NEWS of the Red Deer Region - May 16-31, 2007

 
News of the Red Deer Region
snippets and summaries of news reports from local media (primarily Red Deer Advocate and Red Deer Express).
May 2007 Part 2

May 31, 2007
Equine Program at Olds College Expanding
A $9 million Canadian Equine Centre of Innovation at Olds College will expand existing horse-related programs including horsemanship, farrier science and rodeo. A new riding arena will be built as well as new breeding and production barns, pens and paddocks. Construction is expected to start later this year and be completed late next year. The plan will double the existing enrollment of 110 students per year. A satellite campus at Balzac will also be built once the horse racing track is built.
Additional Lots for Sale at Nordegg
Clearwater County will be selling 22 cottage lots and 8 residential lots at Nordegg in July and August. Lot sales last summer were sold quickly and it is anticipated it will be the same this year so lot draws may be necessary again. Residential lots will range from 2 to 2.5 acres, sell for between $105,000 to $115,000 and buyers will have up to 5 years to build a house. Cottage lots will range from 1 to 1.24 acres, sell for between $53,000 to $60,000 and buyers will have up to 3 years to build.
James River to be Rerouted for Bridge
The provincial government would rather reroute the James River than build a new bridge near Sundre. In the floods of 2005, the James River changed course and moved about 300 metres from where the James River bridge is located. As a result the bridge extends over dry land while the river flows over the road leading to the bridge. Clearwater County had indicated that it would have preferred a new bridge at a cost of $3 million as it is believed that the river will eventually revert back to the new channel permanently.

May 30, 2007
Riverside Meadows Residents Support Condo Plan
A public open house to test local residents support of a major condominium plan for Riverside Meadows on the northwest side of the Red Deer River next to the city's downtown was met with positive comments Tuesday. The eight-storey, 450-unit upscale project between Kerry Wood Drive and the river on the former Harper Metals scrap yard could turn the neighbourhood into a trendy upscale area raising property values throughout the area. Tentative plans include stores and offices on the main floor. The building would be stepped on the river side of the building to complement other developments in the area. Several steps are required before the project proceeds.
Police Dog Memorial to be Unveiled Soon
A bronze statue of a life-size German Shepherd will be unveiled at a public ceremony at the RCMP Police Dog Training Centre near Innisfail to recognize the 32 dogs that have died in the line of duty. The $30,000 statue and the new $2 million administration building will have the official opening on June 20. About 50 dogs are at the centre including 16 dogs in training with their handlers and 20 puppies being groomed for service. Public dog demonstrations are held each Wednesday during the summer.

May 29, 2007
Annexation Hearing Wraps Up Quickly
A public hearing convened by the Municipal Government Board concerning the city's annexation of 1,300 acres of land west of Highway QE2 for industrial development that had originally been expected to last seven days, subsequently reduced to three days after an agreement between the city and the county, wrapped up after only half a day. The Board chairman praised the two municipalities for working out their differences after several months of conflict, making it much easier to deal with the challenges of urban growth. A gradual taxation transition for existing landowners was outlined at the meeting. It was also noted that this annexation is the first of several that would be presented. The next annexation includes 4,000 acres of residential land on the east side of the city, followed by 1,500 acres near Hazlett Lake on the north side and 500 acres that includes Heritage Ranch and Riverview Park.
Heritage Awards Include Natural Area
The Innisfail Natural Area, a quarter section of land that serves as a sanctuary for plants and animals, designated a provincial protected area in 1987 and located six km east of Innisfail, was one of three recipients of the annual Red Deer Heritage Recognition Awards. The other two recipients were the Ghosts project, a series of historical sculptures in downtown Red Deer created in 1994, and Renaissance on 54th Street, a group of businesses located in historical houses.
Northeast City Structure Plan Gets Preliminary Approval
The Red Deer municipal planning commission has approved the draft Clearview North Area Structure Plan, the first step in the creation of a 180-acre subdivision by Melcor called Clearview Ridge in the northeast area of the city north of Michener Centre. The plan includes 337 standard single-family lots, 116 narrow single-family lots, 40 semi-detached lots, 340 units in multi-family buildings. A further 150 homes in multi-family buildings could be incorporated into a mixed use commercial area that would include a 34-acre town centre ranging from small retailers to big box stores at the southwest corner of 30 Ave. and 67 St., expected to be realigned next year. The plan also includes a constructed wetland, a buffer area at the top of the escarpment overlooking Gaetz Lakes and Catholic school site.
Condominiums on Former Convent Site Get Approval
The Red Deer municipal planning commission has approved site development for The Views at St. Joseph's, a four-storey 55-unit $16 million condominium project on the north escarpment, the former site of St. Joseph's Convent. Completion is expected in the summer of 2008 to commemorate 100 years after the convent first opened as a boarding school and home for the nuns of the Daughters of Wisdom. The original building was replaced with a single storey structure in 1978. The 150 kg. bell and steeple from the original building will be incorporated into the new project.

