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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
July 2010 Part
1
July 15, 2010
Problems Scuttle Historic River
Journey
A series of logistical and technical issues as well as illness has
scuttled a historic journey down the Red Deer River after a week of a
scheduled 5-week journey recreating a scow boat expedition of dinosaur
fossils hunters a hundred years ago. The 8-person crew launched the
replicated flat-bottomed scow from an area near Bower Ponds on June 29
and had to cancel the trip eight days in at Dry Island Buffalo Jump
Provincial Park when the group leader Darren Tanke, a paleontology
technician with 31 years of experience at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, fell
ill. The scow also had several problems with grounding on rocks in the
river, an experience never recorded in the original 1910 expedition. The
tour was the first scow-based expedition on the river since 1916. The
group plans to try again next year.
City Downtown Ambassadors a Big Hit
The City of Red Deer ambassadors, in partnership with the Red Deer
Downtown Business Association, dressed in red vests and red cowboy hats,
have been helping both tourists and locals find what they need in the
downtown area. Working in pairs, they have assisted tourists from as far
away as Australia, England and the Netherlands. The test project winds
up on the Thanksgiving weekend and is expected to be evaluated for next
year.
Gasoline Alley Hotel Nears Completion
The new 4-storey, 110-unit Hampton Inn and Suites hotel, under
construction on the west side of Highway 2 in Gasoline Alley south of
the city, is expected to open in early August. It features a swimming
pool, fitness area and laundry facilities and will offer guests a
complimentary warm breakfast. Meanwhile, a 111-unit Holiday Inn hotel
and conference centre has started construction on the east side of the
highway.
July 13, 2010
Dawe Centre Ready for August Opening
The G.H. Dawe Community Centre, closed since March 2008 for a $29.9
million expansion, renovation, upgrade and facelift, is ready for the
August 3 reopening and the Sept. 25 grand opening slightly under budget.
The expansion has added 33,000 sq. ft for a total of 94,000 sq. ft.,
less than half the size of the Collicutt Centre on the east side of the
city. The pool area has expanded to include two water slides, a leisure
pool, spray pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna. The Dawe branch of the
Red Deer Public Library has expanded by 47%. The centre also includes a
new fitness room, large lobby, several multi-purpose rooms, concession,
children's play area and gymnasium.
Downtown Development Gets
Site Approval
The Red Deer municipal planning commission has approved a site plan for
a $8 million, 4-storey building at the southwest corner of 49 Avenue and
46 Street that will have a mix of residential and office space. The
first two floors will consist of 22,200 sq. ft. of office space and the
top two floors will have one and two bedroom condominium residential
units. Construction is expected to begin in August and be completed a
year later. The project is compatible with the vision of the Greater
Downtown Action Plan.
Provincial Grant Boosts Lacombe
Athletic
Park
The Lacombe Athletic Park, currently under construction next to the
Lacombe Composite High School, has received a grant of $125,000 from the
Alberta Communities Facilities Enhancement program, bringing the
fundraising to just over $2.1 million for the $3 million facility. The
first two of three phases which include a fieldhouse, lights and
bleachers are expected to be completed by September. The third phase,
hopefully ready by spring 2011, includes artificial turf and a rubber
running track.
New North City Community Centre for 2013
The city of Red Deer is planning for a new $1 million regional community
centre to serve the city's northwest side for 2013. The design would
allow for up to 150 people to meet or the space could be divided so
multiple smaller groups can meet simultaneously. The facility would also
include a large kitchen. The centre would serve the neighbourhoods of
Aspen Heights, Normandeau, Glendale, Kentwood, Johnstone Crossing and
Johnstone Park.
July 12, 2010
New Downtown Parkade Almost Complete
The $21.3 million Sorensen Station transit terminal and parkade project
in downtown Red Deer is nearing completion. Buses will be returning to
the terminal that closed a year ago from their temporary terminal on
August 1. The parkade will open with an official ceremony on August 28.
The project includes a kiosk on the ground floor's northwest corner that
will offer snacks, beverages and other convenience items for station
users and passersby. A half cylindrical 'green' roof has been planted
with sedum, a hardy succulent that lives on thin soils, needs very
little maintenance and will grow into a carpet of small plants that will
capture rain water and solar energy.
