Barrhead is missing out on economic opportunities because of a lack of available land for commercial development.
The claim was made by realtor Shannon Carlson, who said he had been approached by several companies wanting to develop in Barrhead.
Unfortunately, these companies found nowhere to put down roots, said Carlson.
“Barrhead is missing out,” he added.
Now Carlson, from Barrhead’s RE/MAX office, has asked Barrhead Town Council to consider acquiring property to attract business.
He raised his concerns about economic development at the Jan. 27 Town council meeting.
“I really wanted to make council aware of the problem,” he said afterwards. “They said they are working on it.”
Last Tuesday, Barrhead Mayor Gerry St. Pierre said the council shared Carlson’s concerns.
Finding suitable land was a council priority, he said. St. Pierre said a lot of potential locations were privately owned, which meant the council’s hands were tied.
“We can’t force people to sell,” he said.
He added council would have to work with Alberta Transportation if it wanted to develop properties along the highways. St. Pierre said there were plans to meet with Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Maureen Kubinec about promoting economic development.
Barrhead Library Board’s revised 2014 budget has been approved by Town councillors.
A week earlier County councillors also supported the amended budget.
Last month a budget based on a $17.10 per capita rate, a $2.50 increase from 2013, had been rejected.
In its revised budget, the board requested the Town and County approve a $1 rise.
The board also withdrew plans to hire another staff member, saying it will employ two summer students.
At its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 27, the Town backed the new budget after a presentation by library director Elaine Dickie.
Dickie said she was pleased the library could now move forward with its plans for 2014.
Barrhead’s aquatic centre is continuing to leak, according to Chief Administrative Officer Martin Taylor.
In a written report to Town council, Taylor said Alberta Health Services wanted the roof repaired by June.
Other issues in Taylor’s monthly update included: peace officer Jonathon Kerr receiving complaints about icy sidewalks; drafting of 2014 budgets has begun; and a meeting between Mayor Gerry St. Pierre and community groups concerned about their facilities.
