Archived Springbrook and Area News
May 2008

May 28, 2008
Aviation Museum Will Celebrate Former Penhold Base
A group of dedicated volunteers who have formed the Harvard Historical Aviation Society to commemorate and celebrate the impact of the Penhold base on the local economy and culture is working toward building a heritage centre in Springbrook. The group, initiated by Jodi Smith and Gary Hillman, was recently granted 10 acres of land by Red Deer County across from the fire hall where the running track is located. Interactive displays and youth programs are included in the society's plans as is the hope that the first phase of the museum will open in 2009.
The base was built in 1939-40 and used as a British Commonwealth Air Training Plan facility during the Second World War. After being closed for a few years, the base re-opened in 1952 as a NATO training facility and communications centre.
At the same time, the Private Members Quarters (PMQs) were built named Mynarski Park after Victoria Cross recipient Andrew Mynarski. An elementary school, two churches and the recreation complex were also built at that time. In the early 1960's, the 'Diefenbunker' was built as a secure area for housing provincial and local leaders in the event of a crisis. The airport was handed over to the city of Red Deer in 1965 and the base was renamed CFB Penhold in 1966. The base was closed in 1995 and redeveloped as the hamlet of Springbrook.

May 22, 2008
New Park Furniture Installed in Two Springbrook Parks
Two Springbrook playground parks received new metal park furniture today. Both Mynarski Park (Willow Cres.) and Oak St. turnaround each have 2 new picnic tables and 4 new benches. These are the first improvements since the playgrounds were constructed by the Community Association 10 years ago. Some of the existing wooden benches will be refurbished over the next several weeks. Some of the new furniture is placed close to the playgrounds while others are in other parts of the park areas.
 
Children's Ball and Soccer Programs Popular
Over 110 children from Springbrook and area are participating in four programs at the Springbrook sports fields this year. There are about 10 soccer teams and 6 ball teams, some for 5-7 year olds and others for 8-10 year olds. Several volunteer coaches help the kids learn good sportsmanship.

May 20, 2008
County Grants Land Lease for Historical Aviation Centre
Red Deer County Council today approved the lease of up to 10 acres of land for $1 per year to the Harvard Historical Aviation Society for the future home of its proposed Historical Aviation Centre. The land, valued at $300,000, is located east of the fire hall and southwest of the recreation complex where the running track currently exists. The county will pick up the cost of subdivision, surveying and legal fees. The parcel is part of a 21.2 acre site, currently used as sports fields, that is designated for a future school site, recreation facility and museum in the proposed Springbrook Heritage Urban Design Plan. The land is zoned Direct Control District giving council complete control over the development of the property. The Society will be given an option to purchase once a comprehensive development plan is created and construction is ready to begin.
County Heritage Survey Includes Two Springbrook Sites
Heritage Collaborative made a presentation to Red Deer County Council today concerning the Heritage Survey and Inventory Project that revealed 30 sites throughout the county identified for possible future historic designation. Of those sites, two are in Springbrook -- the former CFB Headquarters building, built in 1953, and the former CFB rifle range structure, believed to have been built around 1940.
Sites had to have met several criteria in order to be on the final list from the 88 that were originally surveyed. Some sites may be added in the future if more are found to meet the criteria. The consultant will proceed with a management plan that, if accepted by council, will be used to initiate historical designation of some of the sites.
Also on the final list were the former Alberta Central Railway (CP Rail) Mintlaw steel trestle bridge across the Red Deer River, The Crossing Cairn at Fort Normandeau, Mission Hill, Antler Hill and a number of historic homes, churches, stores and community facilities.
Malibu Extension of Spruce Street Changed to Multi-Family Housing
Red Deer County Council approved an amendment to the Springbrook Outline Plan for Malibu Communities today that allows for multi-family residential development in the extension of Spruce Street that had previously been outlined as single family residential. The area represents Phase 5 of the Malibu development and is directly north of Phases 1, 2 and 4 and adjacent to the existing housing on Spruce Street. The 8.2 acre phase will consist of 53 multi-family lots on Spruce and 25 single family lots east of and backing onto the existing homes on Maple Cres. and Pine St. The area is zoned Direct Control District giving council complete control over the development.

May 15, 2008
Springbrook Assessments Up as Much as 67%, Taxes Up to 44%
Springbrook residents received quite a shock when they opened their tax bills this week. The assessments, based on house values in July 2007, went up dramatically, by as much as 67%, resulting in a property tax hike by as much as 44%, much higher than the average 8.5% claimed by Red Deer County when they passed their mill rate last week. Residents have until June 15 to appeal their assessment in writing and paying a fee.
Bus Service Between Springbrook, Gasoline Alley and Red Deer Proposed
At an open house hosted by Red Deer County today, a draft transit plan was revealed that would provide daily bus service between Springbrook, Gasoline Alley and Red Deer starting as early as January 2009. If County Council approves the current proposal, service would run at one hour intervals between Red Deer and Springbrook from 6am to 9 am and 3 pm to 6 pm weekdays with connecting service at Bower Place Shopping Mall. Service between Red Deer and Gasoline Alley would run all day. The service would use a full size bus supplied by Red Deer Transit. Other communities in the county would likely be served by a variation of an action bus directed toward seniors and those with physical and health challenges.

