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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).
November 2008 Part 2
Nov. 29, 2008
Historic Michener Building New Home to Health Region
The stately red brick exterior of the former Michener Centre South
Administration Building that sits atop Red Deer's east escarpment, has
just received a $12.7 million renovation and reconstruction to become
the new administrative headquarters of the David Thompson Health Region.
Over the next three weeks, 180 staff from finance, corporate services,
communications, materials management, capital planning and project
development will be moving in. On June 17, 2003, lightning hit the
building, destroying the roof and the upper floor. Three years later,
the health region acquired the facility and began the two year renewal
of the exposed and damaged historic building that was built in 1911 by
the Presbyterian Church as the Alberta Ladies College. In 1918 the
province purchased the facility for World War One veterans suffering
mental health problems. In 1923, it became a provincial training school
for persons with developmental disabilities. In 1984, it was designated
as a municipal historic site and was still in use by Michener Centre at
the time of the fire. During the recent reconstruction, a 1,300 square
metre addition was added to expand the building to 3,600 square metres.
About 350 people took in public tours of the building yesterday.
Nov. 27, 2008
City Needs Provincial Funding for Ring Road Project
At a Red Deer Chamber of Commerce luncheon yesterday, civic leaders
indicated that the city needs about $107 million from the provincial
government for the new $133 million major roadway to connect Highway 11A
at the north end of Red Deer across the river to Highway 11 on the east
side. Northland Drive, set to open in 2011 or 2012, is the first stage
of a future ring road expressway that will connect Highway 2 at the
northwest side of the city, run east to the future 20 Avenue, south to
Delburne Road (19 Street) and ultimately to McKenzie Road or further
south and west back to Highway 2. Further in the future the road would
extend westward, re-cross the river and head north to Highway 11 and 11A
to reconnect with Highway 2. As a link between two provincial highways,
Northland Drive would effectively become part of the provincial highway
network justifying the provincial contribution. It would carry heavy
trucks, wide loads and traffic wishing to safely bypass the city as well
as residential and commercial traffic in the growing northeast part of
the city.
Downtown Business Association Approves of Plan
Several business owners at the annual general meeting of the Red Deer
Downtown Business Association last evening are enthusiastic about the
proposed Great Strides report for the redevelopment of the core area. As
an update to the Greater Downtown Action Plan, the report looks at
creating three focal points in the centre of the city -- the Historic
Downtown, Riverlands and the Railyards district, each with features to
draw residents and visitors to the area. Members were particularly
excited about making the downtown more pedestrian and family friendly as
well as improving laneways, calming traffic and adding park features.
Large Olds Residential Development Progressing
The first component of a large residential development on the west side
of Olds, a 36-unit, 3-storey apartment condominium building, is nearly
enclosed with completion and occupancy expected in late spring of 2009.
It is the first of three such condominium buildings being developed in
Cornerstone Village. Also proposed are 36 suites in five townhouse
buildings and 18 villa bungalows. The complex is bordered to the south
and west by Cornerstone Shopping Centre.
Custom Vehicle Business Moves to Liberty Crossing
Canada Custom Vehicles is moving from its Riverside Heights Light
Industrial premises in Red Deer to Liberty Crossing west of Gasoline
Alley to the south of the city into the former Festival RV 13,000 sq.
ft. building, several times bigger than its current location. Meanwhile,
Festival RV has moved onto the adjoining 6-acre Festival Ford lot, using
six of the 22 service bays but with its own sales office. The former
Canada Customs Vehicles premises will be occupied by the expansion of
adjoining NAPA Auto Parts.
City Lot Draw Attracts Few Buyers
A public lot draw for 130 city-owned housing lots in Timberlands (east
side), Johnstone Park (north side) and Oriole Park Estates (west side)
attracted only 19 successful bids (mostly in Timberlands) on Wednesday,
a sign that the rush to build in Red Deer is slowing down. However, city
officials were pleased that people are still trying to get into the
market in spite of economic uncertainty.
