Access to Springbrook will be greatly improved and a large natural area preserved, according to amendments to an area structure plan.
The changes to the Springbrook Major Area Structure Plan include creating a new road from Springbrook that will swing northwest around the main runway at Red Deer Regional Airport before linking up with Township Road 374.
The new connection will be built with some of the $30 million the province recently gave the airport to continue its work to position it as a transportation hub. It is hoped the recent runway expansion and other improvements will lure aviation-related and cargo businesses to central Alberta and lead to the return of scheduled passenger service.
Another road to improve access is also proposed to the south of the airport. The road will sweep in a large curve and will link Airport Drive to Range Road 281 about 500 metres south.
A large open space at the southwest corner of Springbrook south of Airport Drive will be preserved. To the east towards Highway 2A, the land will be used for industrial and commercial businesses.
Another change will see land reserved for a future community centre moved to the north end of the existing green space instead of south of Airport Drive. The change is a “reflection of the input provided by the Springbrook Community Association and County Administration,” says a report on the area structure plan changes going to county council on Tuesday.
“Both agree that future Institutional land uses (i.e. community center) should be located north of Airport Drive and not within a largely industrial and commercial development area.”
County council will consider first reading on Tuesday. It is proposed a public hearing take place May 16.