WEMBLEY, ALTA – The County of Grande Prairie is putting $37,275 toward the Wembley & District Agricultural Society’s request to ensure the ice plant is operational for October 1st.
The funds will cover 50 per cent of the cost for the ice plant. The Wembley & District Agricultural Society will be asking the Town of Wembley for the remaining $37,275.
The June 2020 fire closed the arena due to extensive damages.
The rebuild of the arena is expected to cost $1.8 million.
The ag society was underinsured at the time of the fire and will be required to pay 37 per cent of the rebuild cost which is approximately $660,000, according to a report from the county.
The ag society is requesting that the county fund the amount of $661,310, along with the provision of professional services from the county to oversee the rebuild.
Rio Grande bridge: A new Rio Grande bridge will begin construction later this season.
In June, the original contractor informed the county that they were defaulting and would no longer proceed with the work.
The county has now partnered with Formula Contractors Limited, who has already begun moving the project forward according to the county.
Work will be paused on the new build in the winter, and crews will finish pouring the needed concrete in spring 2022, with access to the new bridge expected in October 2022.
Budget for the new bridge is about $9.2 million, an increase from the previous budget due to the change in contractors, but the county says the additional charges will be covered by in full by surety bonds put in place in the original contract.
The salvage of the old bridge is still expected to be completed by March 2023.
2021 tax sale: Council approved 16 potential tax sale properties market values for the October 19th sale.
The reserve bids are set at the market values of the properties as required by Municipal Government Act.
Canadian Municipal Network on Crime Prevention Membership: Council approved funding to become part of the Canadian Municipal Network on Crime Prevention (CMNCP).
The cost of the membership is based on community size.
The membership with CMNCP will provide the county with access to crime prevention programs, mentorship, and support from community safety specialists.
Interprovincial meeting: The Peace River Regional District will be hosting the next interprovincial meeting on October 14th. The county plans to discuss outstanding issues on fine collection and/or business licensing, regional joint fire service agreement with Peace Region in British Columbia, STARS funding, and air transportation.
New traffic lights: The county is partnering with the city to add traffic lights in the Arbour Hills and Whispering Ridge area in the city.
The traffic lights will be installed at 108 Street and 132 Avenue in the city, not far from St. John Paul II Catholic School.
The cost is estimated at $400,000, with both municipalities equally sharing the expense.
Work is expected to begin in the fall and to be completed by late 2022.
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