|
|
News of the Red Deer Region
snippets and
summaries of news from local resources including media, press releases
and personal knowledge
March 2009 Part
1
Mar. 14, 2009
Move to New Civic Yards Set to Begin
Red Deer's largest-ever municipal project, the mammoth $118 million
civic yards relocation, is nearing completion after 16 months of
construction. Various city departments are getting ready for the big
move from a number of sites, mostly in the Riverlands district west of
the downtown, to the 70-acre site in the Riverside Heavy Industrial Park
adjacent to the Three Mile Bend area of Waskasoo Park next to the river.
The first of seven department to move will be the Parks division at the
end of March. They will be stationed out of the main administration
building, known as Building A, which has curved roofs similar to the
look of an Asian temple. It is expected that all departments will be
moved by the end of April. Nine buildings are on site, most of them
storing equipment and supplies. The largest of the buildings and the
last to be completed is the 207,000 sq. ft. transit garage known as
Building B.
Penhold Musician Opens New Talent Agency
A new talent agency called Wise Choice Productions is being established
in Red Deer by a Nashville recording artist living in Penhold.
Performing as JC Storm, Leo Villeneuve, his wife Roberta and other
associates will help Central Alberta models, actors and musicians
develop and advance their careers. Facilities include a vocal studio and
photo studio. The company plans to host regular talent shows to discover
kids who have talent.
Mar. 13, 2009
Uncertainty Over Expressway Funding
A meeting between Red Deer Mayor Morris Flewwelling and Alberta
Transportation Minister Luke Ouellette about provincial funding for the
$133 million north connector road (Northland Drive), that will
eventually become a six-lane ring road expressway, resulted in
uncertainty as to when the provincial government could contribute.
Although the minister was supportive of the project, it is not in
Alberta Transportation's construction program for 2008 to 2011 and some
existing projects may be cut back. However, there is some possibility
that funding could be available for the regional wastewater line that
would be buried in the embankment of the road. The first phase of the
project is a two-lane road extending east across the Red Deer River from
the intersection of Highways 2A and 11A to 30 Avenue. The city needs
provincial or federal funding to proceed with construction. Preliminary
work is scheduled to start this year.
Blackfalds Annexation Becomes Official
The town of Blackfalds is now 2,100 acres bigger as a result of the
provincial government's approval of the land being annexed from Lacombe
County. The county offered its approval last April and the additional
land, mostly north and east of the current boundaries, should
accommodate the town's growth for the next 30 years. The previous
annexation in 1991 was expected to last 25 years but the recent boom
resulted in a much faster growth for the town than was anticipated.
Schools Get Technology Funding
Central Alberta school jurisdictions are receiving a total of over
$900,000 from Alberta Education for innovative projects in technology.
Red Deer Public School District is getting $113,000, Chinook's Edge
School Division $300,000, Wild Rose School Division $225,000 and Wolf
Creek School Division $300,000. Red Deer's funding will put its 12
computer servers on one machine through virtualization to increase the
stability and reliability of its computer system. The other school
divisions are also using virtualization to streamline their computer
systems.
Mar. 12, 2009
Red Deer Ready For Stimulus Funding
The city is submitting two multi-million-dollar projects to the federal
government for shovel-ready infrastructure projects in its bid to
receive part of the $30-billion stimulus plan to jump-start Canada's
economy. One of the projects is the $133 million six-lane north highway
connector that would link Highways 2, 2A and 11A in the west to Highway
11 in the east. The city is looking for a commitment of up to $107
million from the province as it would form part of the provincial
highway network. The other project is the $20 million new water intake
for the city's water treatment plant. Both projects are scheduled to get
under way this year. No specific amounts are being asked for in the
federal application as details of the funding have not yet been
released. However, information on both projects is being submitted in
hopes that partial funding can be approved in the early stages of the
program.
Westerner Park Updates Plans and Branding
A new logo and slogan, as well as expansion and upgrading plans for this
year, have been revealed by Westerner Park in Red Deer as a continuation
of its strategic development plan. The $4 million first phase of
redevelopment is nearing completion, including a new administration
building and revamped entrance on the north side of the grounds. The
second phase will get underway this spring that will involve
improvements to the west entrance and parking lot. New pedestrian paths
through the parking lot will eventually be lined with trees and benches.
Next year, the Chalet building will be relocated to allow for further
expansion of the parking lot. The updated green logo and new slogan,
"Your Destination for Celebration", reflect that the park is not just a
place for agricultural and trade shows but has become a community
meeting place and site for smaller celebrations. There are also plans to
add more park space and trees to the grounds. Longer term plans include
a 2,000-seat expansion to the Enmax Centrium, an additional 85,000 sq.
ft. of exhibition and meeting space, a new conference centre, an
additional 115 acres of green space and a new gateway that includes a
transit hub.
