Current Projects / Ec Dev Discussions
Please contact me if you have questions on a specific topic.
BSRC Aquatics Facility Expansion
This is an extremely important project for the future of High River. Providing quality, year round aquatics options is an important asset for our current and future residents.
With an approved budget of $26.8 million, the project not only includes an expanded leisure pool but also a much-needed extensive renovation to the lobby and reception area of our recreation centre. The project budget has been fully funded with existing reserves that have been saved over the past 12 years.
With an estimated completion date of June 2026, we are keeping a very close eye on not only the budget but also ensuring that a quality product is delivered at the end of the day. It is construction … it is messy and difficult. I am proud to be working with a strong council and administration to ensure the project is successful. We are a small community of 14,934 people - this project gives us what we need and what we can afford. We’ve dreamt enough - it was time to make it happen.
Click here for more information on the Aquatics Expansion project.
McClaughlin Meadows Outdoor Rink
Another much-needed project that is currently underway. This will replace the dilapidated old dirt floor rink with a larger playing surface and concrete floor. This will not only improve the winter skating surface but will also provide summer activities like basketball.
This project has been fully funded through the money we profited from the resold flood relocation properties on Riverside Drive and High View Gate.
Click here for more information on the Outdoor Rink project.
Disc Golf Course -
Working with the Kinsmen Club of High River, the plan is to turn the former Rio Vista Golf Course into a disc golf course.
This is a perfect location, but one that will take a lot of work to complete. Since the golf course closed following the 2013 flood, the area has been taken over by willow growth. The course layout is still there, which does make it an ideal area to convert to disc golf. We have been working with the Alberta Government (GOA) over the past 2 years, as we needed their permission to access the area with the road over the irrigation canal. This was long and challenging, but we seem to have a path forward now with the GOA.
Rebuild of the Skate Park
Located at the Brian Perry Park - the current layout / style of the skate park is outdated and needs a major upgrade.
Another amenity that is important to keep our youth active is providing easy access to sports. The first set of designs has been presented to the council and sent back to the administration to answer a few questions we had. We want to make sure that whatever design we choose is what the users are looking for.
Economic Development
Municipal Economic Development is an interesting topic, to say the least. The term is used loosely and means different things to different people.
Since 2013, we have tried a number of different strategies regarding Economic Development in High River. With the government funding we recieved for Ec Dev after the flood, we have had a few Economic Development officers. The issue we found was defining their role and how much influence this person can actually have on development and the economy. The answer - very, very little. Businesses analyze a thousand different variables as to where they choose to locate -, and what you may do to attract one, may be a detriment to others - so the idea of Economic Development must be thought out carefully. When a business is looking to open in High River, outside of providing direction to permitting, etc., they are mainly looking at other areas that will define their success. EG: Is there a market for my product?
The most important role the Town has in terms of economic development or business is to provide the core services the business needs in order to operate. Water, Sewer, Roads, Side Walks and a safe environment for their customers. My opinion has always been - the Town needs to stay out of the business of the business.
The communities of High River, Okotoks, Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere and Cochrane are currently exploring a regional strategy regarding Economic Development. This would be a collaborative approach to attracting industry sectors to our region. On the surface, this sounds great, but … my eyes are wide open as I am very aware that each municipality will be fighting for where a business chooses to set up. You can spend millions of dollars chasing something that will never come to fruition due to other variables you are unaware of.
What to do? - Home / Office - Hybrid working environments is an area that High River can promote. We have an excellent quality of life here, and with employees working more from home, I feel High River is an excellent place to set roots. High River has also always been the hub for Ag Services and Health Care Services in our area. Our past education on Economic Development only reinforces the fact that focusing our efforts on expanding our existing entities is the best local strategy. Focusing on our local environment, proximity to the Rockies, easy access to the big city when needed … all of these pieces are what make High River an attractive place to be.
Events / Recreation - One of the best existing forms of Economic Development exists with our local events. These events draw outside people to our town, which allows us to show off what we are truly about. River City Classics Show n’ Shine, Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, Chuckwagons, Guy Weadick Rodeo, Art Walk week, Gift of Music, Cowboy Poetry, Stampede Breakfast etc. These events provide us the opportunity to show off what we have and what we are about. I am also of belief that any money High River invests in recreation stays within High River’s boundaries. Swimming, lacrosse, hockey, pickleball, curling … all of these are a major draw into our town and all support our local businesses.
Film Production - Another of our strong economic development sectors is our desired location for film production. There is always Heartland of course, along with many other movies and streaming series being filmed in and around HR. The Town of High River Council and Administration have worked closely with this industry in making sure that High River stays a desired location.
Businesses & The Town
As a business owner myself, this is an area the Town needs to keep its nose out of 98% of the time. The success of any business should be determined and owned by the business owner. The Town’s role is to ensure proper services (water / sewer etc.) are operating.
My main point will always be - if the business is going to succeed, they need to do so on their own merits without another level of government interference. This is what creates a strong and sustainable business environment in our town.