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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 2008 Part
1
July 15, 2008
Options Presented for Electricity Transmission
The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has been conducting several
open houses throughout the region over the past few weeks to find out
which of four concept plans is most favourable for the location of a
large-scale electric transmission line. No clear consensus has been
achieved. Most people see the need but few want it near them. The four
possible routings include: West (Genesee to Langdon a few kilometres
west of Highway 2), Centre (Devon to Langdon generally within the
Highway 2 corridor), Centre-East (Ellerslie to Langdon just east of
Highway 2), and East (Heartland to Langdon several kilometres east of
Highway 2). The previous proposal, a $600-million, 500-kilovolt line,
was slated to be built west of Highway 2 along a current smaller
transmission corridor but was rejected for a variety of reasons
including the strong opposition to it. Increased population and
increased industrial and commercial activity necessitate a new high line
as new transmission capacity has not significantly increased in several
years. A recommendation on a concept plan is expected by fall, with
construction to start in 2010 or 2011 and completion by 2012.
City Intersection Improvement Costs Escalate
Two major Red Deer intersection improvement projects have increased in
cost by $4.2 million due to rising construction costs and the complexity
of the projects. City council approved another $3 million to the now $13
million upgrade to the 32 St. and Gaetz Avenue intersection. Council
also approved another $1.2 million to the now $4.6 million improvements
to the 40 Ave. and 77 St. intersection near the entrance to Three Mile
Bend, Olymel and the new city civic yards. Both intersections will be
widened with extra turning lanes to improve traffic flow. In some areas,
new sidewalks, access ways and landscaping will be required and
electrical lines moved. Complexities include keeping traffic moving
during construction.
New SPCA Building Expected to Ready by Next Spring
A new $3.7 million 13,815 sq. ft. Red Deer SPCA animal shelter and pet
crematorium is expected to start construction in August and be completed
10 months later. The facility will be four times larger than the current
building that has operated for 30 years and will include offices, more
kennels, large cat rooms, adoption centres, an outside exercise area, an
education area and health care and grooming services. Currently, an
estimated 2,700 animals are turned away annually due to lack of space.
Tower Crane At Millenium Centre Almost Done
Work on the two-storey addition to the Millennium Centre in downtown Red
Deer is reaching a point where the tower crane is no longer needed so it
will likely be removed by early to mid-August. The $5.5 million project
added 40,000 sq. ft. to the previous 102,650 sq. ft. building. Meanwhile
work continues on the other downtown project with a tower crane, the
12-storey Executive Place.
July 14, 2008
Two Hybrid Vehicles Purchased by City
Red Deer Emergency Services has purchased two hybrid vehicles, a 2008
Ford Escape and a 2007 Toyota Camry. Besides being environmentally
friendly, the use of the new vehicles will provide familiarity with
hybrid vehicles so emergency personnel can respond appropriately when
that type of vehicle is involved in an emergency situation. Different
technology and wiring need to be treated differently when using the Jaws
of Life for example. Public Works is currently looking at green
initiatives for its 440-vehicle fleet including the use of alternative
fuels and purchasing hybrid or lighter vehicles when heavier vehicles
are not necessary. It is expected that in the future, heavier or
specialized hybrid vehicles will become available.
July 12, 2008
Extension of Waskasoo Park into Growth Areas to be Examined
A River Valley and Tributaries Park Space Concept Plan is under way by
the city of Red Deer to identify which natural areas and linkages in Red
Deer County slated for future annexation to protect for the extension of
the city's very popular Waskasoo Park. The study will look at the Red
Deer River valley and its main tributaries Waskasoo Creek and Piper
Creek to determine future trail locations and park nodes. Currently the
park extends 12 km from Heritage Ranch in the west to the large river
bend in the northeast utilizing both the river valley and the creeks
which are also major wildlife corridors.
Options Discussed for Canyon Ski Hill
Canyon Ski Hill, put up for sale earlier this year, is the subject of
several discussions between Red Deer County and the city as well as
private developers. Due to geology, zoning and several other
restrictions, the options for residential development are limited.
