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Fort Saskatchewan Home Report

December 1st, 2011

Fort Saskatchewan Budget Survives First Round

Fort Saskatchewan’s city council managed to approve the $11 million budget for this coming year keeping it pretty much intact. Of course this past Monday’s vote was only the first round, but it is a good beginning. Also impressive is that fact that one major suggestion by the city administration was rejected because it would be detrimental to the care of the area’s infrastructure.

That suggestion was to deduct $500,000 from the city’s rehabilitation program for local roadways. City council thought it more prudent to do the maintenance on the roads as needed, rather than when they fall apart all-together. Many other area municipalities have done so, and are facing major repairs.

The interim city manager, Chris Cambridge, noted that the entire program cost $2.5 million, and that by reducing the amount allotted reduces property taxes. Other suggestions were to go to a more cost effective road overlay with a service life of 10 years rather than 30. Gale Katchur, the Mayor, wants to consider all options.

No doubt these ideas will come around again during the subsequent budget discussions and votes. Also to be discussed is the $2.5 million allocated to renovating the Sportsplex. Delaying that might mean a complete rebuild because it is in such poor shape. Sewer and neighbourhood upgrades are also on the table, as are the replacement of playground equipment in three separate parks. All are more than 25 years old, and long overdue.

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate Report

November 2nd, 2011

Chris Micek, Sturgeon County Commissioner, Resigns

Chris Micek, Commissioner of Sturgeon County, resigned this past Tuesday, with that resignation being effective immediately. The media was advised via a press release that same day. It is unclear whether the resignation was a mutually agreed upon event. Council did hold a special meeting that Tuesday about the subject, with the media informed that a decision on the matter would not be made at that time.

At the regular October 25th meeting, Micek’s future with Sturgeon County was discussed for over an hour. That ended in a 4-3 vote favoring council proceeding with some sort of personnel matter that required legal council. No further information about what that personal matter was.

But, barely a week later Micek, who had been with the county for three years, was out, self imposed or not. There had been rumours going around for at least a few weeks about Micek’s departure, but they were considered just that. After Micek fired Peter Tarnoawky from his post as Manger of Public Services, and quickly replaced him with Troy Grant, the talk died down somewhat. But then that personnel matter appeared on that October 25th meeting agenda.

Micek is the fourth municipal officer let go in the last few months. Others that have departed are Cory Brown, Town Manager of Sturgeon, Bill Holtby, CAO in St Albert and Edie Doepker, CAO in Morinville.

Fort Saskatchewan Property Report

October 12th, 2011

Strathcona County and Fort Saskatchewan Compare Housing Start Stats

Housing starts in Strathcona County have been stagnant for quite a while now. This past August only saw 47 starts, with 43 of those being single family homes. Compare that to August of 2010 when there were 50 single family homes and 13 multi-family projects on the books. That means August of 2011 saw a 25.4 percent drop from last year.

Looking at the first eight months of this year paints an even more discouraging picture. Between January and August of this year there were 333 total starts, 195 were for single family structures and 138 for multi-family units. But, for that same time period in 2010, we were looking at 487 starts, with 360 of those being single family homes and 127 in the multi-unit department. That is a 31.6 percent decrease for that time period.

On the other hand, Fort Saskatchewan is holding its own. Better than that really, with a 19.2 percent increase comparing starts this August to August of 2010. This August showed 31 starts, 15 of those for single family units. In August of 2010, the Fort saw 26 starts, all single family home.

If we do the eight month comparison for Fort Saskatchewan, the city claimed 244 starts, 127 in single family homes and 117 in the multi-unit category. In 2010, for that same period there were 262 starts, 197 of those for single family units. This year showed a 6.9 percent decrease, but that was less of a dip than in Strathcona County.

Fort Saskatchewan Homes Report

September 6th, 2011

Fort Saskatchewan Seeks Nominations For Annual Business Awards

The Chamber of Commerce in Fort Saskatchewan is looking for nominations for its annual business awards event. Conal MacMillan, who is the executive director of the organization notes that it is the community that has a better handle on which businesses are the best. The award is one way for the people of Fort Saskatchewan to show appreciation for the merchants they deal with on a sometimes daily basis.

