Red Deer County’s Junction 42 truck stop is booming and Mayor Jim Wood sees even more untapped potential.
Forty- eight drive-through spots are available for truckers at what is officially known as Junction 42 Partnership Rest Area, just of Highway 2 near Penhold and is expected to draw 300,000 visitors this year.
The county is looking at more than doubling to 98 spots, which it is believed would make it the biggest truck stop of its kind in Canada, said Wood.
“I thought, ‘Wow, that’s really good bragging rights.”
That kind of buzz would do wonders for attracting more trucks, RVs and other motorists, as well as the businesses to serve them, he added.
Wood said the site would be perfect for a full-service restaurant, truck wash, tire shops, parts stores or repair shops. Looking further ahead, a hotel would be a good fit.
“I believe all of these things are going to start coming in due course,” he said.
“We’ve already started to see success beyond our anticipation.”
Truckers have already resorted to parking by the side of the road on occasion because the rest area is full, he said.
The county has shown the province the visit numbers and has requested funding to cover half the cost of expanding the truck stop, which serves many long-haul truckers and creates economic benefits far outside the county’s boundaries.
“I think we have a great opportunity to work with the province,” he said.
Penhold Mayor Mike Yargeau has added his voice to the call for Junction 42 improvements. The development has generated more business.
The timing could be good for seeking provincial cash.
Last month, the province announced it is seeking parties to develop 18 highway commercial safety rest areas across the province.
Contracts will be awarded later in 2022. Construction may start as earlier as 2023.