|
|
News of the Red Deer Region
snippets and
summaries of news reports from local media
(primarily Red Deer Advocate and Red Deer Express).
August 2008 Part
1
August 15, 2008
Broken River Pipeline Repaired
A broken pipeline under the Red Deer River, which led to an oil leak and
temporary closure of Glennifer Lake in June, has been repaired and
buried deeper under the river. Pembina Pipeline Corp. obtained federal
and provincial permission to divert a channel of the fast-flowing river
in order to safely access the section of pipeline that failed 30 km
upstream from the lake that allowed about 200 barrels of sweet crude oil
to escape into the river and lake June 15. The repair was a challenge
due to the river changing channels in the spring.
August 14, 2008
Rocky Airshow Breaks Record With 9,000 Spectators
A record crowd of more than 9,000 spectators, about 2,000 more than the
last show in 2006, watched some of the world's best perform at the Rocky
Mountain House Airshow yesterday. The good attendance resulted in a
profit that will go toward local organizations and for the 2010 show.
About a dozen acts took to the skies, including the internationally
renowned Snowbirds and Rocky's own Ken Fowler and Eric Hansen of Cold
Lake doing a two-plane aerobatic show. Other acts included Capt. William
"Billy" Mitchell flying a CF-18 Hornet fighter jet, the Skyhawks
skydiving team and a simulated bomb run by the Second World War B-25
Miss Mitchell that flew 150 missions with no fatalities or major
injuries. Also on hand were the CC-115 Buffalo which was used as the
jumping platform for the Skyhawks, a CP-140 Aurora which is Canada's
only strategic maritime surveillance aircraft and a forestry ground
attack crew demonstrating rappelling off a helicopter.
State of the River Watershed Being Studied
The Red Deer River Watershed Alliance is conducting a study to evaluate
the state of the watershed and to recommend any action that may be
needed to manage and protect it. Covering a huge tract of land running
from Banff National Park to the Saskatchewan border, the Red Deer is one
of 11 watershed councils set up under the provincial government's Water
for Life Strategy. It includes all land draining to the Red Deer River,
covering part or all of 19 rural municipalities and 55 towns and cities.
'The State of the Watershed' report will provide insight into the
quantity and quality of water within the region, land use impacts on
water sources and biological data from which quality, quantity and
watershed health can be determined or inferred. A series of public open
houses are planned for October.
Stettler County Rezoning for Biofuel Plant Proceeds
First reading of a bylaw to rezone approximately 155 acres of land from
agricultural use to direct control has been passed by Stettler County
that, if second and third reading pass, will allow GreenLab Energy to
proceed with plans to build a multi-million-dollar facility that would
extract oil from canola and produce biodiesel north of the town of
Stettler. Byproducts like livestock feed, pharmaceutical glycerin and
electricity are also expected, and GreenLab is planning to develop a
biofuels research university and business park in subsequent phases. The
next step is for the company to initiate a public consultation process
followed by a public hearing, final reading by council and development
approval. Originally the company planned to build the project within the
town on a 120-acre parcel but later found it unsuitable.
August 13, 2008
Wastewater Upgrade Planned for Nordegg
Clearwater County is planning an $11 million wastewater system upgrade
to the old townsite of Nordegg so it can forge ahead with housing plans.
The current system is aging and can't be expanded. The first phase would
serve up to 1,000 people and is expected to get under way next year.
Upgrading the existing system could accommodate up to 3,000 people. In
the last couple of years, almost 200 lots have sold out quickly in lot
draws and there is continued interest in future draws.
August 12, 2008
City Council Okays Purchase of Arlington Hotel
Red Deer city council opted to sacrifice a piece of the city's past
yesterday in hope of creating a brighter future for the downtown by
unanimously approving $1.5 million for the purchase of the Arlington
Hotel. Red Deer's oldest hotel, built in 1899, would be demolished by
the city to entice a developer to build a new multi-use complex on the
empty lot. Some citizens have criticized the loss of the gabled
century-old hotel as well as the affordable housing it provides for more
than 24 residents. A residential, commercial and office complex is being
envisioned by city officials that would be a catalyst to transform the
downtown and provide a gateway to the new Riverlands redevelopment. A
few councillors suggested that some of the building's architectural
character could be incorporated into a future new development. If the
sale goes through by Sept. 15, a historical evaluation of the hotel is
required prior to demolition.
Bubble Approved for Year Round Tennis
The Red Deer Tennis Club received approval yesterday from the city's
municipal planning commission to temporarily erect a fibre bubble over
four of its 12 courts near the downtown recreation centre to permit year
round tennis and help promote the sport. The $400,000 structure would be
36 metres long, 67 metres wide and nearly 11 metres high. The tennis
club hopes to create an indoor facility in the curling club building
when it is vacated sometime in the next three to five years. The curling
club is planning to build a new facility.
