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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).
June 2008 Part 2
June 30, 2008
Olds College to Host World Plowing Event
The 2013 World Plowing Championship, a 10-day event that attracts about
60 competitors from around the world, will be hosted by Olds College.
The competition includes three contests -- senior plowing championships
with conventional plows, senior plowing championships with reversible
plows, and junior plowing championships with conventional plows. The
college will be working with the Canadian Plowing Organization, founded
in 1955 to preserve the art and skill of competitive plowing.
June 28, 2008
Proposed Stettler Biofuel Project Site Unsuitable
The mayor of Stettler has received a letter from GreenLab Energy Canada
stating that it will not proceed with its proposed acquisition of 120
acres of town land for a multi-million dollar canola crushing plant,
biofuel complex, biofuels research university and business park, citing
problems with the site. However, the company has indicated that it is
still looking at options in the Stettler area for the project because of
the large volume of canola available. Neither the town or the province
made any financial commitment to the project.
Dawe Centre Renovation Boosts June Permit Values
A $20 million renovation permit issued to Red Deer Catholic School
Division for the St. Patrick's Community School boosted the city's
building permit values for the month of June. The project is part of a
massive overall renovation of the Dawe Centre in north Red Deer that
also involves the city and the Public School Division. Residential
construction accounted for another $5.3 million in permits. Commercial
permits included $1.1 million for interior work at the new Brick store
and $1 million for renovations at the Zellers Bower Mall store. Total
permits for the month are valued at $28.2 million. In June 2007, total
permits were valued at $34 million which included two major projects --
the new trades wing at Red Deer College and the expansion and
modernization of the 67 St. fire hall. During the first half of 2008
total permits in the city were valued at $116.7 million compared to
$174.6 million during the same time period in 2007, a record year for
Red Deer.
June 27, 2008
Preliminary Vision of Future City Downtown Presented
Several concepts within a vision of three major development districts
for Red Deer's future downtown were presented to an audience of about
125 people yesterday by urban planner Michael von Hausen and his design
team from Vancouver. The first district is the Core, a six block area in
the centre of downtown where a civic cultural and performing arts centre
and plaza could be built as well as alleyways enhanced. Mixed-use,
office and residential developments would surround the Core. The second
district called the Railyard District west of the city centre where
Cannery Row, the Alpha plant and the former A&B Sound are located could
be developed with large residential towers and an open air amphitheatre.
The third district is the River Crossing district (Riverlands) that
could include a 50,000 sq. ft. "Ark" with indoor gardens, a 200 ft.
observation tower, a year-round market, a hotel convention centre,
cultural arts centre, unique shops with an international flavour,
several water features and a pedestrian bridge across the river to Bower
Ponds. A trolley could run along Alexander Way through the downtown to
the river. All districts would become more pedestrian-friendly and
feature green space. The presentation culminated a week of workshops and
input from city residents and stakeholders. During the summer,
consultants hired by the city to develop an update of the Downtown
Action Plan along with the steering committee will put the ideas into a
concept plan that will be presented to the public in the fall, followed
by adoption by city council.
Lacombe County Boosts Recreation Spending
Lacombe County has expanded the list of recreational facilities that
financial assistance will be provided to include pools, spray parks,
community halls, soccer pitches, ball diamonds and skateboard parks.
Previously, only arenas were supported. Urban municipalities and
community organizations applying for funding must provide a report on
the level of the facility use and financial information. The county's
new role reflect changing demographics and expectations of ratepayers.
Tenants Expand at New City South Commercial Centre
Hakim Optical, Canada's biggest optical retailer, is the latest business
planning to open a store at the end of the year in a commercial
development under construction in the south part of Red Deer west of
Sobey's. Also preparing to open a second store in the city is Little
Caesar's Pizza at the new shopping centre. A dental office is also
committed for the site. Tenants previously confirmed for the development
are The Brick, Urban Barn and Golf Town.
June 26, 2008
Casino Move Well Into the Future
A proposed casino, hotel, restaurant and convention complex for the
southernmost part of Gasoline Alley could be well into the future. Cash
Casino is considering a move from its north Red Deer location to the
site but several regulatory steps need to be taken including an
application to Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission for the transfer of
the casino license. A relaxation of parking stalls has already been
granted by Red Deer County. The proposed entertainment complex would
include a 600 to 900 seat casino, a 120-room hotel, a 150-seat
convention centre and a 125-seat restaurant. Cash Casino would run the
casino with the remaining facilities the responsibility of other
operators.
