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

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

Sept. 30, 2006
Weather Favours Red Deer County Information Fair
About 850 people, almost double from last year, turned out for this year's Information Fair put on by Red Deer County at the County administration building grounds today. The weather was perfect for the event that attracted people from all over the county, city and beyond, making it the most successful event yet. In addition to activities for children, entertainment and a free buffet style meal, there were displays by county departments, organizations and artisans.
Penhold Residents Protest Proposed Industrial Development
About 100 residents packed the Penhold Seniors Drop-in Centre on Monday to protest the town's plan to rezone 80 acres of land west of the CPR tracks to heavy industrial. Concerns expressed included noise, pollution and the closeness of the land to Fleming Marsh (an environmental reserve), residences and a school. One of the proposed uses is a holiday trailer manufacturer. The developer will produce a detailed outline plan before it goes back to council.

Sept. 28, 2006
Concept Plan for City of 300,000 Could Bring City and County Together
The City of Red Deer has produced a concept of what the city could look like 45 to 75 years down the road when it reaches a population of 300,000. The tentative plan is an expansion of a similar concept produced by the County a year ago. It even suggests that Gasoline Alley remain in the County for the foreseeable future. As a result, the two municipalities appear to be much closer to a vision for the future than what was previously thought. The report, called 'Future Directions: Red Deer at 300,000' is being presented to the public for input on October 11 at Westerner Park and October 17 at the North Hill Inn (each open house will include a presentation at 5 and 7 pm). The concept suggests that the future boundaries of the city would extend east to a natural ridge, north to the Blindman River, west across Highway QE2 to include the Burnt Lake Industrial Park as well as an area around the current Red Deer County Centre building and southwest toward the Red Deer Regional Airport. Industrial development could extend toward the southeast. Included in the concept is a major extension of parks and green space along the Red Deer and Blindman Rivers and Waskasoo Creek.
Residents Object to Proposed Residential Development in South Red Deer
A seven-acre residential development with 24 new executive homes proposed for a current green area in the Bower neighbourhood in south Red Deer has generated strong opposition from area residents. The area has been slated for development for many years but residents want to keep it as a natural park area as it is close to Piper Creek and attracts a lot of wildlife. Developers tried to assure residents that their concerns would be considered. The proposed project has yet to go to City Council and requires several approvals before work can begin.

Sept. 27, 2006
City Population Could Top 100,000 in 4 to 6 Years
Population predictions released yesterday by the City of Red Deer and Parkland Community Planning Services indicate that, at the current rate of growth, the city could reach 100,000 in 4 years. If the growth rate slows, the milestone will still be reached in 6 years. Only 2 years ago, projections didn't anticipate that number until 2021. In fact, those projections expected the city to reach a population of 80,000 in 2008. But this year's census shows that, already, almost 83,000 people call Red Deer home. With the current economic activity continuing, growth rates are expected to remain in the 3.5 to 5% range for the next five years. Net migration has accounted for 84% of recent growth.
Penhold-Springbrook Trail Plan Proceeds
An operating and maintenance agreement has been drafted by Alberta Infrastructure and Central Alberta Regional Trails Society (CARTS) and is awaiting Red Deer County approval for the proposed trail between Penhold and Springbrook. The 3.2 trail will follow the old Highway 2A right of way creating a safe corridor for bicyclists, pedestrians and inline skaters. Currently, children and adults commuting between the two communities for recreation or school activities are using the shoulder of the increasingly busy Highway 2A or the railway right of way to walk or bike. Once approval is reached with the County, Alberta Transportation and the Penhold Lions Club, fundraising can begin. It is hoped that construction can begin in the spring.
Sylvan Lake Getting Another Major Hotel
Ramada Inn is planning to build a 98-unit, four-storey, $6.4 million hotel with waterslide and water park in the Beju industrial/commercial park in Sylvan Lake east of Highway 20. A development permit was issued by the town recently and the hotel is expected to open in the fall of 2007.

Sept. 26, 2006
City Moves to Borrow $80 Million for Relocation Project
Red Deer City Council has approved the borrowing of $80 million if the proposed relocation of the civic yards to a site near Three Mile Bend proceeds. The proposed project would bring together the Public Works, Transit, Environmental Services and Electric, Light and Power departments, now located in Cronquist Business Park, an area marked for future residential and commercial development. Taxes would ultimately be required to pay off $56 million of the debt for the $105 million project. Council will decide in December whether or not to proceed with the relocation.
Central Alberta Municipalities Propose Resolutions to AUMA
Three resolutions are being proposed to the annual meeting of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association from Central Alberta towns. Innisfail is proposing that intermunicipal plans be mandatory between urban and rural neighbours. Lacombe is proposing that the province financially support recreational trails. Bashaw is proposing that financial assistance be made available to retain doctors in rural communities. In addition, the city of Red Deer is supporting a Lethbridge resolution asking the province to clearly define urban and rural as rural municipalities are now developing urban centres close to established cities.
Another Seniors Housing Project Planned for Red Deer
Red Deer Municipal Planning Commission has approved an estimated $16 million seniors housing complex in the Inglewood subdivision on the east side of the city. Preliminary plans include 154 suites, bowling alley, spa, atrium, hair salon, general store, pub, chapel and reading room.