Mar. 11, 2009
City Donates $1 Million to Curling Complex
Red Deer city council decided on Monday to grant $1 million to the Red
Deer Curling Centre for a proposed 12-rink curling arena in Clearview
North in the northeast part of the city. The grant was critical for a
matching capital grant application by which the club hopes to collect
$4.6 million from federal and provincial governments. The club will
contribute $1.3 million toward the $6.9 million facility. The second
phase involves an additional investment of $7.5 million to develop the
project into a multi-sport and community recreational facility.
Construction could begin this September on a 10-acre parcel that may
also include a new Red Deer Native Friendship Centre and affordable
housing planned by Heritage Family Services. The current 8-sheet rink
was built in 1953.
Tendering Delay Saves Lacombe County Millions
Lacombe County has saved close to $3 million by tendering its 2009
paving work from late last year to early this year. Originally estimated
at $11.5 million for the projects, tenders came in totalling $8.8
million due to the slowing economy increasing the number of contractors
bidding and lower costs in labour and asphalt. Other counties in the
region, including Red Deer, Mountain View and Clearwater, are also
seeing savings in road and infrastructure work.
College Student a Finalist in Miss World Canada
20-year-old Red Deer College Open Studies student Meghan Rountree will
be in Toronto next week as Alberta's only finalist in the Miss World
Canada competition that focuses on "beauty with a purpose". Meghan has
already been active in community service by raising money for breast
cancer research, helping with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada,
sponsoring a child through World Vision, helping at the Food Bank,
assisting younger skaters at different skating clubs and helping at the
Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Her primary motivation in getting
involved in the contest was the charity work and the chance to be a good
role model for younger girls.
Mar. 10, 2009
New Downtown Parkade to be Sculpture Element
The 3-storey parkade scheduled to be constructed above the downtown Red
Deer transit terminal starting later this year has been described as a
"sculpture element" in a presentation to city municipal planning
commission yesterday. The building's mass will be softened by an array
of coloured panels and poles which will tie in with nearby landscaping
and natural lighting. Approval was given to the $21.3 million 415-stall
project. Two green roof elements with drought-tolerant plants will
reduce water runoff and absorb heat from the sun. Three of the
building's four corners will have glass towers, one of which will house
a transit office and have space for a cafe. There will also be a
multi-purpose area where people can gather. Eventually there may be
elevated walkways to a proposed new civic centre, the library and City
Hall.
Latest Highway 2A Corridor Plan Attracts Few
The latest revision of the controversial long-term Highway 2A corridor
development plan between Blackfalds and Lacombe was presented to the
public recently but attracted few people. Revisions were made to address
concerns that landowners would have too many restrictions for future
residential development. A new "urban transitional development option"
offers landowners the ability to subdivide their property into parcels
12 acres or larger without requiring urban-style communal water and
sewer services. In some cases, lots as small as 10 acres may be allowed,
depending on the landscape, without the costly studies of more intensive
development. The plan still requires public hearings before being
approved by Lacombe County council.
February a Slow Month for Homebuilders
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. reports that there were 21 housing
starts in Red Deer in February, including 17 single-detached homes. In
February 2008, there had been 58 total starts and in February 2007,
there had been 176 starts. The major drop in starts is a result of both
the current economic recession and an over-supply of housing built over
the past several years, resulting in a more friendly market for buyers.
Mar. 9, 2009
Shoppers Discuss City Parkade, Downtown
The mayor, councillors and 26 city departments and agencies were at
Bower Place Shopping Centre on Saturday for the annual 'Let's Talk' to
discuss plans, projects, initiatives and services as well as get
feedback from residents. One of the features of the day was a
presentation and model of the new downtown parkade to be constructed
later this year above the transit terminal. Another presentation on
charting a new course highlighted the future of the downtown,
particularly in the Riverlands and Railyards Districts.
Eco-Tourism Part of Wildlife Centre
Strategy
The Medicine River Wildlife Centre wants to create a retreat for
tourists who want to work at the rehabilitation centre as part of a $3
million construction and upgrade project. People could come for a day
and work or stay two or three weeks. The construction project is
expected to begin in May, starting with the new wing of the wildlife
hospital. A new wing will also be built onto the public area of the
centre. Both the centre and the tourist retreat centre will be green
show pieces.