June 25, 2008
Stettler Population Up 8% Since 2006
The town of Stettler 2008 civic census reveals that the population has
increased to 5,843, up 8% since 2006 when the federal census showed a
population of 5,418. The growing oil, gas and retail sectors are
credited for bring more jobs and therefore more people to the town.
Architectural Firm Donates to College
Group2 Architectural Engineering Ltd. will put $250,000 toward Red Deer
College Building Communities Through Learning building project. In
addition, the company will donate $150,000 to sponsor some of the
college's fundraising events over the next three years. Group2 is the
lead architectural consultant on the current college expansion.
June 24, 2008
Guest Planner Advocates Planning for People, Not Cars
Nationally recognized city planner Michael Geller, a professor at Simon
Fraser University's Centre for Sustainable Community Development, told
an audience of 200 preparing for a new vision of the downtown that wider
roads lead to faster traffic and more noise. Slowing down traffic in the
city core will lead to more people walking, cycling and using public
transit. The luncheon audience heard that the Riverlands development,
which will be started once land is vacated when the city yards are
moved, is a once in several lifetimes opportunity to redevelop a core
part of the city. He also suggested that the citizens of a community
need to take a more active role in designing their city rather than
leaving it completely up the planners and engineers. In addition, he
praised the city's plan to create a mixed-use, high-density
residential/commercial neighbourhood in Riverlands. The luncheon was a
kick-off to update the Downtown Action Plan.
Citizens Want Green Space to be a Priority for Downtown Plan
The award-winning Downtown Action Plan developed 8 years ago is
undergoing a major update. About 100 residents, consultants and city
staff gathered last evening to brainstorm and gather ideas for a new
breakthrough vision for the downtown based on the values of its
citizens. The importance of green space and the city's park system
emerged as one of the leading themes of greatest value, as did finding
ways to make the downtown even more pedestrian-friendly than envisioned
by the original plan. Development of the Riverlands area and the
proposed concept of a canal system will be high priorities in the
discussions leading up to a new plan. Earlier in the day, several
participants took a tour of the downtown area in a double-decker bus
being considered by the transit department. A presentation of a
preliminary vision will occur on Thursday and a public open house will
be held in the fall after a summer of putting together a draft plan.
College Gets Federal Grant for Cutting-Edge Technology
Red Deer College will receive $1.2 million, provided by Western Economic
Diversification Canada, to facilitate the purchase and installation of
state-of-the-art equipment at the college's new 12,000 sq. ft. Centre
for Innovation in Manufacturing, expected to open in January 2009. The
college is positioned to be a regional innovation centre for
manufacturers seeking a competitive edge in the global market. The
equipment will enable local companies looking to increase their
productivity to test and develop their ideas using cutting-edge
equipment and expert guidance. The program will focus on prototype
development, process improvement, LEAN manufacturing and technology
commercialization as well as provide hands-on training to students in
the fields of engineering technology and the trades.
Green Roof Condo Project a First for City
The Red Deer municipal planning commission has approved a 16-unit
four-storey condominium building that will have the city's first green
roof with a layer of soil containing a variety of plants as well as
trees growing in rooftop boxes. The benefits of green roofs include
their absorption of carbon, a reduction in the amount of heat reflected
back into the atmosphere and their insulating properties. The building,
to be located in the northeast part of downtown, will contain 6
one-bedroom units, 10 two-bedroom units, an underground parkade and
resident access to the roof.
Red Deer County Adopts Public
Transportation Study
The Public Transportation Feasibility Study was adopted by Red Deer
County council today paving the way for the implementation of transit
bus service between Springbrook, Gasoline Alley and Red Deer. However,
the county still has to determine the cost of providing the service, the
level of service and funding sources. The consultant indicated that
there is an immediate need for service in Gasoline Alley as 90% of the
people who work there live in the city. The consultant also determined
that there are two distinct markets for public transportation -- those
who work and shop in Gasoline Alley and those who need access to medical
services and leisure activities. One option addressed is an hourly
service six days a week between Bower Mall in Red Deer and Gasoline
Alley and Springbrook using Red Deer Transit.
