NEWS of the Red Deer Region - July 16-31, 2006

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

July 31, 2006
2006 Alberta Summer Games Best Ever
Almost 3,000 athletes, from 12 to 17, competed in 17 sports on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the 2006 Alberta Summer Games held this year in Red Deer city and Red Deer County in almost perfect weather. The athletes were billeted at local schools and bused to various sports venues and to Westerner Park for breakfast and supper. Hundreds of coaches, trainers and parents were also on hand for support. The event received rave reviews as the best one ever held in Alberta, an achievement that would not have been possible without the support of 2,600 well-organized volunteers, headed by Lyn Radford. The province is divided into eight geographic zones. Zone 3 (Calgary) won the most medals with a total of 112 (40 Gold, 39 Siver, 33 Bronze). Zone 4 (Parkland - Red Deer and Central Alberta) won a total of 79 medals (24 Gold, 32 Silver, 23 Bronze). Seven gold medals were won by Red Deer's Ben Berg in swimming events. Parkland teams won Gold medals in the following events - Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby and Softball. On the financial side, the event pumped about $6 million into the local economy and cost about $1.8 to run.

July 29, 2006
Alberta Summer Games Launched with Fanfare
Two events, one the opening ceremonies at the Centrium on Thursday and the other a streetscape gala downtown on Friday, launched the 2006 Summer Games with style, talent and variety. In addition, a torch relay starting at the Red Deer County Centre on Thursday afternoon, wound its way through the streets of Red Deer to City Hall and then to Westerner Park for a grand entry during the opening ceremonies. The Games represents the culmination of several months of preparation by volunteers and performers.
Work Begins on Major Penhold Subdivision
Site work has begun on a new residential subdivision in northeast Penhold that could eventually add more than 350 lots to the community on a 108-acre parcel. House construction could begin by the end of October on the first phase consisting of 45 lots of single family housing on 10 acres. The second phase is expected to begin next spring. About 9 acres of the subdivision is expected to have commercial development along Highway 2A. On the other side of town, construction is ready to begin on 36 lots.
New Bank Construction Continues in Red Deer
The Bank of Montreal is the latest bank to announce plans to build another branch building, this time in north Red Deer. Construction is expected to start soon and take about a year to build. Existing branches will remain open. This announcement falls on the heels of several other banks that have recently built new branches or have announced their intention to do so. Royal Bank, Scotiabank and Community Savings are all planning new branches that will be under construction soon. CIBC and TD Canada Trust built new branches in south Red Deer late last year.

July 27, 2006
Residential and Senior Housing Planned for Ponoka
The 10 acres that contain the closed Riverside School in Ponoka is the site of a planned 30-lot residential subdivision and a 44-suite assisted living complex. Through a $1.2 million provincial grant and a partnership with David Thompson Health Region, 20 of the suites would be offered at more affordable rates.
Red Deer County Approves Northern Expansion of Burnt Lake Business Park
A 77-acre 17-lot business subdivision north of and adjacent to the existing Burnt Lake Business Park west of Red Deer has been approved by Red Deer County. Most of the new businesses are expected to be agriculture and oilfield related. The area falls within the Burnt Lake Area Structure Plan.
Concrete Recycling Program Introduced
The concrete crusher at Proform Concrete near Gasoline Alley is now accepting used concrete from the public for recycling. The crusher transforms pieces of concrete of roughly a metre into one to two centimetre aggregate for use as driveway fill, garage pads and sidewalks. The firm has become the 30th member of Built Green, a program exclusive to Canadian Home Builders Association members that aims to build more environmentally friendly and energy efficient homes.

July 26, 2006
Entertainment Complex Proposed for Sylvan Lake
A family entertainment complex called 'The Ark' featuring mini golf, laser tag, arcade, restaurant (Noah's Pub and Grill) and conference room is being proposed for Sylvan Lake's Beju Business Park next to Silver Lake Cinema. The two-level enclosed facility will cover about 20,000 sq. ft. and it is hoped that it will be open by May 1, 2007. A shuttle service to and from the beach is also proposed.

