NEWS of the Red Deer Region - June 1-15, 2007

 
News of the Red Deer Region
snippets and summaries of news reports from local media (primarily Red Deer Advocate and Red Deer Express).
June 2007 Part 1

June 15, 2007
Initial Part of College Expansion Completed
The initial part of the $65 million phase one expansion of Red Deer College was opened recently. The new welding area will expand the existing number of welding apprentices of 600 to 1,300. Last month the new automotive service technician shop opened allowing for the expansion of the heavy equipment technician area allowing for the training of 480 students compared to the current 390 students. The largest part of the college expansion has just begun on the 150,000 sq. ft. Centre for Trades and Technology which will include study space, classrooms, offices, business enterprise centre and applied research facility. The new building is expected to be done by the end of 2008. Work on phase two, which includes a Centre for Regional Sport and Wellness and a Centre for Health Education, could start in 2008.
Red Deer College Explores Regional Expansion
Red Deer College is looking at offering courses in several regional communities using existing facilities such as high schools. Courses are already being offered at Rocky Mountain House. Trades courses will be offered this fall in Ponoka and Stettler. A nursing course is proposed for Hanna and other courses may be offered in Innisfail The college is also discussing courses in Sylvan Lake, Three Hills and Rimbey. The college is working with Olds College to offer many of the programs.

June 14, 2007
Public Sees Future South City Road Options
About 180 people showed up at a public meeting to see proposals for Red Deer's South East Sector Traffic Study to move traffic from the city's east residential areas to commercial areas in the south and beyond. Three proposals were suggested including improvements to 32 St., extension of Molly Banister Drive and widening of Delburne Road (19 St.) to 6 lanes. Improvements to 32 St. will likely happen regardless of other proposals. Those present were told the Molly Banister option crossing Piper Creek and meeting up with 22nd St. would cost $20 million less than widening 19 St., an option that would require a flyover to deal with the additional traffic at the Gaetz Ave. intersection. Several residents of Bower subdivision expressed opposition to the Molly Banister option fearing damage and disruption of the green space along Piper Creek. Others expressed that the 19th St. option would disrupt traffic to several commercial businesses.
Springbrook Begins Heritage Urban Plan
A preliminary workshop to start the process of developing a new heritage urban design plan for Springbrook attracted about 40 people last night. Preserving both the aviation history and the friendly small-town character were high on the priority list of most of the residents of the hamlet who participated. Ideas for future development included an elementary school, a second primary access to the community, improved access to recreational facilities, construction of walking/bicycle trails, establishment of a natural park and the creation of a heritage aviation centre/museum. The $79,000 project is headed by Calgary-based T/Six consultants and directed by Red Deer County. They will take the ideas generated from the workshop to produce a draft plan that will be presented, examined and modified during a series of design charettes to be held between August 20-23.
Millennium Centre Expansion Delayed
Adding another two floors to the five-storey Millennium Centre office building at the corner of Gaetz Ave. and 49 St. in downtown Red Deer has been delayed partly due to a change in ownership and partly to secure more tenants. The addition will add almost 39,000 sq. ft. to the 102,000 sq. ft. building. Originally scheduled to be constructed last year, the new owners have indicated that they are committed to proceed with the project.
County Reeve Lauds Common Vision
Red Deer County Reeve Earl Kinsella addressed the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce yesterday to outline the challenges and vision of the county. He particularly lauded the new co-operation and common vision with the city. Among the challenges that the county is working at is that many of the new residents in the county tend to be more urban than rural and have different expectations. The increase in population and commercial activity has put a strain on country gravel roads that were never designed for the types of traffic that exist today. He also explained why increased industrial and commercial involvement is critical to the health and prosperity of county residents. It costs $1.81 to provide community services for every $1 generated by residential taxes. On the other hand, it costs only 9 cents per $1 of industrial revenue and 74 cents per $1 of commercial revenue.

