County of Wetaskiwin council heard some updates on the new G3 Canada grain terminal near hwy. #2A, and approved a few items to support the project during their regular Public Works council meeting Mar. 26.
Director of Public Works Neil Powell submitted a report to council on recent STIP grant applications which worked out in the county’s favour.
“On March 13, 2019 correspondence was received from the Honorable Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation informing that grant funding through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) has been approved for the following: Bridge File 72952 - (WSW 7-46-23 W4M) Culvert Replacement (75%) up to $164,057 under the Local Road Bridge Program; and G3 Resource Road (TWP RD 460 - RGE RD 240) - Grading (50%) up to $1,882,100 under the Resource Road Program,” stated Powell in his memo to council.
“The final amount of funding is based on eligible costs at the time of completion. This is good news as these grants are not guaranteed such as the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI), Federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) and the Basic Municipal Transportation Grant (BMTG).
“These grants have to be applied for, must meet all the parameters for eligibility and be judged by an independent Committee whom recommends these types of projects for approval by the Minister. It is important to note that the Committee is comprised of Alberta Transportation personnel out of the regional Red Deer office and they should be acknowledged for their efforts in the County receiving the grants.”
Councilors had a number of land acquisition items on their agenda related to the G3 grain terminal project. Certain roads will be upgraded to a paved road standard.
Powell noted the county had been negotiating with property owners for road right-of-way needed for the project; however, he noted not all negotiations were complete and there were a few holdouts who were apparently hoping to get more money per acre than what the County of Wetaskiwin was offering.
He noted if the right-of-ways can’t be acquired, the project typically gets cancelled.
Councilor Kathy Rooyakkers stated that taxpayer money is used for land acquisition in these cases, and if property owners want more money, it’s just their own tax money involved.
Councilor Josh Bishop stated it seems ridiculous to have holdouts when so many other people have agreed to terms.
Powell also stated that as the grain terminal construction picks up, there will be lots of activity in that area around the Hwy. #2A, Twp Rd 460 and RR 240 intersections, which usually results in increased complaints from the public.
Powell said people should expect to see construction in June and the terminal is expecting to see grain handling in September.
Councilors accepted Powell’s report on the STIP grants for information.
Acquisition agreements
Councilors examined a number of agreements submitted by Powell.
“In an effort to proceed with the G3 project, ROHI Engineering has negotiated a Land Acquisition Agreement with Brian and Sandra Anderson for the purchase of 0.20 acres at NW 7-46-23 W4M,” stated Powell’s report. “The land is required for the purpose of road widening. The land is valued at $6,000/per acre, therefore the total purchase price will be $1,200.00 plus GST. Payment will be made once the Road Plan is registered with Alberta Land Titles. In addition, the landowners negotiated compensation for a total of $5,000.00 for the potential loss of twenty (20) spruce trees, ($250.00 per tree) due to taking of the right of way.
“In an effort to proceed with the G3 Resource Road project, ROHI Engineering has negotiated a Land Acquisition Agreement with Rodney O. Doupe for the purchase of 1.11 acres at SE 2-46-24 W4M. The land is required for the purpose of road widening and other related improvements to culvert/Bridge File73122. The land is valued at $6,000/per acre, therefore the total purchase price will be $6,660.00 plus GST. Payment will be made once the Road Plan is registered with Alberta Land Titles.
“In an effort to proceed with the G3 project, ROHI Engineering has negotiated a Land Acquisition Agreement with Deen Foods Ltd. for the purchase of 1.04 acres at NW 35-45-24 W4M. The land is required for the purpose of road widening. The land is valued at $6,000/per acre, therefore the total purchase price will be $6,240.00 plus GST. Payment will be made once the Road Plan is registered with Alberta Land Titles.
“In an effort to proceed with the G3 project, ROHI Engineering has negotiated a Land Acquisition Agreement with Charles Foster and Evelyn Blanche Foster for the purchase of 0.12 acres at NE 36-45-24 W4M. The land is required for the purpose of road upgrading. The land is valued at $6,000/per acre, therefore the total purchase price will be $720.00 plus GST. Payment will be made once the Road Plan is registered with Alberta Land Titles.
“In an effort to proceed with the G3 project, ROHI Engineering has negotiated a Land Acquisition Agreement with Hutterian Brethren Church of Pine Haven for the purchase of 0.62 acres at NW 7-46-23 W4M. The land is required for the purpose of road widening and other related improvements. The land is valued at $6,000/per acre, therefore the total purchase price will be $3,720.00 plus GST. Payment will be made once the Road Plan is registered with Alberta Land Titles.
“In an effort to proceed with the G3 project, ROHI Engineering has negotiated a Land Acquisition Agreement with Norma Marie Osterland for the purchase of 1.13 acres at SW 1-46-24 W4M. The land is required for the purpose of road widening and other related improvements to culvert/Bridge File 1323. The land is valued at $6,000/per acre, therefore the total purchase price will be $6,780.00 plus GST. Payment will be made once the Road Plan is registered with Alberta Land Titles.
“In an effort to proceed with the G3 project, ROHI Engineering has negotiated a Land Acquisition Agreement with Randall Hoyle for the purchase of 0.91 acres at NE 1-46-24 W4M. The land is required for the purpose of road widening. The land is valued at $6,000/per acre, therefore the total purchase price will be $5,460.00 plus GST. Payment will be made once the Road Plan is registered with Alberta Land Titles.”
Powell told councilors that all ROW purchased are based on the same rate.
Councilors approved all of the land acquisitions.