Archived Springbrook and Area News
September 2006

Sept. 30, 2006
Weather Favours Red Deer County Information Fair
About 850 people, almost double from last year, turned out for this year's Information Fair put on by Red Deer County at the County administration building grounds Sat. Sept. 30. The weather was perfect for the event that attracted people from all over the county and the city making it the most successful event yet. There were several activities for children, entertainment and a free buffet style meal that was very popular. Displays housed in large tents by county departments, organizations and artisans were well attended.
 
County displays included Phase 2 of the Open Spaces Master Plan, the Benalto redevelopment plan, annexation proposals of several communities in the county, Emergency Services, recreation and culture boards, FCSS and many more. The Medicine River Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre also had a display.
 





Sept. 28, 2006
Concept Plan for City of 300,000 Could Bring City and County Together
The City of Red Deer has produced a concept of what the city could look like 45 to 75 years down the road when it reaches a population of 300,000. The tentative plan is an expansion of a similar concept produced by the County a year ago. It even suggests that Gasoline Alley remain in the County for the foreseeable future. As a result, the two municipalities appear to be much closer to a vision for the future than what was previously thought. The report, called 'Future Directions: Red Deer at 300,000' is being presented to the public for input on October 11 at Westerner Park and October 17 at the North Hill Inn (each open house will include a presentation at 5 and 7 pm). The concept suggests that the future boundaries of the city would extend east to a natural ridge, north to the Blindman River, west across Highway QE2 to include the Burnt Lake Industrial Park as well as an area around the current Red Deer County Centre building and southwest toward the Red Deer Regional Airport. Industrial development could extend toward the southeast. Included in the concept is a major extension of parks and green space along the Red Deer and Blindman Rivers and Waskasoo Creek.
Penhold Residents Protest Proposed Industrial Development
About 100 residents packed the Penhold Seniors Drop-in Centre on Monday to protest the town's plan to rezone 80 acres of land west of the CPR tracks to heavy industrial. Concerns expressed included noise, pollution and the closeness of the land to Fleming Marsh (an environmental reserve), residences and a school. One of the proposed uses is a holiday trailer manufacturer. The developer will produce a detailed outline plan before it goes back to council.

Sept. 27, 2006
Penhold-Springbrook Trail Plan Proceeds
An operating and maintenance agreement has been drafted by Alberta Infrastructure and Central Alberta Regional Trails Society (CARTS) and is awaiting Red Deer County approval for the proposed trail between Penhold and Springbrook. The 3.2 trail will follow the old Highway 2A right of way creating a safe corridor for bicyclists, pedestrians and inline skaters. Currently, children and adults commuting between the two communities for recreation or school activities are using the shoulder of the increasingly busy Highway 2A or the railway right of way to walk or bike. Once approval is reached with the County, Alberta Transportation and the Penhold Lions Club, fundraising can begin. It is hoped that construction can begin in the spring.

Sept. 25, 2006
Operation Food Lift Offered Free Flights
Skywings Aviation's 13th annual fundraiser for the Red Deer Food Bank, Operation Food Lift, attracted over 100 people in the first two hours and hoped to raise between $5,000 and $6,000 in cash and a similar value in food donations over the day on Sunday. Held at the Red Deer Regional Airport, each contributor received a free 15-minute flight. Five Skywings planes and three private planes were used.

Sept. 23, 2006
Pace of Springbrook Reconstruction Varies
Some of the homes damaged in the August 10 hail and wind storm in Springbrook are gradually getting repaired but others are still waiting for the okay from the insurance companies or are waiting to find a contractor willing and able to do the work. A few roofs have been reshingled and several more are scheduled to be done in the next few weeks. Similar progress is true for siding, eavestroughs and windows. But there are not enough workers available to get all the work done before winter sets in so it could be spring before the reconstruction is complete. Nevertheless, the hamlet is buzzing with construction activity that, once completed, will look like a whole new community.
For more news concerning the August 10 hail and wind storm - click here
Springbrook Malibu Design Exception Denied by Red Deer County
Red Deer County council has denied a request by Malibu Communities to relax the design standard for new homes at the entrance to its major residential subdivision in Springbrook. Malibu wanted to put extended front drive garage on three new homes that were about to be built. The developer is now redesigning the homes to meet the community standards.
For a map of the Malibu development - click here

Sept. 22, 2006
Grand Opening of New Fire Hall Set for Oct. 14

The official opening of the new County Fire Station #4 at Springbrook is set for Saturday, October 14 at 1 pm, followed by the presentation of Alberta Emergency Services medals and a barbecue lunch. All Springbrook residents are invited to attend.