May 26, 2007
Creation Museum to Open in Big Valley
At a cost of $300,000, the Big Valley Creation Science Museum will open its doors in June. Displays support the literal translation of the Bible. Had volunteers charged for their labour, the museum would have cost $1 million. Created by Harry Nibourg, the museum is designed to provide compelling evidence for creation and refute any unguided natural processes such as evolution.
Input Requested for City Water Conservation Strategy
The city of Red Deer wants public input on its water conservation strategy through an online survey. The document will outline how the city plans to reduce water usage by 20 per cent over 5 years. Some proposed initiatives include rebates from the city for rain barrels and water efficient toilets and appliances, water efficient landscaping contests, water saver kit give-aways and an education campaign. Deadline for input is June 18 and the strategy will be presented to city council before the end of the year.
Federal Biofuel Grant Goes to Olds College
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced that the Olds College School of Innovation will receive $65,000 to research the overall feasibility of on-farm biodiesel production. The use and impact of various grades of grains for biofuels on farm machinery performance and many other aspects of turning crops into fuel will be examined by staff and students.

May 25, 2007
Erosion Study for Glennifer Lake Completed
An erosion study completed by Alberta Environment suggests that some further development may be possible around what is referred to as Glennifer Lake 25 km west of Innisfail. The lake is actually a reservoir for Dickson Dam created in 1983. Some erosion has occurred as a result of fluctuating water levels related to dam operation. However, approximately half of the shoreline is stable enough for limited development and other areas can be stabilized with rocks and stones. An area structure plan is currently being developed by Red Deer County and should be completed this fall. Alberta Environment would prefer restricted development due to the fluctuating water levels. Developers have proposed country residential and campground type projects. The county is looking at trails and other recreational uses.

May 24, 2007
Lacombe Blackfalds Corridor Plan Proposed
Nearly 100 people attended an open house in Lacombe on a proposed development plan along the Highway 2A corridor between Blackfalds and Lacombe. As many as 50,000 people could move into the rural area covering 40 quarter sections in the next 20 to 50 years if the plan is fully implemented. The plan includes housing clusters, large open spaces, parks, trails, commercial zones and the preservation of Lacombe Lake. The plan does not include parcels of land controlled by Agriculture Canada's Lacombe Research Station. Eventually, the lands could be annexed by the two towns. Both town councils and Lacombe County council need to endorse the plan before it proceeds.

May 23, 2007
Major Upgrade to Dawe Centre Approved
A $27 million expansion and revitalization to the G.H.Dawe Recreation Centre in north Red Deer has been approved by city council. This represents a $10 million increase over the $17 previously allocated for the project, half of which is due to increased construction costs. The remainder represents additional features to provide a family fun activity centre including a waterslide, spray park, field-house/gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms and expanded library. In the future, an additional ice surface could be added. The revitalization would almost double the current size of the facility. About $8 million of the additional costs should be covered by federal and provincial infrastructure grants.
Major Eco-Agricultural Facility Proposed for Stettler
A multi-million dollar agri-fuel facility that would include education, administration and commercial processing is being proposed for Stettler. The first phase of the plant would occupy 24 to 30 acres of the 120 acre site chosen in an industrial area of town. The entire project would likely take five years to build. Included in the facility would be a lab and academic wing for research and a canola crusher to produce canola oil, some of which would be processed into biodiesel. Byproducts could include electricity and meal pellets for cattle food.
Large Riverside Condo Complex Proposed
A 450-suite condominium complex that would help revitalize the Riverside Meadows neighbourhood in north Red Deer is being proposed for the former Harpers Metals scrap yard and shop site. Bordering on parkland, more than half the suites would overlook the Red Deer River. Some shops could be located on the main level. If the project proceeds, soil cleanup could begin this summer with construction starting next spring.
City Archives to Get New Temporary Home
Red Deer council has approved moving the city archives into leased premises for the next three years until a better solution can be found for the expanding number of documents. Some of the growing collection has been stored in two large containers next to the museum. A decision will need to be made in the next few years as to whether the archives should be part of a new heritage facility, part of the proposed expanded city hall or a stand-alone facility.
Another South Red Deer Shopping Centre Being Planned
A new 7-acre shopping centre next to the Sobeys grocery store in south Red Deer at the corner of Taylor Drive and 22 St. has been approved by the city municipal planning commission. The site plan identifies five buildings ranging in size from 5,000 to 38,000 sq. ft. Two of the buildings will likely be restaurants. Tentative tenants include The Brick, Urban Barn and Swiss Chalet.