May 12, 2008
Hockey Academy Looking at Building New Arena
Lance Wolgemuth, owner of the Alberta Hockey Academy (the former Springbrook curling rink originally used by CFB Penhold), is talking to private investors to replace the facility with a new rink, possibly with used components that are currently on the market. He believes the potential for a new ice surface is huge and he plans to continue with the current hockey school into the next season but he will eventually need to take the old ice out creating challenges in replacing it in the current building. He recently received approval from the county to turn the building into an industrial training facility as a back-up plan if the ice cannot be replaced.
Historical Steam Train Passes by Springbrook
Canadian Pacific 2816 Express steam train, headed by the only CP Hudson-style locomotive of its type still running, travelled by Springbrook on Friday on its way to Edmonton returning today on its way back to Calgary. Built in 1930, retired in 1960 and restored in 2001 as it was in the '40's and '50's, it is Canadian Pacific's roving ambassador as a visual reward to employees and communities that CP serves. The train also included vintage passenger, baggage and business cars.

May 9, 2008
Springbrook Greener as a Result of Annual Clean-Up
Over two dozen volunteer adults and children gathered yesterday to clean up the playgrounds, sports fields and municipal reserve in Springbrook. The community association provided coffee and donuts and the county supplied the garbage bags and garbage pick up.

May 8, 2008
Recreation Facility May be in Springbrook's Future
Red Deer County held an open house yesterday on the Recreation Facility Study conducted over the past several months. Originally, the study was to determine what kind of recreation facilities were needed in the county. The process evolved into determining the criteria for County Council examining future recreational facilities. Communities were categorized according to population with Springbrook in a category of its own with the highest population in the county. As such, Springbrook may be in line for a major recreational facility at some point in the future. In the various surveys taken during the study, outdoor trails were consistently requested by the greatest number of people.

May 7, 2008
Residents Can Expect Average 8.5% Tax Hike
Enhanced programs, services and road improvements, as well as a high rate of construction inflation has resulted in a 14% increase in expenses this year and a 8.5% average increase in property taxes. The provincial school requisition was proportionately lower resulting in a tax rate lower than the increase in expenses. About $20 million of the budget was for road enhancements, representing almost half of the total budget. The actual tax will be determined by the relative increase in assessment.
Hockey Academy Applies for Alternate Use for Ice Rink
The Alberta Hockey Academy, located in the former Springbrook curling rink, has been given the option of transforming the building into an industrial training facility by the Red Deer County municipal planning commission. The ice needs to be removed and, in the process, may require major renovation prior to new ice being installed. In the past, the Academy ran a hockey school for Chinook's Edge School Division. Another option that the Academy is exploring is building a new facility. The Academy received approval as an alternative to remaining as a recreational use building.
Regional Wastewater System Endorsed by County
A $300 million regional wastewater system has received the endorsement of Red Deer County. The system would see a three leg pipeline and central treatment facility developed in stages over a five year period beginning this year. Participating municipalities include the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County (including Springbrook and Gasoline Alley), Penhold, Innisfail, Bowden, Olds, Sylvan Lake, the summer villages around Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds, Lacombe, Lacombe County and Mountainview County.
Airport Study to Update and Consolidate Previous Studies
A joint functional assessment study for the Red Deer Regional Airport has been endorsed by each of its major stakeholders. Both the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County have approved $40,000 for the study and the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce is contributing $10,000. The new study will review the five previous studies, combining and updating the information, and research new information to produce a comprehensive action plan for the airport by the end of the year. The outcome will include an updated master plan, an identification of capital needs, a financial and operational plan as well as an economic impact analysis of regularly scheduled passenger service and recommendations for phasing of the development.
Cadets to Continue Summer Training for Up to Another 10 Years
The Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre has made arrangements with Harvard Park to continue the annual cadet camp in Springbrook for at least another seven years and up to 10 years. About 1,700 air cadets from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario and British Columbia attend one of the 15 courses offered during a six week period in July and August each year, complimented by 275 staff. Courses offered include basic training, leadership, rifle coaching, instruction, recreation, flying and music. Programs have been offered at the same location every year since 1966.

May 2, 2008
Community Association Signs 3-Year Lease for Community Centre
After five months of negotiations, the Springbrook Community Association has signed a 3-year lease with the Trinidad Training and Fitness Centre (previously Bear Training) for the former theatre in the recreation complex. The Springbrook Community Activity and Drop-In Centre will be available for several programs and functions planned by the association and at specified times, as a drop-in for residents. There is also an option to renew the lease for an additional two years, if necessary, while the association explores options for a permanent facility, either stand-alone or connected to another public building. In addition to hosting community events, the leased facility will be available for rent for a variety of functions including parties, receptions, meetings and training programs. An open house and community general meeting will be held in the new centre on Thursday, May 8 at 7 pm.
Bear Training Now Trinidad Training and Fitness Centre
The former recreation centre, built in 1953 for the RCAF Penhold NATO pilot training base, is now Trinidad Training and Fitness Centre. It was previously know as the Bear Training Centre. Several renovations have already been completed with the former bowling alley becoming part of an expanded cardio fitness facility. Classrooms are under construction to facilitate future industrial training programs. The lobby will also undergo some renovations over the next few months. The facility was purchased by Trinidad Drilling last year.

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