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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).
July 2007 Part
1
July 14, 2007
Historic City Neighbourhood Enjoys Revival
Riverside Meadows, a Red Deer neighbourhood immediately north of the Red
Deer River and downtown is undergoing a revival, taking advantage of its
unique history and character. The area was once the Village of North Red
Deer founded in 1911. It became part of the city of Red Deer in 1948 and
was unofficially referred to as Lower Fairview for many years before
being renamed Riverside Meadows. The Canadian Pacific Railway ran
through the area prior to rail relocation and had a significant
industrial component. It has become more of a residential area with
older homes on large lots and several multi-family developments. A
trendy commercial area has developed in recent years. A major catalyst
for further redevelopment is the proposed 450-unit condominium complex
on the site of the former Harpers Metals.
Region's Towns on Track to Set Building Permit Records
Several towns in Central Alberta are on pace to exceed previous building
permit records. The town of Sylvan Lake issued $45 million worth of
building permits during the first half of 2007 compared to $30 million
for the same period in 2006. Rocky Mountain House issued $19 million
during the same period, only $1.3 million shy of the entire year in
2006. Ponoka expects to double the value of permits over last year.
Stettler issued $7.7 million during the first six months, a 42% increase
over the same period last year. Innisfail's permits stand at $16.2
million compared to the same period value of $10 million in 2006. Both
Blackfalds and Lacombe suffered from a temporary lack of serviced lots
during the first half of the year but expect to see increases in the
second half.
July 13, 2007
Home Sales Up, Prices Moderate
The Red Deer & District Real Estate Board Co-op is reporting that 1,336
homes have been sold in Red Deer through MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
during the first six months of the year. That's nearly one-third more
than the 1,014 sold during the same period last year. However, in the
surrounding region, the 1,680 sales were down 3-1/2% from the previous
year. During the month of June, the number of city listings was up 17%
from June 2006 but down slightly from May 2007. The median price for a
single-family home in Red Deer in June was $334,900 down from $355,000
in May but significantly higher than the same month last year. The
increase in listings has helped balance supply and demand, reduced panic
buying and, even though demand is still high, moderated prices somewhat.
Red Deer Coach Moves to National Hockey League
Red Deer Rebels coach and general manager, Brent Sutter, has accepted a
coaching position with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey
League. Sutter bought the Rebels in 1999 and the team won the Memorial
Cup in two years. He also coached the Canadian National team to world
junior gold in 2005 and 2006. He is also head coach of Hockey Canada's
team for the Canada-Russia Junior showdown that includes a game in Red
Deer Sept. 7. He will continue to be owner of the Red Deer team. His
successor as coach will be his brother Brian.
Reeve Kinsella to Run for County's First Mayor
Earl Kinsella, current reeve of Red Deer County, has announced that he
will run for the county's first elected mayor in the municipal elections
this October. In previous elections, the reeve was chosen from among the
councillors elected in the county's seven districts. This is the first
year that the top position is elected at large and is referred to as
mayor. The number of divisions has been reduced from 7 to 6 and the
boundaries redrawn.
July 12, 2007
Red Deer Hospital Seeks Further Expansion
The David Thompson Health Region has approved a 10-year capital plan
that lists 15 projects including a multi-million dollar expansion of Red
Deer Hospital's maternity ward, out-patient department and a 500-stall
parkade. If provincial funding is approved, improvements to the
out-patient department could be tendered this year. The hospital
completed a $100 million expansion last year. Major projects for Lacombe
and Stettler are also planned. Other projects are directed to facilities
in Sundre, Castor, Olds, Sylvan Lake and Trochu.
Penhold Industrial Park Delayed
Penhold council has postponed the rezoning of 114 acres on the town's
west side from urban reserve to industrial in order to get more
information on the project. Several residents have opposed the rezoning
due to the proximity to residences and a major wetland that is the
habitant for several animal and bird species. The matter is expected to
go back to council in two months.
Springbrook Hosts Annual Summer Cadet Training
More than 740 air cadets aged 12 to 18 from across Canada have arrived
at the Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre in Springbrook, location
of former CFB Penhold. The cadets can take one of seven training
courses: basic training, introduction to leadership, introduction to
instruction, physical education and recreation training, introduction to
rifle coach, basic music course and music level 1 to 5. More than half
take the basic training which includes familiarization flying with a 15
minute flight over the area. Prior to the cadets arriving, 140 cadet
staff went through a one-week training period. The annual camp began in
1966.
Petrochemical Investment Potential Increases with Policy
The new provincial incremental ethane extraction policy will result in
royalty credits being issued to petrochemical companies that increase
the amount of ethane they use. Those credits could then be sold to
natural gas producers to offset the royalties they pay to the province.
Both Nova Chemicals, with a major complex near Joffre, and Dow
Chemicals, with a plant near Prentiss, both in Lacombe County have
indicated that the new policy increases the potential for further
investment in the Red Deer region.
