Archived Springbrook and Area News
December 2008

Dec. 18, 2008
Penhold Multiplex Approved for Additional $2 Million Grant

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the $20 million 65,000 sq. ft. Penhold Regional Multiplex yesterday, the town learned that a $2 million grant from the provincial Major Community Facilities Program was approved. About a year ago, a $6 million joint provincial-federal grant was approved. The remaining funding will come from the town, partnerships, corporate sponsorship and other fundraising activities. The complex will consist of a regulation-size ice rink with seating for 550, concession area, upper level walking track and fitness centre, multi-purpose rooms, arts rooms, meeting rooms, library and gymnasium. Construction is expected to begin in the new year on the project located on an 80-acre site along Highway 42 in the northeast corner of town. It is hoped that the project will be completed in the spring of 2010 with the opening set for June of that year.

Dec. 16, 2008
Infrastructure Surcharge, Utility Rate Increase, Taxes Approved by County
Today, Red Deer County council approved a monthly Utility Capital Infrastructure Surcharge of around $6.00-$7.00 to be applied to all Springbrook properties starting next May for the County's share of the costs for the recent infrastructure improvements. In addition, utility rates will be increasing about 5% at the same time. Property taxes will increase by an average 3.5%. The county operating budget for 2009 is over $33 million. The capital budget for the year is over $14 million (of which $9.5 million is recovered from provincial grants and other revenue) that includes $2 million for the county's portion of the balance of the Springbrook infrastructure rehabilitation project, $9 million for various county road projects and $550,000 for trail development,. A number of projects will proceed with funding coming from the provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative program including $230,000 for bus stops for the Red Deer-Gasoline Alley-Springbrook transit service, $200,000 for hamlet enhancements and $427,000 for the purchase of CPR right of way on the abandoned Alberta Central subdivision.

Dec. 11, 2008
Jazz Decision Postponed Until January
Air Canada officials indicated on Tuesday that a decision on whether to include regular flights in and out of the Red Deer Regional Airport won't be made until January. The airport authority expects Air Canada Jazz Dash-8s would be the likely choice of aircraft if the airline proceeds. Red Deer could be on a route including stops in Saskatoon, Kelowna and Vancouver.

Dec. 7, 2008
Springbrook Kids Perform in Successful Christmas Concert

Over 50 Springbrook children and about 30 adults attended or participated in a Kids Christmas Party and Concert yesterday afternoon at the Springbrook Community Centre. Several children were involved in the production that included singing and playing piano Christmas carols, and a pageant 'The Night Before Christmas'. There was also a bake sale, games, crafts and photos with Santa.

Dec. 3, 2008
Decision on Jazz Air Service Could Come Next Week
In his quarterly report yesterday to Red Deer County council, Red Deer Regional Airport chief executive officer Liam O'Connell indicated that a decision on whether Air Canada Jazz will be providing passenger service from the airport in the near future could be made as early as next week after a final pitch to the company next Tuesday. Airlines typically make their decisions on routes by the end of the year to give them preparation time before adding new routes by April. Current economics work in favour of the new service with a projected drop in business in central Canada and cross-border flights while the West remains relatively strong. O'Connell believes that a seven-day-a-week service between Saskatoon, Red Deer, Kelowna and Vancouver using Dash-8 aircraft with morning, noon and evening flights makes a lot of sense. Air Canada is already familiar with the airport as it runs charter service through the facility.
Airport Experiencing Increased Interest and Activity
Several new hangars were added at the Red Deer Regional Airport this year and there is increased interest in companies in Edmonton and Calgary who want to move their aircraft to the airport, according to Liam McConnell in his report to county council yesterday. The airport authority is looking into adding 26 acres of land for new development as there have been several inquiries into serviced land, currently unavailable on the airport property. Increased access is also being explored.
Property Taxes to Increase Slightly
After a major tax hike for many Springbrook residents this year, Red Deer County is expected to keep next year's taxes to the rate of inflation on average - around 2-3%. The draft budget was introduced at yesterday's county council meeting showing a $36.2 million operating budget and an $11.4 million capital budget. Major expenses next year include $11 million on road construction and $2.3 million on community services, parks and recreation. Transit service between Springbrook, Gasoline Alley and Springbrook will cost $427,000 (much of which will be recovered from grants) for a full size bus and $230,000 for bus stops. An Action bus will also be purchased for $67,200. The budget also includes $550,000 for trail development, $200,000 for hamlet enhancement and $25,000 for playgrounds. Springbrook Infrastructure Rehabilitation will cost the county $2 million next year with the balance of the multi-million project being funded by federal and provincial grants. An additional $1.5 million will be spent on other storm water management systems throughout the county. Approval of the budget is expected in two weeks.
Residential Development Approved for Gasoline Alley
Red Deer County council yesterday approved the first residential development for Liberty Junction west of Gasoline Alley and north of Mackenzie Road. The first phase will see 160 townhouse units and 36 apartment units. The first stage of Phase 1 will consist of six different styles for the first 72 townhouses, all of which will be energy efficient. Construction is expected to start next summer with units available in 2010. Of the 90 acres reserved for the development, over 30 acres will be kept as green space. The roads will be designed to make the community attractive and walkable.

Current News    Summary of Headlines
 

 
Every business needs a
presence online . . .
 
 
Consulting, Research, Design
netMagazine Publishing
Copywriting, Editing, Mapping
 
Central Alberta Websites
website publishing & development
403-886-2640
 
info@centralalbertawebsites.com

Publisher of

and RedDeerRegion.com
 

 

netMagazine
 
Business and Economy,
Area Features & Attractions, Recreation, Shopping, Golf,
Accommodations,
Campgrounds, Restaurants,
Convention Facilities,
Coming Events, Weather,
News Highlights & Archive,
Municipal Community Profiles,
Demographics & Population,
Culture, Heritage, History,
Transportation, Maps
 

 the life, culture, attractions and economy of Central Alberta
 

 
Sustainable Future,
Respectful Past
 


Rails and Trails
Innovative Transportation
Heritage Celebration
Regional Rail History
Sustainable Community
Responsible Progress

Paul Pettypiece
Consulting, Research, Virtual Assistant

403-886-2852

Contact Paul