June 13, 2007
City Engineers Look for Traffic Solutions
A dilemma of having most of the residential in the southeast of the city and employment centres in the northwest has Red Deer's engineering department looking for solutions for a rapidly growing city. Aside from the north-south Gaetz Ave./Taylor Drive corridors, the busiest roads are the east-west 67 St. in the north and 32 St. in the south. Although improvements to the Gaetz Ave./32 St. intersection are planned for next year and turning lanes will be added to 32 St., general widening of 32 St. has been abandoned as impractical. Alternatives in the south include the controversial extension of Molly Banister Drive east over Piper Creek and the widening of 19 St. (Delburne Road) to six lanes. In the north, plans are underway to build Northland Drive from Highway 11A over the Red Deer River to 30 Ave. and eventually to the future 20 Ave.
Demolition for City Centre Office Tower Set to Proceed
Demolition of the former CIBC building and adjacent Bernstein building on the corner of 49 Ave. and Ross St. in the centre of downtown Red Deer is set to proceed in July to make way for a 12-storey office tower. The new 100,000 sq. ft. building will have a predominantly green glass facade with a two-storey vaulted lobby. Rooftop decks would be accessible from the third and seventh floors and the 11th floor would open onto a covered balcony. About 7,000 sq. ft. on the first floor will be dedicated to commercial use. The $30 million structure is expected to be completed by May 2009.
Ashley Furniture Builds Store in Gasoline Alley
U.S.-based Ashley Furniture HomeStore is building its fourth Alberta outlet in the Liberty Park area of Gasoline Alley south of the city. The 20,000 sq. ft. store, expected to be open before the end of the year, will include a waterfall, two floor to ceiling fireplaces, a children's 'fun zone' and a customer relaxation zone where refreshments and snacks will be provided.

June 12, 2007
Two Mini Golf Courses Proposed for Sylvan Lake
Two world-class 18-hole miniature golf courses are being proposed by Bear Developments along Lakeshore Drive in Sylvan Lake. Each would have a pirate theme, one called Raider's Ridge and the other Barnacle Bay, with waterfalls and a unique theme element. A xastle-shaped clubhouse would rent clubs and sell souvenirs and snacks. If approved by the town's municipal planning commission, the $2 million project could be open in a year.
Major City Projects Set to Start This Summer
Several multi-million dollar projects are set to begin this summer in Red Deer. The largest is the $118 million relocation of the civic yards from Riverlands downtown near the river to the 70 acre site near Three Mile Bend. Nine industrial buildings that will include Environmental Services, Public Works, Parks, Transit, Electric Light and Power and Materials Management will have an attractive look and be energy efficient. Work has begun on the $8.9 million expansion of the north fire hall which will incorporate a police station. Work is continuing on the $50 million upgrades and expansion of the water and waste water treatment plants. The $27 million renovation of the Dawe Community Centre should start this fall. A new $23 million downtown police station is expected to start this year. Planning is well underway for the $50 million construction of Northlands Drive and a new bridge across the Red Deer River. And design work has begun on the $31 million expansion of city hall.

June 11, 2007
Four New Residential Subdivisions Coming on Stream Soon
Over the next few years four quarter sections of land in Red Deer will be developed for new residential development -- one by the city and the other three by developers. Three are in the northeast part of the city along 30 Ave. Melcor's Clearview Ridge with about 1,000 residential units southwest of the corner of 67 St. and 30 Ave. should start servicing this fall, as will Laebon's Timberstone Park northeast of 55 St. and 30 Ave. with 600 residential units. The city owned quarter called Timberland southeast of 67 St. and 30 Ave. with 730 residential units will start servicing next year. Timberland and Clearview Ridge will also have a major commercial district with a town centre concept. A fourth quarter section northwest of 40 Ave. and Delburne Rd. (19 St.) called Southbrook housing 500 units and commercial development will start servicing this fall by Melcor. The city is also in the process of annexing 9 more quarter sections for future residential development.
Aboriginal Housing Strategy Studied
The city of Red Deer is looking for a consultant to study the housing needs of aboriginal people living in the city. The strategy will involve consulting aboriginal people about emergency shelter, transitional housing and affordable housing as part of an overall community housing plan. It is estimated that about one third of homeless people in the city have aboriginal background.

