INNISFAIL - The Town of Innisfail has finalized agreements with the contractor for the upgrade of the heliport and expects to move forward with construction within the “next couple of months” at the longstanding site near the Innisfail Health Centre.
The heliport was shut down in mid-2020 after being deemed non-compliant with numerous Transport Canada guidelines.
The emotionally-charged community project has a projected total budget of $641,541, with the construction component costing $489,955. Last month town council awarded the construction contract to Red Deer’s Timcon Construction Ltd.
At council’s regular meeting on Feb. 14, administration was told a start date for the project has not been set yet but all agreements with the contractor have just been finalized. Council was also told the project will be moving forward in the “next couple of months.”
Todd Becker, the town’s chief administrative officer, said it’s hoped construction will begin in spring.
Meanwhile, the town has not yet heard whether a federal grant application for $750,000 to begin Phase 1 of the Dodd's Lake Enhancement Project has been successful. The town had hoped to have an answer early in 2022.
The plan was to have the funds to begin work in the southwest area of the lake, specifically around the boat launch, and the proposed spot for a parking lot with up to 32 stalls.
Last summer and fall there were growing concerns the area had become stressed due to increased popularity and lack of parking opportunities.
“Without knowing, we have not applied that potential project to our work plan, so it’s just sitting idle right now until we hear the status of that grant,” said Becker. “It will be up to council on how they wish to advance if that grant is received or if it’s not.”
