Carol Baldwin
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wakaw Recorder
On July 23rd, Melissa Dieno, the CAO of the Town of Wakaw, shared news from Mayor Markowski and the Council regarding the 1st Street Revitalization Project. After further discussion and consideration of the size of the project, the Council decided at the May 8th, 2024, regular council meeting to complete the revitalization of both the 100 and 200 blocks of 1st Street South in one encompassing project instead of the originally planned two-stage project.
This decision, Dieno said, brings several benefits, including cost savings associated with not having to set up a second project, bringing equipment back for a second time, and potential increases in construction costs. Additionally, sourcing materials for both blocks simultaneously will ensure consistency in colour and style, resulting in a seamless appearance for the downtown business area.
The revitalization concept was initially put the 1st Street South businesses in a meeting held on October 25, 2022. At that meeting, Markowsky shared that in 2017, the Council created a 30-year revitalization plan comprised of multiple phases. The first 3-year phase, which started in 2018, was the repair/replacement of a portion of the sewer main from the lift station and along part of Highway 2.
The next phase involved revitalization of the downtown business core. Brett LaRoche, who represented the engineering firm Catterall & Wright at that meeting, explained the first step to take in a revitalization project was to inspect the below-ground infrastructure to determine its condition. That preliminary step would give the Town Council and the planners the information they needed to map out a timeline for the project, including budgetary needs. Those inspections were completed in 2023, and at a January 2024 open house Mayor Markowsky said that with the information gleaned from those inspections, Council was comfortable moving forward with the next step.
The initial budgetary outlay increased from $2.9 million to $4.1 million due to the expanded project, however, the intent had always been to revitalize both blocks and the disruptions caused by the construction will now only occur once.
A fully revitalized area will be aesthetically more appealing to customers and businesses on 1st Street South, and visitors will be greeted with a finished product rather than a half-finished one. With the Wheatland Express Excursion Train situated at the east end of 1st Street, those arriving for excursions will experience an improved and inviting space to explore.
Construction is set to begin this fall, with a specific start date to be determined once the tender has been awarded. The amount of work completed this fall will depend on the weather conditions. Any unfinished elements will be completed in the spring of 2025. As previously mentioned, Catterall & Wright, the engineering firm, is the contractor for the project and has issued the project tender. The winning bidder will be expected to minimize disruption to customer access to businesses during the construction through signage and other communication methods. Customers utilizing businesses along 1st Street should be aware that there may be disruptions to business operations as construction begins and utility services are temporarily interrupted. However, Catterall & Wright will work closely with businesses and contractors to minimize the impact of these disruptions.
Meetings will be held in mid to late August for businesses and property owners/operators with the Town of Wakaw, Catterall & Wright, and the contractors to share pertinent information relating to the commencement of construction. Regular updates will be shared to the Town of Wakaw/RM of Fish Creek’s Facebook page throughout the project.
