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
 

 
More Recent Springbrook and Area News
December 2007
 
December 29, 2007
Home Improvement Stores Open in Gasoline Alley
On Boxing Day, 'The Living Room' and 'The Bedroom Shoppe' opened in Gasoline Alley in a new commercial development near Staples and Red Deer Toyota. On December 12, Ashley Furniture HomeStore opened its business in the same 55,000 sq. ft. building. In the spring, Lane Home Furnishings and Kitchen and Patio are expected to join the other three home improvement stores. Another 9,000 sq. ft. building is expected to be built on the west side of the complex.
 
December 20, 2007
Governments Provide $6 Million for Infrastructure Rehabilitation
Federal Member of Parliament Bob Mills and local MLA Luke Ouellette, provincial Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, announced today that the two governments will be providing $6 million toward the upgrade of the 55-year-old water, sanitary sewer and storm systems in Springbrook, including the Harvard Park business area and the Red Deer Regional Airport. Red Deer County had announced three years ago that a $10 million project to replace the underground lines was necessary as the aging pipes were failing and leaking into the ground. The new lines are expected to increase capacity and last for the next 100 years. Construction of the project is expected to get underway in the spring and take a few years to complete. During that time, residents can expect some disruption and messy roads.
Governments Provide $6 Million for Penhold Multiplex
For the second time today, Federal Member of Parliament Bob Mills and local MLA Luke Ouellette, provincial Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, announced that the two governments will be providing $6 million to a local project, this time toward the first phase of the Penhold regional multiplex proposed for the northeast corner of the town that will include a regulation size rink, seating, dressing rooms, a walking track and multi-function room. Future phases will include a library, lobby, meeting rooms and a gymnasium. Once completed, 25,000 users per year are expected to use the $19.4 million facility. Outdoor facilities are also included in the plan as well as a proposed location for the new regional high school that the town is attempting to attract.
Engineering Begins on Olds to Red Deer Sewer Line
Detailed engineering work valued at $6.5 million is set to begin on the long-awaited regional sewer one between Olds and Red Deer and including the communities of Penhold, Innisfail, Bowden and the counties of Red Deer and Mountain View. Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation is funding 90% of the project. Pegged at $67 million a couple of years ago, the actual construction of the line is expected to be much higher now. The plan is to tie the line into the Red Deer water treatment plant. Red Deer already treats waste water from Penhold, Springbrook and Gasoline Alley  through the Waskasoo Regional Sewer System. Construction of the new line could start as early as late 2008 and be completed two years later.

December 18, 2007
County Adopts 2008 Operating and Capital Budgets
Red Deer County adopted the 2008 operating and capital budgets today unchanged from first reading two weeks ago. Overall spending of $45.9 million includes $31.8 million for ongoing operations, $1.8 million for one-time operating projects, $7.8 million for capital projects and $4.3 million surplus for contribution to reserves. About 38% of the total budget is related to road construction and maintenance. Items that will directly affect Springbrook include $42,830 for a Springbrook playing field, $40,000 for trail design and engineering, $70,000 for Open Space Master Plan Phase IV and $100,000 for trail development.
Plasco Garbage Gasification Meetings Scheduled for January
A series of public meetings have been scheduled to promote a $90-$100 million plant to turn garbage into electricity, likely near the Horn Hill Waste Transfer Site east of Highway 2 near Highway 42. The 15 communities involved in the Central Waste Management Commission will be expected to commit all or some of their garbage to the facility. Although they will not need to pay to build the plant, the must agree to pay $65 per tonne to have their waste treated at it. It is expected that construction will start next year and be in operation in 2009. The closest meeting to the Springbrook area will be at Red Deer on January 26 from 2 to 4 pm at Western Frontier Room in the Prairie Pavilion at Westerner Park. Other meetings will be in Innisfail, Sylvan Lake, Lacombe and Alix.
Proform Given Five Year Permit for Temporary Addition
Red Deer County has approved a five year permit with an option to extend for a temporary 3,000 sq. ft. addition to Proform Concrete Services in an area of Gasoline Alley that will eventually become part of the Liberty Crossing residential development. The company, which built the facility in 1987, plans to explore options for moving their business in five years. One of the conditions of the permit is the construction of a 2.4 metre berm along the frontage of Lantern Street to hide piles of concrete.

