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News of the Red Deer Region
snippets and
summaries of news from local resources including media, press releases
and personal knowledge
April 2009 Part 2
Apr. 30, 2009
Red Deer Ranked in Top 10 Places to Work
According to the May issue of MoneySense magazine, Red Deer ranks 10th
out of 154 Canadian communities as the best places to work. Five other
Alberta communities were in the top 10 including Calgary, Brooks, Cold
Lake, Grande Prairie and Edmonton. The category focused on good salaries
and above-average discretionary incomes.
Apr. 29, 2009
Parkland Industries Enjoys Record Quarter
Red Deer-based Parkland Industries Fund enjoyed a record quarter between
January and March as a result of increased fuel sales and expanded
operations. Fuel sales were up 30% over the same period last year,
attributed to the company's purchase of the fuel supply and marketing
business of NOCO Energy Canada Inc. Gross earnings were up 87% at $32.3
million and net earnings were up 94% at $19.8 million. Net sales were
down 6% at $445 million due to reduced gas prices but higher margins
resulted in higher earnings. Parkland operates retail and wholesale fuel
sales and convenience stores, including FasGas, FasGas Plus, Race Trac,
and Short Stop Food Stores.
Apr. 28, 2009
Road Construction at Red Deer College Set to Go
A $6.8 million major road project to ease traffic congestion at the Red
Deer College entrance and 32 Street is set to begin in May. The current
College Boulevard entrance and associated traffic lights will be
eliminated. A one-way entrance will be created at 57 Avenue with longer
dual left-turn lanes from 32 Street. A one-way exit will be constructed
at 55 Avenue. Each intersection will have new traffic lights and 32
Street will be reconstructed. A widened sidewalk, asphalt paths,
landscaping and improved lighting are also part of the project. Most of
the work is expected to be completed prior to college students returning
in the fall but some work will likely continue until October. The
college is sharing about 40% of the cost of the project.
Apr. 27, 2009
Renovations Begin at Red Deer Museum
A $1.2 million renovation project at the 30-year-old Red Deer Museum and
Art Gallery will close the facility until January. Renovations include
drywalling, removal of some walls to create 8,000 square feet of
flexible space, a new lighting system, a reconfigured entrance, an
updated studio for art classes and more work space for staff. Many
displays and most museum activities, including MAGnificent Saturdays,
artsparks and MAG Cafe, will continue during construction at donated
space and the centre court at Parkland Mall.
Apr. 25, 2009
Habitat for Humanity Gets Provincial Funds
A total of $6 million is being granted by the Alberta government for 67
Habitat for Humanity projects in the province, including 4 in Red Deer
and 2 in Olds. The Red Deer organization is looking to build two
duplexes and possibly a third this year. Habitat homes are built mostly
by volunteers and sold to qualified families at 80% of market value. The
organization holds the mortgage, charges no interest and amortizes the
mortgage for up to 30 years. The recipient family is required to
contribute 500 hours of work.
Group Encourages Non-Use of Car in May
ReThink Red Deer, a grassroots advocacy group consisting of about 200
members, is encouraging people to walk or bike in May instead of using
their cars. A number of fun outdoor activities are planned to help
people reconnect with one another on the streets, improve health and
reduce the city's carbon footprint. The project is strongly supported by
the City, Red Deer College Green Campus and RCMP.
Voucher Plan Benefits Colleges and Businesses
Alberta Advanced Education and Technology has announced that five Red
Deer businesses will benefit from the first round of funding under
Alberta's Innovation Voucher Program. The vouchers can be redeemed at
any of the 40 approved service providers that include designated labs,
fabrication centres and business development centres. Two of the
providers are Red Deer College Applied Research and Innovation and Olds
College School of Innovation. Blue Horizon Ethanol Inc. and DataCan
Services Corp. will each receive $50,000 vouchers for technology
development. Alberta Golf Works Ltd., BioLen Reactors Inc. and Black
Diamond Resources Ltd. will each receive $10,000 vouchers for marketing
studies and business advice.
Apr. 24, 2009
City to Receive Provincial Homelessness Funds
As part of Alberta's 10-year strategy to end homelessness, the city will
receive $1.1 million this year. Some time ago, a report suggested that
there were 200 homeless people in Red Deer with a larger number at risk
of becoming homeless. The provincial strategy is to give highest
priority to housing first initiatives that firstly provide housing
followed up with needed services. The city has called for proposals and
determining what proportion will be used for new project as opposed to
existing projects.
Lacombe County Assessments Up Average 4%
The assessed value of properties in Lacombe County have increased an
average of 4% over the past year with some areas increasing considerably
including the hamlet of Mirror at 30%. Properties near Sylvan Lake and
north of the town of Lacombe increased by around 10%. County council
approved tax rates similar to last year but property owners with the
higher assessments will see an increase in taxes while those without a
significant increase will see taxes similar to last year.