However, some sort of resort development may be possible. Most
interested parties want to maintain the area as a ski hill and
recreation area if it is economically viable to do so. Discussions
between the city and county are exploring the possibility of taking
control of the facility but careful consideration is being given to the
costs associated with purchase, improvements, maintenance and whether
the benefits justify the cost. The current owners want to retire partly
due to health issues.
Lacombe County to Protect Natural Area
A new Lacombe County plan that will guide development in the
Milton-Morningside area includes a buffer of green space to protect
vegetation and wildlife corridors around the popular 640-acre J.J.
Collett Natural Area northeast of Lacombe. The overall plan covers an
area of 6,000 acres in a 3 km wide strip east of Highway 2 that could
include up to 1,000 acreages. New regulations encourage clustering of
lots 0.5 to 2.5 acres to maintain rural character while preserving
farmland, scenic features and open spaces. Interconnected trails between
developments and green space are envisioned as part of the recreation
strategy in the new areas.
July 11, 2008
Lacombe County Highway 2A Plan Runs Into Opposition
An urban concept plan along Highway 2A in Lacombe County between
Blackfalds and the town of Lacombe that could ultimately house 50,000
people has run into considerable opposition. More than 150 people turned
out yesterday for the nearly four hour public hearing portion of the Hwy
2A area structure plan which received first reading about a month ago.
More than 20 speakers and another dozen written submissions opposed the
plan especially those people who live around Lacombe Lake. The hearing
was recessed until September.
Preparations Ready for Rocky Airshow
The Rocky Mountain House Airshow set for August 13 is expected to be a
great show again this year with a few surprises. Military performers
include the Snowbirds Demonstration Team, the Skyhawks and the CF-18
Hornet National Demonstration Team. Civilian performers include Jerry
Strzyz, one of Canada's top aerobatics competitors in a Sukhoi SU26
stunt plane; Dan Buchanan, a paraplegic hang-glider; and Eric Hansen and
Ken Fowler a.k.a. Team Rocket. Gates open at 1 pm for the static display
and the airshow starts at 5 pm. The show, held every two years,
attracted 7,500 in 2006.
July 10, 2008
City-County Agreement Survives First Year
The Intermunicipal Development Plan, agreed upon a year ago by the City
of Red Deer and Red Deer County, has gone smoothly so far with no need
for amendments. The landmark plan guiding future development around the
city ended two years of bickering between the two municipalities. To
ensure a 75-year supply of land, the agreement outlines 50,000 acres to
the north, east and west of the city boundaries that are scheduled to be
annexed by the city over the next 10 years. The area south of the city
will remain in the county. Over the past year, a number of major
projects have been started, including a joint planning initiative, a
review of housing densities, guidelines for the entranceway areas of the
city and county, and a river valley and tributaries park space concept
plan. Other talks have taken place, dealing with issues such as
recreation, public transit, annexation and water and sewer services.
Cadets Sign On for 10 More Years at Springbrook
The sounds of band music from dawn to dusk and the sight of blue-clad
teenagers marching around in tight groups will continue for another 10
years as a result of a new contract with the Harvard Park Business
Centre in Springbrook at the former Canadian Forces Base Penhold. The
aims of the annual summer camp are to instill attributes of good
citizenship and leadership in youth, promote physical fitness and
stimulate interest in some of the activities of the Canadian Armed
Forces. Although in previous years the cadets came from the western
provinces, this year the cadets come from all parts of Canada including
Iqaluit. There are 700 cadets in camp at any given time during July and
August and with military and civilian staff, that number swells to over
1,000. As courses vary from two to six weeks, the total number of cadets
to train at Springbrook is around 1,700 per summer. A variety of courses
are offered including music, flying, rifle, fitness and leadership. The
former barracks and mess halls used by the cadets date back to the early
1950's and the hangar dates back to 1940.
