$1.00 INCL GST
Okotoks signs deal with province for Highway 2A
By Editor
Negotiations have now concluded between the Town of Okotoks and Alberta Transportation for the operation and control of Highway 2A.
Okotoks council agreed to sign an agreement with the Alberta Transportation after negotiating the terms last week.
'Administration believes we have reached the conditions of an agreement which are responsible, favorable and acceptable and results in an overall win-win situation,' said municipal manager Will Pearce during Okotoks' regular council meeting last Monday.
Town administration has been negotiating with the provincial department since January for control of Highway 2A, but discussions only recently intensified.
Minister of Transportation Ed Stelmach presented a letter of offer, early Monday morning, to the town. The mayor replied with four changes, one being the date of transfer from Aug. 1 to Oct. 1.
At about 4 pm Monday afternoon, Alberta Transportation responded favorably to the town's requests and drafted a letter of offer. According to the terms of the agreement, effective Oct. 1, 2002 the town will assume operation, maintenance and control of the highway within the borders of Okotoks except for the bridges.
'This is a huge step,' said Pearce.
Taking control of Highway 2A will allow the town to acquire proper access to the commercial developments which include Wal-mart and Canadian Tire.
With the town assuming control of Highway 2A, Alberta Transportation does not have a say in the access issue and is essentially out of the business of operating a highway within the Town of Okotoks, said Pearce last week.
Since an emergency meeting was called last week, administration has worked diligently to close the deal.
Alberta Transportation has agreed to pay the town $1.7 million.
The funding covers the cost of pavement overlay of Highway 2A from Woodhaven Drive to Cimarron Drive and the construction of Highway 2A to a four-lane divided standard from Cimarron Drive to Highway 7.
The result will be a four-lane urban arterial roadway at no net cost to local ratepayers and no adjustments to standard off-site levies, said Pearce.
As well, $336,000 will be placed in an operating reserve to be used over a four to five-year time frame to help absorb the increased costs to maintain the road. Operating costs are estimated at between $160,000 to $200,000 per year.
It is also expected that the increased tax base from the imminent commercial development will help offset the costs of maintaining the highway.
While the final negotiation is substantial lower than originally proposed, Pearce said the agreement is a compromise.
Council had originally opened negotiations with a request of $6.9 million from Alberta Transportation to cover four-laning of Highway 2A and other capital needs for the next 50 years. However, Alberta Transportation came back with what was considered a low-ball offer of $135,000.
After further negotiations, and financial participation of the benefitting landowners (Tristar and Prominence Realty Ltd.), capital commitments total $3 million with an operating reserve of $336,000.
'This is not absolutely the best case scenario for the Town of Okotoks or Alberta Transportation, but we are ending up at $3.3 million — roughly half way,' said Pearce of final negotiation costs.
Council was also originally concerned that Alberta Transportation had stated it would not be responsible for any liabilities from the date of transfer. However, Alberta Transportation confirmed in the final letter of offer that it is not aware of any deficiencies by Alberta Environment in the storm water management system.
Once the letter is signed, the town can begin construction to upgrade Highway 2A. Pearce said residents will see immediate construction on the south leg of the highway, the clean up of Elizabeth Street West and the asphalt overlay. It is expected construction on Highway 2A south will be completed before freeze-up.
Alberta Transportation will ensure deficiencies along Highway 2A as a result of last year's twinning, such as landscaping, are complete before handing control over to the town.
Town administration also anticipates the need for a 2002 operating budget amendment, in the order of $50,000, for traffic light maintenance, snow removal and sanding, street light maintenance and other incidental costs.
Mayor Bill McAlpine commended both Alberta Transportation and the town's administration for the hard work they each have done to complete negotiations.
Current Weather in Okotoks
Heavenly beef
The Longview Meats and Merchandise float threw beef jerky to the crowd at Longview's Little New York Daze parade. The annual celebration ran July 19 to 21 with events such as mutton bustin', a baseball tournament, a pancake breakfast, kid's games, a classic car show and live musicians. For more photos see page 7.
- photo by Darlene Casten
RCMP search for man
By Editor
Turner Valley and Crowsnest Pass RCMP are currently searching for a missing 43-year-old man.
Terry Roskam was last seen Saturday, July 20 at around 7 pm just off Highway 532 near Indian Graves Campground. He was seen wearing only a pair of blue jeans and has a tattoo of a head on his chest.
Roskam appeared quite disorientated. He is described as being six foot two inches and 160 pounds with short brown hair.
The area was searched by Foothills and Pincher Creek Search and Rescue groups and on Monday, July 22 additional members from Calgary, Lethbridge and Crowsnest Pass Search and Rescue joined in the search.
The area being searched is approximately 45 kilometres southwest of Longview and is frequented by many weekend campers and offroad motor vehicle enthusiasts.
RCMP is requesting the assistance of any persons who many have seen Roskam this past weekend to contact the Crowsnest Pass detachment at (403) 562-2866.
|
In this issue... |
||
 Author inspires better reading skills See Arts & Entertainment  Bantam AA provincials start this weekend See Sports |
||
|
|
||
