OLDS — Town of Olds staff are working on a plan to lure industrial development and create jobs on land in the northeast part of the town annexed from Mountain View County.
The province approved the annexation of the three quarter-sections of land two years ago.
The town is looking at making the land, located north of Highway 27 and east of Highway 2A, available for commercial and industrial use.
As part of that process, the town plans to create a long-term strategy for how best to make that happen.
“This plan is designed to improve investment attraction opportunities for the local economy,” a town news release issued Dec. 6 said.
“New businesses stimulate the economy by creating more job opportunities, more spending and by generating more tax revenue, leading to a healthier economic environment.
“Increased tax revenue can be reinvested into local infrastructure like roads, parks, public services, improving the quality-of-life standards for our residents.”
Development of the plan will take place in three stages.
The first stage is already underway and is expected to last until sometime in February.
It involves conducting preliminary analysis of data and identifying opportunities for development and challenges that may be faced in that development.
The team is working with engineers to look at options for development in the area, including the most suitable road and servicing layout for that land.
Phase 2, expected to run from February into May, will involve concept development.
Based on the preliminary studies, the project team will prepare draft concepts and engage with the public, adjacent landowners, and other key stakeholders to gather feedback on potential concepts.
Phase 3, expected to run from May through September, involves finalizing the area structure plan, based on input from the public obtained in phase 2, sharing that final plan with the public and presenting it to council for final approval.
In an email to the Albertan, municipal planner Kyle Sloan said the timelines for those three phases may change as work on the project progresses.
He noted a website has been developed where residents can find out more about the project. It’s at https://maps.mcelhanney.com/mapsportal/apps/sites/#/town-of-olds-asp.
“The only engagement in the first phase is online, where the public can submit feedback or questions at the bottom of the website,” Sloan wrote.
“The second phase will have a community workshop that the public can attend in person to speak with the project team.
“The date and location are not confirmed yet, but it was originally estimated to be around early March.
“From there, feedback from the public engagement will be considered as the team works on the final plans, which will then be presented to the public online.”
Sloan noted that before the final version of the plan can be approved by council, a public hearing must be held, during which residents will have a chance to give their thoughts on it. The date for that public hearing will be advertised.
Residents can also visit olds.ca/engagement for updates and opportunities to engage.
