The City of Wetaskiwin has sold a surplus building that sits on a prime location on Hwy. #2A: the visitor info centre.
Located across the street from the water tower, the city announced Aug. 10 the building sold. “The municipally-owned surplus property at 4910, 55A Street, Wetaskiwin, on which the Visitor Information Building and Peace Cairn sit, has been approved for sale by City Council for $830,000, with the buyer taking possession October 15, 2018,” stated a press release from the city.
City manager Dave Burgess said the land wasn’t on the market very long, and the city was happy to see interest in it. “We’re quite excited,” said Burgess by phone Aug. 10.
Burgess said the building was earmarked for sale because the usage of the visitor centre wasn’t very high. He said the city was declining to identify the buyer at this time.
Another important consideration for that parcel is the Peace Cairn, a monument dedicated to the spirit of friendship and neighborly cooperation for the region. The cairn will be moved.
“Moving forward, Wetaskiwin City Council has directed Administration to prepare and present a plan detailing options for the relocation of the Peace Cairn—including all proposed locations and costs associated with the move,” stated Burgess. “Administration will also investigate declaring the future Peace Cairn location a Municipal Historic Resource, which protects historic resources from demolition or alterations that take away from their heritage value.
“Due to the significance of the Peace Cairn, a condition of the sale was to allow the City time to relocate it to its final resting place,” stated Burgess in the press release. “We have until May 31, 2019 to move the Peace Cairn, and will collaborate with the four Cree Nations of Maskwacis on the future location of the cairn, as well as any traditional ceremonies required throughout this process.”
Funds from the land sale will go into a land reserve account intended for future land purchases or investment in current city property.