Nov. 26, 2008
Sylvan Lake Storefront Improvements Considered
Sylvan Lake town council is considering a proposed Facade Improvement
Initiative which would offer a matching grant to downtown businesses for
storefront improvements that could include painting and installing new
windows, awnings or signage. The benefits of the program would encourage
business, maintain retention of business, enhance the downtown core,
promote walkability and promote customers.
Lacombe County to Review Land Uses on Agricultural Land
Growing concerns by Lacombe County residents about industrial and
commercial operations springing up in agricultural areas have prompted a
review of land-use regulations. Currently, a wide range of businesses
are conditionally allowed on agricultural parcels, from construction
contractors and service industries to oil and gas processing facilities
and any business related to agriculture. Some residents are concerned
that there are no limits on the number of subdivisions per quarter
section that could result in commercial or industrial parks emerging
near rural residences. It also creates a conflict with the strategic
plan that commits to the protection of agricultural land.
Nov. 25, 2008
Old Rimbey Hospital Demolished
With staff moved in to the new Rimbey hospital, the original hospital,
built in 1949, is being demolished. The new facility started
construction in 2006 and was completed in October of this year. There
are 22 beds and 16 emergency spaces in the new building, which also
boasts more space, light and high-tech medical equipment.
Nov. 24, 2008
Festival of Trees Enjoys More Space
The 15th annual 3-day Festival of Trees enjoyed more space to work with
this year at Westerner Park in Red Deer. The more than 50 decorated
trees, the performance stage, the gift stores and Candy Cane Lane were
located in the Stockmens Pavilion rather than the Prairie Pavilion. The
special events at the festival, mostly sold out in advance, included The
Taste of Red Deer, Teddy Bear Breakfast and Silver Bells Seniors Tea,
all held at the Prairie Pavilion.
Lacombe County to Study Public Lake Access
Development pressures on three lakes in Lacombe County has caused the
municipality to study and develop policies for lake access to ensure
that existing beaches and boat launches don't get swamped. Other
concerns include water supply, the lake environment, wildlife impact,
roads and services for new developments proposed for Sylvan, Gull and
Buffalo Lakes. A proposed golf course and 423-unit recreational vehicle
resort close to Sylvan Lake that could put pressure on the neighbouring
summer village of Sunbreaker Cove prompted the plan to incorporate
policies as part of an overall strategic plan.
Province Provides $1 Million to Botha School
The province has announced $1 million in emergency funding for the small
rural Botha School 14 km east of Stettler for repairs as a result of
massive flooding in 2007 that destroyed the gymnasium floor and caused
mould growth in the basement. The funds will go to repairs and future
flood prevention. The 66-student school was built in the 1940s and was
last renovated in the late 1980s. Students should be enjoying the new
facilities by next fall.
Nov. 22, 2008
Olympic Torch Relay to Stop in Red Deer
Region
Red Deer has been named one of the 187 Canadian host communities for the
Olympic torch relay leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. The relay
will set off on October 30, 2009 and pass through 1,000 communities
across the country along a 45,000 km route touching on some of the most
remote communities in the land. A total of 12,000 torchbearers will run
300 metres each. Some legs of the relay will be done by air. In Central
Alberta, torchbearers will run through Hobbema, Ponoka, Lacombe, Sylvan
Lake, Red Deer, Innisfail, Bowden, Olds, Trochu and Three Hills on
January 15-16, 2010. A celebration will be held at Westerner Park on the
evening of January 15.
Move to New Civic Yards Starts in New Year
The new expansive 70-acre, $118 million Red Deer civic yard relocation
from Riverlands west of the downtown to the Riverside Heavy Industrial
Park is expected to be finished in February. More than 500 city staff
will move in in March from several city departments including Public
Works, Environmental Services, Transit, Materials Management, Electric
Light and Power and Parks and Ecological Services. It is Red Deer's
largest-ever municipal project with nine buildings in all. The largest
building at 207,000 sq. ft., the transit building will be completed in
February whereas the other buildings will do completed by the end of the
year. Three of the buildings should be eligible for LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) program. Landscaping is expected to be
completed next year. New trails will connect the complex with the
adjacent Three Mile Bend area of Waskasoo Park.
