Archived Springbrook and Area News
April 2007

Apr. 25, 2007
Assessments Up, Mill Rate Down in Red Deer County
The assessed properties in Red Deer County have risen an average 33% over the past year. To diminish the tax hikes such an increase would normally cause, the County has reduced the mill rate. The result will be that those properties that have had values increase less than 20% will see no or little increase in taxes. Assessment increases between 20-30% will result in up to a 5% increase in taxes. Assessments between 30-40% will result in tax increases of between 6-14%. Lakefront properties saw the largest increase in assessment.

Apr. 24, 2007
Springbrook Heritage Urban Design Plan Contract Awarded
Calgary-based T-Six Consulting has been awarded the contract for the Springbrook Heritage Urban Design Plan by Red Deer County Council today. The plan will study the future direction of development in the hamlet, including the airport and the lands south of Airport Drive. It will also look at creating a town centre, preservation of the historical value of the former base and future recreational needs. It is expected that the various stakeholders in the community will be consulted during the process including the Airport Authority, the current residential developers, Harvard Park Business Centre, the owners of the recreational facilities, the Community Association, the Harvard Historical Aviation Society and the residents. The study will cost the County $79,000.
 
Phase 2 Harvard Park Approved
The 61-lot Phase 2 of the Harvard Park development on the north-west side of Springbrook received approval from Red Deer County along with guidelines for the housing. The 12.2 acre parcel will also include 2 public utility and 3 municipal reserve lots. Council was told that 34th Avenue will not be closed this year for cadet training.

Apr. 20, 2007
Horn  Hill Transfer Station Officially Opens
Construction has been completed on the new Horn Hill Solid Waste Transfer Station 1 km east of Highway QE2 just south of Highway 42. The official opening occurred this morning in spite of poor weather. Even though the station has been partially operational since last summer, the station will now take a wide variety of solid waste 5 days a week.

Apr. 13, 2007
Dominion to Hold Public Meetings About Proposed Biofuel Plant
Dominion Energy Services is holding three public meetings to answer questions about their proposed $400 million biofuel plant 3 km north of Innisfail. Two will be held in Innisfail and the third will be in Red Deer at the Black Knight Inn April 26 between 4 and 8 pm. The county has given first reading to a bylaw that would rezone 421 acres of land for the project. The proposed plant would require 6,000 cubic metres of water per day at peak production times. It would produce 379 million litres of ethanol from wheat and 379 million litres of biodiesel from canola annually. A canola seed crushing plant would be part of the complex. By-products would include water, carbon dioxide and glycerin, all of which could be used by other industries. The plant would employ about 100 people.

Apr. 10, 2007
County Approves Phase 4 Malibu, Postpones Phase 2 Harvard
Red Deer County Council approved the 22-lot Phase 4 of the Malibu residential development in east Springbrook today. This stage of the development also includes the construction of a wetland/storm pond, park space, berm and landscaping. Phase 1 is close to completion and Phases 2 and 3 have had some site work done. On the north side of the hamlet, approval of Phase 2 of the Harvard Park residential development, consisting of 61 lots, was postponed for two weeks for council to get further information on the impact of increased traffic as well as a better understanding of proposed future industrial development in the vicinity.
Cinema Construction Progressing Well in Gasoline Alley
The 43,000 sq. ft., 2,000-seat, 10-screen, $10 million Landmark Cinema entertainment complex is well underway in the Liberty Park section of Gasoline Alley West near Costco and Staples. It is expected to open sometime this fall. The first-of-its-kind facility in Central Alberta will employ about 60 people once open. The facility will include an interactive games area and party rooms for special occasions.
Springbrook Playgrounds to be Upgraded Next Year
Red Deer County approved an additional $70,000 for the upgrade of four playgrounds in the county this year, half of which should come from provincial grants. The total playground upgrade for this year is now $160,000. Two Springbrook playgrounds are scheduled for upgrades next year of six planned.

 
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