Sylvan Lake Roundabout Now in Operation
A European-style roundabout, the second in the province, is now
functioning at the junction of Highways 20 and 11A at the east end of
Sylvan Lake. The $3.5 million project will easily accommodate the 7,800
vehicles that go through the intersection on an average summer day with
significantly more on holiday weekends. No weaving is required as is
common on regular traffic circles as it has only one lane and all
incoming traffic yields. It replaces the former 4-way stop and is
considered more efficient and less costly that a typical traffic light
intersection.
City Housing Starts Well Below Last Year
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. reports that were 28 single family
detached homes started in Red Deer during June compared to 129 during
the same month last year. At the midway point of the year, there have
been 184 single-detached homes started compared to 591 during the first
six months of 2007, more than 220% higher. Multi-family construction in
Red Deer is also down, with the 16 units started in June pushing the
six-month figure to 150, compared with 282 during the same period last
year. Factors that are currently affecting building activity include
availability of land for development, a drop in migration of people to
Alberta and Red Deer and a large inventory of homes on the local new and
resale markets. Close to 80 new single-detached were available at the
end of May. An active economy should recreate a balance as the current
inventory in absorbed. Despite the slowdown, there are still nearly 400
single-detached homes and 600 multi-family units under construction in
Red Deer. Total housing starts in Alberta's seven largest urban centres
declined 54% in June compared to the same month in 2007.
Biofuel Plant Committed for Stettler Area
GreenLab Energy Canada Inc. has purchased property in Stettler County
and is seeking zoning and development approvals to locate a projected
$200 million biofuels complex, including commercial facilities and a
university campus for biofuels research. The company had originally
planned to build on a 120-acre site within the town but pulled out when
the property did not meet their needs.
July 9, 2008
New Innisfail Seniors Lodge Well Under Way
Construction on a $17 million 102-unit seniors lodge is well underway
and is expected to be completed by September 2009. The facility is being
built on the same property as the 57-unit Innisfail Country Lodge,
presently a privately operated lodge where residents can get home-care
assistance. The new facility will include 30 supportive housing units
where personal care attendants, paid for by the David Thompson Health
Region, will be available around the clock.
July 8, 2008
New City Police Station Gets Initial Approval
The Red Deer municipal planning commission has given site development
approval for the proposed $30 million downtown two-storey police
station. At 87,000 sq. ft., the new building will be much larger than
the existing 26,000 sq. ft. city RCMP detachment. It will have 15 cells
compared to the current 4 and improved facilities for staff, training
and meetings as well as 77 parking stalls for officers and staff and 16
stalls for the public. If approved by city council, work will begin in
late summer and be completed in mid-2010. The existing facility was
built in 1967 and expanded in 1984.
July 7, 2008
Royals Best of 20 Bands at Stampede Parade
The Red Deer Royals placed first overall and was named best senior band
and best Canadian band in the Calgary Stampede parade on Friday. This is
the first time the 100-member band aged 12 to 21 has been grand
champions of the second largest parade behind the Rose Bowl. The Royals
were up against 20 other bands from as far away as Denmark, Scotland and
Germany. The colour guard placed third.
July 4, 2008
City Population Up, Growth Rate Manageable
This year's Red Deer census indicates that the city's population has
gone up from 85,646 people to 87,816. The growth rate over the year was
2.46%, a rate more manageable than last year's rate of 3.22% and the
previous year's rate of 4.96%. However, even at this rate, the city
maintains its position as the third largest city in the province and
could reach of population of almost 90,000 next year. The high growth
rate over the past few years has created a variety of challenges
including a housing shortage resulting in high house prices and a strain
to keep up with infrastructure and amenities. Most of the city's
increase of 2,111 people over the past year occurred in the new areas of
Oriole Park West and Johnstone Park in the north part of the city and
Vanier Woods and Lancaster in the southeast. The number of homes being
built in the last few months has gone down somewhat, as have prices, but
commercial and civic building projects continues to be very strong.