June 21, 2008
High Water at Sylvan Lake Reduces Sandy Beach
The water level at Sylvan Lake is at its highest level since 1993. The
last time the level was higher was 1955. This cycle of rising and
falling level means that the amount of sandy beach at the lake is the
smallest in 15 years. However people can still relax and enjoy the sun
on the grass that runs along the retaining wall. And the higher level is
good for boaters and easier for wheelchair clients of Sylvan Cruises to
board the boats.
Province Approves Olds Annexation
The town of Olds has received provincial approval to annex about 960
acres from Mountain View County. The new land on six quarter sections
will be used for future residential, commercial and industrial
subdivisions in the west, south, north and northeast of existing
boundaries. A 20-year forecast based on a 2.5% growth rate predicts the
community with a current population of 7,248, not including 1,300 Olds
College students, will have 12,500 people by 2028.
City Uptown Theatre Closes After 40 Years
Competition from the newly-opened 10-screen Galaxy Cinema in Gasoline
Alley has sealed the fate of the Uptown Theatre in downtown Red Deer
which opened in 1968. Ironically, the new cinema complex that features
stadium seating, digital sound surround, expanded food options and other
activities, was originally built by Landmark Cinemas, owner of the
Uptown, and was sold to rival Cineplex Entertainment while still under
construction. Another Cineplex theatre, Park Plaza, in the east part of
downtown is still operating.
June 20, 2008
Historic Michener Centre Rebuild 70% Complete
The reconstruction of the historic former Michener Centre Administration
Building is about 70% complete. The $12.7 million project began in 2006
after a lightening strike and fire in 2003 destroyed the roof and most
of the upper floor. Once completed in the fall, it will become the
corporate centre for David Thompson Health Region housing 156 staff who
will be relocated from several departments in spite of the recent
provincial amalgamation of the health region into a single Alberta
Health Services Board. The building was constructed in 1911 by the
Presbyterian Church as the Alberta Ladies College and then purchased by
the government in 1918 for First World War veterans suffering mental
health problems. In 1923, it became a provincial training school for
persons with developmental disabilities. In 1984, it was designated a
municipal historic site.
Lacombe's First Affordable Housing Project Nears Completion
A $4.9 million 28-unit affordable housing project developed by the
Lacombe Foundation is expected to be ready for its first tenants in
August. The new housing, the first of its kind in the town, will provide
a transition between social housing, where rent is based on a percentage
of income, and market rent. Rents will range from $800 to $850 for
2-bedroom units to $900 to $950 for 3-bedroom units. Five units are
handicapped-accessible for people with walkers or a cane but aren't
suited for wheel chairs. Lacombe Foundation provides housing for seniors
and low-income families in municipalities of Lacombe County.
June 19, 2008
Region to be Well Represented at National Job Fair
Red Deer Regional Economic Development (RDRED) and Central Alberta
Economic Partnership (CAEP) will combine resources at the National Job
Fair and Training Expo in Toronto, Canada's largest recruitment event,
at the end of September to recruit workers for the region. RDRED is a
partnership between the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County, Red Deer
Chamber of Commerce and Red Deer College to attract economic development
while CAEP is a regional economic development alliance of 42 Central
Alberta communities. In addition, B & M Recruitment Solutions will
represent the interests of individual employers. The representation will
be part of the Alberta Recruitment Zone in collaboration with other
provincial cities and regions.
June 18, 2008
New Provincial Land-Use Framework Raises City Questions
The Alberta government recently released its proposed Land-Use Framework
to prevent or reduce development conflicts between municipalities as
well as between user groups. The proposal divides the province into six
planning regions. The southern planning region includes Red Deer and
every municipality between Ponoka County and the U.S. border including
Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. The area contains 51% of Alberta's
population and more than one-third of its municipalities. A report
endorsed by Red Deer city council is recommending to the government that
the diverse southern region be divided into three sub-regions according
to the three river basins within it -- the Bow, the Oldman and the Red
Deer. The report also raises questions as to how the public will be
involved in future land use planning as well as the future roles of the
Municipal Affairs and Sustainable Resource departments in their
relationships with the municipalities.
