By Sheldon Spackman

Green Light Given

Development permit approved for Blackfalds Multi-Plex expansion

Jun 13, 2020 | 10:00 AM

A development permit application to begin expansion of the Blackfalds Multi-Plex received unanimous approval from the town’s Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) on Tuesday.

The application also included recommendations to relax certain provisions of the permit relating to side yard setbacks for the facility structure’s south limits, building height, landscaping, and parking provisions.

As a result, the Town of Blackfalds Planning & Development department recently requested feedback from adjacent landowners regarding the relaxation requests.

In a letter to nearby property owners and residents who submitted written comments, CAO Myron Thompson says it was evident to him that considerable misinformation has been circulated about several capital projects in the community.

Thompson says it’s crucial for the Town to provide accurate details about work that will be undertaken.

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“It is my hope to clarify these misconceptions held by the public and consequentially alleviate some of the concerns identified by residents,” wrote Thompson. “In the next year, the Town of Blackfalds will begin work on two construction projects which have been part of the municipality’s 10-year capital plan; the Arena Expansion and Library slated to begin summer 2020, and the Centre Plaza/parking lot for the expansion and Gregg Street re-alignment to be completed in 2021.”

Thompson says the Gregg Street re-alignment was recommended as a safe and efficient solution to the 35-degree rail crossing in the 2015 Transportation Master Plan, meant to improve the flow of east to west traffic when Gregg Street connects to Womacks Road.

“The realignment will see Gregg Street turn into a four-way intersection as it connects to Womacks Road, thereby avoiding the current railway crossing which has traffic on Gregg Street turning northward onto Broadway having to negotiate a very sharp turn,” he explains. “Northbound traffic coming from the south on Broadway Avenue will diverge slightly east onto Gregg Street, then turn left toward Womacks, and then turn right onto Broadway North. The current portion of Broadway between Gregg St and Womacks will be removed and will be transformed as part of the Centre Plaza/parking lot for the Arena expansion project.”

Thompson says the 2015 Recreation, Culture, and Parks Needs Assessment and Master plan which identified the need for an additional ice surface to meet the current demand for ice time by various sports clubs.

“One of the main concerns expressed by residents is that of parking,” admits Thompson. “It is estimated that parking requirements when both arenas are at full capacity is 428 stalls. While the current design will accommodate 349 stalls, we’ll make up the shortfall by encouraging patrons to park at no cost in nearby municipal parking lots, either downtown, at the Civic Centre, or the Community Centre.”

Thompson feels maximum use of these areas will encourage shopping at downtown businesses and will add a unique vibrancy to the community’s core.

A small ground breaking ceremony for the expansion is scheduled for June 19.