With the economic downturn hitting home hard, there has been some glimmer of hope locally, with Stettler County's new public works facility providing employment opportunities to those in the community.
"We are pleased that the construction of the new county shop has had some very positive effects in our local economy," said Reeve Wayne Nixon. "Due to the present economic climate, we not only received very competitive bids on the various aspects of construction, we were also able to use local contractors and services."
According to Nixon, the local contractors were successful in bidding the site preparation work, cement supply, landscaping and more.
"Local utility companies and contractors supplied power, gas, water, sewer, sanitary and waste management," added Nixon. "There is also the spinoffs which can be attributed to any large project like fuel sales, parts and services for equipment, restaurants and stores, tire shops and many others."
Speaking about the county providing opportunities, Ernie Gendre, county councillor for Ward 4 said, "The economic returns to the few local contractors and local personnel that have achieved employment will be appreciated by those and local businesses that can provide a service related to the shop facility."
Gendre further added, "In these economic times with oil companies requesting a tax reduction and also some being in arrears and now with the weather impeding the fall harvest it is very difficult to embrace this facility, but after the construction is complete we will be able to grasp how this has impacted the community as a whole."
The progress that has been made thus far at the new county public works facility has been satisfactory and well appreciated, according to Nixon.
"Part of this progress and success can be attributed to local contractors," explained Nixon.
Contemplating on the new facility, Yvette Cassidy, assistant CAO said, "The new county facility project is underway and moving along on target even though the weather conditions have not been all that favourable for construction."
Cassidy added that site work for the most part is complete and concrete piles and grade beams have been poured.
"Power is on site, water projects are underway and gas should follow shortly," said Cassidy. "We are looking forward to the completion of our public works facility in the new year."
Speaking on the importance of local contractors, Deputy Reeve Les Stulberg said, "Our council has been adamant from the start in discussions with Scott Builders, and all of the general contractor applicants for that matter, that we want them to use as many local sub-contractors as possible on the project."
Stulberg added that he was pleased with the new county shop complex.
"It is progressing favourably under the management expertise of the general contractor, Scott Builders," said Stulberg. "And I think it is important to clarify that no general contractors from Stettler put a bid in for the general contractor position."