Concerns Raised About Sylvan Lake
Shoreline Plan
Lacombe County hosted an open house recently that drew 130 people to
learn about the proposed Sylvan Lake Area Structure Plan. Under the
proposal, new housing units will be introduced in phases with up to
8,500 new residences that could bring 21,250 more people to live around
the shoreline of the lake. New developments would be divided between 50%
housing and 50% open space. Many of those attending believe that the
expanded development won't properly protect the quality and quantity of
water and ecosystems in the lake basin.
Modern Regional
Multiplex Opens in Penhold
The grand opening of the $23 million, 100,000 sq. ft. Penhold Regional
Multiplex Saturday attracted more than 1,200 people who wanted to get a
look at the impressive modern facility that includes an NHL-sized hockey
arena, gymnasium, regional library, running track, concession, bistro
cafe, dance studio, fitness centre and meeting rooms. The town's
municipal office will also move to the facility at a later date. The new
6,500 sq. ft. library features a teen lounge, children's area, program
room and 8 computers. There were plenty of activities for the opening
including a pancake breakfast, afternoon barbecue, monster truck rides,
entertainment and lazer tag for the kids.
July 10, 2010
Pine Lake Tornado Remembered After 10
Years
The aftermath of a devastating F3 tornado that struck Pine Lake on July
14, 2000 is vividly remembered by those who survived, the dedicated
emergency responders and those who gathered to assist the survivors.
Twelve people were killed and over 150 injured. Trees were twisted and
uprooted, trailers hurled, vehicles flipped and houses destroyed. The
worst hit was the Green Acres Campground but the storm covered a fairly
long swath. The campground and rural homes have been rebuilt and many
trees have been replanted but the many acts of heroism will long be
remembered.
Construction Won't Deter Sylvan Lake
Sunbathers
The $24 million redevelopment of Lakeshore Drive and the adjoining
waterfront has not deterred hundreds of sunbathers from flocking to and
enjoying the lake. The current $7 million phase will see Centennial Park
expanded, lakeside walking areas improved and landscaped, a new parking
lot created and a four-block stretch of roadway south of the park
upgraded in order to relocate Lakeshore Drive. All businesses along the
popular roadway remain open as the construction proceeds.
Red Deer Housing Starts Double From 2009
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) reports that work was started
on 357 homes in Red Deer during the first six months of 2010, compared
to 160 for the same period a year earlier. This year's figure include
217 single-detached homes and 140 multi-family units. In 2009, 110
single-detached homes and 50 multi-family units were started. Lacombe
had 92 housing starts during the first half of 2010, compared to 26 for
the same period a year earlier. Sylvan Lake climbed to 66 starts this
year compared to 16 in 2009.
Downtown Stanford Inn to Undergo Changes
An eastside downtown Red Deer hotel has changed ownership and will
undergo some major changes including a name change to Coronation Centre.
The 4-storey Stanford Inn's top two floors, consisting of about 17,500
sq. ft., will cease to be used as guest rooms and be converted into
office space. The second floor will continue to be guest rooms and the
ground floor will continue with both the restaurant and pub. The hotel,
built in the mid-1960s after the Canadian National Railway vacated the
land, had previously operated as the Granada Inn and Court House Inn.
Currently, the building has 60 guest rooms, 60 on-site parking stalls
and is close to the courthouse and city hall.
July 9, 2010
Community Supports Ronald
McDonald House
Lyn Radford, chair of the capital campaign for the construction of the
Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta to be built near the Red Deer
Regional Hospital Centre, notes that community members have contributed
about 40% of the $10.5 million needed to build the 3-storey structure.
Corporate donations account for the rest. The facility is expected to
open in June 2011.
Olds Housing Project Proceeds
Cornerstone Village, a housing development on a 7.75 acre property owned
by Leaside Development on the west side of Olds northeast of the
Cornerstone Shopping Centre, is proceeding as planned in spite of the
economic downturn. A 3-storey, 36-unit apartment condominium has already
been built with three quarters of the units already sold to buyers from
the town and several surrounding communities as well as Calgary. Two
more similar buildings are planned. A dozen of 38 duplex villa bungalows
are under construction.
Lacombe Plans Major Upgrade of
Parks
The town of Lacombe is looking for public input on a proposed Community
and Recreation Enhancement (CARE) project that would take 3 years to
complete and cost about $1 million. The project involves relocating four
ball diamonds, relocating and expanding a soccer field, relocating and
upgrading a playground, and adding a skateboard park and off-leash dog
park. The proposal also includes connecting trails and landscaping.
