HIGH RIVER, AB: Council approved the proposed 2016 renewal program at the Monday, Oct. 26 council meeting. Projects included the construction and repair of infrastructure, continuation of flood mitigation measures, and support for economic development.
“We’ve come a long way since 2013 and we want to keep this momentum going to get all these projects finished as fast as possible,” said Mayor Craig Snodgrass. “The quicker we can get this work completed, the quicker we can move on.”
Projects have been prioritized by year based on a variety of factors including public health and safety, funding approvals, presence or absence of technical information, efficient sequencing and staff capacity.
Some of the key projects are:
- Phases 3 and 4 of the downtown reconstruction program.
- Installation and repairs to sections of the Highwood River banks as part of ongoing flood mitigation measures.
- Repair and replacement of underground utilities and sidewalks in sections of the southwest and southeast areas of town.
- Economic development support
- Renovations to the Firehall and RCMP buildings.
The Southwest Dike, which was included in the 2015 plan, is currently going through the design and regulatory stages that precede specific funding application and approval.
Funding for these projects comes from Government of Alberta grants, the Disaster Recovery Program and the Town’s capital projects budget.
Several projects are still working through funding, approvals or other prerequisites that must be met before they can be started and council may consider adjusting or adding priorities as progress is made.