December 13, 2007
Penhold Lobbies For Regional High School
A delegation from Penhold attended the Chinook's Edge School Division board meeting yesterday to promote the town for the location of the new regional grade 7-12 high school that will replace River Glen School in Red Deer. Activities in the town and future expansion plans were highlighted. The school division has indicated that possible locations for the school include Springbrook, Gasoline Alley (the future Liberty Crossing) or Penhold. The provincial government is expected to announce funding for the school sometime in the new year.
 
December 11, 2007
Community Association Explores Options With Bear Training Centre
Lance Wolgemuth of the Alberta Hockey Academy presented options to the Springbrook Community Association last night for a closer relationship between the operators of the recreation facilities and the community. One option being considered is the leasing of part of the Bear Training Centre as a community centre providing the plan is supported by Red Deer County. The recreation facilities are now operated by Trinidad Drilling who specialize in oilfield training and want to focus on that aspect of the facility. Other options being considered are special programs for children and teens, community discounts and the use of the indoor skating rink. Lance indicated that Trinidad is also investigating the possibility of reopening the outdoor pool. In addition, the restaurant is expected to reopen in the new year. The association has a meeting planned with County officials early in January.
Christmas Lighting Contest and Survey Announced
The Springbrook Community Association is sponsoring a Christmas lighting contest again this year. Community residents will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite decorated property. Details will be coming soon. A community survey will also be conducted in the near future. The survey will in the next issue of the Babble and on this website.

December 9, 2007
Community Christmas Hay Ride Postponed But Cookies Good
Due to a family emergency of the driver, the hayride scheduled for Sunday had to be cancelled. However, those who showed up enjoyed delicious cookies generously donated by Tipitina's and hot chocolate in the comfort of Tipitina's restaurant at the airport. Attempts were made to reschedule the hay ride for the following week but unfortunately the horse and wagon was booked until Christmas. A winter festival is tentatively being planned for February or March and it is hoped that the hayride can be rescheduled for that time in addition to several other activities.

December 4, 2007
County Draft Budget Includes Playing Field, Trail Development
Red Deer County has released its draft 2008 budget for public review. Overall spending of $41.4 million includes $31.8 million for ongoing operations, $1.8 million for one-time operating projects and $7.8 million for capital projects. One third of total expenses are related to road construction and maintenance. One of the one-time operating expenses is $42,830 for a Springbrook playing field. Another $40,000 is set for trail design and engineering and $70,000 for Open Space Master Plan Phase IV. In the capital budget, $100,000 is set aside for trail development. An additional by-law officer will be one of six new full-time positions at the county. Revenues include a $3.5 million infrastructure grant from the provincial government.
Airport Report Includes Lighting, Charter Flights, High Speed Rail
Merv Phillips, General Manager of the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority, gave his quarterly report to Red Deer County today. The application for new runway lighting will be forwarded in the new year with all conditions met for approval. He also reported that in addition to the 1,000 scheduled passengers using the airport this year, over 10,000 charter passengers were processed. He also reported that a lobby group will be formed in the new year to promote a Red Deer stop for the future high speed train between Edmonton and Calgary. Merv has suggested that the airport would make a good intermodal terminal to serve high speed rail. Northwestern Air Lease has postponed the direct flights to Grande Prairie in order to solidify the Edmonton-Peace River and Fort McMurray flights. Phillips also indicated that flights to Kelowna may start next year.

December 1, 2007
Horse-Drawn Hay Rides Set for Dec. 9
The Springbrook Community Association is organizing family horse-drawn sleigh hay rides next Sunday, followed by refreshments. The rides, supplied by Heritage Ranch, will start at the airport parking lot between 3 and 5 pm. Cookies (donated by Tipitinas), hot chocolate and coffee will be served at Tipitinas or nearby north of the terminal building after each ride.

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