This is the 27th year for the awards which will be held on October 19th during the Small Business Week celebrations. Business nominees must be located in Fort Saskatchewan but do not have to be chamber members. The Chamber of Commerce would be delighted if a member business won the award, but that is not part of the judging criteria.

Awards are given out in seven categories. Listed, they are best small business, city’s volunteer of the year, best retailer, best commercial industry, best customer service, best home based business and best new business. A panel of judges will make the final decision.

September 23rd is the last day for nominations, which may be delivered in person or faxed to the chamber. Entry forms are available at local businesses, the chamber office or online at their website, www.fortsaskchamber.com

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate Report

August 3rd, 2011

Fort Saskatchewan Seniors Win Silver at Summer Games

Some Fort Saskatchewan seniors have had their moment in the sun at the recent Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games. Roberick Gauf won gold in the 65-plus male slo-pitch games, as part of a five member conglomerate team. But one entire Fort Saskatchewan team brought home the silver in the bocce ball event for the 70 and over crowd.

Beating out seven other teams, the silver medal winners were Gerry Reilly, who was skip, Rita Riley, the lead, Phyllis Corfield the second and Ann Hrycun, playing the third. They lost the first game, then won five straight to make it to the final game against a Cardston team. The final score was 12 to 10 in favor of Cardston.

The weather was probably the biggest challenge. Off and on rains meant several changes in and out of ponchos and having to play in a raging downpour on Saturday. The teams were pleased with the way Fairview handled the games and all want to come back to play again in 2012.

The real surprise was the medals. The seniors were going for the experience, the exercise and the fun. Getting the medals was just the icing on the cake. Medals also make them eligible to participate in the Canada games next summer.

Fort Saskatchewan Property Report

July 6th, 2011

To Bypass or Not to Bypass is Fort Saskatchewan’s Dilemma

Building a bypass around Fort Saskatchewan would indeed improve traffic flow. But at the same time, all of those cars that make their way through town, many of which spend money at local businesses, would be missed. Council listened to two reports this past week, one from the Capital Region Board, the other from the Heartland Industrial Association.

Neil Shelly, from the Heartland Industrial Association is in favour of a bypass around Fort Saskatchewan’s eastern end to accommodate traffic heading to the industrial zone. But he admits that the timing may not be right yet, because of possible future roadway changes. The Capital Region Board was more specific about those road changes. They foresee Highways 830, 28 and 28A being twinned. Also on the drawing board is a four lane highway along Township Road 542. That will involve building a bridge spanning the North Saskatchewan River that will connect all three roadways.

Since council determined that even though this is good information, much more is needed before outright approving the project or a bypass. Council’s solution was to approve the creation of a bypass, if and when it is truly needed. Time, traffic and money will determine when, and if, that is.

Fort Saskatchewan Homes Report

June 6th, 2011

Elk Island Catholic Schools Cutting 30 Full Time Employees

The Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS) will be sending out pink slips to 30 of its full time employees at the end of this school year. This is thanks to the $4.9 million budget cut for the coming school year. Some of the teachers just took early retirement, but there were some that had little seniority that will be out of work. The cuts were needed to comply with the board’s operating budget.

Tony Sykora, who is a board chairperson from EICS, notes that 80 percent of the board’s budget goes to staffing, so that is where the majority of cuts have to come. The cuts will affect schools, probably resulting in larger class sizes and having to combine grades in some cases. Chris Diachuk, superintendent for the district, advised that every attempt was made to balance the budget before initiating the layoffs and cuts.

The district’s central office will be looking at a 21 percent budget cut. The board is currently working on minimizing the effect on students and the quality of their education, per Diachuk. It is unlikely the district will be receiving additional funding, so must work with what is available. Opportunities for fund raising are limited and donations are few and far between. Sykora advised that the board considered going into a deficit but then rejected the idea.

