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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
October 2009 Part 2
Oct. 30, 2009
Newest City Annexation Gets Provincial
Approval
The provincial cabinet has approved the city's annexation of 7,410 acres
(3,000 hectares) from Red Deer County retroactive to September 1, 2009.
The previous annexation was in 2007 for industrial use on the west side
of Highway 2. The current annexation will be for residential,
commercial, recreational and industrial uses. The new land consists of
3,900 acres (1,600 hectares) along the city's east side, 3,200 acres
(1,300 hectares) north of Highway 11A and 247 acres (100 hectares) on
the city's west side south of the Red Deer River and east of Highway 2.
This represents the largest annexation in the city's history that
increases the land base by about 40%. It is phase 1 of several
annexations over the next several years agreed to in the Intermunicipal
Development Plan between the city and county in 2007 that will provide
for city growth for an estimated 75 years and a population of 300,000.
Regional Tourism Group Receives Award
The Central Alberta Tourism Committee has received the 2009 Alto Award
for Marketing Partnership during the Travel Alberta Industry Conference
in Banff for their Sweet 16 program. The committee consists of Innisfail,
Lacombe, Ponoka, Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House, Stettler, Sylvan Lake,
Wetaskiwin, Red Deer County and Tourism Red Deer. The marketing program
highlighted events and activities during the 16 weeks between the May
and September long weekends.
New Innisfail Co-op Building Well
Underway
Construction of the new 32,000 sq. ft. $6.4 million Home and Agro Centre
building is well under way in Innisfail. The new Central Alberta Co-op
facility will house the company's agro products, petroleum operations
and home and garden centre.
Oct. 29, 2009
Provincial Land Use
Plans Are Watershed-Based
The recently-passed Alberta Land Stewardship Act sets in motion the
Land-Use Framework that identifies seven regions based on major Alberta
watersheds and the creation of a land-use plan for each. The Red Deer
Region, based on the Red Deer River watershed, encompasses the counties
of Red Deer, Lacombe, Mountain View, Ponoka, Stettler, Paintearth,
Kneehill and Starland extending to the Saskatchewan boundary. Two of the
provincial regions have already set up regional advisory councils and
will have a plan in place next year. Work on the Red Deer Region will
begin in 2011 with a plan in place in 2012. Municipalities will still
have the authority to make decisions concerning land use providing those
decisions do not contravene the overall plan.
Highway 2 Plan Near Lacombe Raises
Concerns
Alberta Transportation is proposing that the Duckett Road at-grade
intersection with Highway 2 north of Lacombe be eliminated and traffic
diverted to roads along the roadway. Area residents consider the road a
key access route into the town and are concerned that the plan will add
miles to each journey including those by emergency vehicles. Although
residents realize the current intersection is dangerous, they want a
proper interchange or at least an overpass at the location. It is
estimated that the plan to create service roads would cost $11 million
while an overpass with no connection to the highway $14 million and a
full interchange $25 million.
Changes Coming for North Red Deer
Schools
The Red Deer Public School Division is planning to convert two
elementary schools (K-5) and a middle school (6-8) to Kindergarten to
Grade 8 schools by the 2010/2011 school year. The schools in north Red
Deer are G.H. Dawe Community, Normandeau Elementary and Glendale Middle.
City Landscaping Downtown
Arches Project
The city of Red Deer is completing the new pathways and landscaping
around the Arches project and fountain at Centennial Park Plaza on the
west side of the downtown. The Central Alberta Historical Society is
still looking for donors to help fund the final phase of the project
which consists of placing 27 historic plaques on the nine pillars of the
arches. The semi-circular design is based on the architecture of an old
railway roundhouse.
Oct. 26, 2009
Former Locals Star in 'Battle of the
Blades'
Three former Central Albertans are being featured in a new CBC-TV
reality show 'Battle of the Blades' that teams up professional figure
skaters with professional hockey players. The show is co-hosted by Kurt
Browning, formerly of Caroline and Ron McLean formerly of Red Deer.
Browning is a former Olympic figure skater and world champion and McLean
is best known in his co-hosting role on Hockey Night in Canada. One of
the competitors is Jamie Sale, formerly of Red Deer, Olympic pairs
figure skating gold medalist.
Lacombe Chamber Hands Out Annual Awards
The Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce held its annual award gala
recently. Large Business of the Year went to JP's Restaurant; Small
Business of the Year went to Janitorial Supplies Plus; Rookie Business
of the Year went to Orchid Rain Salon N' Spa; Nonprofit Society of the
Year went to Lacombe Kinsmen; Farm Family of the Year went to Tony and
Kathy Kamlah. Lifetime Achievement Award went to Charlotte Davidiuk of
Juniper Emblems.