City Housing Starts Remain Cool
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. reported yesterday that work was
started on 21 single detached houses in Red Deer in July. During the
same month in 2007, there were 95 starts in this category. Multi-family
starts stood at 16 in July as compared to 27 a year earlier. A slowing
trend has been evident so far this year, with 371 total housing starts
in the past seven months, 205 of which were single detached and 166
multi-family. During the same period in 2007, there were 995 starts,
with 686 being single detached and 309 multi-family. This represents a
63% decline from last year. Most Alberta cities are also showing
declines in housing construction compared to the unsustainable building
frenzy of the past few years.
August 11, 2008
Search and Rescue Training Prepares for Emergencies
The Red Deer Regional Airport was the scene over the weekend of the
annual Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) emergency
exercise that attracted 90 volunteers from all over Western Canada. In
this year's exercise, searchers were looking for an overdue plane.
Searchers had to find 20 targets over a 600 km search area that included
Drayton Valley, Nordegg, Forestburg and Three Hills.
August 9, 2008
Sylvan Lake Railway Park Connects to Trails
Sylvan Lake celebrated yesterday the grand opening of the Railway
Promenade park, named for its proximity to the CN railway. The 2.7
hectare strip of land was largely unused until the town decided to
develop it in 2003. It has now been landscaped and connected to the
town's trail system. The $1.7 million project includes the addition of
park benches, picnic tables and 400 parking stalls.
Sod Turns for New SPCA Building
Construction crews will soon be working on the new spacious $3.7 million
SPCA building on 77 St. in north Red Deer next to the current cramped
facility. The 12,300 sq. ft. Animal Welfare and Humane Education Centre
will be four times bigger with room for storage, offices, a training
area and animal exercise rooms as well as space for visitors to learn
more about animal welfare. Plans have been progressing since 2001. The
staff handles about 1,100 animals each year, 63% more than 10 years ago
and last year, had to turn away 2,700 animals due to lack of space.
Construction should be completed in less than a year.
Major Mall Renovation Project Complete
The 5-year, $45 million renovation of the 700,000 sq. ft. Bower Place
Shopping Centre in south Red Deer has now been completed with an
additional renovation project under way. About 50 tenants were relocated
and 25 new ones added including the large Sears store. In addition to
extensive cosmetic changes, the layout of the mall was reconfigured with
new corridors and entranceways, a new food court and centre court. The
newest project involves the renovation of 48,000 sq. ft. previously
occupied by Convergys call centre that closed in June to provide for
several new stores and a new entranceway. The $12 million project is
expected to be completed by next August.
August 8, 2008
Rocky Air Show Attracts Major Aerial Acts
Currently Central Alberta's only airshow, the Rocky Mountain House
airport will feature several displays and flying acts next Wednesday,
August 13. The fifth bi-annual show will feature 10 civilian and
military acts including the Snowbirds (Canada's jet formation team), the
Skyhawks (a Canadian Forces sky-diving team), the CF-18 Hornet National
Demonstration Team, American Dan Buchanan (a paraplegic hang glider),
Team Rocket (a two-plane aerobatic show), and the B-25 Miss Mitchell.
Other features include helicopter rides and several aircraft displays.
The 2006 show attracted an estimated 7,500 people.
Two Regional Meat Processors Certified for Muslim Community
Sunterra Meats Ltd. in Innisfail and Canadian Premium Meats Inc. in
Lacombe have both obtained halal certification from the Islamic Society
of North America, approval that allows their meat products to be
consumed by devout Muslims. A key difference in halal processing is the
method of slaughter which must be performed by a certified person and
the meat must be segregated from other species and non-halal products.
Sunterra is certified to slaughter and process beef, lamb, bison and
goat. Canadian Premium is certified to slaughter and process bison, beef
and elk. Both companies plan to export some of their products to the
Middle East as well as serve the North American Muslim community.
City Proposes Purchase of Historic Hotel for Demolition
The city of Red Deer administration is proposing to city council Monday
to put in a conditional offer of $1.5 million to purchase the downtown
Arlington Hotel, demolish it and make the site ready for multi-storey
redevelopment. The hotel, located at the corner of 51 Ave. and 49 St.
across from the historic railway station, dates back to 1899 and is the
city's oldest standing hotel. In its heyday it was considered Red Deer's
finest but the report to council states that it has deteriorated
significantly in both structure and appearance. The prominent location
has the potential to stimulate economic growth, revitalize the vision
for the downtown and link the downtown with the development of the
Riverlands area, states the report. Identified as a building of
historical significance, the city's Heritage Preservation Committee
would have 45 days to evaluate the building to determine if it should be
preserved.
Three Regional Music Festivals on Same Weekend
The weekend of August 14 to 17 will feature three festivals to satisfy a
variety of musical tastes. The 32nd annual Daines Country Music Picknic
will be held at the Ivan Daines Ranch in Red Deer County six km north of
Innisfail on the historic C & E Trail. Headliners this year include
Canadian Idol runner-up Jaydee Bixby, Gary Fjellgaard, Tim Hus, Michael
Carey and Hugh McLennan. Also on the bill are Canadian Cowboy Mounted
Horseback Shooting, team penning, barrel racing, Alberta's Greatest
Ranch Horse Competition and a Sunday cowboy church service. Meanwhile,
the 2nd annual Central Alberta Music Festival being held just north of
Red Deer will feature Doug Andrew, the Circus on Flames, Ian Tyson,
Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues and other acts. To the west is the
6th annual Sylvan Lake Jazz on the Lake Festival featuring several acts
at several venues, many of them free, featuring Ranee Lee, Amos Garrett,
Jimmy and the Sleepers and Johnny Summers.