May 22, 2007
Peace Air Ceases Operation
One of Alberta's oldest airlines, Peace Air, has shut down operations due to higher operational costs, including maintenance and aviation fuel, and a slowdown in the oilpatch. The company operated both scheduled and charter service from the Red Deer Regional Airport, including regular flights to Grande Prairie with connections to other northern communities, Calgary and Fort McMurray. Northwestern Air Lease still offers scheduled passenger service from Red Deer to various Alberta destinations.
City Public Market Starts Another Successful Year
The Red Deer Public Market started its 37th year Saturday drawing 9,000 to 10,000 people among 160 vendors in spite of poor weather. A sunny day usually attracts 12,000 visitors. The market runs every Saturday until the Thanksgiving weekend from 8 am to 12:30 pm.

May 19, 2007
Premier Suggests High Speed Train Visionary
A high speed train between Calgary and Edmonton with a stop in Red Deer is inevitable and visionary according to Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach. As the QE2 highway gets more congested, alternate modes of transportation that will reduce emissions will become necessary. The Conference Board of Canada has also released a report suggesting a feasibility study of high speed rail between Alberta's two largest cities. In April the provincial government bought land in Edmonton and Calgary for terminals and Stelmach said that land should be purchased for the line while land is available.

May 18, 2007
Province Provides Millions for Affordable Housing
The Alberta government has announced that $6 million will go toward 54 housing units for low-income people in Central Alberta. The largest portion of $4.5 million will be for an apartment and duplex project in Stettler providing 30 suites for low and moderate income families. In Ponoka, a $1.6 million 23-unit apartment will be built downtown. Nineteen of the suites will be for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) recipients and 10 of those will receive mental health support from the David Thompson Health Region.
Nova May Build Third Polyethylene Plant
At a presentation in New York, Nova Chemicals Corporation suggested that it may build a third polyethylene plant at its Joffre site by 2011. Currently there are three ethylene plants at the Alberta site along with the two polyethylene plants. Ethane for the plant would come from a proposed new Fort Saskatchewan extraction plant. Polyethylene is used to produce a wide variety of products including bags, milk containers and wire coatings.

May 17, 2007
City Centre Office Tower to Start Soon
Preparation for the demolition of the existing buildings on the site of a new office tower in downtown Red Deer should be finished by the end of the month. The actual demolition will commence soon after followed by the two year construction of the 12-storey, $28 million, 110,000 sq. ft. building. There will also be underground parking for 105 spaces. Executive Place will feature a pair of rooftop decks at the second and sixth floors and a terrace near the top. A bank is interested in the ground floor.
Gasoline Alley Self-Storage First for Company
StoreSmart will open its first self-storage facility of 83,000 sq. ft. on five acres in the Gasoline Alley Business Park next month. The company plans to open other outlets in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Other businesses in the business park include Leon's Furniture and Crimtech Services.

May 16, 2007
Historic Red Deer Week Starts May 26
The fifth annual 8-day Historic Red Deer Week starts Sat. May 26 and runs to Sat. June 2. Ninety-seven activities and events will celebrate and explore the history of the area. As well as Red Deer history, the festival includes events in Lacombe, Innisfail, Dickson and Markerville. Events include a rededication of the entrance to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre in recognition of the 100th birthday of Kerry Wood and the heritage recognition awards. Over 60 organizations, businesses and individuals are participating this year and most events are free.
Condo Planned for City Historic Site
A house on the site where Sir Wilfred Laurier drove the first spike for the Alberta Central Railway will be torn down to make way for a three-storey 12-suite condominium building if the proposal is approved at the corner of 49 Ave. and 35 St. on Red Deer's south hill. The developer will try to incorporate the history of the site into the design and name of the building and the heritage preservation committee has no objections to the plan. Other condominium buildings have already been approved for the area.
First Phase of Lonkar Expansion Approved
The first phase of a major expansion of Lonkar Services in Red Deer's Edgar Industrial Park has been approved the municipal planning commission. The 21,600 sq. ft. facility will consist of a shop, office and cold storage. Future phases will be submitted in the future.

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