Sylvan Lake Resort Condos Selling Well
Medican has begun the first phase of its condominium resort development
on 160 acres north of Highway 11 and west of Highway 781. Over 600
people have registered on the company's database with 90% of the 55
units in phase one having been sold and 40% of phase two sold. The
Axxess development is an affordable condo complex made up of three
four-storey buildings with underground parking, an elevator and a
fitness centre. A larger resort complex with more amenities will be
built north of Axxess, called Watercrest (formerly Reflections), that
will have an outdoor and indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub, a lawn chair
area, beach volleyball, a fire pit, theatre room, full kitchen and
banquet area, games room and sauna. Watercrest will consist of 305
units, including 72 in phase one that will start pre-selling in July.
Police Anniversary Features Retro Look
The celebrate its 135th anniversary and to act as a recruitment
initiative, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will be using retro
colour schemes on some of its cruisers. Two modern Ford Crown Victoria
police interceptors were revealed in Red Deer yesterday, one in a black
and white scheme dating back to the 1950's and one in blue and white
livery first revealed to celebrate the RCMP's 100th anniversary in 1973.
Ponoka and Innisfail traffic services will also have one each. Six
cruisers in each colour scheme will be used around the province. The
recruitment drive aims to train 2,000 cadets in Regina annually for the
next several years, compared to the 1,650 that have been trained in
recent years. The Red Deer city detachment currently has 111 available
officers, expected to be boosted to 115 by the end of the year.
Regional Home Sales Down 18% in 2nd Quarter
A total of 1,530 homes changed hands in Central Alberta during the
second quarter of the year compared to 1,878 during the same period last
year, a decrease of 18%, according to the Central Alberta Realtors
Association. In the city, 731 sales were completed in the second
quarter, compared to 638 last year, a 13% decline. The median price of
single family homes sold during the period was down in six of nine
communities, the exceptions being Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds and Ponoka.
The association stated that the market is more balanced and healthy that
it has been and property values are still significantly higher than in
2006. The stats are based on sales through Multiple Listing Service and
do not include private sales.
July 3, 2008
Mills Receives Global Achievement Award
GLOBE, an international organization that encourages discussions among
legislators on key environmental issues, has awarded Red Deer MP Bob
Mills its 2008 Lifetime Achievement award during the organization's G8+5
Climate Change Dialogue in Tokyo. Mills chaired its climate change
steering committee that recently completed the report 'Combating Climate
Change: An International Co-operation Framework Beyond 2012'.
July 2, 2008
Thousands Celebrate Canada Day
Several thousand people celebrated Canada Day yesterday in Red Deer and
throughout Central Alberta. At Bower Ponds in the city's Waskasoo Park,
pedestrians, bicycles and strollers crammed into the area to watch a
full day of entertainment of about 30 cultural performances, eat a
variety of cultural food and watch the fireworks that ended the day. The
event was planned and hosted by the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society
marking its 40th anniversary of the annual celebration. Meanwhile the
annual Ponoka Rodeo was wrapping a very successful year and several
other communities throughout the region celebrated Canada's birthday.
Samson Chief Named to Order of Canada
Victor Buffalo, Chief of the Samson Cree Nation and Hobbema
entrepreneur, has been named to the Order of Canada, the country's
highest civilian honour to recognize a lifetime of outstanding
achievement and dedication to the community. Buffalo has led the
development of sustainable ventures for the Samson Cree Nation,
including Peace Hills Trust (Canada's first and largest aboriginally-owned
financial institution running for 26 years), Peace Hills General
Insurance, Samson Lake Mall and other commercial enterprises.
Regional Residents Recognized for Influence
Alberta Venture magazine has listed three regional residents on the
annual province's most influential list. Rimbey Mayor Dale Barr was
recognized as the driving force behind the proposed development of a
cellulosic ethanol plant in the town that would use materials like
agricultural straw and municipal waste as its feedstock. Rimbey resident
Joe Anglin was recognized for his leadership of the Lavesta Area Group
that blocked, at least temporarily, a 500-kV power transmission line
from Edmonton to Calgary. Former Red Deer Mayor Gail Surkan was praised
for her contributions as a director and chair of the Alberta Heritage
Foundation for Medical Research which oversaw a $20-million initiative
to help recruit researchers to Alberta universities.
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