PENHOLD – Red Deer County will be growing alongside the Town of Penhold.
County council approved its Junction 42 local area structure plan on June 12. The new development area, about 200 acres in size, borders the newly annexed lands by Penhold, to the east. The development is expected to complement any development the Town of Penhold may do in the near future.
“This is something we’ve been planning for a long time,” said Jim Wood, mayor of Red Deer County. “We passed the area structure plan to identify some commercial lands at the intersection of highway 2 and 42.
“We’re looking at a development that will probably look something like Gasoline Alley does now,” he added. “We’re hoping to be able to provide a place for the motoring traffic to be able to stop.”
The two municipalities previously agreed to the annexation of lands, with an understanding of future development.
“That was something we worked with Penhold on throughout this process,” said Wood, noting that process included several open houses and public hearings.
Wood said the commercial development will help draw traffic from Highway 2 and help create jobs.
“I always believe that wherever development happens, whether it’s in Penhold, Red Deer County or Red Deer city, strengthens the region,” explained Wood.
When the Town of Penhold annexed lands from Red Deer County, the two municipalities identified their growth needs.
“Penhold and Red Deer County have worked together with a vision to know ahead of time what we both will be doing and that we’re happy with it,” said Wood. “We got into this both knowing what we need to do for both to be successful.”
Penhold mayor Mike Yargeau said the plan will benefit the town.
“I think it complements what we hope to do there very well,” said Yargeau, noting Penhold council recently approved the development. “Two council meetings ago we had passed a formal motion saying our staff had reviewed their area structure plan and we have no concerns about it. We support it.
“Red Deer County has been great letting us know what they’re doing around us this whole time,” he added.
Yargeau said it was good news for the county and he hopes to see a positive impact for the town as well.
“I think that’s the goal long-term is, hopefully it becomes the new Gasoline Alley where both the county and the town can benefit from that and see some growth.”
Mayor Wood said that development will be phased in over time and could include, in addition to gas stations, restaurants, hotels, farm equipment dealerships and other types of commercial activity.
“We’re expecting that we will start to see development happen this year,” said Wood.
