“Town square” concept planned for city’s 603 1st Street property

Following council passing this capital project, among four others, the plan is now contingent upon government approval.

Mayor Ted Clugston also calls the town square plan phase one of the waterfront district development, which council also passed within the 30-year Municipal Development Plan (MDP) on Monday night.

The provincial government’s municipal stimulus program was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city had specific criteria to follow from the province including that projects could not increase operating costs and projects had to be done within the year.

“So tomorrow’s questions will be why didn’t you build a pool in the south or a splash park down in Riverside? Those all come with operating costs of lifeguards, water costs, etc.”

Clugston says after numerous attempts of development since the late 1970’s both municipally and on the private sector, it was time to take the bull by the horns and do something with 603 1^st Street.

The MDP talks about a waterfront district, and Clugston says that can be up to a five-phase project, “And this (town square) worked out perfectly for phase one of that project.”

He adds that the downtown is much different than it is today

“In 2007 it was vacant, there were a couple of businesses down there, you didn’t see people walking around at night or walking around on Saturday. Everything has changed in the downtown.”

Including the Beveridge which is a great landmark as well as all the pubs and patios, he added.

“We actually decided that parking may now be the most important thing to support all those new businesses that have come downtown and to help them out. But it won’t be a parking lot. There will be food trucks, solar canopy, gathering place for festivals, Spectrum those kinds of things, Jazz Fest. So it will be more than a parking lot it will be more of a town centre where people can congregate and gather, especially in the summertime.”

Clugston says the town square concept will be for the winter as well during events like midnight madness.

There will still be parking on 603 1^st Street, but maybe a little less Clugston clarified.

Gas City Campground will also have some additions with the provincial government’s stimulus fund.

To generate additional net income, Gas City Campground can convert it’s remaining 15-20 sites to full service and add 3-5 comfort camping cabin-style sites.

There will also be an enhancement and extension to the city’s trail system.

South Saskatchewan River from Gas City Campground to Echo Dale Regional Park. And South Railway from South Railway/Kingsway to downtown. Which is a price tag of $1.7-million from the province.

A multi-court $2-million pickleball facility is also in the plans. According to the city, community members and local pickleball club approached the city to provide a 20 court outdoor pickleball facility for recreation, local play and tournament destination.

And, BMX Track upgrades to the facility track and start gate. That project is $500,000 from the province.

On the federal side with the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) the Athletic Park will see potential renovations including a shade canopy, seating, fence, gates, and ticket office.

Council passed the list of submissions for the ICIP money unanimously during Monday’s regular council meeting.

The grant submission is not yet approved by (ICIP), the projects are contingent on the receipt of this funding.

Also with ICIP, there will be a second-floor addition to the old post office building on 553 1^st Street.

“And the idea behind there is amalgamating employees into one city-owned building,” Clugston added.

Both funds from Alberta’s municipal program and the federal government’s ICIP totals $20-million dollars worth of stimulus money.

by Chantal Wagner

“Town square” concept planned for city’s 603 1st Street property

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