OLDS — Construction is expected to begin next spring on a new intersection just south of the cemetery, providing another route in and out of the southeast industrial park.
Mayor Michael Muzychka announced those plans during an interview.
In an email, finance director Sheena Linderman confirmed the town has received $3 million for the project from the province under its Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program.
She said town officials had also applied for money for the project under Alberta’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program but that request was denied.
Muzychka was asked if this is the time to be undertaking such big projects with many taxpayers strapped for money as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Well like I said, the grant money’s there and we weren’t sure we were ever going to get any of that money, because that program has sort of locked up a little bit. So it was a bit of a surprise that we got it,” he said.
“And if there’s a time limit that we have to use it within, then we would rather use it, spend a bit of extra money out of the budget than lose a good chunk grant like that.”
