After another public consultation, the East Olds Redevelopment Plan is almost complete.But action on the plan depends on citizen feedback.“We're not pushing anything through. That's not the way we work. That's not our style. Our style is to be able to listen to what the concerns are and today I think we've got it almost 90 per cent there,” said Olds mayor Judy Dahl.“When we get the feedback from Parkland Community Planning and what they hear from people tonight, there will be one more kick at the (can) and then it will be back to council. I'm hoping it will be back here by summer.”Dahl attended an open house event showcasing the redevelopment plan on March 26 at the Olds Elks Hall. The presentation featured easels and posters explaining the town's plans for the east Olds area, including guidelines for commercial and residential spaces, ways to calm traffic and heritage preservation.The open house was a chance for people to voice their opinion on how they want the area developed now that the plan is in its final draft, said Jolene Tejkl, senior planner of Parkland Community Planning Services, a Red Deer-based planning company the town has hired.Tejkl said there have been changes made to the plan since the last open house in February so they're consulting the public once again.“We're in the final stages of this plan now,” she said. “If there isn't a lot of huge changes then we will be taking this for adoption probably within the next couple months.”The public has until April 16 to submit comments, which go to a steering committee, Tejkl continued.She said the plan might go before council as early as May for first reading if there are not significant changes but adds that is an ambitious time frame.Dahl said she hopes there won't be many objections to the plan, which has been in the works for years.“We've had this process going on now with public engagement now for over two years,” she said. “We're at the fine line now where I think the public and the citizens and the residents of east Olds are quite happy with what we have to offer.”So far, public concerns have been about preserving east Olds' historical heritage and bringing in more commercial amenities, which have moved to newer neighbourhoods, Tejkl said.“So we want to get a little bit more local shops so people are able to live, work and shop in the neighbourhood that they live in,” she said.“This area is going to see more redevelopment, without a doubt. It's in a prime location, next to the college, next to uptowne, these lots are beautiful and large. It's what people want.”[email protected]
