Rocky Mountain House town council has tentatively put $100,000 in the 2025 capital budget to begin planning for development of the current site where École Rocky Elementary stands.
Wild Rose School Division (WRSD) has announced plans to demolish the school building, and after such time, the land would be turned over to the town, explained CAO Dean Krause.
Councillor Tina Hutchinson supported having the budgeted money in place so a shovel-ready plan for the land is “on the shelf” should provincial or federal grant money suddenly become available.
Deputy Mayor Dale Shippelt was hesitant to spend the money on the plan. He says it’s hard to predict what will happen with the site in the coming years, especially since the recently proposed Highway 11 twinning plan through Rocky Mountain House would see the road built near the school site.
Additionally, Shippelt felt it was premature to begin conversations about the site, especially since the school is still being utilized, and the town hasn’t yet had intensive conversations with WRSD about what it plans to do with the site.
Supporting the budget proposal, Councillor Dave Auld admitted it was indeed still early in the process, but opined that the town shouldn’t wait for Alberta Transportation to finalize plans, since twinning through town has been discussed as far back as 2003.
Possible ideas include developing it into a new fire hall or a “gateway” into the downtown.
Council will debate the draft budget further during the Dec. 17, 2024 regular council meeting.
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READ MORE:
- Division proposes new school, plus demolition of Lochearn, École Rocky Elementary
- Province to host information session on Highway 11 twinning through Rocky Mountain House
- Council adopt “five pillars” of 2024-2026 strategic plan
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