CREMONA - The village's council has been given an update on a proposal to create a temporary campground along Highway 580 in the village. The update came during council’s recent regularly scheduled meeting.
The village currently has three lots for sale just east of Highway 22 on the south side of Highway 58.
In his monthly report to council, chief administrative officer Rudy Friesen reported on recent developments vis-a-vis the proposal.
“We continue to communicate with Alberta Transportation regarding our request for a temporary municipal campground south of Highway 580,” Friesen said. “As a result of our request I am now working with them to clarify our position relative to the First Street and East Street extensions.
“The trigger for village activation of the extension developments created some confusion. Once we have cleared up the confusion, I believe they will have no objection to a temporary campground on our lots south of Railway Avenue at 1st Street.”
The campground would consist of up to 10 non-serviced camping sites including a fire pit, some grass, a picnic table and one or two planted trees per site, council heard earlier.
The eight to 10 sites, with proposed amenities, plus the green space and self-registration kiosk would require an estimated investment of $15,000, he said.
“The resulting revenue, based on $25/night would mean a short time frame for our return on this investment,” he said.
Administration had earlier submitted an inquiry to Alberta Transportation regarding the project.
“A campground provides the opportunity for the village to generate some revenue and to attract visitors to the community for a longer stay, which benefits local businesses as well,” he said.
Mayor Tim Hagen told The Albertan council may decide to put the temporary campground proposal over until after the October municipal election, with another possible update coming at the September council meeting.
COVID clinic, public works updates
In his report, Friesen also reported that Alberta Health Services (AHS) is planning a second COVID-19 immunization clinic in the village on Aug. 4.
“The first-shot clinic on July 7 saw 20 individuals receive inoculations. AHS hopes to see increased traffic with this additional notice for the August clinic,” he said.
He also gave an update on recent developments at the public works department.
“Terry Sauer began in the public works department on June 28,” he said. “He is finding his stride regarding the work required in the village. He is adapting well to our water system operation and is now registered to take the Level 1 certification course online in advance of writing his Level 1 exam.
“Thank you to the Town of Sundre for the continued oversight from their water system operators at this time.”
A new paving project in the village, which included new blacktop at the arena, has now been completed and looks great, said mayor Hagen, noting that the project was jointly funded by the village and Mountain View County.
Council accepted Friesen’s report as information.
