The $14-million Pembina Lodge expansion project is well under way, with timeline and budget coming in right on target, according to chairman and Town of Westlock Coun. David Truckey.
Various members of the Westlock Foundation board did a site tour of the lodge on Thursday, Oct. 20 — something they do every two weeks to check the progress of the project, which is scheduled to be complete in February 2012, providing 60 units for rent and eight life leases for sale.
“The project’s going amazingly well so far. Now, we see something on the ground,” Truckey said. “Of all the site tours we’ve had, this is almost what we’d say the ‘fun’ one, because there’s really something here, not just a hole in the ground.”
The development now has framing constructed and walls erected on the main floor, with more work planned in the coming weeks. There are 20 modular units constructed and located in Westlock that are just awaiting installation.
The foundation hopes to hold a ceremony when the modular units are brought on site, said Truckey.
“I think it would be very unique to have this crane come in and go like Lego and stack them all up,” said Maureen Kubinec, Westlock County Coun. and Westlock Foundation board member.
Once the process of bringing in the units begins, it will be less than a week before they are in place. After this, work will be done on the interior of the units in the winter months, followed by exterior work in the spring, said Truckey.
“By the end of November, we may be a little bit ahead,” he said. “We’re on target for budget and we’re really pleased.”
At the next Westlock Foundation committee meeting, Truckey said the group will likely focus discussion on the new kitchen area that is being planned.
Westlock Foundation CEO Marilyn Lannon agreed, adding that a larger dining and kitchen area is needed for the development.
