Strathmore fills a wish list

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Strathmore town council has chosen to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday by approving a $6 million loan, which will complete long-awaited projects for downtown revitalization, park enhancement, facility upgrades and the building of a new municipal office.
“In 2017, we mark the 150th anniversary of confederation in Canada. It is a momentous opportunity for Canadians to connect with our past, celebrate our achievements and build for our future,” said Tracy Simpson, Strathmore community service coordinator, at the Dec. 6 Strathmore town council meeting.
“The Canada 150 capital improvement program, being presented this evening, is an investment in Strathmore’s future, which aligns with the government of Canada’s vision to celebrate our heritage, create jobs, and improve quality of life for our citizens.”
Some of the revitalization items will be street banners and ornamental poles, street furniture, streetscaping, landscaping and fibre conduit installation.
Park enhancements will connect walking paths between Gray’s Park, Lambert Park, Kinsmen Park and Eagle Lake. Banners, lake cleanup, park furniture, sustainable lighting, building a community pavilion, and upgrades to playground and ball diamonds will be done.
The Aquatic Centre will get an enclosure for the waterslide, a steam room and elevator to the second floor. The Family Centre will get a rebuild for the refrigeration plant. Lambert Centre will get interior upgrades, new signage and an exterior facelift.
The new municipal building will more adequately house all departments and community services under one roof.
“The time is now to invest in Strathmore. The cost of money is lower, the cost of construction is lower. By packaging the tenders it creates a perfect opportunity for Strathmore,” said Simpson. “Ultimately we hope to achieve an improved optimism for the community and hope for the future.”
The $6 million needed for the projects was included as part of the 2017 town budget and approved by council. It will be supplemented by partnerships, grant money and reserve funding.