June 9, 2007
Plans Set for 60th Highland Games
The Red Deer Highland Games is celebrating its 60th year on June 23. Sheep dog trials begin at 8 am as does the individual piping competition. Throughout the day various events are scheduled including a highland dance competition, field events, a drumming competition, a pipe band competition and a shortbread competition. A parade of massed bands takes place at 5 pm. The event also includes vendors and the MacPherson Pub and concessions with Celtic entertainment. The Tartan Ball and Ceilidh will be held the night before.
Red Deer Housing Starts Up 32%
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reports that for the first five months of 2007, housing starts in Red Deer have increased 32% at 732 compared to 553 during the same period last year. In May of this year, housing starts were up 13% at 122 compared to 108 in May 2006.
Affordable Housing Still Available
The Red Deer and District Real Estate Board reports that the average price of a detached home sold this spring was around $360,000. However nine units, mostly condominiums, sold in the $150,000 to $200,000 range. Some 19 properties were sold in the $200,000 to $250,000 range and 30 sold in the $250,000 to $300,000 range.

June 7, 2007
Rejuvination of Rocky Historic Site Progressing
A $2.9 million rejuvination of the Rocky Mountain House Historic Site is well underway with some improvements completed this year and more to be completed in 2008. Improvements completed this year include new fire pits, new parking for campground and day-use areas, new timber and partially-enclosed shelter for the popular puppet show and a new water well to supply clean drinking water to the visitor centre. A temporary visitors centre will be open while $1.3 million worth of renovations are being done on the existing one. Improved exhibits on explorer David Thompson, who explored and mapped the Central Alberta region and much of Western Canada in 1799, as well as a new theatre to show historical videos and a gift shop will be part of the rejuvinated centre expected to be ready for visitors next year. The 575-acre site played a key role in Canada's fur trade from 1799 to 1875.

June 6, 2007
City Population Up 3.2% to 85,646
The population of the city of Red Deer rose by 2,675 people, a rate of 3.2% over last year, to 85,646. The rate of growth fell short of increases in the previous three years, which ranged from 4.2 to nearly 5%. Most of the increase this year was logically in the newer areas of the city. Some of the older neighbourhoods saw slight decreases in population.
Airport Authority Plans Cross Canada Flights
The Red Deer Regional Airport Authority indicated to Red Deer County Tuesday that plans are underway to offer direct flights from the airport to Vancouver and Toronto by the spring of 2009. The airport could also offer flights to U.S. destinations like Palm Springs or Las Vegas. The main runway will need to be extended from about 1,600 metres to 2,100 metres to handle larger planes at a cost of $2.4 million. A funding proposal was pitched to the provincial government earlier this year. The main terminal will also have to be enlarged.
Intermunicipal Deal Gets First Reading
Both Red Deer County and the city of Red Deer passed first reading Tuesday of the new Intermunicipal Development Plan that more clearly plots the future growth of both municipalities. City councillors of both councils praised the plan describing it as "historic", "a landmark", "momentous" and a promise for a more co-operative and amenable future than the flawed old plan, which led to almost two years of conflict and stress. Public open houses are planned for June 20 and July 5 at the Red Deer County Centre followed by a public hearing and possibly second and third reading.
City Council Approves Lot Price Increase
Lot prices for city-owned residential lots are going up approximately 30% to reflect current market prices as a result of a decision by city council Tuesday. In Johnstone Crossing lot prices will now range from $90,000 to $137,000 depending on size and location with narrow lots averaging $105,000. In Oriole Park lot prices will now range from $102,000 to $235,000.
Clearview North Structure Plan Passes First Reading
Red Deer city council approved first reading Tuesday for the Clearview North Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan in the northeast part of the city southwest of the intersection of 30 Ave. and 67 St. as well as rezoning for the first phase of the Clearview Ridge Subdivision in the south portion of the same area. The developer, Melcor, wants to start construction of the first phase this year consisting of 130 single family lots and a constructed wetland storm water management facility. The plan includes a 45 metre setback from the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary escarpment.
Sylvan Lakefront Property Exceeds $1 Million
Royal LePage has revealed that a standard lakefront cottage with land access to Sylvan Lake is $1.1 million. Some homes on the lake are selling for more than $3.5 million. The results of the report are similar to a Remax report of a month ago. Many buyers, especially with young families, are purchasing more affordable property farther back from the lake.
Balzac Development Finds Water from Bow River
After several months of controversy over drawing water from the Red Deer River, the M.D. of Rocky View has struck a tentative deal with Strathmore-based Western Irrigation District to draw water from the Bow River using existing water licenses. The deal involves building a pipeline to replace an existing 55 km. irrigation canal that loses 6,700 cubic metres of water per day through leakage and evaporation. The water is needed to support a horse racing track, casino, shopping centre and industrial park, all under construction just north of Calgary at Balzac.