July 8, 2010
Police Dog Training Centre Unique in
Canada
The RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre near Innisfail along Highway
2 has been operating for 45 years and is the only RCMP facility of its
kind in Canada. About 30 dogs complete a one-on-one training program
with their handlers annually. Currently, there are about 130 general
duty RCMP dogs trained to apprehend criminals, track and search, and
another 25 specially trained dogs detect narcotics or explosives.
Through the years, dogs and their handlers have used fields, backyards,
businesses and pastures around Central Alberta during training. Only
about 17% of the trained dogs succeed in working for the police force.
Free public demonstrations occur every Wednesday afternoon during the
summer.
Ghost Stories at Innisfail Historical
Village
Ghost Walks, a series of fictional spooky stories, is expected to be a
highlight this summer at the Innisfail Historical Village. Dressed in
monks' robes and using special lighting effects to add punch to the
stories, museum workers guide visitors through the general store, train
station, blacksmith shop and heritage room. Ghost Walks run 3 times
during the evening on July 9, 16, 30 and Aug. 6, 20, 27.
New Development Being Built in
Gasoline
Alley
A new 10-pump Petro-Canada service station and convenience store along
with a liquor store are under construction in Gasoline Alley as the
first phase of a larger development and are expected to open in
September. A larger commercial building and stand-alone
nationally-branded restaurant are the next buildings planned for the
3-acre site as the next phase of development. A third stage could
include a multi-bay strip mall, office condos or a motel planned for
construction in 2011.
July 7, 2010
Sylvan Lake Washroom Project Delayed
Two new washrooms under construction at Sylvan Lake Provincial Park
along the town's lakeshore are three months behind schedule and over
budget. Work on the $2.1 million project was to have been completed by
May 30 prior to the summer tourist season. Reasons given for the delay
include the long winter, wet spring, more dirt work than expected and
poor workmanship by a subcontractor. Meanwhile the current washrooms are
still operating.
Low Income Seniors Housing in Short
Supply
The Piper Creek Foundation reports that housing for low-income seniors
is in short supply in Red Deer. The vacancy rate for the 200
bachelor-style units in three retirement lodges is 0.7% and the waiting
list is more than 100. Current subsidized rents are between $955 and
$1,095. This contrasts with the higher end private market which has an
average 12.2% vacancy rate and an average rent of $2,477 as reported by
the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
School Division to Sell Mirror School
The Wolf Creek School Division is accepting bids for the Mirror School
and hopes to have a purchaser by the end of August. The school was
closed at the end of June because of dwindling enrolment with only 44
students last year. Students will now attend schools in Alix, Clive or
east of Ponoka.
July 6, 2010
Transportation
Study to Include High Speed Rail
Alberta Transportation is moving forward with a long-term province-wide
study to evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing roads, rail
lines and airports over the next 40 years. The strategic plan will
include the examination of high speed rail between Calgary and Edmonton
with a stop in Red Deer and early indications are that it could happen
sooner than the department had originally believed. A recent Alberta
Population Projections report anticipates that there could be six
million people or nearly 80% of the province's population living in the
Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton corridor by 2050. A high speed rail study
released last year indicated that such a system with five stops, two
each in Calgary and Edmonton and one in Red Deer, would have economic,
social and environmental benefits. City officials support the new study
to help determine rights of way for rail and highway corridors in
planning future strategies. The new overall transportation study is
expected to be completed in 2011.
July 5, 2010
City Building Permits
Up During First Half of Year
Total building permits issued by the city of Red Deer for the first six
months of the year were valued at $59.8 million, up slightly from $58.9
million for the same period last year. Residential permits from January
to June were valued at $37.6 million, up from $32.9 million for the
first six months of 2009. Commercial permits were valued at $11.4
million, up from $9.1 million and industrial permits were valued at $8.9
million, up from $780,000 issued for the first half of 2009. Public
projects were down dramatically this year at $2 million compared to
$16.2 million issued between January and June last year. In June,
residential permits were issued for $4.8 million, down from the $10.2
million issued for the same month last year. But commercial and
industrial permits were up substantially mostly due to two major
expansion projects. Wal-Mart is expanding its Southpointe Common store
by 30,000 sq. ft. to transform it into a supercentre. Quinn's Oilfield
Supply is expanding its building by 49,000 sq. ft. at the former Leader
Energy Services site in the Riverside Heavy Industrial Park for
headquarters for its Quinn Pumps division.