July 25, 2006
Medical Offices Signal Start to Riverlands Redevelopment
The Red Deer Municipal Planning Commission approved two medical office buildings Monday signalling the start of the redevelopment of Riverlands, currently referred to as Cronquist Business Park and the home to various city departments slated to relocate over the next few years. Riverlands will be a trendy mix of retail shops, professional office buildings, restaurants, small bars, entertainment and cultural facilities, a hotel, convention centre, and a range of medium to high density residential properties. One of the offices approved is the $13 million, 100,000 sq. ft., 3-storey Riverlands Medical Centre to be constructed at the former ATCO site over the next 18 months which will house 17 doctors relocating from the Associate Clinic. The other office is the $6 million, 4-storey Appleway Dental Clinic which will include a restaurant and medical related shops.
New Red Deer College Building Gets Approval
The Red Deer Municipal Planning Commission has approved the construction of the largest portion of the $110 million expansion of Red Deer College. The 166,300 sq. ft. building will include visual art, business, manufacturing and technology centres. Other parts of the project were previously approved including a new wing for welding, steam fitting, pipe fitting and automotive technician programs. An additional 200 parking stalls will be developed and a plan for road improvements will be submitted for approval.
Memorial Tree Park Expanding in Gasoline Alley
Work is progressing on trails, bridges and landscaping on the expanded Parkland Memorial Tree Park in Gasoline Alley West. Hundreds of trees have been planted and will continue to be planted in memory of loved ones.

July 24, 2006
Good Attendance at Westerner Days In Spite of Heat
In spite of temperatures in the 30 degree Celsius range, attendance at this year's five-day Westerner Days was one of the best on record. The 85,996 attendees this year didn't break last year's record of 89,187 but was ahead of 2004's 84,427. Some of the most popular events this year were the evening concerts including Steppenwolf who attracted 3,500 people with good crowds at the 54-40 and Charlie Major concerts. The chuckwagon races attracted about 2,800 each evening. The midway and outdoor entertainment were also very popular and many people beat the heat by visiting the indoor exhibits in air-conditioned facilities.
Sylvan Lake Getting Well Known as 'Redneck Riviera'
Recently, Sylvan Lake was named by Westjet as one of Canada's Top 10 Beaches and the only one listed in the Prairies. One of Canada's leading newspapers referred to the town as the 'Redneck Riviera', a name not particularly thrilling to Sylvan Lake's mayor who concedes the name is putting the town on the map. Tourism is booming this year with area campgrounds and hotels completely booked most weekends. As popular as the beach is, there are several other attractions and events that draw provincial and national attention.
Hundreds Compete in Triathlon at Sylvan Lake
The third annual Half Ironman Triathlon attracted 451 participants to Sylvan Lake Saturday from British Columbia and Saskatchewan as well as Alberta. This was twice as many competitors as last year. The event included a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycling circuit and a 21 km marathon. Scott Curry of Calgary won the male overall title in four hours, nine minutes. Sarah Gross of Calgary won the female overall title in four hours, 46 minutes.

July 22, 2006
Innisfail and Red Deer County Agree on Town's Growth
A joint development plan has initial approval of both the town of Innisfail and Red Deer County for the town's future expansion. Nine quarter sections north and west of the town have been identified to be studied for annexation. A public meeting will be held August 23 for input before final approval is given. The area east of Highway 2 and the town is identified as a special study area requiring further consultation.

July 21, 2006
New Downtown Mural Unveiled
The fourth historical mural for downtown Red Deer was unveiled Thursday at 5143 - 48 St. (Alexander Way). 'Through the Years', designed by local artist Erin Boake, shows 3 scenes and is based on the many changes in Red Deer over its many years of development.