Sept. 23, 2006
High Speed Rail Market Study to be Released Next July
Collecting data and conducting surveys is part of the High Speed Rail Market Assessment Study currently underway to determine the feasibility of a high speed rail line between Calgary and Edmonton with a likely stop in Red Deer. Cameras have been set up at three key points on Highway QE2 near Leduc, Airdrie and Red Deer to assist in determining the number of non-commercial vehicles travelling the full distance between the two major cities. Traffic counts have shown that 20,000 to 50,000 vehicles use the highway daily but final destinations are not known. Surveys will be done at airports and bus depots as part of the study which is scheduled to be completed by July 2007.
River Watershed Alliance Opens Red Deer Office
As part of the province's Water for Life Strategy, the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance opened its Red Deer office yesterday. Representing municipalities, business, agriculture and other users of the river watershed, the primary focus of the alliance is to advise the Alberta government in future watershed planning.
Benalto Redevelopment Study Emphasizes Small Community Features
Rather than copy urban design principles of cities and larger towns, a recent study in the redevelopment of the hamlet of Benalto suggests keeping and enhancing the features of small community living. The study also recognizes the natural lay of the land, the value of green space and Benalto's view of the mountains. It also recommends that commercial development locate in the community centre rather than along the highway. The hamlet and the adjacent Kountry Meadows manufactured home park. located southwest of Sylvan Lake, are home to about 400 people.

Sept. 22, 2006
Summer Games Surplus to be Distributed
The 2006 Alberta Summer Games held in Red Deer in July recorded a $530,000 surplus, the most in Games history, which will be distributed to non-profit sports, cultural and community groups. About 2,600 people volunteered to make the games happen. A call for project proposals relating to fitness, health and wellness initiatives will go out in November and awarded early next year.
River Water to Supply Nitrogen Plant
Construction is expected to start next spring on a five kilometer water pipeline from the Red Deer River to the Ferus Gas Industries nitrogen extraction plant west of Joffre. Alberta Environment approved a water licence for 119 litres of water per year from the river which will ultimately be evaporated into the air. The plant produces 225 tonnes of liquid nitrogen per day, used to develop oil and gas wells.
Penhold Looks to Develop Industrial Park
A proposal to rezone urban reserve to heavy industrial west of the CP Railroad tracks in Penhold is drawing some concern. The proposal is immediately south of 13 residential properties and close to the Fleming marshlands which includes a Ducks Unlimited project. It's also not far from a school. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday.

Sept. 20, 2006
Airport Qualifies for Federal Funding
The Red Deer Regional Airport has passed two hurdles qualifying it to apply for federal funding to overhaul lighting and signage. A minimum 1000 passengers per year plus three years of scheduled passenger service are requirements to qualify for the Airport Capital Assistance Program. The project, costing over $1 million, would include updating 40 to 50 year old runway lighting. Peace Air, the only scheduled passenger carrier serving the airport, averages 40 passengers per week. The airport hosts several charter flights, mostly oil and gas related, carrying 13,000 passengers in 2005.

Sept. 18, 2006
Red Deer Civic Yard Proposal Gets Good Review From Most Park Users
Red Deer city staff and consultants held a public open house at Three Mile Bend Sunday afternoon regarding its proposed $105 million relocation of the civic yards from west of the downtown to the Riverside Industrial Park northwest of Three Mile Bend, Red Deer's only off-leash dog park. The plan reduced many concerns about the proximity to the park, trails and the flood plain. Current facilities are too small and costly to renovate. The area vacated by several city departments in Cronquist Business Park, if the plan proceeds, will become Riverlands, a proposed residential, commercial and cultural centre. The proposed new site would include green areas and storm water ponds.
Chilly Terry Fox Run Raises $25,000 for Cancer Research
In spite of chilly temperatures and brisk winds, 250 people turned out Sunday to walk, run, cycle or roller blade in the 26th annual Terry Fox Run at Heritage Ranch. The numbers were down from last year's 25th anniversary but still close to average participation. About $25,000 in pledges were received for the Terry Fox Foundation for Cancer Research. The Run was also held in 10 other Central Alberta communities.

Sept. 16, 2006
Oilfield Service Company to Expand in Red Deer
BJ Services expects its workforce to grow 16% in Red Deer over the next year, adding 87 more employees. It's part of an overall expansion in operations across the province. The Red Deer office is seeking pump operators and oilfield supervisors. BJ has two facilities in the city, a pumping facility in Edgar Industrial Park and a coil tube facility in Riverside Industrial Park.
Wildlife Sanctuary Looks to Buy Adjacent Land
The Medicine River Wildlife Centre located near Raven is looking to purchase a pristine quarter section of land directly south of the centre. The land is home to great horned owls, rare yellow rails, deer and has served the centre as a release point for animals it has rescued and rehabilitated. The non-profit organization is attempting to raise sufficient funds to put a reasonable down payment on the property, listed at $290,000. At any time, the centre has between 80 and 200 birds and animals under care. The facility also acts as an educational centre.
Alexander Way Party Cancelled
Due to poor weather conditions including the possibility of snow and high winds, the second annual Alexander Way street party, scheduled for today in downtown Red Deer, has been cancelled. Safety, poor attendance and potential damage to artwork were reasons given for the cancellation. Another festival could be held later in the year and the event is expected to resume next year. The celebrations mark the transformation of Alexander Way (48 Street) into a pedestrian friendly corridor.
Alberta Premier Adds Final Brick in Hospital Opening Ceremony
The $95.8 million redevelopment project at the Red Deer Hospital Centre, taking five years to complete, on time and on budget, was officially opened Friday with Premier Ralph Klein symbolically setting the final brick. Most of the funding for the project came from the province.
Bower Place Mall Upgrades Proceed on Schedule
The latest stage in a multi-stage $160 million expansion and renovation of the Bower Place Shopping Centre is proceeding as planned. A new space is being built for Toys R Us closer to Zellers allowing its current location to be rebuilt into a Sears store. Several new retail spaces are being developed as part of a new wing that will extend northward from centre court. An entertaining audio-visual display that highlights western history will be installed this fall in the centre court.

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