Deal almost done for hospital construction

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

News released last week that a tender for construction of the street into the proposed High Prairie Hospital and Extra Foods is apparently premature. Nick Shybunia, speaking on behalf of the property owners of the land owned by H.P. Farm Supply, says no deal has been reached on the street’s construction. He says only a tender for some underground work at an intersection was released. “Not the road,” says Shybunia. “The road issue still is not resolved. There is no development agreement with Alberta Transportation.” The street’s construction is vital for both projects to proceed and has been a stumbling block for several months as H.P. Farm Supply, Peace Country Health, the Alberta government and Town of High Prairie are all involved in trying to get a deal done. High Prairie CAO Larry Baran reported on the local radio station that the tender for road construction was released. He says he is sorry for any misconception but adds he is confident the entire deal is coming together. Shybunia says his lawyers are negotiating with Peace Country Health’s lawyers and are trying to get a deal done. “Most of the issues have been resolved but we’re still trying to resolve some issues,” says Shybunia. Baran says some of the resolved issues include different parties agreeing to take on construction projects. For example, PCH is constructing the east-west portion of 54A Avenue plus a small exit off 55 Street if the entire package comes together. Peace Country Health board chair Marvin Moore confirms April 5 that no deal has been reached. “No, not at this point,” he says. “We’re hoping next week to see some resolutions.” The major issue is the south side of Highway 2, a fact confirmed by Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen, Moore, Baran and George Keay, who sits on a local committee. H.P. Farm Supply has stood firm that they will not pay for any improvements on the south side of Highway 2, citing that’s the government’s responsibility since they own the land. “The question is who will pay for it,” says Moore. Things began to change last week, however, says Baran, when the Town of High Prairie stepped in and decided to assume responsibility – not ownership – of the Highway 2 south side issue. “It will take a period of time to resolve,” says Baran, who is confident the issue will be resolved. But now that the town is involved, it should make things easier. “Yesterday removed some of the barriers,” says Baran. The Alberta government’s Transportation and Utilities department wants to make the portion of Highway 2 from the M.D. of Big Lakes corner to the West Prairie River bridge a four-lane highway. That comes from a recommendation in a traffic impact assessment study completed by H.P. Farm Supply and accepted by AT&U. The change would affect all property owners on the south side by limiting access. The issue of who will pay for the construction is still an issue. Baran says, however, that a four-lane highway is not needed given recent history. “We have a hospital in the middle of town and a school,” says Baran. “All we’re doing is moving the hospital.” He adds there is no history of accidents at the current hospital site which is, of course, only a two-lane road. “So we dispute the traffic impact assessment (study),” says Baran. Moore says a deal has to be reached soon for construction to begin this year, which would mostly include underground infrastructure. “Another 10 days,” says Moore of an impending deal. “If we don’t, then we lose another construction season.” It is hoped that the Alberta government’s April 19 budget will include money for the project. If so, PCH should know earlier if money has been allotted. Premier Ed Stelmach also pays a visit to High Prairie April 28 for a Meet and Greet. It would be an opportune time for Stelmach to make any announcement regarding the hospital.

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