Premier Smith is seen speaking with residents at a Stampede barbecue Friday morning held at MLA Justin Wright's constituency office while an anti-separatist demonstration of more than 50 individuals took place across the street. - NEWS PHOTOS BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
More than 50 protestors wearing red and waving Canadian flags stood across the street from MLA Justin Wright’s constituency office during a Stampede barbecue attended by Premier Danielle Smith Friday morning.
The demonstration was held to show support against provincial separatist ideologies while showing pride to be Canadian. The demonstrators, including members of AWARE Medicine Hat, say they have concerns with the government’s connection through the Alberta NEXT panel with a group promoting provincial sovereignty called the Alberta Prosperity Project.
Following the Stampede barbeque, Smith and her team traveled to Brooks to announce more than $114 million in grant funding for more than 50 wastewater, road, bridge and airport projects across the province that includes $2.6 million in funding for local highways as well as approximately $9 million for a new modern wastewater treatment plant in Brooks.Â
“These projects may not be the flashiest that we have going on in our province, but they are of critical importance,” said Smith. “Water infrastructure is, of course, critical for communities across the province, and ensuring that our wastewater systems are up to date and have the capacity to handle population growth is of paramount importance.”Â
Brooks will be able to construct a new mechanical membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant with the $8.9 million funding announcement that will replace the lagoon-based system.Â
The new wastewater treatment plant uses a fine membrane filtration system to treat water and offers superior effluent quality and a greater resilience to flow fluctuations. The treatment system is also designed to support a larger population of the growing town that is approximately 15,000 people.Â
“A more modern and efficient facility for the community, which the deputy mayor tells me will allow for the expanded growth of the Brooks population,” said Smith.Â
The total estimated cost of the new treatment plant is $30 million. The town will be seeking partnerships to raise additional funding for the project. Brooks also expects a “small” increase to users’ utility fees to cover project costs.Â
“We’re very pleased to receive this substantial support from the Government of Alberta,” said Mayor John Petrie. “The $8.9 million in funding for our new wastewater treatment facility is a critical investment in Brooks’ future. This project will help us meet the needs for a growing population, support economic development and ensure long-term sustainability for our community.”Â
The $2.6 million for highway improvements will be used on Range Road 150, west of Brooks, which is used to connect the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway No. 542. This project aims to improve safety and traffic flow along the roadway, specifically at the intersection.Â
“This road is an important part of the county’s future truck route, providing connectivity for residents and commercial traffic between Highway 1 and Highway 542,” reads the press release.Â
Regionally, Coledale will also receive a $3.5 million grant to support an industrial rail extension project that aims to increase transportation options to allow local producers to transport their Alberta-grown and manufactured goods to a global market.Â
A total of 51 road, bridge, municipal incentives and community airport funding across the province was announced.Â
Friday morning’s Stampede barbecue was held in partnership between Wright’s constituency office and MLA Danielle Smith’s constituency office for members of the public and included live music.Â