July 11, 2007
Starts on City Housing Still Rising
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reports that Red Deer housing
starts are still on the rise. In June, there were 129 single family
housing starts as compared to 76 in June 2006. For the first six months
of the year there were 591 single family starts compared to 470 for the
same period last year. In multiple family unit starts, the city
accumulated 282 in the first half of the year compared to 185 from
January to June 2006.
Major Housing Development Proposed Near Ponoka
A Calgary-based developer is proposing to develop a quarter section of
land on the southern outskirts of Ponoka that could eventually include
1,100 housing units. The site is located in Ponoka County directly east
of the Ponoka Golf Club and close to Centennial Centre formerly known as
Alberta Hospital Ponoka. A variety of housing styles including starter
homes, high-end properties, multi-family and possibly short-term housing
is anticipated. About 12% of the property would be dedicated to green
space including sports fields, trails and possibly community gardens.
Installing services could start next year.
July 10, 2007
Watershed Group Prepares to Create Report
The Red Deer River Watershed Alliance is gearing up for a number of
educational programs including the State of the Watershed report that
will review water quality, population density, drainage and industrial
activities along the Red Deer River and its tributaries. The report is
expected to provide a better picture of how much quality water the river
could provide to present and future users. The 120-member group
represents municipalities, business, agriculture and others and was
formed in September 2005 under the province's Water for Life Strategy.
July 6, 2007
County and City Approve New Intermunicipal Plan
After a joint public hearing and open house yesterday, both the City of Red
Deer and Red Deer County gave second and third reading to the new
10-year Intermunicipal Development Plan. Growth areas identified
in the plan for the city representing 50,000 acres include north to
Blindman River, 2 miles east of the future 20 Ave. and 3 miles west of
Highway QE2, enough to satisfy anticipated growth demand for the next 75
years. Growth areas for the county include Gasoline Alley/Liberty Crossing and Springbrook/airport.
Liberty Crossing on the south boundary of the city will be allowed to
have a maximum population of 8,000 and some limited office development.
A
no-growth zone has been established south of the city between Gasoline Alley and Springbrook.
Other features of the plan include an annual review
process, a dispute resolution process and co-operative development. City
growth areas are expected to be annexed in stages within the 10-year
plan period. Planners indicated that it would be better to annex too
much land than not enough in order to create stability and
predictability. Compensation for loss of a major county tax base will be
reviewed separately. Landowners in annexed areas would likely pay
similar taxes as the county for a period of time or until development
occurs. The
document represents a new era of trust, respect and co-operation between
the two municipalities and the end of several disputes over the past two years.
Sylvan Lake Subdivision Progressing Quickly
The Ryders Ridge subdivision west of Highway 20 on the south side of
Sylvan Lake is buzzing with activity as residential construction on 64
lots is well underway as is a Catholic elementary school. Building
permits for the next 100 lot phase are expected soon. Servicing is
underway for the following 150-lot phase. Meanwhile, development of the
commercial component is being explored with the Royal Bank of Canada
already committed and a major national drug store and grocery store very
interested.
July 5, 2007
Rocky Mountain House Increases Population 3.7%
The town of Rocky Mountain House now has a population of 7,231, a 3.7%
increase over last year, according to the new civic census results
released yesterday. Last year's Canada Census showed a population of
6,874 although the 2006 town census showed a population of 6,972. Other
communities west of the city conducting their own census this year
include Eckville, Sylvan Lake and Mountain View County. Red Deer
announced their 2007 census last month.
Lacombe Lake Tested as Safe for Swimming
The David Thompson Health Region has tested Lacombe Lake north of
Blackfalds and declared it safe for swimming and comparable to other
Central Alberta lakes. Some nearby residents had been concerned that the
lake might be polluted from farm operations in the area. Swimmers are
advised to avoid drinking the lake water however and the health body
suggested that landowners form a lake stewardship committee to address
lake quality issues.
Olds Power Shopping Centre Opening in October
The first stores in the new Cornerstone Shopping Centre on the west side
of Olds north of Highway 27 are expected to open in October. The centre
includes Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire and Sobeys. Leo's Building Supplies has
just started construction and work has yet to commence on Ramada Inn and
Lube-X Service Centre. A number of smaller tenants will be housed in two
retail commercial buildings under construction, one consisting of 32,000
sq. ft. and the other 13,000 sq. ft. Another round of commercial
construction is expected to begin in 2008. The remainder of the quarter
section will be used for industrial and residential development.
