Sundre is arguably among the fortunate communities in Alberta that is possibly poised for growth as the provincial economy continues to build momentum during the slow but steady recovery.
Two major developments that have been announced in recent months are undeniably indicative of a municipality boasting potential investment appeal.
Candre Cannabis — a Canadian-owned, Calgary-based company — announced a couple of months ago plans to build a medicinal cannabis production facility in Sundre’s southwest light industrial district, essentially across the street from the Westview Co-op Cardlock gas station behind Tim Hortons.
The multi-million-dollar project’s first phase outlines plans for a roughly 42,000-square-foot vertical growing facility that will require an estimated 50, well-compensated, full-time employees, including positions ranging from growers to office staff and security personnel.
The proposed development largely seems to have been welcomed with open arms by the community, which has not expressed any serious reservations about Candre.
Click here for related coverage.
The company, which is close to becoming licensed by Health Canada, intends to first and foremost seek local labour, but workers who might end up coming from out of town will need a place to live and call home.
Cue in the news about a more recently announced proposed development for a 56-unit gated condo community designed to cater specifically to offer young families affordable homes while also providing options for seniors.
During the May 14 meeting council approved the rezoning of an approximately 11-acre portion of a parcel of land on the west side of Centre Street North — or James River Road — past 13th Avenue to general residential from urban reserve, as well as a subdivision application.
These two major developments represent nothing less than a massive investment in our community.
Many small towns throughout Alberta are struggling to secure investments to promote development and growth as their populations slowly but surely dwindle as people move to bigger metropolitan centres that tend to boast more opportunities.
But Sundre is not one of them.
Depending on the success of these two substantial projects, even more entrepreneurs and developers could well set their sights on our municipality as a viable place to invest, bringing in not only more people but tax dollars as well.
We without question think this is — if nothing else — cause for optimism and look forward to seeing and reporting on Sundre's continued growth.
— Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
