Contract awarded for Project Manager for High River aquatic centre expansion

High River town council has approved some significant changes to its Strategic Priorities Chart.

The top priority, the Town Plan, has advanced to the draft policy stage and is expected to come to council either late this year or early in 2023.

The plan will set the direction for the town's growth over the next 20 years or more.

The Recreation Facility Plan has changed to the Aquatic Facility Expansion which moved forward with the awarding of the project manager role last Monday.

WSP was awarded the contract over seven other companies who answered the Request for Proposals.

The Community Connection proposal has been taken off the list and replaced by the CCMC: Family Resource Network Subdivision.

It'll include destination events planning and the hiring of a staff member to take that on to help local business, especially in the downtown.

Finally, there's the review of the scope of work to be done on Development Management.

With the Town Plan nearing completion, it's felt it's important to review how the town works to make sure it's ready to move forward in step with the plan.

CAO Chris Prosser pointed out one item that didn't make the top five but needs to move up in priority is the Town Works Shop.

He told council its location, next to the recycling depot, isn't appropriate and doesn't meet the needs of the current workforce.

Work to find and acquire a new location will begin in December.