Joint-use headquarter building to move forward

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Two of Strathmore’s community-minded organizations have the go-ahead from Strathmore town council for a land use re-designation of four parcels, allowing Marigold Library System and Western Irrigation District (WID) to forge ahead with their joint-use headquarter building venture.
The two parties entered into a joint venture to share and co-own an approximately 30,000 sq. ft. building, located on a roughly 5.39-acre parcel of WID-owned land west of the No Frills store.
In order for a development permit application to be considered for the project, the parcel had to be re-designated to highway commercial and public service district from urban reserve and light industrial. Council, with the absence of town councillors Melanie Corbiell and Lorraine Bauer, voted unanimously in favour of the re-designation during their regular council meeting on Dec. 5.
“We’re very much on schedule now and look forward on working with the town on the next steps in the process related to the development permit, building permit and subdivision,” said David McAllister, general manager with WID.
CivicWorks, WID and Marigold Library Systems hosted an open house on Sept. 13 where feedback was received regarding traffic and noise, specifically affecting the residents of the Glenwood community. The concerns were addressed with plans of adding vegetative buffers and planning to develop loading bays on the south side of the building to create another buffer for Glenwood from noise and traffic concerns. No letters or comments in opposition to the proposed project were made during the public hearing on Dec. 5.
According to McAllister, a request for proposal has been released looking for architectural and design services with a deadline of Jan. 11 to submit proposals.
“There’s many things going on here that are lining up very well to achieve something that’s going to make a real difference in the community,” said Michelle Toombs, CEO of Marigold Library System.
Marigold and WID are optimistic their joint-use headquarter building will remain on schedule with a completion date of fall 2020.