The Town of Blackfalds is in the process of purchasing commercial property with the goal of taking possession by late November.
The purchase aligns with the 2016 Municipal Sustainability Plan and the 2018 Civic Facilities Development Strategy and Master Plan, both of which identified the need to expand its Public Works and Parks and Recreation operational facilities by merging the two departments and, as a result, increase efficiencies and cost savings in its operations.
Council and Administration have been diligently working on the Town’s long-range plans for its services and operations, including capital infrastructure and equipment and fleet necessities; working hard to identify and secure funding sources to meet current and future demands and needs.
“Currently our existing facilities have not kept pace with the community’s growth,” said CAO Myron Thompson, “The public works facility was built for a population of 3,000 and our Community Services department are currently housed in the former fire hall and have outgrown it as well. We recognize that we would benefit from many efficiencies and cost-savings with both human resources, fleet and equipment, which is a major determining factor in this process.”
“When presented with this opportunity, council took the time to evaluate all the options that were available and concluded that the purchase of this property is the best choice for our community at this time,” stated Mayor Poole. “Not only will our fleet and heavy equipment have a longer service life span due to storage opportunities, but we will be able to undertake expanded and improved maintenance with our forces.
In addition,” he adds, “By combining our outstanding Parks and Public Works staff in one facility we will have the ability to work together more efficiently and effectively to serve our Town.”
The facility is situated on 10 acres of land and includes office and meeting spaces complete with furnishings that will be accessible to the public.
-Submitted by the Town of Blackfalds