Diversification requires action not just rhetoric.

We have become adept at revolving around the energy boom and bust cyclical economy. During every cycle we hit a the bust years when we talk about diversifying our economy while we ironically put all our efforts and planning for the next boom years.

During this current years long, bust period we are planning expansions of industrial parks while ignoring opportunities in other areas like tourism. The Advocate’s headline on Feb. 29 was “Staycations expected to rise”, and at the same time the city was beginning developing 3,000 acres around Hazlett Lake in Red Deer. The city is talking about building an Aquatic Centre in 2020, not near the lake but replacing the downtown recreational centre. They are planning industrial parks, commercial and residential areas around the lake. Industrial parks in anticipating the next boom years.

In 1910 the City of Lethbridge turned a slough into a man made lake and built a tourist destination with swimming, fishing, boating, skating, camping, and golf along with gardens to attract tourist dollars and as a staycation destination kept more money at home.

This area survived the Depression, dirty thirties, stock market crashes and world wars and it started as a slough. Red Deer has a lake, bare land, and is in a bust situation. Population has decreased by over 900 this past year, and things do not look promising anytime soon.

Why not consider combining Hazlett Lake, Aquatic Centre, Staycation and tourist destination and not just brush it off, as the city has been doing these last few years. I have been told by the city for years that it is too early to talk about Hazlett Lake, and now it appears to be close to being too late.

Tourism is becoming an ever-increasing economic staple, staycations are becoming more acceptable and the energy sector is looking less positive everyday, so why not consider it?

What is the harm in studying the feasibility of building an Aquatic Centre on the lake. Having a tourist destination with provincial and national competitions capabilities, visible from highway 2 should not be ignored any longer.

It may not be Sylvan Lake, but it would be a lake or a beach that could be used by residents of Red Deer who would drive to Sylvan Lake for the day. For the people who want an option or a smaller beach. The lake would be an asset to a recreational complex for training, lessons, and practice.

Lethbridge had to build a lake, while Red Deer has one available. Lethbridge built a tourist destination and a Staycation paradise, while Red Deer wants to build Industrial Parks. Why not think about it.

Diversification requires action not just rhetoric.