Marigold-WID headquarters construction underway

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Construction on the new shared headquarters for Marigold Library System and Western Irrigation District (WID) is now underway.

An official groundbreaking ceremony for the building was held Sept. 11. The event was attended by members of both organizations and local representatives, including Town of Strathmore Deputy Mayor Denise Peterson, Wheatland County Reeve Amber Link, Siksika Councillor Rueben “Buck” Breaker, Airdrie East MLA Angela Pitt and Bow River MP Martin Shields.

The impetus for Marigold’s involvement in the project was the organization’s need for a larger building to serve its 44 member municipalities, explained Lynda Lyster, Marigold’s board chair. But the chances for this “were not looking good” until Marigold received a $3 million grant from the provincial government in 2017, she said.

Then, after upgrading the current Marigold headquarters was deemed unfeasible, the organization started considering a new build. Looking for available real estate in Strathmore, the organization approached WID about parcels it owns in town. Talks were stalling until the suggestion was made that Marigold share with WID, which was also in need of a new headquarters, said Lyster.

“So, two community-minded organizations forged ahead with a joint use facility to share and also own our own building,” she said.

The joint-use facility is an uncommon arrangement that will benefit both organizations, said Dan Shute, WID board chair. 

“The potential economy of scale, the synergies, the ability to share fundamentals like parking lots, outdoor amenities space (and) a large boardroom (are) instances where the WID has not previously had that opportunity,” noted Shute.

While the two organizations serve different functions, there are similarities between them, said Pitt. 

“Both the WID and Marigold have a long history of investing in small and rural Alberta communities and their organizations provide critical public service to so many,” she said.

Peterson echoed this sentiment. “What a remarkable undertaking for two seemingly disparate organizations. I say seemingly, because I have come to understand that these organizations have much in common, as both are hugely critical to our future well-being,” she said.

The 34,462 square foot structure, located to the northwest of the intersection between Pine Rd. and Orchard Park Rd., is expected to be completed by the summer of 2021. The building was designed by BRZ Partnership Architecture, led by architect Hank Brzezinski, and will be constructed by Lear Construction Management Ltd.