Highway Corridor Plan to be Voted On Soon
After two years of open houses, controversy, public hearings and
revisions, Lacombe County's proposed long-range Highway 2A Corridor
Development Plan between the towns of Blackfalds and Lacombe will soon
be going to county council to vote on the document. A recent public
hearing attracted about 50 people. In spite of all the revisions to the
plan, there is still opposition to it as some property owners want the
freedom to develop their land in whatever way they see fit and some see
the plan as premature.
Apr. 23, 2009
Bower Mall Completes $12 Million Renovation
The Bower Place Shopping Centre in south Red Deer has virtually
completed a $12 million renovation project that has created a 36,000 sq.
ft. wing from the former Convergys call centre. Over the past 5 years,
the mall has spent $55 million in renovation projects. Several new
stores will open next week, including H&M, RW & Co., The Children's
Place and Bath & Body Works. About a dozen other new stores will open
plus a few others relocating from elsewhere in the mall over the next
few weeks. The total project is expected to be complete by August.
Apr. 22, 2009
Proposed Ring Road Route Questioned
Red Deer city council has delayed the approval of a functional planning
study for the Northland Drive/20 Avenue project that would eventually
become an expressway ring road for the city in order to consider whether
the route should be aligned further east than is currently being
recommended. For several years, city officials have identified the major
transportation route that would connect Highway 2 in the north east
along Highway 11A to 20 Avenue, south to McKenzie Road and west to
reconnect with Highway 2 in the south edge of the city. The first phase,
called the North Highway Connector already approved, will connect
Highway 2 in the north along Highway 11A to Northland Drive across the
Red Deer River to 30 Avenue. Subsequent phases would ultimately create a
new 6-lane expressway along 20 Avenue when the city reaches a population
of 188,000, projected to occur in about 30 years, but residential
development is already bordering on the proposed alignment. The proposed
alignment is expected to reduce traffic congestion on both Gaetz Avenue
and east-west arterials. However, consultants suggest that moving the
route further east could diminish the effect of reducing traffic
congestion on Gaetz Avenue.
Red Deer Co-op Posts Record Profit
Red Deer Co-op Ltd. reports that its earnings in 2008 were $7.83 million
with sales of $122.8 million compared to 2007, the previous record year,
when earnings were $7.36 and sales were $107 million. The 40,000 members
of the co-operative will share $4.25 million in patronage allocations.
Contributing to the good sales numbers were high fuel prices last
summer, competitive pricing and strong customer service.
Apr. 21, 2009
City and County Make Joint Offer to Buy Ski Hill
The City of Red Deer and Red Deer County announced yesterday that they
have jointly made a conditional offer to purchase the popular Canyon Ski
and Recreation Area east of the city overlooking the Red Deer River. The
240-acre property had been listed for sale at $3.1 million but the
actual purchase price has not been revealed. A 90-day period has been
set aside to review various conditions, including environmental,
engineering, and occupational health and safety inspections. The two
municipalities worked with the current owners, Karl and Lorraine
Martinek, to ensure operations of the ski hill are continued and to
further capitalize on the multi-purpose, all-season potential of the
area. Local skiers and snowboarders feared the facility could be sold to
developers and turned into high-end housing. Canyon is Alberta's largest
non-mountain ski area boasting 168 metres of vertical, 13 runs and 5
lifts. Olympic freestyle skiing bronze medallist Deidra Dionne got her
start on the hill.
Rocky-Nordegg Trail Concept Warmly Received
At a public meeting held recently in Rocky Mountain House to hear the
proposed draft plan for a multi-use recreational trail in Clearwater
County linking Rocky with Nordegg, was well received by most people
attending. Most of the trail will follow the former Canadian National
(Canadian Northern) rail line, once the western section of the Brazeau
subdivision. The plan includes a three-metre wide trail with rest stops,
picnic areas, a few campsites and a number of access points from Highway
11. All or portions of the trail will be used by both motorized vehicles
(ATVs, motorbikes, snowmobiles) and non-motorized users (pedestrians,
mountain bikers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers). Details that
still need to be worked out include designs for bridges, staging areas,
road and highway crossings, trail management and detailed cost
estimates. The final draft is expected by the end of May and is expected
to include preliminary costs and phasing. Once approved by Clearwater
County council, the next steps include government approvals, management
agreements and funding proposals.
Apr. 20, 2009
Harness Racing Underway Near Lacombe
Harness racing got underway over the weekend at the new Alberta Downs
next to Highway 2 just west of Lacombe. The grandstand, stables and
other buildings are still under construction but temporary buildings are
in place to house a betting office, concession and other offices. Ten
races took place both on Saturday and Sunday attracting at least 300
people each day. Lacombe County still needs a few conditions of a
development agreement to be met for final approval.
Construction
Starts Soon at Netook Business Park
Construction is expected to begin this summer on the first buildings in
the new Netook Crossing Business Park on 143 acres near the southwest
corner of the junction between Highways 2 and 27 east of Olds. There is
about 120 acres of saleable land which consists of seven light
industrial lots of about 5 acres each, and 24 highway commercial lots as
small as 2.5 acres of which about half have already been sold. Site work
is about 90% finished. The business park is part of an overall
4,000-acre area structure plan developed by Mountain View County of
which 1,100 acres is designated for future residential.