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate Report

April 28th, 2011

AltaLink Substation Site Causes Concerns With Local Residents

AltaLink will be holding public meetings about proposed sites for a $16 million substation to help with Fort Saskatchewan’s ever increasing power needs. One site, at Range Road 224, north of Township Road 542, has property owners in this rural area more than a little concerned. There is also the mind set that if one large development is allowed in, others will follow.

Val Dumanowski owns a piece of land right next to the proposed site and, like his neighbours is concerned about property values. People looking for property in a country setting are not going to want to be next to an electrical development sporting an 85 foot tall tower. That transmission tower comes complete with an aircraft warning beacon, which has to be very bright to be effective. Then there is the constant hum. No way to find out ahead of time how loud that will be.

Another concern is for the wildlife in the area. The proposed site is one of the few bits of unfenced land and animals such as deer, moose and coyotes use that land to get from one wilderness spot to another. The development would force these animals to take to the roadway instead, which becomes a major traffic concern. Coyotes, which are predators, may end up in Galloway Park, an area frequented by children and pets. That is also less than an idea situation.

Fort Saskatchewan Property Report

March 28th, 2011

Fort Saskatchewan’s SL-Ice Ringette Team Takes Gold in St Albert

Fort Saskatchewan’s SL-Ice ringette team took the gold in the B team division at a regional tournament this past weekend in St. Albert. The nine and ten year old girls play a game that is similar to hockey, but instead of a puck, the object in play is a rubber ring. It is moved by using straight sticks placed inside the ring to push, pull or pass. The object is, like hockey, to get the ring past the opponent’s goalie and into the net.

The Fort Saskatchewan team beat out five other teams for top honors. The St Albert’s Jim Dawson Novice Select Tournament is the equivalent of the provincial championships for the sport, as there is no official playoff for teams in this age group. Team coaches choose players and in this case Heather Wood ended up combining two separate teams to form SL-Ice. It was a challenge because both teams had their own playing style.

It was a combined community effort to make sure the team had enough ice time to practice. The girls played two exhibition games and five practice ones before the tournament. Beaumont’s team was the toughest challenge. SL-Ice also beat out Edmonton, Sherwood Park and St Albert’s home team. After a bit of a celebration the SL-Ice girls went off to the Jubilee Recreation Centre to cheer on the older girls at the U14 championship games.

Fort Saskatchewan Homes Report

March 4th, 2011

Bear’s Den Club Re-Opens in Fort Saskatchewan, Regulars Reclaim Their Lair

The historic Fort Hotel, built in 1914, burned to the ground last year in Fort Saskatchewan. Twenty two residents were left homeless and the iconic Bear’s Den Club was no more. But like the proverbial phoenix, that same pub has shaken off the soot and ashes and is now up and running, serving burgers and beer once more.

After the decision to rebuild was made, it became a question of preserving history along with making the new Bear’s Den more in tune with the times. Ultimately, the idea was to go with a sports bar theme with the big screen TVs and modern technology sharing space with historically inspired décor. Some of the bricks from the original building went into the flower planters outdoors.

The regulars were glad to have their watering hole back. The official opening day was on Friday and the old timers were lined up waiting to be the first in. A regular named Larry got that honor. Jeff Otteson was second in the door, and is already looking forward to regular after work visits for a brew or two.

Charles Crawford owns the new pub, along with his wife Jodie. The business has been in her family for 30 years. Considering that after the fire no one was sure what was going to happen, it is nice to see that the Bear’s Den is up and running again and still family run.

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate Report

January 28th, 2011

Premier Ed Stelmach Set to Retire

Premier Ed Stelmach is not seeking re-election on the next go round. He announced his retirement this past Tuesday, giving a brief speech that hinted at his reasoning but left much to question. In a few select interviews Stelmach went into a bit more detail about what was behind the somewhat unexpected announcement.