ATB Plans 2 Branch Expansions
ATB Financial (Alberta Treasury Branch) is planning two major branch
expansions in the region over the next several months. A new 5,000 sq.
ft. full service branch is expected to open in south Sylvan Lake at the
Ryders Square commercial area by June 2010. In Red Deer, ATB is planning
a 12,000 sq. ft. branch on the southwest corner of 68 Street and Gaetz
Avenue that would replace the existing outlet in Riverside Office Plaza
in May 2010. The new full-service outlet will also serve as a business
and agricultural banking centre.
Mar. 7, 2009
Doctors Propose Outdoor Exercise Areas
The Red Deer Primary Care Network of 63 Central Alberta family doctors
recently asked the City of Red Deer Recreation, Parks and Culture
department to partner with them on a project to set up outdoor gyms in
order to help adults become more fit and address issues around weight
and inactivity. The 'fitness parks' would include 12 stations in one
common area that might include chest presses, back rows and dip bars.
Four sites have been proposed -- Glendale Park, Oriole Park West,
Victoria Park and Parkdale.
Mar. 6, 2009
Curling Club Plans Multi-Use Recreation Centre
The Red Deer Curling Club is planning a $21 million multi-sport and
community centre on a 10-acre site in the northeast side of the city,
starting with a 12-sheet curling rink and followed by the recreation
centre. The site would also include the Red Deer Friendship Centre and
Heritage Family Services which are planning their own building projects.
The curling club's current 8-sheet rink was built in 1953 next to the
Red Deer Arena adjacent to the downtown area. Once the new facility is
built, the current building is expected to be converted into an indoor
tennis facility. The city is being asked to support the organization's
$6.9 million grant application to the Canada-Alberta Building Canada
Fund, to agree to lease the land for the new complex and to contribute
$1 million towards the capital cost for the first phase of the project.
The club would contribute $7.5 million. The second phase, the $7 million
recreation centre, would include 6,000 sq. ft. for the local archery
club, 6,000 sq. ft. for the local fencing club, space for the judo club
and a multi-use space for community and social events. It is hoped that
construction could begin later this year.
Mayor to Lobby Province for Expressway Funding
Mayor Morris Flewwelling will meet with Alberta Transportation Minister
Luke Ouellette next week to push for government funding for the $133
million 6-lane North Highway Connector expressway and truck route that
would link Highways 2, 2A and 11A with Highway 11 on the east side of
the city. The new route would eventually become part of the city's
planned ring road. The first stage, Northland Drive, would be a 2-lane
road extending east across the Red Deer River from the intersection of
Highways 11A and 2A to 30 Avenue. The city is asking for $107 million
from the province as it would form part of the provincial highway
network. If approved, the first stage could open as early as 2011.
Province Reviewing City Annexation Proposal
The Alberta Municipal Government Board is preparing a report to be sent
to Municipal Affairs Minister Ray Danyluk for cabinet approval on the
city's proposal to annex 7,500 acres from Red Deer County. The
annexation covers three areas: 267 acres west of the city that includes
Heritage Ranch, Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Riverside residential
area; 3,257 acres north of the city that includes industrial and
agricultural land as well as the Central Park acreages and Hazlett Lake;
and 3,960 acres of most agricultural land and some acreages on the
northeast and east side of the city. A few residents in the affected
areas oppose the tax plan of the proposal. It is the first phase of an
agreement between the city and the county to annex around 45,000 acres
over the next 9 years. Implementation date is requested to be September
1, 2009.
Sunbreaker Cove Residents Oppose RV Resort
About 150 people attending a public hearing in Bentley Wednesday, many
from the hamlet of Sunbreaker Cove, are questioning the size of a
proposed 423-lot recreational vehicle resort on a 148-acre parcel near
Sylvan Lake. The resort would include a 9-hole par-3 golf course, water
park, swimming pool, playground, tennis courts and sports fields. The
main concern is that it would draw hundreds of summer residents to the
lake and swamp the hamlet's already-busy boat launch. There is also
concern that the additional runoff and pollution could threaten the
health of the lake. The Skyy Country Golf and RV Park project has been
downsized from 667 lots but there are no plans to reduce it further.
Lacombe County is exploring ways of increasing access to the lake and
will review a report on the hearing on April 9.
Olds College Gets Biodiesel Research Grant
The National Sciences and Engineering Research Council has awarded $2.3
million to Olds College School of Innovation for its work in biodiesel
research and development. Over the next five years, biodiesel production
at OCSI is expected to go from 50,000 to 200,000 litres a year with the
associated research to include process improvements and other
innovations. The college is only one of eight institutions in the
country to receive funding under the College and Community Innovation
Program.
