The Town of Penhold is preparing for a bountiful future as the number of building permits continues a “remarkable” increase.
With the Highway 42 and Waskasoo Avenue intersection nearly complete, and the stripping of the Melcor (Oxford Landing) lands continuing on schedule, Penhold is experiencing rapid expansion.
“The growth in our permit numbers from 2013 to 2014 has been remarkable,” said Rick Binnendyk, CAO of the Town of Penhold. “To date, there have been 114 permits issued which is only 60 away from last year's total. With lot development going so quickly, we should hit 174 by the end of August.”
In dollar value, Penhold had $17,592,772 worth of permits issued by the end of May, including for the new lift station, an increase of $12,053,672 over the same period in 2013. Numbers for June are expected to be reported over the next couple of weeks.
“With regards to the intersection directly north of the multiplex, the town had to pick up the majority of the cost pegged at $640,000, plus engineering, but the province did kick in $150,000 to help out,” said Binnendyk. “We had hoped that Alberta Education would help out as a high percentage of traffic will be for the new school but so far that has not materialized.”
He added the intersection is an enhanced Type II, which means there are provisions for a crosswalk once Oxford Landing is complete. The intersection was opened for traffic last weekend.
“Oxford Landing is proceeding well with the land being stripped of black soil and we have been working with Fortis/Equs for the relocation of the three transformers on the corner,” said Binnendyk. “The soil in the area is deeper than we planned for but it has been farmed for a long time. There is lots of activity on that piece of land now.”
With the new Penhold Crossing Secondary School scheduled to open for the 2014-15 school year, Chinook's Edge School Division is busy preparing the facility for students. The school division has scheduled the grand opening of the new school for Oct. 9.
“We have seen truck after truck of school supplies, equipment and furniture being delivered to the school from River Glen in Red Deer,” said Binnendyk. “Interest is high in the school and once students start the year in the new school, traffic along this corridor will be increased.”