July 20, 2006
Westerner Days Opens with Parade, Good Crowds, Hot Weather
The first day of Red Deer's Westerner Days Wednesday saw thousands of people flock downtown for a two hour parade with 115 entries. At the exhibition grounds, 12,600 people entered the grounds for displays, entertainment and the midway, benefitting from the sunny and hot weather. Attractions included agriculture shows, lumberjack competitions, aerial acrobatics, chuckwagon races, magic shows, creative arts exhibits, trade show and feature entertainment.
Red Deer Tourism Development Group Gets Grant
A new Chamber of Commerce tourism development committee has received a $55,000 grant from Alberta Economic Development to help make Red Deer a global tourist destination. The city is already well known as a convention centre but the group is looking for a unique event or project that will specifically draw tourists to Red Deer.
Farm Safety Added to Safety City
Red Deer County is endorsing the Red Barn Project at Safety City in Red Deer's east end by committing funds over the next five years to the Farm Safety Centre. Twelve displays will teach children about dangers on the farm including dugouts, electricity and animals.
Group Seeks Support to Rename Highway 21
The Highway 21 Community Initiatives Society is applying to Alberta Transportation to designate the north-south highway corridor to the historical Boom Town Trail and is actively seeking support from various municipalities along the route.

July 19, 2006
Red Deer Riverside Condo Project to Proceed
A 46-unit condominium project called Ridge at Riverview is slated to proceed in Riverside Meadows in Red Deer north of the river. An environmental assessment had delayed the project since 2004. Construction is expected to start soon with completion scheduled for May 2007.
Construction Cost of College Complex Increases
The 'Your College: Building Communities Through Learning' complex being added to Red Deer College over the next five years has increased in cost from $75 million to $110 million. Several factors have contributed to the increase including higher labour and material costs, a more detailed engineering plan and a request from the province to add capacity to the apprenticeship program.
County Waste Transfer Site to be Upgraded
The Horn Hill waste transfer facility, recently opened by Red Deer County 1.5 km east of Highway 2 and south of Highway 42, will be upgraded to accept more types of waste than the current household garbage. The upgrade is expected to cost around $5 million and be open by the end of November.
Cinema Complex in Gasoline Alley Step Closer to Reality
Red Deer County has subdivided a parcel of land in Gasoline Alley west to allow Landmark Cinemas to proceed with construction of a $7.5 million, 48,733 sq. ft., 12-screen movie theatre. The project could get started in August and be completed next year. A restaurant will likely locate nearby.
Records Set in Real Estate Sales
Sales of homes in Red Deer and Central Alberta set records in June outpacing the previous year by 39%. During the month, 751 properties changed ownership compared to 541 in the same month last year and 653 in May according to the regional Real Estate Co-op Board. In Red Deer, the average sale price for all types of residences was $252,600. Outside the city, the average price was $160,900.

July 18, 2006
Red Deer Applies for Infrastructure Grants
Six potential projects are being submitted by the city of Red Deer for federal-provincial infrastructure grants. They include renovation of the G.H. Dawe Centre, a secondary clarifier at the water treatment plant, upgrades to Waskasoo Park, transit bus stops, intersection improvements at Gaetz Ave. and 32 St. and creation of an asset management system. The grants will be awarded based on the quality of the project rather on a per capita basis.
Upgrades Funded at Lacombe High School
The provincial government has agreed to fund the additional $2 million for the $14.5 million upgrade of Lacombe Composite High School that was necessary for the project to proceed when tenders came in higher than expected. The upgrades include new classrooms, a new gymnasium, conversion of the existing gym into a performing arts area and consolidation and relocation of administration. The project is expected to be completed in two and half years.
City Approves Design Stage of Dawe Centre Upgrades
Red Deer city council has approved the $650,000 design and planning stage for renovations to the library and swimming pool at the G.H. Dawe Centre in the north part of the city. Construction of the project is expected to get underway in the summer of 2007 resulting in the pool being closed for several months. The Recreation Centre pool is closed this summer for reconstruction.

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