He started thinking about retirement when he was consulting with the MLAs about their plans for the future. Stelmach was asking for a five year commitment from each member and that magic number just got him wondering if he had five more years he was willing to commit. If so, he would be nearly 65 and have devoted nearly half of his life to the public sector.

Stelmach also referred to the apparent change in political attitude in Canada, the fact that it is following the more personal and negative attack agendas as seen in the United States. While it is true that in the last election one party ran American style attack ads, they were not well received. That group lost. But that, and the occasional personal attacks, such as a cartoon posted in the Calgary Herald depicting him as a Nazi, did make retirement ultimately appealing.

It will be nearly a year before Stelmach can officially resign, and during that time he plans to continue working on issues that affect the province. These include further work on health care and getting Alberta to expand its export markets to new territories, particularly in Asia.

Fort Saskatchewan Property Report

December 22nd, 2010

Fort Saskatchewan Residents Have A New Budget and a 5.8 Percent Tax Hike

Fort Saskatchewan city council just passed their 2011 budget. The finalized document had few changes but it was not a totally easy sell. Some projects were questioned as to whether they had enough funding. The approved package means that residents will be seeing a 5.8 percent increase in their property tax bills next year. This amounts to about $65 per year for the average homeowner.

One big issue was the money for the additional community peace officer. Total expense for adding such an office is expected to be between $300,000 and $500,000 but was not included in the budget because the administration did not have a firm hiring date. The deal also meant an available car, which was not originally included. The car was left out because most of the council members did not feel the need to purchase another vehicle. They felt the community officer would be on duty at night when plenty of cars would be available from the day shift. In the end the car was approved.

An amount of $240,000 was included, intended for an upgrade to the city-wide siren system. Ed van Delden, a council member was not sure it was worth it because many people tended to ignore the warning system. But it was approved by the rest of the members. Van Delden also had an issue with putting aside $150,000 for a footbridge on the Langworthy Trail. Other members disagreed, stating the trail system was well used and appreciated by residents, so that money was approved as well.

Fort Saskatchewan Homes Report

November 29th, 2010

Fort Saskatchewan Projects Get The Axe To Help Decrease The Budget And Taxes

Fort Saskatchewan has already taken the scalpel to its 2011 budget and trimmed off $1.6 million. City council wants the city’s administrators to pick up that scalpel and do even more cutting. Due to the addition of the two snow bank rinks in Pryce-Alderson and Southfort and the hiring of an additional bylaw officer, operation costs have understandably gone up. If no more cuts are made to the current proposed budget, residents will be receiving a 9.1 percent tax hike.

Suggestions for the cutback include reducing the $1.2 million sewer re-alignment project by some $200,000. Also suggested was taking $500,000 from the road rehabilitation program, currently budgeted at $1.5 million. Council does not think either of these is a good idea, since neglecting either project could cost the city much more in the long run. Axing repairs on city streets is not a viable option. To paint a picture, a pot-hole now could easily become a gully later.

The city has already cut $600,000 from the sign project. Council also decided to delay paying back $300,000 into the city’s reserve fund, in use since 2000. Without the repayment, the fund will have a total of $2.5 million, all accumulated from surplus budgets from various departments throughout the years. Don Westman, a councilor suggested the city continue to put budget surplus money into it, when available.

Harbor Pool’s exterior renovation and new audio system, costing $181,000 and $25,000 respectively were also delayed until perhaps next year. The Legion’s Normandy and Ortona room renovations will also have to wait, cutting an additional $131,000. A number of other projects including the demolition of a 70 year old home that the city owns have been delayed. The budget is expected to be passed on December 14th.

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate Report

October 19th, 2010

Shell Canada Withdraws Application for Upgrader at Fort Saskatchewan

It looks like Fort Saskatchewan won’t be getting a new upgrader after all. Shell Canada, which was planning the project, has withdrawn its application because the company feels the facility it already has can handle current and future production totals. The upgrader at Scottford already produces 255,000 barrels of bitumen per day and Shell wants to put its money into improving the output there.

