The value of building permits in Red Deer more than doubled last month to $30 million compared to the same month last year.
Permits issued in January 2017 were valued at $11 million.
The jump in value was due mostly to the permit issued to Red Deer Public Schools for the construction of its replacement for Westpark Middle School valued at $15.3 million, and a permit for the second phase to Holiday Inn Express North hotel valued at $10 million.
The building permit for the foundation at Westpark Middle School was approved in November which allowed work on the site to begin last year. The final permit for the project was issued in January.
Della Ruston, associate superintendent of systems services with Red Deer Public Schools, said work has already begun on site leveling, installing piles, reinforcing of foundation and some masonry work.
“We have the gymnasium forms going up and we’re working on the installation of the reinforcing steel so they’ve been doing things like pile capping, welding and doweling work. They’re working on the forms for the east side of the building. The next big thing they’ll be doing is concrete pouring,” Ruston said.
“The majority of work will really start as soon as the weather starts to warm up.”
She said one of the school’s unique features will be a solar chimney along with other solar panels.
“It’s a really energy efficient way to heat and cool a building so it’s exciting. I don’t believe we have any in schools so far in Alberta.”
The new Westpark Middle School is being built to replace the 50-year-old existing school at the same location, 3310-55th Ave.
The 5,078-square-metre building will accommodate 500 Grades 6-8 students and plans included washrooms with exterior access for community events, and a concession area funded by $200,000 from the City of Red Deer.
Red Deer Minor Baseball Association, which will have an office inside the building, is providing $100,000 to the school.
The three-storey school will have 30 classrooms with many movable walls for flexible and collaborative learning and research. A third floor teaching/observation mezzanine will allow Red Deer College students to view classroom activity.
The old school will be demolished once the slightly larger school opens in September 2019. Money for the project was announced by the province in 2015.
Of the 84 building permits issued by the city in January:
- 52 were residential building permits valued at a total of $2.29 million.
- 24 commercial permits (including Holiday Inn Express North) were valued at a total of $12 million.
- Four industrial permits were valued at $142,000.
- Four public permits (including Westpark Middle School) came to $15.5 million.
Most of the residential permits will issued for the Laredo neighbourhood.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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