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Active cases lowest since November in Red Deer but ICU is stressed – COVID19 update from Mike York

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The AHS Covid-19 report for Thursday January 07, 2021.
Our Premier Jason Kenney took to the podium today in a short address to the public.
He has announced today that “In school” learning will commence again on Monday January 11th as planned.
He also stated that our current health measures would remain intact for (at least) 2 more weeks, and may be revised prior to or on January 21st. This is pending, based on the results of the holiday season backlash, and expected elevations in our numbers.
In the Central Zone, 98 new cases and 134 recoveries were announced today. Unfortunately, 1 more death was also announced, a man in his 50’s from the Wainwright area has passed. This is the Central Zone’s 50th fatality.
The region now has 1381 active cases, the lowest number since December 5th when we had 1340 cases.
There are currently 92 people in hospitals in our zone, this is down 7 from yesterday.
17 of these people are in intensive care which is the same number as 24 hours ago.
In the city of Red Deer, first the good news. We had just 11 new cases reported today and had 16 people recover. Our current number of active cases is now down to 252 which is the lowest it has been since November 30th when we had 236 active cases.
The unsettling news is that the RDRH currently has 47 individuals suffering from the virus.
Also, all 17 of the cases in our Central Zone requiring intensive care are currently in our hospital. This number along with an additional 5 individuals with non-covid health issues requiring intensive care, has warranted an overflow unit to help facilitate the total number of people requiring special care.
18 of the 22 total patients in intensive care have required the use of ventilators. Our positive thoughts, and wishes of speedy recoveries are needed for these unfortunate individuals.
Be safe, keep up the good work everybody.

-Moved to Red Deer in the fall of 1972. -Worked with developmentally challenged at Michener Centre for 11 years. -Part of the business community for 30 years running restaurants, and courier services. -Father of 4 children -Currently work at Leon's Furniture in Red Deer (6 years)

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Alberta

Highway 11 to be twinned from Sylvan Lake to Rocky Mountain House

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Major highway upgrades keep Alberta moving

Budget 2024 includes $1.9 billion for planning, design and construction of major highway and bridge projects.

Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors is investing in the provincial highway network to keep Albertans safe and on the move, now and into the future.

This investment enhances Alberta’s competitive advantage by building and improving our economic corridors to provide vital links to markets in and out of Alberta. These projects will increase the safety and efficiency of our provincial highway network, ensuring Albertans spend less time stuck in traffic and more time doing the things they love.

“Alberta’s highways connect families and friends and get local products to market. We all count on well-built roads to get where we need to go, and that is why we are investing in major upgrades to our road and bridge network. With smoother and more efficient traffic flows, families can spend less time on the road and more time together.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

Investing in upgrades to the provincial road and bridge network creates thousands of jobs, improves traffic flows and supports the development of the province’s major economic corridors. These investments in key projects are vital to ensuring communities across the province have the infrastructure needed to get their goods to new markets and to support the higher traffic counts that come with a growing population.

“Alberta is the fastest-growing province in Canada, so it’s imperative we get to work today planning, designing and building the highways and bridges we need for tomorrow. This investment from the Government of Alberta will strengthen the province’s transportation network and expand our economic corridors so we can build our businesses, boost our exports, and create good-paying jobs.”

Tim Bennett, senior vice-chair, Alberta Motor Transport Association

As the province continues to grow, so does the need for new and improved highways to get more people and goods to their destination. Expanding Alberta’s economic corridors keeps the province connected, strengthens supply chains, and is important for economic growth and diversification. These investments will enhance Alberta’s competitive advantage, making it easier to transport goods in and out of the province.

By investing in highways and bridges, Alberta’s government is not just improving transportation; but also laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected Alberta, ensuring prosperity for generations to come.

“ACC is supportive of the capital investments the province is making in major corridors across Alberta, including Highway 3. Improving our economic corridors is critical in ensuring we have stronger supply chains and more efficient movement of goods and people.”

Shauna Feth, president and CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce

“Strengthening and expanding economic corridors is a strategic priority for the EMRB. By working together, our 13 member municipalities are finding efficiencies so we can ensure people and goods can move seamlessly to, from and throughout the region. The EMRB would like to thank the Government of Alberta for its significant investment in this critical work. As the province’s population approaches five million, transportation networks have never been more important.”

Karen Wichuk, CEO, Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board

Projects across the province that are receiving funding include:

  • Highway 3 twinning, Taber to Burdett
  • Highway 11 twinning, Sylvan Lake to Rocky Mountain House
  • Safety and road improvements on Highway 881
  • The Highway 22/1A interchange at Cochrane
  • Highway 40 Twinning, south of Grande Prairie
  • Highway 201 Bow River Bridge on southeast Stoney Trail
  • Deerfoot Trail upgrades
  • Terwillegar Expansion

Budget 2024 also looks to the future by investing $151.2 million over three years for 56 engineering projects, with $100 million in new funding over three years for 36 engineering projects to address future infrastructure needs as our province continues to grow. This will fund projects such as:

  • Highway 60 capital improvements
  • Highway 40 grade widening between Hinton and Grande Cache
  • New intersection/alignment at Highway 16A and Range Road 20
  • Highway 2 Balzac Interchange Replacement
  • Highway 63 twinning, north of Fort McMurray
  • Vinca Bridge replacement

Budget 2024 is a responsible plan to strengthen health care and education, build safe and supportive communities, manage the province’s resources wisely and promote job creation to continue to build Alberta’s competitive advantage.

Key Facts

  • Alberta has a vast provincial highway network that includes more than 64,000 lane kilometres of highways, of which about 58,000 lane kilometres are paved.
  • The province has more than 4,800 bridge structures, including river crossing bridges, overpasses and culverts.

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Blackfalds

New Catholic Elementary School for Blackfalds

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News release from Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

RDCRS receives full construction funding for new Kindergarten to Grade 5 school in Blackfalds

On Monday, March 4, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) received full construction funding from the Government of Alberta to construct a new Kindergarten to Grade 5 school in Blackfalds.

“The full construction funding for the new Kindergarten to Grade 5 school in the vibrant growing community of Blackfalds marks a significant milestone in our government’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art education infrastructure for our communities. This investment illustrates our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our students and ensuring they have access to modern, innovative learning environments,” stated MLA for Red Deer North and Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange.

RDCRS appreciates the construction funding provided by the Government of Alberta. Over the past several years, Blackfalds has seen tremendous growth. RDCRS’ current Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 9 school located in Blackfalds, St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, has grown by 64% since its establishment in 2017.

“We are very pleased to receive full construction funding for a new Catholic elementary school in Blackfalds. The funding will allow the division an opportunity to build a much needed new school and meet the learning needs of our Blackfalds students,” said Board Chair Murray Hollman at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

The schematic design for the new school has progressed smoothly since RDCRS received design funding from the Government of Alberta in March 2023. The plans look excellent and work is ongoing between Alberta Infrastructure and the Town of Blackfalds to ensure the steps to secure the land in the new development are completed. The land needs to be ready for construction according to the timelines and criteria established in the P3 project.

“We are pleased that the progress achieved thus far has demonstrated the collaborative efforts necessary to warrant this full funding announcement, “ added Board Chair Hollman.

The new school is expected to be ready for occupancy in September 2027.

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools serves over 10,650 students in 21 schools in Red Deer, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail, and Olds. It also supports the learning of over 850 students in a Home Education Program. The Division is committed to serving children and parents with a complete offering of learning opportunities delivered within the context of Catholic teachings and within the means of the Division.

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