Shell holds approvals for the Scottford facility to produce up to 290,000 barrels of bitumen and 400,000 barrels of a bitumen blend material per day. The company feels that it will have no problem pulling those numbers, and more, if further approvals are obtained.

The current estimate is that the Scottford upgrader can produce an additional 85,000 barrels of bitumen per day over the current number. Shell also states that they would need more approvals to cover all the anticipated production out of the Peace River and Fort McMurray sites. The firm just expanded the Jackpine mine, capable of adding another 100,000 barrels per day.

Additional projects being considered are a stem injection mining project near Peace River that may yield 80,000 barrels per day and another surface mine in the Fort McMurray area that has the potential to produce more than 200,000 barrels per day.

Fort Saskatchewan Property Report

September 16th, 2010

Fort Saskatchewan Elementary School Has New Diggs

Fort Saskatchewan Elementary School has a new building. It sits right next to the 55 year old building it replaces and is 90 percent complete. Staff is working double time to get moved in for the current school year. The new school with be technologically advanced, give much more breathing room for students and teachers and is considered “future friendly.”

The part that isn’t complete yet is the gym, specifically the floor. The required hardwood needs a certain temperature and humidity to be property installed. This could not be done without the heating units. For the next couple of months gym class will just be outside, weather permitting, or held in the hallways.

The construction took a year, a bit longer than expected, but went very smoothly. This was important since things were happening right next to the old school when there were kids constantly about. The teachers and construction workers did get on quite famously though. Other than a few days lost to wintery conditions, there were few interruptions.

The old school will be refurbished and then taken over by the Fort Saskatchewan Christian School sometime next year.

Fort Saskatchewan Home Report

July 23rd, 2010

Fort Saskatchewan To Host Musical Ride At Rotary River Valley Festival

The RCMP musical ride has not performed at Fort Saskatchewan since 2006. This year the prancing horses and red suited riders will show their moves at the Rotary River Valley Festival on August 22.

Most of the July appearances of the RCMP musical ride were cancelled due to the horses coming down with strangles, an equine infection. They have recovered and have been cleared to resume their tour. Fort Saskatchewan is the last appearance in Alberta, and then the group moves east. The show will also include sheep herding and police dog demonstrations with other performances still being confirmed.

The venue is the Rotary Amphitheatre, an open air, grassy venue that is more personal than indoor arenas and large grandstands. Seating is first come, first served on the grassy hillsides surrounding the show area. There will be 5000 tickets available at $10 each with the proceeds going to the Fort Saskatchewan Hospital Foundation and one of the Rotary’s other projects, supplying wheelchairs to patients in Belize.

Tickets for the RCMP musical ride are available at several outlets around town including Curves, the Visitor’s Information Office, Husky and Roland’s Jewellery to name a few. Tickets may also be purchased online through Ticketmaster.

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate Report

June 10th, 2010

Wildfires Wreak Havoc in May

Wildfires dominated the month of May, with a batch of 22 forest fires occurring in only a few days. Forestry officials said that strong winds and warm weather dried conditions throughout the province which created environments suitable for fires.

On Thursday, May 14, 2010, Thorhild County had to declare a state of emergency after a brushfire, ignited by strong winds, blazed out of control and caused evacuations and evacuation alerts. Thorhild County is located north of Edmonton, and the fire began near Opal, southwest of the town of Thorhild.

On Wednesday, two properties were evacuated and by Thursday, all homes in Opal were on evacuation alert.

Resident Walter Barabash and his wife had only ten minutes to gather their belongings before they were ordered from their farm in Opal.

Aircraft tankers lay lines of fire retardant to protect properties and buildings. Emergency Operations Supervisor, Brett Demary, of Thorhild County, said the fires spread quickly because the high content of slough grass and spruce trees.

Wind caused fire sports near the Sturgeon County-Thorhild border, and Sturgeon County declared a full fire ban on Thursday, May 14. Acting Fire Chief Pat Mahoney said the ban would stay in place until the area sees a considerable amount of rain that will reduce the hazard.