Skydiving Championships Held at Innisfail
The 4-day Alberta Provincial Skydiving Championships were held at the
Big Bend Airport near Innisfail finishing up over the weekend. A twin
otter was used to send as many as 22 divers up every 20 minutes for
various events. Jumpers came from all over Alberta ranging in experience
from 20 previous jumps to 20,000.
July 3, 2010
Census Shows Red Deer to be a
Young City
The recent census conducted by the city of Red Deer shows the average
age of the city's population is 34 years old with close to a 50/50 split
between males and females. There has been a dramatic increase in Red
Deer's population since 2000 when there were 65,701 residents compared
to the 2010 count of 90,084. The number of people has almost doubled
since 1981 when the population stood at 45,405. There were only 2,118
residents in 1911. Dwellings in Red Deer in 2010 include 20,558 single
detached homes, 3,001 duplexes/semi detached homes, 1,246 four and
triplexes and 7,894 apartment units.
Benalto Man Builds Working Model
Locomotives
A Benalto man builds working models of classic historic steam
locomotives using computer-driven tools to a very high level of accuracy
and authenticity. Through his company, New West Live Steam, Ernie
Beskowiney has built, in meticulous detail, miniature replicas of CPR
Heavy Mikado 2-8-2. He is currently working on a replica of CNR Mountain
4-8-2 6060 operated by the Rocky Mountain Rail Society on the Alberta
Prairie Railway Excursions out of Stettler and a CPR Selkirk 2-10-4.
Each project takes from three to five years to complete. The locomotives
with tender are over 3 metres long at approximately one-eighth the size
of the actual engines and run on seven and a half inch wide track.
July 2, 2010
Residential School
Graves to be Preserved
The working group formed to host the celebration Wednesday to honour the
children who attended the Red Deer Industrial School between 1893 and
1919 is now committed to preserving the small graveyard near the former
school grounds. Only four wooden headboards currently stand where at
least 12 people are buried. Plans are underway to create a permanent
memorial. Archives records indicate that the Red Deer Industrial School
had one of the worst student mortality rates of all the residential
schools in Canada, partly due to an outbreak of the Spanish flu. Staff
also became sick and were unable to care for some of the burials so
there are some graves in Red Deer on Michener Hill. Although local
historians were aware of the former facility, interest in the
residential school started to develop more generally five years ago when
an African visitor encouraged the Sunnybrook United Church in Red Deer
to further research its history. Later, a neighbouring landowners
applied to subdivide some property near the site prompting Red Deer
County to require an archeological assessment be done partly due to the
church intervening. The church later approached reserves where students
had come from and established the committee to organize Wednesday's
ceremony.
Cultural Diversity Highlights Canada Day
Thousands of people converged at Bower Ponds in Red Deer yesterday to
experience the city's cultural diversity in meals and entertainment and
to watch the spectacular fireworks for Canada Day celebrating the
nation's 143rd birthday. Mainstage entertainment featuring various
ethnic groups and local musicians started at 10 am and continued
throughout the day, special dignitaries spoke at 2 pm and fireworks
ended the day at around 11 pm. It was also the busiest day of the year
for the paddle boat business in spite of the cool weather. Meanwhile,
several other communities throughout Central Alberta celebrated the day
with various kinds of activities.
July 1, 2010
Native Residential
School Children Honoured
Over 200 people attended a ceremony at Fort Normandeau yesterday to
honour the 325 First Nations and Metis children who attended the Red
Deer Industrial/Residential School across the river between 1893 and
1919. Some of the children never returned to their families. Many
escaped and simply disappeared. Others succumbed to disease. The
residential school system was funded by the federal government and
operated by church groups. Children were removed from their families to
facilities as far from their homes as possible. Many of the children at
Red Deer were from Manitoba. The students were generally forbidden to
speak their native language. A small graveyard lies near the former
school grounds where at least 12 people are buried, some of them
students. Wednesday's celebration opened with prayers and pipe
ceremonies leading into reading the names of all the children who had
been brought to the school. The three members of the federal Truth and
Reconciliation Committee, formed to research the history of residential
schools in Canada, determine what happened to the missing children and
recommend ways to ease the suffering of survivors and family, were in
attendance. The moderator of the United Church of Canada, also in
attendance, recognized the damage caused by the system over several
generations of aboriginal peoples.
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