delburne and Elnora. Over 5,000 acres of land are currently being requested for annexation including Red Deer's desire to annex 1,300 acres west of Highway 2 for industrial development. The County wants to expand as well and, with revised provincial rules giving rural municipalities more autonomy, can create its own growth strategies concerning development. When it occurs close to existing urban municipalities, those municipalities get very uneasy and fear being boxed in, reducing the options for future annexation proposals. Part of the problem appears to be a lack of structure for regional planning, especially in times of sustained rapid growth.

June 2, 2006
Property Values Skyrocket in Sylvan Lake
Anyone who invested in property in and around Sylvan Lake over the last several years is reaping the benefits of an escalating demand for lake property and its corresponding explosion in property values. Lakefront properties in the town are easily selling for over a million dollars apiece, approximately two and a half times the price for a similar property farther from shore. Around the lake, undeveloped large lots are selling for $250,000 to $750,000. A lot in Marina Bay that sold for $30,000 in 1990 now sells for $400,000.
Red Deer Building Permits Outpace Last Year
The city issued 329 residential building permits in May valued at $17.8 million, up from 224 permits valued at $12.5 million in May 2005. Ten industrial permits valued at $3.5 million, three public projects valued at $1.1 million and 16 commercial permits valued at $941,000 were also issued in May. For the first five months of 2006, the city issued a total of 1,161 permits in all categories worth $98.4 million compared to 932 permits in the same period last year worth $97.2 million. Among the largest projects in May included $1.5 million for Lee Specialties, $1.3 million for Emco Corporation and $1.1 million for Red Deer Public School District offices.

June 1, 2006
Province Pays Out $9 Million in Flood Claims in Central Alberta So Far
Of $73 million paid out by the province's Disaster Recovery Program so far in flood claims from last June, $9 million has gone to Central Alberta. Of that, $5.2 million went to the municipality, residents and businesses of Mountain View County. The City of Red Deer is expecting to get $2 million to cover clean up costs, primarily in Waskasoo Park. Southern Alberta received the most damage with Calgary having the highest number of claims. Once all flood claims are settled, the province expects to pay out $163 million.
Red Deer Now Smoke Free
As of today, all public and work places in the city of Red Deer will be smoke free, including sports bars, bingos and casinos. Many people are predicting that businesses that have traditionally catered to smokers will be hard hit and possibly close even though it is estimated that only 20% of Red Deer residents smoke.
Innisfail Could Lose Landmark Water Tower
The Town of Innisfail is trying to determine whether to preserve or demolish the landmark water tower that has stood close to the center of town since 1940 but taken out of service about 11 years ago. It would cost around $60,000 to demolish it but could cost as much as $500,000 to preserve assuming that it is found to be structurally sound enough to stand for several more years. A meeting is scheduled for June 12 to see if there is enough public interest to conduct a study.
Red Deer's Pines School Parents Protest Closure
Parents of students who attend Pines community elementary school in north Red Deer are asking the Red Deer School Board to revisit their recommendation to the province that the school be closed. The school has 157 students this year but has a capacity of 225. Next year, only 57 students are expected to come from the Pines subdivision with the remainder attending from the downtown area. It will be at least a year before closure takes place.

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