Fort Saskatchewan Property Report

May 11th, 2010

Fort Saskatchewan MDP Plots Area’s Growth by 2030

According to the Capital Region Board on proposed growth for Fort Saskatchewan, the municipal development plan, or MDP, expects some neighbourhoods to become denser in population than Southfort and Westpark. The population is predicted to grow to 30,000 by 2030. The draft of the MDP, made public the week of May 3, is on its way to City Council for its first review the week of May 17. After a series of public hearings, it is anticipated that the plan will be adopted some time in July.

Serving as the major planning document for Saskatchewan, the MDP governs road networking, land use, water services and planning within the municipality. Its strategic plans are eventually implemented by way of structural planning as well as zoning requirements. The existing ten-year MDP was created in 2000. A new plan, this one extending into the next 20 years, has been under development since last year.

The draft of Fort Saskatchewan’s MDP must be submitted for approval by the Capital Region Board. Six areas have been labeled as “priority growth areas.” These include Spruce Grove, Leduc, Sherwood Park, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan and St. Albert.

Clayton Kittlitz, planning director of Fort Saskatchewan, said that one of the plan’s objectives is to concentrate population growth in the region’s central area. Consequently, the city is targeting growth expectations to a number of 25 to 30 dwellings per hectare.

Plans for Westpark and Southfort include a mix of duplexes, condominiums and single-family houses, and each plan incorporates roughly 22 units a hectare. With its single-family bungalows, Pineview sits some 14 to 15 units per hectare. The draft of the MDP encompasses a sustainability plan, which City Council adopted in December 2009.

James Klukas, a consultant with Urban Systems, said that although greater neighbourhood density is planned, the MDP includes a generous amount of commercial and professional real estate space so dwellers can shop and receive services closer to their homes.

Fort Saskatchewan Homes Report

April 14th, 2010

Villeneuve Airport May Soon Become St. Albert-Sturgeon Regional Airport

It’s all in the name. That is the thinking behind the recent proposal to change the name of Villeneuve Airport to the St. Albert-Sturgeon Regional Airport. Such a change, the council from St. Albert believes, would create a more high profile image than the current name shared with a village of 150 people that is located within Sturgeon County.

At least one council member thought it best to find out the history of the name and how the folks of the village of Villeneuve felt about the name change. Bill Holtby, city manager, said Sturgeon County, which oversees the village, will be consulted, rather than the village itself.

If Sturgeon County approves the name change, then the city council of St. Albert as well as the county will put in formal requests to the Edmonton Airport Authority for the name change. It is expected the cost for the change will be minimal, mostly in the form of new signage at the airport and on directional markers on local roads and highways. The increase in air traffic, both private and commercial, is expected to more than offset the cost of the change.

March 12th, 2010

January 11th, 2010

Olympic Torch Relay Procession Through Fort Saskatchewan

In the middle of January, the Olympic Torch Relay will come through Fort Saskatchewan, causing brief highway closures to accommodate the procession.  The scheduled route for the Olympic Torch Relay begins at the intersection of Highway 15 and Highway 21.  The procession will travel northeast toward 101st Street.  The procession will turn left at 101st St. and head to Elementary School where students, parents and staff will be waiting for a brief reception. 

After a short pause at the school, the procession will begin traveling down 101st St. to 99th Ave., where it will turn left at 95th St.  The procession will make its way past the hospital, eventually returning to Highway 15.

The Olympic Torch Relay is planned to pass through Fort Saskatchewan around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13.  The brief road closures were previously announced by event organizers when the plans were originally announced.

The committee who organized the even hopes that local school children and business people alike line the streets to create a "parade-like" atmosphere.  The event is very special because the Winter Olympics taking place in Vancouver will be a rare event for Canada.  The chances of many children seeing a similar event any time soon is unlikely, considering the Olympics are held only once each four years.

The city has also organized a family event the same evening at the Dow Centennial Centre to celebrate the torch’s procession through the city, beginning at 6 p.m.