Nov. 21, 2008
Legendary Architect Expected to Design Skin for Plasco Project
Red Deer-raised well-known architect Douglas Cardinal is expected to be
part of the design team for the proposed $70 million 200-tonne-a-day
Plasco gasification plant to be built in Red Deer County by the
9-community Central Waste Management Commission. The plant is expected
to be a showcase building that will have an outer appearance unlike most
industrial facilities. Cardinal has already been commissioned to design
the outer skin of proposed Plasco plants in Los Angeles and in France
and his home-town Red Deer is expected to be added to his project list.
The architect studied architecture in Vancouver and Texas graduating in
1963. He returned to apprentice in Red Deer and designed the city's
well-known St. Mary's Church in 1968. In 1983, he was awarded the
contract to design the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec.
Changes Suggested for North Highway 2A Corridor Plan
Lacombe County is considering significant changes to the proposed
Highway 2A Urban Corridor Area Structure Plan between Blackfalds and
Lacombe as a result of opposition from several landowners in the area.
One of the biggest objections to the plan is the focus on developing
urban-style high-density development on the west side of Highway 2A near
Lacombe Lake. The most recent draft of the plan signals a shift from the
original proposal in conjunction with the two towns toward a more
country-style growth. One of the major challenges with low-density
development is how to supply water and sewer services. The county
favours communal systems that are most economical with higher density
than what is normal for country development.
Sylvan Lake Plans for New Town Office and Police Building
Construction could start in the spring on a new 2-storey, 22,000 sq.
ft., $5.4 million office building for the town of Sylvan Lake providing
town council approves the plan. A tentative location has been identified
between the existing RCMP building and the Lions Legacy Park. Completion
is expected in the spring of 2010. Funding will come from a variety of
sources including municipal reserves, government grants and utility
franchise fees. Currently, municipal staff works out of a cramped 8,000
sq. ft. building. Meanwhile, construction on the new $7.1 million RCMP
building could start at the same time on the south side of town with
completion expected in the fall of 2010. That building would house both
the town and rural police detachments.
Downtown Office Tower Starting to Rise
Construction activity on the 12-storey Executive Place office building
in downtown Red Deer is starting to rise above ground level after almost
a year of below ground base construction. The remainder of the structure
should be completed by the end of 2009. The 112,000 sq. ft., $40 million
building will include underground parking, a 2-storey vaulted lobby, a
pair of rooftop decks and a covered balcony near the top. The ground
floor will be used for commercial purposes.
Stettler County Moves Forward on Greenlab Bioenergy Plant
Greenlab Energy Canada has received second reading of a bylaw to rezone
a quarter section of land north of the town of Stettler from agriculture
to direct control for a proposed bioenergy plant. The first phase is a
canola processing facility which would crush up to 625,000 tonnes of
seed annually for production of oil and meal that would ultimately
result in biodiesel, livestock feed and other products. Third reading
will proceed by Stettler County when more detail is received, several
conditions are met and assurance is given that the plant will actually
be built. Subsequent phases of the project could include the creation of
a business park with related industries, a research campus and a
hospitality centre.
Nov. 19, 2008
Funds Approved for Innisfail to Springbrook Wastewater Project
The provincial government has approved $32 million to the South Red Deer
Regional Wastewater Commission for the construction of a line from
Innisfail to Springbrook, the first phase of a $400 million wastewater
system in Central Alberta. The first phase, expected to be completed
next year, ties into an existing line at Springbrook that connects to
the Red Deer wastewater treatment plant. The entire project includes
three lines -- one south to Olds, another north to the Lacombe area and
one west to Sylvan Lake. Major upgrades to the Red Deer treatment plant
are also included in the project to handle the additional flow. Timing
of the other parts of the project will be dependent on government
funding.
Uncertain Times Delays Lacombe's Housing Plan
The town of Lacombe has put its newest housing plan on hold as a result
of disappointing interest in its recent lot draw, believed to be partly
due to uncertain economic times. With only 8 applications for 90 lots,
the deadline has been extended indefinitely to see if interest
increases. The subdivision is a 10-phase project on 300 acres of land
from Canadian University College that includes several attainable lots
for first-time buyers at a discount. The project also includes a 24-lot
airpark neighbourhood bordering Lacombe Airport.