July 4, 2007
City Building Permits Surge Toward Another Record
For the first six months of 2007, Red Deer's building permits are $53.5
million ahead of permits issued for the same period in 2006, a record
year. At the end of June, permits totalled $174.7 millions compared to
$121.2 million in 2006. The number of permits was also up by 281 over
last year at 1,760 for the first half of the year. Several multi-million
dollar projects contributed to the total including the first phase of
the city's civic yard relocation at $31.4 million, the RCMP addition to
the north fire hall at $6.7 million, the new Sears store at Bower Place
Shopping Centre at $6.3 million, the new north community health centre
at $5.8 million, and the new Red Deer College trades wing at $5.7
million. Residential construction worth $95.5 million was approved this
year compared to $83.5 million last year representing 1,639 permits
compared to 1,328. Although commercial values were down this year,
industrial permits skyrocketed to $44.2 million compared to $15.9
million in 2006.
Major Projects Boost June Building Permits
The city issued 346 building permits in June valued at $34 million --
$11 million higher than the same month in 2006. A few major projects
contributed to the total including the $6.8 million expansion and
modernization of the 67 St. fire hall that will now include an RCMP
precinct, the $5.7 new Red Deer College trades wing, the $2.5 million
renovation of the Bower Place Shopping Centre and a $2.1 million
industrial permit for Sand Source Services. Residential permits totalled
$15.8 million, up from $14 a year earlier.
Residential-Style Continuing Care Facility Approved
A 'residential model' rather 'institutional model' continuing care
facility complex proposed by David Thompson Health Region and
Extendicare has been approved by the Red Deer municipal planning
commission. One of the largest such facilities in the province, the
three-storey 221,000 sq. ft. $55 million New England style building will
have 220 continuing care beds and 60 assisted living beds. Eight wings
will extend from a central area with a three-storey atrium. Amenities
will include an auditorium, bistro, dining room, chapel, salon, store,
rehab space, child day care and workshops. The facility will be part of
the Michener Hill Village that will include condominiums, duplexes and
other housing.
Two City Northeast Subdivisions Approved by Council
The privately held Clearview Ridge subdivision was given second and
third reading and the city-owned Timberlands Town Centre was given first
reading by Red Deer council Tuesday. Clearview Ridge, being developed by
Melcor Developments, will have close to 1,000 residential units as well
as a large commercial area at the southwest corner of 67 St. and 30 Ave.
The first phase, consisting of 130 single family lots and constructed
wetland for storm management, will begin construction later this year.
Timberlands, located immediately east of Clearview Ridge, will have lots
available next year. Once built out, Timberlands will have 732
residential units, a large commercial area, a pedestrian-friendly
'main-street' strip, a K-9 school, place of worship, emergency services
facility, storm water ponds and trails.
Red Deer County Approves Summer Music Festival
A family-oriented summer music festival with a variety of music styles
has been approved by Red Deer County. The festival will be held north of
the city of Red Deer from noon to midnight on August 18. The festival
will be alcohol-free and no camping will be allowed.
Bowden Annexation Approved by Red Deer County
Red Deer County council has approved a bid by the Town of Bowden to
annex 267 acres east of Highway QE2. After several months of
negotiation, the report was endorsed with the town agreeing that it will
fully service the area prior to development and implement a high design
standard for developments facing the highway. The town needs an
industrial and commercial tax base in order to maintain long-term
economic sustainability. The annexation application will be submitted to
the Municipal Government Board for approval.
July 3, 2007
County Drive Self-Guided Tour Set
The Central Alberta Country Drive '07 self-guided rural tour is set for
the weekend of July 14-15. Nineteen attractions this year include DNA
Gardens, Eagle Creek Flowers & Bowden Sun Maze, Ellis Bird Farm, Gisler
Boer Goatz, the Jungle Farm, Red Lodge Ornamental, Danish Canadian
National Museum & Garden, Dickson Store Museum, Double Tree Village
Museum, Edgar Farms, Gammel House Gallery, Glenn's Family Restaurant,
Historic Markerville Creamery, Innisfail Historical Village, Parkland
Garden Centre, Pearson's Berry Farm, Rolyn Hills B & B and Guest Ranch,
White Treasure Farm and Wolf's Botanical. Admission to all sites is
free.
Lacombe Heritage Home Tour Set for August
The Lacombe and District Historical Society will host the town's first
Historic Houses Tour on August 18 which will take guests through five
heritage homes from noon to 4 pm. People will hear stories about the
homes, their owners and the history and heritage of Lacombe.
July 2, 2007
Stettler Growth Plan Not Supported by Surrounding County
The town of Stettler wants to annex about 4,000 acres from Stettler
County to accommodate future growth for the next 60 years. Currently,
the town has 1,600 acres of developed land and about 800 acres of
undeveloped land. It's expected that the town's current population of
5,400 will expand to 9,000 by 2067. The county is prepared to offer 2
quarter sections (about 320 acres) for the town's future growth. The two
municipalities are entering negotiations for an intermunicipal
development plan.
Olds Housing Development Proposed
The Olds municipal development commission has approved a proposed
154-unit housing development in the town's northwest. The proposal
includes 3 36-unit apartment-style condominium buildings, 36 units of
townhouses in 5 separate clusters and 10 duplexes, all within an 8-acre
parcel. A more detailed plan will go to the commission before
construction begins.
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