 

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate Report

December 10th, 2009

Fort Saskatchewan is Healthy and Stable

Local realtors are stating that they see the housing market as balanced and stable.  Manu believe that the recent correction in housing prices is natural and healthy for the market, and do not expect to see prices spike again like they did a few years back.

The prices are not as dismal as they were during 2008 for home sales and many more properties are available too.  So there is more an equilibrium in the market.  There is wide selection and buyers are knowledgeable and prudent.  Many buyers are able to see a wide selection of properties before they make an offer, so the chances they find an excellent deal still exist.  We say there will be no significant spike in prices because so many sellers and buyers believe that present prices are fairly valued, creating a vastly-supplied marketplace in terms of home inventory.

Many also mentions that they think average home prices are skewed because a few ultra-high priced homes were sold during the period, so it made it look like the prices were higher than the real prices of most homes.  Most homes sold for approximately $382,000 and not $427,000.

Fort Saskatchewan Homes Report

November 19th, 2009

New Project by Total, the French Oil Giant

The Energy Resources Conservation Board will begin to hold public hearings on the French oil giant, Total, and their prospective project near Fort Saskatchewan.  The oil company wants to build a facility that is capable of producing 150,000 barrels of crude oil each day. 

Even if approved by the ERCB in 2010, Total will not begin on the upgrader project until its 200,000 bpd Joslyn mine project is approved by the corporate headquarters in France.  The mine project and the upgrader project are integrated into a larger plan.  Total claims they are betting on the long-term future, and they see the upgraded facility and mine operating for thirty to forty years once it comes online. 

Total says that the project is important because it is hard to know from where the added value of refining crude oil will come, so it is important to target the entire chain of supply so that there will be opportunities to take advantage of added value.  The government has been promoting the long-term sustainability of the project in the wake of very little industrial activity in the region.  The announcement of the public hearings for the project provides confidence for the region.  

The only other ongoing project in the Heartland region is Shell’s Scotford upgrader expansion.  NorthWest Upgrading, a private contractor, is ready to start working on the new project as soon it receives financing tied to a bitumen supply.  The new construction will provides new jobs for the province.

Fort Saskatchewan Property Report

November 17th, 2009

Library needs $2.9 million for expansion

The Fort Saskatchewan Public Library wants to expand by 9,0000 square feet, and for that it will need the city to borrow $2.9 million.  The library board has suggested the money be borrowed and then repaid over a twenty-five year period. At today’s rate of lending, that would translate to a cost of about $200,000 annually.

The library currently operates within an 11,000 square foot facility. I am told that the expansion is needed to properly serve a growing population. A library board report insists that the current facility will not be able to adequately meet the needs of a population of 20,000 and that the expansion would ensure service to a population base as high as 35,000.

Ann Kublik, the library’s director, told council that a needs assessment survey that was completed by 400 residents during the summer of 2008 shows that the residents of Fort Saskatchewan want a higher level of service from their library.

I learned that in a meeting last month, the civic precinct advisory committee stated that an expansion or new library should be part of the proposed city hall project.

The library board wants council to set aside $450,000 for the expansion during the course of the next three years. The design and engineering of the expansion would cost about $225,000 out of that money, while the remainder could be used to begin paying off the loan.

The library project would be finished by 2013. It is clear to me that city council shall decide to accept or reject the library board proposal before approving the final draft of the city budget on December 8.

 

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate Report

October 23rd, 2009

The Legacy Park Family Festival misses volunteers

The Legacy Park Family Festival may have to be canceled this year because volunteers are hard to find.
No new volunteers answered the city’s pleas for people to help coordinate the festival. While more people are looking for free and affordable events to attend, fewer events are being hosted due to a shortage of people to work the events. No one on the city council has any idea what can be done to attract volunteers to help the city host events.

The city council recently received a report stating that the Legacy Park Family Festival may have to be combined with another festival such as the Canada Day Festival or the Peoples of North Saskatchewan heritage festival because the city cannot find enough volunteers to help host the event.