August 7, 2008
Low Income Single Housing Opens in Ponoka
The 23-unit North Bridge Suites officially opened yesterday providing
studio and bachelor units to single people who are recipients of the
provincial Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). Each 325
sq. ft. apartment is equipped with its own kitchen and bathroom and has
room for a bed, couch, coffee table, kitchen table and other amenities
such as a TV and a computer. The provincial and federal governments
provided $1.4 million to the $2.9 million project.
August 6, 2008
Three City Subdivisions Approved by Planning Commission
Red Deer municipal planning commission approved the subdivision of land
in several new neighbourhoods yesterday. Phase 3 of Sunnybrook South
involving 21.6 acres and consisting of 113 low-density residential lots
was approved for the northwest corner of 40 Ave. and 19 St. (Delburne
Road). Phase 3 Clearview North west of 30 Ave. and south of 67 St.
involving 30 acres includes 150 residential lots (54 low-density, 56
semi-detached and 40 narrow) and two future development lots, one of
which will be part of the future Town Centre commercial area. A 90-acre
parcel of the Timberlands neighbourhood includes 160 residential lots
(96 low-density, 45 narrow and 18 semi-detached) and two future
commercial lots, also related to the Town Centre, as well as several
future public use lots.
August 5, 2008
Expanded Country Drive Huge Success
This year's expanded Country Drive was so successful that organizers are
planning to make it even bigger next year. The self-guided tour of 20
rural businesses this past weekend was the second one this year, the
first year that the event has been held twice in a single year. As many
rural businesses have different open seasons, there may be even more
weekend tours in future years.
Fat Tire Festival Attracts Mountain Bikers West of Nordegg
The 17th annual Fat Tire Festival attracted around 100 competitors and
50 spectators to Frontier Lodge west of Nordegg at the foot of the Rocky
Mountains next to a lake. Competitions were held for all levels of
mountain bikers. Judges marked events for style, skill, daring and
speed. Frontier Lodge was founded in 1959 as a wilderness adventure
Christian camp. Between 1,500 and 2,000 children, youth and adults take
part in summer and fall courses that include mountain biking, white
water kayaking, and rock climbing and rapelling.
August 2, 2008
City Hall Expansion Examined for Old Police Station Site
When the new $30 million police station is completed in 2010, the city
plans to demolish the existing station that was built in 1967 and
expanded in 1984. The city is examining the possibility of expanding
city hall onto the site located directly across 49 St. Since the current
police building has been used 24/7, it is not suitable for renovation.
The detachment has about 110 officers plus another 25 in command
positions and 55 support staff. Currently some city hall staff are
working out of various leased buildings.
Content Campground Renamed Tail Creek Park
A popular picnic and camping site east of Red Deer on Hwy 21 near Hwy
11, formerly called Content Bridge Campground, has been renamed Tail
Creek Park to celebrate the history of the Metis community in Alberta.
The Tail Creek Metis Settlement, located at that site in 1875, was the
largest community west of Winnipeg at the time with a population of
2,000. The population dwindled as the number of buffalo decreased and a
fire wiped out the dwellings. The use of the area won't change with the
new name but an interpretive centre is planned to preserve Metis culture
and celebrate the historic nature of the 31 acre site that was
previously purchased from Stettler County for $2.
City Building Activity Continues Cooling Trend
The residential construction activity in Red Deer continues its cooling
trend in 2008 with building permits well below the record activity in
2007. In July, $5.5 million in residential work was authorized by the
city, down from $29 million in the same month a year earlier. Total
building permits in all categories was $53.1 million, including $40,5
million in public work, $6.4 million for commercial projects and $0.7
million for industrial work. This compares to a total $116.9 million in
July 2007 including $42 million for public work, $1.1 million for
commercial and $44.8 million for industrial. The biggest permit issued
this July was $40 million for a 148-unit assisted living/supportive
housing complex at Michener Hill Village. For the first seven months of
2008, $170.1 million in permits have been approved compared to $291.5
million for the same time period in 2007. Public permits year-to-date
are similar to last year at $63.5 million, commercial work is up this
year at $32.6 million, residential is down at $69.4 million and
industrial is down at $4.6 million. Industrial permits are down in part
due to the lack of serviced land available, a situation expected to
improve dramatically next year as two quarter sections of industrial
land become available for development.
Prominent City Condo Project Taking Shape
A 4-storey, 55-unit, $16.5 million condominium project on the north
escarpment of the Red Deer River, is expected to wrap up by next spring.
The Views at St. Joseph is being constructed on the former site of St.
Joseph's Convent, originally built a century ago and replaced by another
structure in 1978. A 150-kg bell and steeple from the original building
will be incorporated into the new building's design. The luxury suite
complex will feature a two-storey foyer with a two-sided fireplace and
an underground parkade.
Top of page
|
