Andrew Charles Mynarski             The Future of Springbrook-Waskasoo             Springbrook Community Association
      Springbrook Gasoline Alley Area Structure Plan                Heritage Urban Design Plan                 Recreation Complex

 
 
Diverse, Interactive, Educational - Plane History

A commemoration and celebration of the history of
the Penhold military base
 
Harvard Historical Aviation Society
 
403-886-5711
hhac@penholdbase.com

 
The Future of Springbrook and area
 
As much activity as has occurred in the past, the future of Springbrook will likely see a lot more.
 
First, there is a major expansion in the residential area currently underway that, over the next five to ten years, could double or triple the present population. This is occurring in the area east of the current residential area toward the railroad tracks. Another expansion of the Harvard Park residential area in the north-east sector is currently underway. The current two wells and reservoir will be able to handle a good portion of the short term growth. A $10 million infrastructure upgrade will replace aging water and sewer lines and rehabilitate the roads.

As the population increases, so too will the services and businesses in the area.  There are plans for increased recreation opportunities including a new major sports field. A new fire hall is now open and Chinook's Edge School Division is looking at constructing an elementary school and possibly a regional high school in the area.
 
(See map of proposed area structure plan or concepts and summary of plan)
 
Secondly, there is projected to be a major expansion at the airport, including lengthening the main runway to accommodate larger aircraft, an increase in scheduled flights and an expansion of the business and industrial base. Major announcements are expected soon on industrial development.
 
In terms of road development, Highway 2A may be twinned in the future as the population and therefore traffic increases, first from Red Deer to McKenzie Road, then from McKenzie to Springbrook, and finally from Springbrook to Penhold. There will also be an additional access road into Springbrook on the west side of the railway north when Range Road 281 from the C & E Trail just west of the County Building near 32 St. Red Deer is upgraded to a paved road.
 
A new access road from Highway 2A, near the old ACR right of way, to Gasoline Alley has opened paving the way for more development in that area. Long term Red Deer plans foresee McKenzie Road east of Highway QE2 being part of a major arterial ring road expressway connecting with the future 20 Ave. on the east side of the city when Red Deer reaches a population of 125,000.
 
Over the next few years, the Trans-Canada Trail will be built either along the Highway 2A-CPR-Waskasoo Creek corridor or along upgraded County roads with the trail passing through Springbrook. The section between Penhold and Springbrook will likely be built first, followed by the Springbrook-Red Deer route. Both are planned to be completed by 2010.
 
Developers and the County also foresee trails built along with new residential areas both in Springbrook and Gasoline Alley. The city will eventually build a trail connecting Fort Normandeau with Heritage Ranch and possibly as far south as the ACR railway river bridge.

There are opportunities to create tourist facilities showing the roles the river, the railway and the C & E Trail had on the heritage and culture of the region.
 
There is currently a proposal to create an aviation heritage centre at Springbrook with emphasis on the Harvard and other trainer aircraft as well as the role of the former military base between 1939 to 1965.
 
And finally, high speed rail is a real possibility within the next ten years, almost certainly running past Springbrook. It has been suggested that the terminal be located close to the airport but it is more likely to be located closer to Red Deer. However, a proposed urban design plan is recommending that a transit corridor between the airport and the city be established.
  

Working for the betterment
and future of Springbrook,
Red Deer County and
the Red Deer Region

Paul For Red Deer County

 
Dog and Cat Boarding

Professional, Safe, Comfortable
place for your pets to stay
while on business or vacation

Piper Creek Pet Resort

403-347-3967
Fax 403-309-7255
Red Deer County

Brenda & Tom Wyntjes

C.A.R.T.S.
Central Alberta Regional
Trails Society