Historic Innisfail Theatre Home to Presenters
The Central Alberta Presenters society, formerly known as the Red Deer
Concert Society, has expanded its mandate in bringing to the region
world-class musicians as part of its evolution and renewal. In March
2004, after 30 years, the society made a major move from its classical
roots to a much wider range of entertainment and changed its name. It
also moved from the Red Deer College Arts Centre to the historic Century
Theatre in Innisfail.
Nov. 18, 2008
Groups Tell City Council to Plan Bigger
Red Deer city council yesterday adopted the Recreation, Parks and
Culture Community Assets and Needs Assessment and heard from several
groups indicating that the city needs to start planning some major
projects soon. A representative of the Central Alberta Aquatics Centre
board indicated that Red Deer is now the only mid-sized or larger city
without a 50-metre competitive swimming pool. Chair of the concert hall
advocacy committee suggested the city fund a feasibility study for a
1,200-seat concert hall that needs to be built in the next 5 years.
Chair of the museum board indicated that, although interior renovations
to the existing museum will be done next year, there is a pressing need
for a future new museum to house the thousands of artifacts that cannot
currently be displayed. Councillors indicated that all three projects
will eventually be built but may take some time. The concert hall and
museum are supported in the Red Deer Community Culture Vision and
Outline Plan, tabled during the same council meeting.
Culture Vision Recommends Public Art, Market and Connectivity
The Red Deer Culture Vision, an update of the 2001 Community Culture
Master Plan, was tabled at Red Deer city council yesterday. Dozens of
recommendations in the document included a year-round indoor public
market in the old bus barns in Cronquist Park (Riverlands), adding new
public art yearly and connectivity with other cultural, activity and
open spaces. The vision identified four main values (authenticity,
diversity, connectivity and rural heritage) and five major themes
(diversity, green space, agora space, built space and activities) to
guide cultural development over the next 10 years. Council will consider
approval on December 1.
Plasco Gasification Project to be Operational by 2010
Representatives of Plasco Energy Group were available at an open house
yesterday at Red Deer County Centre to answer questions about the
proposed gasification plant that will turn garbage into electricity.
About 30 people attended with mostly positive comments. The cost of the
plant had been pegged at $100 million, but that price has dropped to $70
million as a result of the initial 300-tonne-a-day proposal being
down-sized to 200 tonnes of garbage per day. Work on the site, likely
next to Red Deer County's Horn Hill Waste Transfer Station east of
Penhold, should begin next summer and the plant could be operational in
2010.
New City Industrial Lots Approved West of Highway
Red Deer municipal planning commission has approved a subdivision plan
in the Queens Business Park, west of Highway 2 and south of Highway 11A,
for 14 industrial lots and 4 public utility lots. The lots are being
subdivided out of a 68-acre parcel out of the eight quarter sections
annexed recently by the city from Red Deer County. Previously part of
the county's Burnt Lake Area Structure Plan, the property now falls
within the city's Queens Business Park Industrial Area Structure Plan.
Harbour Spas Established at Former 'The Brick' Store
Harbour Spas Home and Leisure is established and considering expansion
after its move in September to the 30,000 sq. ft. former The Brick
premises on Gaetz Avenue near 67 Street in Red Deer. Previously known as
Beachcomber Hot Tubs, the company already has two outlets in Calgary and
is now eyeing an outlet in Edmonton and possibly other centres in
Western Canada. The business is an outlet for hot tubs, patio furniture,
barbecues, fire pits, gazebos, saunas, tanning beds, pool tables and
other rec room games as well as accessories and supplies. There is also
a plan to create a 'pond room' to display backyard ponds and waterfalls.
Nov. 17, 2008
Stettler Native Wins Top Songwriting Prize
Stettler-raised country singer Kym Simon recently learned won the
Nashville Music City Songwriters Competition with 'Easy Way Out', a tune
Simon co-wrote with Steve Fox. She won a trip to Nashville, a publicity
deal, $1,000 cash and a chance to perform the song on Great American
Country radio and TV. She started her singing career jamming at the Vat
in Red Deer. Kym and her husband currently live in Devon.
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