By Sheldon Spackman

Blackfalds unveils new plan for civic facilities

Oct 19, 2018 | 11:20 AM

Blackfalds residents recently had a chance to learn more about facility priorities in the community moving forward.

That opportunity came during an open house held at the Abbey Centre October 11 that presented The Town’s Civic Facilities Development Strategy and Master Plan to those in attendance.

Attendees were able to offer their feedback regarding those priorities which to this point, have been established through research and feedback from both The Town and residents.

Town officials say the Master Plan focuses on 10 key areas, including indoor ice surfaces, indoor aquatics, arts and culture programs and performance space, a community gathering space and learning/library space.

Others include municipal government administrative space, public works operations spaces, parks and recreation operations spaces, family and community support services and protective/enforcement services.

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As the Town’s relatively young population grows, officials say the community’s expectations for business, products, and services is also increasing.

As a result, updated municipal goals and strategies, as well as long-range capital and operation planning to address infrastructure planning and operating objectives will also be needed.

After establishing long-range plans for services and operations, including capital infrastructure and equipment and fleet necessities, officials say council and Town staff have worked hard to identify and secure funding sources to meet current and future demands and needs. It’s also noted The Town is now at a point where it must also consider its future requirements for civic facilities.

The Civic Facilities study aims to provide a course of action for the Town to follow over the next ten years related to current and future civic facilities in Blackfalds. The study is described as examining the current state of existing facilities, expected population growth, potential partnership opportunities, and other factors including forthcoming changes to the Municipal Government Act.

In order to plan for the future, Town decision makers are also said to be considering both the current state of existing civic facilities, what is required to sustain them, as well as what new facilities will be needed in the community as it evolves.

Courses of action however are dependent upon available resources (financial or otherwise) as well as, in some cases, dependent on the actions of other partners.

View the Civic Facilities Development Strategy and Master Plan.

View display panels from the Oct. 11, 2018 Open House.

Download the Civic Facilities Feedback Form, complete and drop off at 5018 Waghorn St. or scan/photograph and email info@blackfalds.com with subject line: Civic Facilities Review Feedback.