 
Springbrook Condos Elect New Board of Directors
On Sept. 21, the Condominium Association elected by acclamation a new Board of Directors for the coming year. They include 4 returning members and three new ones. The Board elected its executive - President Bob Bobyk, Vice-President Larry Kettlewell, Secretary Ryan Paus, Treasurer Paul Pettypiece. Others directors include Orrin Lind, Christine Long, Renee Seitz. At the annual meeting, progress of the rehabilitation of the buildings from the Aug. 10 hail and wind storm, water and sewer billing, step rehabilitation and future projects were discussed.
Penhold Looks to Develop Industrial Park
A proposal to rezone urban reserve to heavy industrial west of the CP Railroad tracks in Penhold is drawing some concern. The proposal is immediately south of 13 residential properties and close to the Fleming marshlands which includes a Ducks Unlimited project. It's also not far from a school. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday.

Sept. 20, 2006
County Attempts to Change South Hills Area Structure Plan
Red Deer County has given first reading to altering the boundary of the South Hills Area Structure Plan to put it more in line with the Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) between the County and the City. The western section of the current ASP can still be disputed by the city even though it is outside the IDP. The City is concerned that this move will allow the County to proceed with its plan to develop the western section of Gasoline Alley into a major residential area.
Airport Qualifies for Federal Funding
The Red Deer Regional Airport has passed two hurdles qualifying it to apply for federal funding to overhaul lighting and signage. A minimum 1000 passengers per year plus three years of scheduled passenger service are requirements to qualify for the Airport Capital Assistance Program. The project, costing over $1 million, would include updating 40 to 50 year old runway lighting. Peace Air, the only scheduled passenger carrier serving the airport, averages 40 passengers per week. The airport hosts several charter flights, mostly oil and gas related, carrying 13,000 passengers in 2005.

Sept. 8, 2006
Biolubricants Firm Blames Government, College for Not Building Here
Agro Management of Colorado, who had announced a bio-lubricants plant at the Red Deer Regional Airport last year, blames the Alberta government and Red Deer College for its failure to proceed with the project. The company had hoped that the provincial government would invest in the project to process canola into lubricants for engines, drilling rigs and other machinery. However the province currently has a policy of not funding private enterprise. The College withdrew support when the company tried to use the college to receive government funding. The initiative did raise awareness for the potential of a bioproducts industry for the region. The company has decided to built their plant in Montana.

Sept. 5, 2006
County Approves Malibu Phases 2 and 3
Red Deer County Council made several moves today to facilitate the approval of two more phases of the Malibu Development north of Airport Drive and east of the existing residential area. A public hearing was held and final approval given for the closure of a portion of Oak Street that enters Airport Drive. The two parcels of land on each side of the soon-to-be-closed road allowance were consolidated for a multi-family development as part of Phase 3. New street names were also approved for the southern half of the Malibu project including Red Cedar Place, Red Ash Cove and Cypress Lane. The main collector, Redwood Boulevard and Red Oak Close had been previously approved.     Map of overall development and phasing.
Parkland Memorial Park Officially Opened in Gasoline Alley
Red Deer County and Parkland Funeral Homes have partnered to create Parkland Memorial Park in a wetland area in Gasoline Alley that is home to geese, ducks and muskrat. Several trees have been planted, many of which were severely damaged in the August 10 wind and hail storm, and two bridges, park benches and pathways have been built. Future plans include one or two gazebos, a fountain, a playground and several hundred more trees.
 
Gasoline Alley Concept Plan Accepted by Red Deer County
Red Deer County Council has approved the concept plan for the future development of Gasoline Alley West. The plan includes several theme commercial areas, highway commercial, big-box commercial, light industrial, parks, trails, schools, a museum, a large amount of green space, a pedestrian-friendly environment and the eventual building of residential housing that could one day support a population of 5,000 to 8,000 people. The plan was a result of consultation and consensus with several divers interested parties including developers, existing businesses, environmental groups and area residents. Build out of the plan could be take 20 to 30 years.



Airport Authority Seeks Customs, Improvements, Industrial Development
Merv Phillips, in his quarterly report to Red Deer County, indicated that the Red Deer Airport Authority is pursuing improvements to the infrastructure and lighting, a Central Alberta customs office, industrial development and an east-west passenger carrier. Infrastructure improvements and extending the runway are necessary to attract more regional carriers and improved road access to attract more industrial development.


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