05 Jun Harvest Sky Region Busy with Canada Coal Transition Initiative Infrastructure Projects this Summer
This summer will be a busy one as municipalities in the region kick off major infrastructure projects funded in part by the Government of Canada through PrairiesCan. The Town of Hanna, Special Areas Board, and Harvest Sky Region Economic Development Corporation are all moving forward with three major projects, including: the Hanna Downtown Revitalization project, the Sheerness Industrial Park & Reservoir, and the Hanna Roundhouse Rehabilitation project. Each of these projects is a significant investment in key municipal infrastructure that will support future growth for the region, attract new investment, and help local businesses grow.
PrairiesCan funding for these projects, totaling over $6.1 million, is being provided through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative-Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF), which aims to help communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure. PrairiesCan administers the CCTI-IF in Alberta and has been actively working with affected communities to identify economic opportunities and develop economic infrastructure projects to support the transition for Canadians working in the coal industry.
“Our government’s investment in these three projects represent our commitment to support communities impacted by coal transition. These investments will empower coal-affected communities to build on their regional strengths and highly skilled workforce, capitalize on new business and investment attraction opportunities, create well-paying jobs, and build a stronger, more sustainable economic future in east-central Alberta.”
– The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan“The transition away from coal in Hanna and right across the province is helping to diversify Alberta’s economy and prepare workers for the economy and the labour market of tomorrow. Investments like this one are driving economic growth, developing a future-proof workforce in Alberta, and making sure that our communities are at the forefront of the economic opportunities that await, and the jobs they will bring.”
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
Revitalizing Downtown Hanna
The Hanna Downtown Revitalization Project is receiving a federal investment of more than $4.1 million through CCTI-IF.
“Hanna’s downtown revitalization project will help create a distinctive downtown character and help make it a shopping and service destination. It will enhance pedestrian experiences and safety while promoting our downtown experience. This critical work will make sure seniors can comfortably access these spaces while attracting new businesses and encouraging revitalization of existing businesses.”
– Danny Povaschuk, Mayor, Town of Hanna
This $6.4 million project includes $5.7 million towards replacing aged critical infrastructure in Hanna’s three-block downtown zone, including water, sanitary, and storm lines; road base rebuilding and new asphalt pavement; new curb/gutters and pedestrian friendly sidewalks, and new lighting. Once this work is completed, the larger sidewalk and pedestrian areas will improve pedestrian safety and provide new areas for development and future improvements.
This project will begin early this June and will wrap up in late fall. Learn more about this project by visiting https://hanna.ca/downtown-redevelopment.
Sheerness Industrial Park & Reservoir
The Sheerness Industrial Park & Reservoir Projects are two infrastructure projects which are funded through a federal investment of $1.5 million through CCTI-IF. This new funding builds on previously announced federal funding of over $2 million to the Special Areas Board to develop the industrial park, bringing total federal funding to over $3.5 million.
“There is no shortage of land available for development in the Special Areas; however, the time and funds required to develop bare land often creates barriers to attracting investment. This project reduces these barriers by creating ready-to-build, serviced rural industrial lots which can host a variety of industrial development. This project is critical to attracting new investment to our region while also increasing water storage in the Sheerness system.”
– Jordon Christianson, Chair, Special Areas Board
These projects are estimated to cost $3.7 million and will create a new 320-acre industrial park south of the Sheerness Generating Station along Highway 36, a designated high-load corridor in the province. To support the industrial park, a 320,000 cubic meter capacity water reservoir is being constructed to the north of the industrial park. This reservoir is planned to be filled using water currently licenced, but not used, in the larger Sheerness system.
Once completed, this new industrial park will help attract new investment to the rural region, including developments better suited to rural industrial areas. Construction work began earlier this month and is expected to be completed by early 2025. Learn more about the Sheerness Industrial Park by visiting https://specialareas.ab.ca/invest/sheerness-industrial/.
Hanna Roundhouse Rehabilitation Project
Harvest Sky Economic Development Corporation is receiving a $500,000 federal investment through CCTI-IF to redevelop the Hanna Roundhouse into a multi-purpose venue and destination hub.
“Hanna’s Roundhouse is an important part of our history, and rehabilitating it creates new economic opportunities for our entire region. A Provincial Historic Resource, the D.B. Hanna Roundhouse attracts history buffs and locals alike. By completing phase 1 of the rehabilitation work, this facility will be able to attract new activities and help generate more restoration opportunities to revitalize and preserve this important part of our community’s history.”
– Sandra Beaudoin, President – Hanna Roundhouse Society
This project will include work required to complete Phase 1 of the rehabilitation project, including bringing utilities and heated washrooms back to the facility. This work is expected to begin in June and will be completed by March 2025. The Hanna Roundhouse Society will be responsible for managing this project in collaboration with Harvest Sky Economic Development Corporation.
Learn more about the D.B Roundhouse by visiting https://hannaroundhouse.com/
About Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
PrairiesCan is the federal department that supports economic growth in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Its programs and services help businesses, not-for-profits, and communities grow stronger. Its mandate is to support economic growth and diversification in the Prairie provinces and advance the interests of the region in national economic policy, programs, and projects.
Learn more at prairiescan.gc.ca.