Oct. 24, 2009
Penhold Multiplex
Gets More Federal Funds
Phase 3 of the $20 million Penhold Regional Multiplex, currently under
construction, is much closer to proceeding as a result of a $850,000
federal grant under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program which
is part of the Economic Action Plan. Phase 1 which includes an NHL-size
hockey arena, fitness centre and upper 3-lane running track is expected
to be completed in March 2010. Phase 2 which includes the lobby and
library is expected to be completed by August or September 2010. The 3rd
and final phase which includes a gymnasium and dance studio could be
completed by the end of 2010. The town now has $15 million for the
project and is currently conducting various fundraising activities and
programs to fund the balance.
Oct. 21, 2009
ReThink Red Deer Explores Sustainability
Options
ReThink Red Deer, a grassroots group that encourages sustainability and
smart urban planning, is exploring ways to conserve energy and deal with
climate change. A recent public meeting focused on a global movement
called Transition Towns that promotes sustainable living and local
resilience by reducing energy dependence and waste.
Major Resort Planned for Sundre Area
A Calgary developer is planning a 350 to 450 lot RV and cottage
all-season recreational development for a 120-acre site west of Sundre.
The $80 million investment that includes a lake and scenic creek will be
aimed at retired people who are looking for a get-away. Final approvals
are expected next year with build-out expected to take from three to
five years.
Neighbourhood Redevelopment Plan Endorsed
One of Red Deer's oldest neighbourhoods will be getting a makeover over
the next 15 years as a result of city council endorsing the Riverside
Meadows Area Redevelopment Plan and Community Plan. On the north side of
the Red Deer River, the area will likely see a lot of investment and
redevelopment as a result of the guidelines in the plan that encourage
attractive development, reduce piecemeal zoning and promote public art
such as a replica train sculpture near the old CPR bridge.
Real Estate Market Relatively Soft
The Central Alberta Realtors Association reports that 122 homes were
sold in September in Red Deer through the Multiple Listing Service,
compared to 185 during the same month in 2008. In the surrounding
region, 199 homes sold compared to 212 a year ago. However, inventories
of unsold homes are declining.
Michener Condos Could Begin Later This
Year
Construction could start by the end of the year on Sierras of Michener
Hill next to the new Extendicare Canada's continuing care facility. The
first phase of the 148-unit condominium complex will consist of 50 units
and shared facilities like a fitness centre, billiards room, hot tub and
sauna, and library.
Oct. 20, 2009
Heritage Ranch Plan Endorsed by City
Council
Red Deer city council has unanimously endorsed the Heritage Ranch 2009
Concept Plan which will be used to guide future development on a
215-acre parcel immediately east of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and
Tourism Red Deer along Highway 2. Capital costs for the 10-year plan are
estimated at $4.4 million including $1.7 million for adding upgraded
utilities to the site. The plan includes the addition of programs and
promotional features, the upgrade of the ranch's visitor centre, and the
improvement of vehicle and pedestrian access in order to boost the
popularity of the underused recreational and equestrian area.
Lacombe Highway Project Tied to City
Status
An agreement between the province and the Town of Lacombe includes
several improvements to Highway 2A through the town and the application
for city status by the town of 12,000 residents. The highway project
includes the addition of two lanes on a 4-km stretch of the 2-lane
highway, improvements to the intersection of Highways 2A and 12 and
several enhancements that include landscaping and a walking trail. Work
is expected to commence in 2011 and be completed by the following year.
The new status would make the community the province's 17th city.
Oct. 19, 2009
Lacombe Walk/Run Event Raises Money for
Trails
The first annual Lacombe in Motion Walk/Run to improve trails around six
town lakes and ponds involved more than 200 participants yesterday.
Proceeds from the event will go toward developing new trails, improving
existing ones and setting up outdoor workout stations. Some trails will
extend north and south as part of the Trans Canada Trail.
Oct. 16, 2009
Urban Wetland Research Project at Olds College
A Calgary developer, WestCreek Developments, has presented a cheque for $490,700 to Olds College
for its $3.2 million wetland and botanical research project that could
change the way decorative lakes and retention ponds are built in urban
centres. Part of the project will be to determine if artificial wetlands
can be as effective at ridding storm water of toxins and impurities as
natural wetlands. A 6-acre wetland surrounded by 12 acres of park-like
botanical gardens will be open to the public and allow students to
experiment with various perennial plants and trees. Other funds for the
project were obtained from private and industry sources, environmental
organizations, and provincial and municipal governments.
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