June 4, 2007
Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary Rededicated
The Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary became Alberta's first federally protected bird sanctuary in 1924 and, despite several efforts to change its nature, remains a natural jewel surrounded by housing and highways. One of the park's preservers was Kerry Wood who would have celebrated his 100th birthday Saturday and the milestone was celebrated by the rededication of the Kerry Wood Nature Centre next to the lakes. Kerry Wood, who died in 1998 at the age of 91, spent a good part of his life protecting the area from development. The 292-acre city-owned sanctuary became part of the Waskasoo Park system in 1986 when the nature centre was built there.

June 2, 2007
New City-County Intermunicipal Plan Revealed
The City of Red Deer and Red Deer County have revealed their new joint Intermunicipal Development Plan which will go before each council next Tuesday for first reading. The document replaces the current one that initiated several disputes over the past couple of years. The new plan ensures that each municipality has enough land for economic opportunities for residential, commercial and industrial growth for at least the next 10 years. About 40,000 acres has been identified for future city growth to the west, north and east of the current boundaries while county growth will occur in the Gasoline Alley and Springbrook areas. A no-growth agricultural zone will be established between Gasoline Alley and Springbrook. The plan also includes the expansion of linear parks along the Red Deer and Blindman Rivers and Waskasoo and Piper Creeks in both municipalities. Gasoline Alley would be permitted a maximum population of 8,000 and one office building of 12 storeys with three other buildings of eight storeys or less. A more efficient dispute mechanism has also been established.
City Building Permits Hit Staggering $61 Million in May
The relocation of Red Deer's civic yards with 3 building permits contributed $31.4 million of 397 construction permits valued at $60.9 million approved in May. In May 2006, 355 permits were approved at $37.6 million. 366 residential permits represented $19.3 million of the total compared to 327 in the same month of the previous year valued at $17.8 million. A $6.25 million commercial permit was issued for the new Sears Canada store at Bower Place Shopping Centre. Year to date, 1,416 combined permits have been issued valued at $140.8 million compared to 1,154 permits valued at $98.3 for the same period last year.
UFA-Stirdon Expansion Progressing Well
Stirdon Betker, the commercial construction division of UFA Co-operative Ltd., is expanding its operations and relocating its headquarters from Olds to Burnt Lake Business Park in Red Deer County just west of Red Deer. A new 14,000 sq. ft. building is currently under construction near the UFA Farm Supply Store with work on a related 18,000 sq. ft. warehouse expected to begin shortly. Each project is roughly double the size of their Olds premises.
Controversial Bower Bridge Option to be Considered at Public Meeting
Extending Molly Banister Drive eastward across Piper Creek is one of the east-west traffic options being considered at a public meeting to be held June 13 as a means to alleviate traffic in the south part of the city. The proposal has been brought forward in previous years but was defeated due to much controversy about preserving park space. However, with the rapid growth of the city, particularly on the east side, the option is being reconsidered for the future when the city's population increases further. Improvements at the 32 St. - Gaetz Ave. intersection are being planned but the widening of 32 St. to six lanes is no longer being considered. Another option is to widen Delburne Road (19 St.) further south to six lanes.
MLS Records First Million Dollar House Sale in City
A home in the Anders Park area of Red Deer listed at $1.089 million has been sold through MLS, the first time a sale over $1 million has been recorded by the service. Other homes have been built with a value of $1 million or more and 4 other properties in that range are listed on MLS, three others in Anders Park and one near West Park currently in the county.

June 1, 2007
Lacombe Meat Processing Plant Close to Startup
The 31,000 sq. ft $7.5 million Canadian Premium Meats multi-species slaughterhouse and processing plant in Lacombe hopes to do a test start up in mid-June with full production soon after. The new plant, located in the Wolf Creek Industrial Park, is set up to handle 120 animals per day but with some modification could be boosted to 300 per day. The variety of animals processed will include cattle, bison, elk, deer and ostrich.

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