Mar. 4, 2009
Airport Reports that 2008 was a Banner Year
In its quarterly report to Red Deer County council, Red Deer Regional
Airport CEO Liam O'Connell said 2008 was a banner year in terms of
aircraft movements at just under 50,000, up 10% from the previous year,
mostly private, charter or training aircraft. The only scheduled service
between Red Deer and Fort McMurray, operated by Northwestern Air twice a
week, carried 1,400 passengers last year. O'Connell indicated that the
rapidly slowing economy has likely delayed the Air Canada Jazz decision
concerning daily east-west service from Red Deer to Saskatoon, Kelowna
and Vancouver. The airport authority recently released its five-year
business plan confirming the importance of establishing regular
passenger flights. Meanwhile, the airport is joining other regional
airports in the province to lobby the government for a greater share of
federal airport infrastructure funding. One of the main improvements of
its $25 million capital plan is a $6-$7 million extension of the runway
to allow for larger aircraft. The airport is also attempting to have
customs service re-established.
Springbrook Infrastructure Project
Awarded
The third and final piece of the $10 million project to replace the
aging water and sewer infrastructure in Springbrook was awarded to
Northside Construction for $2.04 million yesterday by Red Deer County
council. The project also includes installing ornamental street lighting
and road reconstruction. Two weeks ago, the contract for Phase 2 was
awarded to Pidherney's Trucking. Phase 1 was completed last year. The
county had lobbied for funding to fix the hamlet's pipes since the mid
1990's when the county inherited the former military base and its
underground infrastructure, some of which dates back to the Second World
War. In late 2007, the federal and provincial governments committed
about $7 million toward the project. Pipes had become so leaky that the
county had to spend an extra $200,000 a year to clean 71 million litres
of groundwater that infiltrated the water system.
County Seeks Funding for Benalto Water Projects
Red Deer County is applying for funding from the Canada-Alberta Building
Canada program announced in January for a $4.7 million project to build
a new reservoir, drill new water supply wells and upgrade the existing
lagoon in Benalto. The hamlet currently has 127 people but is expected
to grow to 500 in the next few years. The county is also applying for
funding under the same program to upgrade 24 km of roads and develop
three trails.
Snowbirds Plan Summer Red Deer Performance
Canada's aerobatics team, the Snowbirds, are expected to perform an
aerial show over or near Red Deer this summer as one of 100 flybys
across the country to celebrate a century of Canadian aviation history.
Details still need to be worked out including setting a date.
Air Historical Society Plans Major Event at Airport
The Harvard Historical Aviation Society is planning a major event at the
Red Deer Regional Airport and Springbrook on June 13 to commemorate the
100th anniversary of powered flight in Canada and the 65th anniversary
of Victoria Cross recipient Andrew Mynarski's fatal heroic flight during
World War Two. Several events and displays are being planned.
Mar. 3, 2009
Credit Union Leasing Millennium Centre Space
Servus Credit Union, which was formed last November through the
amalgamation of Red Deer-based Community Savings with Servus Credit
Union and Common Wealth Credit Union, has committed to lease half of the
seventh floor of the Millennium Centre, located within a block of the
company's Parkland Square office building in downtown Red Deer.
Currently, administration is spread through six buildings and the move
will consolidate most of its office space to the two buildings. The
Millennium Centre added a sixth and seventh floor last year boosting the
building's area by 40,000 sq. ft. Head office for Servus in now Edmonton
with Red Deer designated as a regional office. Two years ago, Community
Savings purchased an 11-acre parcel in Gasoline Alley south of the city
as a possible site for a new administrative headquarters. Even with the
merger, the parcel may be developed in the future.
City Commercial Permits Up From Last Year
Commercial building permits approved in February, valued at $1.8
million, were up from the $893,000 value in the same month last year.
Permits include major renovations at Servus Credit Union North Hill
branch and Deer Park Dairy Queen as well as several stores at Bower
Place Shopping Centre. Overall, permits were down from 106 last year,
valued at $6.1 million, to 67 this year, valued at $5.4 million.
Residential projects contributed $3.3 million in February, down from
$5.1 million in the same month last year. For the first two months of
the year, total permit values stand at $11.5 million, compared to $25.1
million a year earlier.
Mar. 2, 2009
Metis Chapter to be Established in City
A group of Metis are pursuing the establishment of a new chapter of the
organization in Red Deer. The 2006 federal census found that Alberta has
about 60,000 self-identified Metis, the highest number in the western
provinces. Metis Nation chapters already exist in Rocky Mountain House,
Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Pincher Creek. The Metis are descendants of
marriages between indigenous peoples to Europeans and other ethnicities
from around the world and are one of the three officially recognized
Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Metis are unique in that they cannot be
identified by appearance alone but by shared culture.
Top of page
|
