Innisfail council has agreed to fund an administration plan at a cost of $61,000 to pave a town-owned gravel parking lot across the alley behind the municipal office.
Council was told at its April 25 regular meeting the intent of the project, part of the town's million-dollar first phase plan this year to expand and modernize town hall, was to provide new parking spaces for staff. Council passed the plan unanimously.
Through a report to council, Craig Teal, the town's director of planning and operational services, presented a plan to have 11 paved parking stalls – seven with access to power outlets – in the area just southeast of the town office.
Teal noted in his report the work will include landscaping to create an “attractive” edge along the east side of the current gravel lot and along the south portion onto 52 Street. He said there would be a pedestrian connection included out to the sidewalk on 52 Street. Council was told there will be lighting in the new paved parking lot, although the number of fixtures has not yet been determined.
Teal's report said the $61,000 price tag was not included in this year's budget. Council was told the funds for the project will come out of the town's General Capital Reserve, which sits at more than $1.4 million as of Dec. 31, 2015.
