Mayor Rod Shaigec shares Parkland County updates

PARKLAND COUNTY------Mayor Rod Shaigec recently shared several updates for Parkland County.

The county is planning to launch phase 2 of it's Acheson Industrial Area Structure Plan.

Phase 1 of the plan was completed in December 2020 and included administrative updates and revisions to policies. Phase 2 will focus on policy review, and alignment with council's vision.

"Parkland County is amending an update in the Acheson Area Structure Plan to ensure that we have land available, both for immediate, medium term and long term growth, " said Mayor Shaigec.

The county is also organizing open house events to seek the input of residents on the plan.

Mayor Shaigec also discussed the data centres which have been proposed in the county. As of now, none of the projects have reached the permit stage.

"This includes the potential development near the TransAlta power station at Keephills where land use amendments were approved last year but no detailed plans or applications have been submitted, " said Mayor Shaigec.

The projects are a part of the provincial government's Artificial Intelligence Data Centres Strategy.

The provincial government's 2026 budget has also confirmed continued investments in two transportation projects in the county. The projects include the twinning of highway 60 between highway 16 and highway 16A, and the construction of a bridge over the CN rail line.

"That's going to help with safety concerns and issues through that corridor and also enable us to attract more business, because business operations will have a greater flow of goods and services to that area," said Mayor Shaigec, talking about the benefits of the upgrades.

Another upgrade in the county will focus on the highway 16 and range road 20 area.

The county is also making it easier for residents and businesses to get in person services right in or closer to their community.

"Once a month, Parkland County staff will host in person service days in Wabamun and Entwistle so people can pay bills, ask questions and receive the personal support they need," said Mayor Shaigec.

Mayor Shaigec also reminded residents to take precautions heading into the summer and wildfire season. One of the safety measures is not letting winter burn piles spring back to life.

"Winter burn piles can smolder underground for weeks or months and re-ignite as spring brings warmer, windier, and drier conditions, " said Mayor Shaigec.