Open House 2023
Please be advised that there will be an Open House on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the Servus Credit Union Public Library from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. where Town Council and Senior Administration will be there to answer questions and listen to your feedback regarding the Westwood parking lot expansion, train whistle cessation within municipal boundaries and the urban hens pilot program.
If you are unable to attend, please see the subjects below and use our feedback form below to submit your comments.
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See the March 2023 edition here.
Eagle Builders Centre Parking Lot Expansion (Westwood Drive)
In 2014, the Town of Blackfalds purchased land at 5101 Westwood Drive for the purpose of providing parking for a future arena expansion.
A concept design has been now been produced and provided to assist in determining available additional parking, landscape opportunities as well as alignments and connectivity of the trail system. Along with the parking lot, there would also be significant landscaping including a tree buffer on either side of the parking lot as well as a 2.5 m paved trail adjacent to Westwood Drive and the Blackfalds Bark Park.
How many additional stalls?
A total of 104 parking stalls could be accommodated within the lineal space with the stalls being 45 degree angle parking on both sides with a one way (south) driving lane exiting out and onto Lansdowne Avenue.
How long will it take?
The project can take place in 2 phases, with the lineal parking space being the first phase and the trail extension as the second phase.
How much will it cost?
Project cost is estimated to be in the range of $1.6 Million, with $1.2 Million of the cost for the parking lot and the remainder for the trail network system.
How do I share my input?
We encourage everyone to submit comments via our electronic comment form below, or residents can write a letter and bring it to the Town Office no later than Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Urban Hen Survey
With the option to raise urban hens on residential properties becoming increasingly popular, residents of Blackfalds have approached Council to investigate allowing urban hens (4 to 6 female hens) for egg production within the Town.
In response, Council is considering a 2-year pilot program, depending on the results from this survey.
It is important to note that at the end of this 2-year urban hen pilot program, Council may decide to extend the program indefinitely or may not extend it at all
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and let us know what you think about Urban Hens in Blackfalds : bit.ly/3lqlSbw
Train Whistle Cessation
Town of Blackfalds Council is seeking feedback from residents to determine if the Canadian Pacific Train Whistle Cessation process should be implemented in our community.
What is train whistle cessation?
Train whistle cessation is the process where rail operators proactively discontinue the use of the train whistle when approaching a rail crossing.
How many crossings would this effect?
The Town of Blackfalds has 3 crossings within the municipal boundary, one at the new road realignment on Womacks Road, the other just south of this location, and which is now a pedestrian crossing replacing the former Broadway Avenue Rail Crossing. The third crossing is on South Street just west of the curve that extends north onto Railway Avenue.
How much will this cost?
Anticipated costs for the works that are expected to be put it place following the assessment would be in the range of $157,000 to $182,000 and would include the engineering assessment process.
Why do trains have whistles?
The train whistle has been long utilized as a safety device communicating the presence of a train approaching a level crossing. Approximately 100 people per year are killed at rail crossings in Canada, which is why Transport Canada considers the whistles a critical safety device.
Have other municipalities implemented this?
Other municipalities within the province are considering or have implemented train whistle cessation, with the closest municipality being Innisfail.
How do I share my input?
We encourage everyone to submit comments via our electronic comment form below, or residents can write a letter and bring it to the Town Office no later than Thursday, April 20, 2023.