City's Next Annexation Aimed at Balancing Growth
Red Deer city council approved that the annexation plan of three areas
around the city be sent to the Alberta Municipal Government Board for
completion by next year. Red Deer County approved the plan a week ago as
it conforms to the Intermunicipal Development Plan approved by both
municipalities last summer. The first area slated for annexation is 267
acres west of the city that includes Heritage Ranch, Alberta Sports Hall
of Fame and Riverview Park, an area already considered to be part of the
city by most residents. The second area is 3,257 acres of mostly
agricultural land north of the city that includes the Ipsco and Chiles
industrial areas, Hazlett Lake and the Central Park country residential
subdivision. The third area along the eastern edge of the city is 3,960
acres of primarily agricultural land that includes some country
residences. The annexation is expected to help rebalance the city's
housing growth, which has largely occurred in the southeast for many
years, by creating more residential developments closer to the
industrial employment areas in the north and northwest. This should help
balance traffic flows across the river as currently two-thirds of the
population live southeast of the river with relatively little industrial
employment.
Travelaire to Sell New Product Directly to Buyers
Red Deer-based Travelaire, known for its recreational trailers,
fifth wheels and motorhomes, is breaking with tradition by selling its
new Park model directly to consumers rather than through dealers. The
Park units are 4 x 12 metres in size designed to be placed on a
semi-permanent basis at sites like resorts. The units have a house-like
appearance with vinyl siding and shingles with features including
full-size fridge, stove and microwave as well as an entertainment centre
with TV. The move has been prompted in large part by a flood of
American-built RV's attracted north by the high Canadian dollar. By
consumers saving the cost of moving this type of model over large
distances as well as saving commission costs, the units are very
competitive in the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, selling at around $57,000.
It the strategy is successful, Travelaire may extend the approach to
other products.
June 17, 2008
Subdivision for Large Affordable Housing Units Approved
The Red Deer municipal planning commission has approved the subdivision
of a lot in Riverside Meadows to separate the existing 95-suite Convent
Park multi-family affordable housing complex with seven large townhouses
currently under construction. The new four-bedroom townhouses, estimated
to cost $1.5 million to build, are primarily intended for single mothers
with three or four children. The projects are partnerships between the
city's Social Planning Department, Canadian Mental Health Association
and P & S Investments owned by Stan Schalk who has initiated other
affordable housing projects in the city.
Three City Housing Subdivisions Approved, More Coming
Red Deer council has given approval to three residential developments
and gave first reading to two others yesterday. Phase 1 of the
city-owned Timberlands neighbourhood covering 62 acres has been rezoned
for 159 low-density residential lots, one medium density residential
lot, three public utility lots and six municipal reserve lots. Melcor
Development's second phase of the Clearview North neighbourhood,
covering 28 acres, will create 61 detached residential lots, one public
utility lot, possibly for a school, and two municipal reserve lots.
Melcor Development's Phase 2 of the Sunnybrook South subdivision will
create 23 detached residential lots, 40 semi-detached residential lots,
two public utility lots and one municipal reserve lot. First reading was
given for additional development in Clearview North and Sunnybrook
South.
Major Improvements to Gaetz/32 St. Intersection Approved
With a few concessions to adjacent businesses, Red Deer council has
approved that major improvements to traffic flow and safety will proceed
at one of the busiest intersections in the city -- north-south Gaetz
Ave. and east-west 32 St. Widening of both streets, additional turning
lanes, better pedestrian crossings, landscaping and the closure of
service roads are part of the $10 million project which is expected to
commence this summer.
June 16, 2008
Red Deer Indian Industrial School Remembered
With the recent federal formal apology to the former students of
Canada's Indian Industrial schools, a subdued part of Red Deer's history
was recalled in that between 1893 and 1919 the first such school in
Western Canada was run by the Methodist Church a few kilometres west of
the city across the river from the Old Red Deer Crossing settlement
where Fort Normandeau now stands. The purpose of the school was to
educate native children in European culture and ways of living and to
make a break with traditional native culture at a considerable distance
from the reserves. More than a third of the students died from disease,
partly as a result of poor conditions at the school in the early years.
The most famous student was Ralph Steinhauer, the first person of First
Nations status to hold the position of Lt.-Gov. of Alberta, who
officially opened the Red Deer Museum in 1978. The First Nations
population within the city is estimated at 3,600 of which about 1,000
are 'North American Indian' and 2,500 Metis. Many had attended an
industrial school somewhere in Canada and some gathered at the Red Deer
Native Friendship Centre to watch the broadcast of the apology.
Local Gymnast on Road With Cirque du Soleil
Red Deer gymnast Bob Watson will be performing high-flying acrobatic
stunts with the latest colourful Cirque du Soleil spectacle currently
touring Western Canada. The 22-year-old graduate of Hunting Hills High
School has honed his skills from the age of five on trampolines doing
most of his training at the Red Deer Gymnastics Club.
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