Meridian Beach North Subdivision set to move ahead

PONOKA COUNTY -- Meridian Beach is slated to begin a major expansion project in the coming months. 

This will come as part of the Meridian Beach North Subdivision, which will see the construction of a new, slightly larger canal, as well as more than 80 new lots. The design includes 47 lots on each side of Canal Street and another 36 lots west of Canal Street. Two parking areas are included in the plan, one west of the beach and one south of the canal for boats and canal access. 

The majority of the project is slated to get underway next year; however, Ponoka County CAO Peter Hall confirms that the work on constructing the new canal is expected to begin this coming winter. 

"I believe that the canal development will start this winter on frozen ground, which is the best time to dig a canal from their experience," said Hall. "That portion will happen then, and then over the next number of years, the subdivision with the new 80-plus lots will be developed in stages."

The Meridian Beach development was originally modeled after Ontario's Muskoka region to bring a traditional cottage-country ambiance to central Alberta. Back in February, roughly 21.4 acres of land were rezoned from agricultural district to lake resort district to accommodate future subdivision of the property. Hall says that the area continues to serve as an economic driver.

"The way this development has played out, it's been a significant economic driver for contractors, it's increased our tax base in Ponoka County as well, and diversified us away from straight oil and gas," said Hall. "We've seen significant municipal assessment growth while not impacting good quality farm land." 

The development of Meridian Beach by Inshore Developments first began in the mid-2000's.