| Sod-turning ceremony marks start of
Centre in the Park residential construction
June 21, 2005, Sherwood Park, AB?Partners in Strathcona County?s Centre in the Park project marked the commencement of construction with a sod-turning ceremony today. Excavation has started on the first two buildings on the site, condominium units that will be complete by the spring of 2006.
Centre in the Park is a multi-use area that will be developed in the heart of Sherwood Park over the next seven years. When complete, the area will include a central plaza, walkway and other public spaces along with residential units and retail services.
?We?re creating a heart for our community that will reflect our community?s identity and provide a legacy for future generations,? says Strathcona County Mayor Cathy Olesen. ?In cooperation with partners both from the private and public sectors, we are building this project as a model of sustainable development.?
Environmentally friendly building materials will be used throughout Centre in the Park, along with energy-efficient street lighting and landscaping.
A community energy system, initially fuelled by natural gas, will supply heat from a central source to the entire area. Strathcona County and ATCO are exploring a partnership to develop new technologies for the system. The system will help to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gases compared with conventional heating. As well, it will be operated as a utility, with costs paid from user fees rather than tax dollars.
Christenson Developments and WAM Development Group of Edmonton, chosen through a competitive process, are developing the residential and commercial components of Centre in the Park. Their sales centre is located at the corner of Sherwood Drive and Festival Way.
Contributions from other levels of government include $2 million from the provincial and federal governments through the Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program (ICAP). In addition, an Alberta 2005 Centennial Legacies Grant of $250,000 will be used to enhance the central walkway.
?The Government of Canada values investments in community infrastructure,? says the Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). ?The Centre in the Park highlights our commitment to building sustainable communities while improving our environment and ensuring a continued high quality of life for all Albertans.?
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Contact: Mayor Cathy Olesen, 464-8000
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