A $9 million project to build a parking lot and ramp off Hwy 2 for the construction of a future rest stop north of Red Deer has been completed.
Next, the province will look at hiring a company to develop the Wolf Creek rest stop building, which is one of 18 commercial rest areas for motorists being planned for Alberta.
Jesse Furber, spokesman for the Alberta Transport Minister’s office, said a request for Expression of Interest will soon be issued.
“The government is looking for interested parties to develop 18 highway rest-stop sites across the province. The successful proponent(s) would enter into a long term contract with the Government of Alberta to develop and operate up to 18 sites.”
The Wolf Creek location is the only one slated for the Red Deer area, said Furber in an email.
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors contracted work on building the parking lots and off-ramps for these sites. These have been completed at Wolf Creek, at a cost of $9 million, said Furber.
“With the improvements, this site will now be development ready for a future potential commercial safety rest areas (CSRA) developer,” Furber added in the email.
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors plans to commercially developing rest areas along major highways to enhance safety and convenience for drivers, support local economic development, and create jobs.
Furber noted that such off-highway rest areas are successful used in other North American jurisdictions and can provide many of the same benefits in Alberta.
Ontario’s En Route stops typically offer a variety of fast-food choices, as well as a gift/grocery store and public washrooms. They also provide access to gas stations and create a safe places for cars and trucks to pull over, address vehicle issues, and the need for rest — something that’s legally required for long-haul truckers, added Furber.
Construction on the Alberta rest stops is expected to begin in 2024.