Apr. 17, 2009
Downtown Hotel Bought for Affordable Housing
Potter's Hands Developments have reached a conditional agreement to
purchase the Rancher's Valley Inn in downtown Red Deer, the last of four
hotels that operated close to the railway station. The Windsor Hotel
burned down a number of years ago. The City of Red Deer recently
purchased the Arlington with the intent of demolishing it for
redevelopment. Potter's Hands previously purchased and renovated the
Buffalo Hotel, turning its rooms into affordable suites for 40 people
who would otherwise be living on the streets. The Valley will also
provide affordable housing but in a different direction than the
Buffalo, possibly for downtown workers. The restaurant will remain open
but the bar, liquor store and VLTs will be discontinued. The two dozen
people living on the second floor will be able to stay. Significant
visual upgrades are planned for the building located on one of the most
prominent corners downtown.
Province Increases Funding to Libraries
The Alberta government has added $135,000 to its contribution to the Red
Deer Public Library and $385,000 to Parkland Regional Library
representing a 39% boost in funding over last year. The Red Deer Public
Library receives most of its funding from the City of Red Deer -- close
to $3 million a year. The economic downturn has resulted in a huge spike
in library use for entertainment, programming and computer use.
Medical Clinic Planned for Former Fun Centre
The former Moonwalkers Fun Centre in northwest Red Deer is being
converted to a medical clinic and drug store. The nearby Highland Park
Walk-in Medical Clinic will relocate to the new premises starting with
five doctors and adding three more at a later date. In addition to
examination rooms, the 5,000 sq. ft. clinic will have two treatment
rooms and include a large children's play area. A 10,000 sq. ft. Value
Drug Mart will be triple the size of the current drug store. Other
medical services have shown interest in the strip mall along Taylor
Drive and it is hoped that the entire building will eventually be
devoted to health care. Both the clinic and drug store are expected to
be open by the end of June.
Apr. 16, 2009
Housing Sales in March Hit 6-Month High
The Central Alberta Realtors Association reported yesterday that home
sales in the region hit a 6-month high in March with 123 transactions
processed in Red Deer and 169 in the surrounding area through the
Multiple Listing Service. The combined total is 23% fewer than the 380
city and rural sales in March 2008 but the difference is smaller than in
any of the previous four months. The median price of homes sold in
Central Alberta last month was $260,000, down 8% from the $283,000
average price in March 2008. In March of 2005, single family dwellings
in Red Deer sold for a median price of $182,000 compared to $326,230
last month and $335,000 a year earlier.
Quarterly Housing Sales Up in Region
Randy Wiens, past-president of the Central Alberta Realtors Association,
believes that the real estate market has hit bottom and that the market
is improving. In Red Deer, between January and March, 210 single familiy
homes were sold through MLS, up from 171 sales in the fourth quarter of
2008, but down from 296 in the first quarter of 2008. In Sylvan Lake, 43
single family were sold during the most recent three-month period
compared to 38 in the final quarter of 2008 and 69 in the first quarter
of last year. In Innisfail, 24 homes were sold compared to 21 in the
previous quarter and 30 a year ago. In Lacombe, 23 homes were sold
compared to 20 in the previous quarter and 34 a year ago. In Blackfalds,
22 homes were sold compared to 14 in the previous quarter and 27 last
year. Home sales were also up in Ponoka and Rocky Mountain House and
stayed about the same in Stettler. In the first quarter this year, the
median price for a single family home was $305,000 in Red Deer, $318,000
in Sylvan Lake, $289,000 in Lacombe, $278,000 in Blackfalds, all down
from the previous quarter and the same period last year. In Ponoka and
Stettler, the median price was up from the previous quarter and the same
period a year earlier.
Subdivision Approved Near School Cemetery
Red Deer County has conditionally approved Moore Meadows, a 54-lot
subdivision on a 48-acre parcel west of the city along Burnt Lake Trail
near the almost-forgotten Red Deer Indian Industrial School. The
developers have agreed to build a path and small parking lot to allow
people to visit the cemetery site where a plaque or other sign will be
placed. At least 18 graves of children who attended the school were
found outside the subdivision on a closed road allowance. A detailed
assessment is to be undertaken to ensure sewage, water and runoff issues
can be addressed.
County Designates Churches as Historic
Red Deer County council has approved the designation of Markerville
Lutheran Church and the Holy Trinity Anglican Church at Pine Lake as
historic resources. The designation allows the county to protect the
buildings and land as well as to apply for provincial funding. The Pine
Lake church was built from 1902 to 1903 and has a distinctive
pyramidal-roofed bell tower located on a hill top northwest of the lake.
The Markerville church used sandstone hauled from the Red Deer River for
its foundation and has Gothic Revival influences. Both churches will now
be listed on both the Alberta and Canadian Registers of Historic Places.
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