Blackfalds town council has approved adding $200,000 to a project that will overhaul the crumbling parking lot and lighting at the Community Centre, a decision made at their July 14 regular meeting. The move directs town staff to apply for federal funding that could cover as much as half the cost, with construction timing hinging on whether that application succeeds.
The parking lot project originally had a $190,000 budget, but a geotechnical investigation turned up weak soil underneath that will require a full reconstruction before new asphalt can be laid. That discovery, along with other needed fixes like replacing broken concrete walkways and fixing drainage issues, pushed the estimated price tag to $743,039.59.
Council also told administration to submit an application to the Build Communities Strong Fund Local Impact Stream, delivered by PrairiesCan. If successful, the federal program could pay for up to 50 percent of eligible costs. The first intake deadline was July 17, and the fund prioritizes projects that are ready to go in the 2026-27 construction season.
The Community Centre at 4810 Womacks Road is a busy spot, hosting events, programs, and the Cheemo Seniors’ Club. Right next door, the Eagle Builders Centre draws crowds for Bulldogs hockey games, public skating, and the public library. Residents using both buildings have dealt with a deteriorating parking lot that needed annual crack filling just to stay usable.
If the Town does not get the federal grant, the project’s future will go back to the table during 2027 budget talks. For now, the added funding and application are a chance to fix a growing problem in one of Canada’s fastest-expanding communities.
