Archived Springbrook and Area News
November 2005

Nov. 25, 2005
AbundanceNet to Launch New netMagazine
Focus on the Red Deer Region will be launched Dec. 1 as an information netMagazine covering Central Alberta with special emphasis on the economic, tourist, recreation, transportation and historic features of the Red Deer area including Red Deer County. The site will compliment the 3C Partnership (City, County, Chamber) web site set to launch next March but will include some areas beyond the scope of that region.
Springbrook-Penhold Trail One Step Closer to Reality
Derry Armstrong of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation met recently with the Penhold Lions Club and other interested parties in the construction of the trail between Springbrook and Penhold. The intention will be to build a 2.8 m (8') trail 3 km long, possibly paved, as a showcase for future trail development in the area. A steering committee will meet in January to discuss funding options, co-operative ventures and other details to get the project completed in the shortest time possible. The Springbrook Community Association was represented by Paul Pettypiece.

Nov. 8, 2005
County Emergency Services Responds to Springbrook House Fire
Several emergency vehicles descended on Springbrook early Tuesday afternoon in response to dense smoke at 316 Spruce St., a half duplex owned by sisters Allyn and Darolyn Huslage who are now, at least temporarily, homeless. No one was home at the time and an estimated $150,000 damage was done. Unfortunately their three dogs perished in the fire. Although no flames were spotted from the street, the County Fire Dept. pumped a considerable amount of water into the home and had to work under intense heat and smoke before getting it under control. Preliminary investigation suggests the fire started in the kitchen but spread to the basement and upper floor. Darolyn, her teen daughter Ashton, and Allyn will be staying with a nearby relative until the damage is repaired. Fortunately, the home was insured. The equipment used came from all four County fire stations and County Protective Services. The adjoining duplex, owned by a volunteer fireman, was not significantly damaged. The County is always looking for more volunteers to serve with the fire department and this incident brings home the significant contribution that volunteer firemen bring to a community. The new fire hall under construction at the corner of Airport Drive and 34 Ave. is expected to be ready to move into in the spring.

Nov. 7, 2005
Springbrook-Penhold Trail Committee Looking For Members
Representatives of the Springbrook Community Association, Penhold Town Council and Central Alberta Regional Trails Society met with the Penhold Lions Club on November 7 to discuss forming a steering committee to construct the portion of trail between Springbrook and Penhold that will ultimately become part of the Trans Canada Trail. The hope is that the 3.1 km. trail will be built by next summer. The committee will be formed at the next meeting of the Lions Club (who is spearheading the project) on Mon. Nov. 21. A provincial representative is scheduled to be in attendance. Anyone in the Springbrook area who would like to be a member of the steering committee can contact Paul Pettypiece at 886-2852 for more information.

Nov. 3, 2005
Springbrook Hosts Training Events
Both Bear Training Centre and Harvard Park Business Centre have been hosting training events over the past few weeks. Bear Training is currently the site of oilpatch training for three Southern Alberta Aboriginal bands where oilfield preparation, rig training, safety classes and physical fitness are emphasized. A few weeks ago, several police courses were held at Harvard Park including forensics and high speed chase training.
High Speed Rail Being Studied Further
The provincial government has initiated further study in a high speed rail link between Calgary and Edmonton. Various parties have suggested three routes: along the Highway 2 corridor, along the existing CPR right of way or a new right of way about one mile west of Highway 2. Regardless of the route, if it proceeds, it will be within the Springbrook Waskasoo area.


Current News     Summary of Headlines