The culture director for the city recently announced that the most recent festival was organized by only four volunteers. He mentioned that the volunteers had to rely on the city’s staff to help them coordinate details of the event. Not to mention, the city has recently hosted a number of festivals during the summer months. These festivals have tapped out the supply of volunteers for city events.

The city has received no reply from many community groups concerning a letter sent out in July asking for more volunteers. Leaders of the Legacy Park Family Festival have pleaded with the community for more volunteers, but nobody is interested in helping host the festival. The committee for the Canada Day festival has also run into staffing problems. The parade chair recently stepped down, and the committee is presently in search of a new parade chairman.

Not only are the local festivals having problems finding volunteer staff to work the events, many organizations have been unable to find volunteers in the recent months. A survey taken at a recent festival revealed that leadership volunteers have been hard to find during 2009.

Fort Saskatchewan Homes Report

October 7th, 2009

Greenpeace Protests - RCMP Make Arrests

Concluding a recent ploy for attention by Greenpeace protestors, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrested sixteen members of the environmentalist group. The protestors were demonstrating their opposition to environmental changes to the oil sands. The protest against Shell Oil Company’s Scofford upgrader located near Edmonton lasted one day. Nineteen veteran climbers invaded the Shell property through a fence and ascended three smokestacks and a crane, where they unfurled signs in opposition to the so-called climate crimes on the tar sands. A spokesperson for Shell stated that because the protest took place on the weekend it did not interrupt the construction process.

Greenpeace recently arrived at Suncor Energy’s oil sand operation by canoe and that company gave permission to demonstrate peacefully in order to avoid physical conflict. The protestors stalled the operation and in turn, criminal mischief charges resulted. In a related event, the Albian Sands mine operation run by Shell, was the focus of another Greenpeace protest. This time the protestors shackled their bodies to heavy equipment located at the site.

A spokesperson for Greenpeace stated they would continue to raise awareness regarding toxic industries and the environment until the conference of world leaders convenes in Copenhagen this December.

 

Fort Saskatchewan Property Report

September 22nd, 2009

2009 Farmer’s Market

It was the final day of a very productive summer for Fort Saskatchewan’s 2009 Farmer’s Market, with this year’s event extended to 12 weeks, up from last year’s 10 week season. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce, the market had 39 vendors participating all 12 weeks, a 30 per cent increase from 2008, according to Committee Chair Karen Miller.

Originating in the CN parking lot, this year’s market was extended along the brick walkway toward 99th Avenue to accommodate the additional vendors. The expanded arrangement ensured a plentiful assortment of fresh produce and food items.

The popularity of the Fort Saskatchewan market was evident as shoppers gathered each Thursday, waiting for the horn to signal opening time. Customers guaranteed brisk sales during the two hours of the market’s operation. Vendor Gary Woitas was appreciative of the Fort’s loyal patrons, who often stood in long lines to buy his popular kettle corn. Business was so good that Woitas is considering a larger kettle for next year.

Committee Chair Miller gave a special thanks to the hard-working volunteers for their many hours of service. Miller said the volunteer efforts, along with the vendors and customers, made this an exceptional year.

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate Report

September 8th, 2009

New Look for Two Schools

It’s out with the old and in with the new, at least almost. Over 250 Fort Saskatchewan Elementary school students returned to class on Monday to find the $24 million renovation of their school in full swing. A portion of the 55 year old building has been demolished and a rebuild in the works.

The goal is to build an entirely new addition for the Fort Elementary students and modernize the existing building for the Fort Saskatchewan Christian School. Right now students in the Christian School are attending class in portable buildings outside of the Alliance Church.

The work began over the summer and is expected to continue all school year long. School officials recognize that with construction so close to children that safety is a priority. They hope that students watching the construction will find an appreciation for the work that goes into creating a new school. Both the Fort Elementary and Fort Saskatchewan Christian School portions of the buildings are slated to open next school year.

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