In late August we were once again on the road, this time to visit Central Alberta. Our first leg took us up the QE2 to Innisfail, where we visited EQUS for a tour of their new highly-innovative, net-zero corporate offices. We then headed over to Camrose where we toured a waste water treatment plant with Mayor Norman Mayer. After the tour, we met with the board chair and a trustee from Elk Island Catholic Schools at the site of a new Catholic school for Camrose, which received design funding last year. Then we met with members of the Battle River School Division to tour construction at the new Chester Ronning School. We wrapped up our day in Wetaskiwin and Camrose with dinner hosted by MLA Jackie Lovely.
Early on day 2 of this leg we were in Stettler for a breakfast meeting with local mayors, councillors and reeves. Then we drove to Acme for a tour of the Acme school and Sunterra farms before heading to Crossfield where we were invited to tour the Modus Structures factory. Modus is one of the companies building modern modular classrooms for Alberta’s schools and it was very interesting seeing the production process. These are classrooms that are designed and built to demanding specifications and standards, have provided school boards with increased flexibility in meeting changing needs due to the number of students in the area or what subjects will be taught.
The next day we were off to Edson where we kicked things off with meetings and lunch with local mayors and representatives of the Cascade Power Project which is in development in Yellowhead County. This power plant will have the capacity to supply 8% of Alberta’s power needs, and is being developed in partnership with the Indigenous Communities Syndicate LP, consortium of six First Nations, owned by Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Enoch Cree Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation, O’Chiese First Nation, Paul First Nation and Whitefish Lake First Nation. Cascade tells me operations at the plan will begin in 2023.
In total on this leg our group visited 9 communities, made 15 stops for meetings, announcements, tours and events and I put 1,585 km on my vehicle.
Minister Panda, Minister LaGrange and Associate Minister Nally at the EQUS building in Innisfail.
At the EQUS offices.
Ministers Panda, LaGrange and Dreeshen, and Associate Minister Nally touring the EQUS offices.
Minister Panda visits Central Alberta.
Touring construction of the new Chester Ronning School.
Touring construction of the new Chester Ronning School.
Touring construction of the new Chester Ronning School.
Touring a modern modular classroom at Modus Structures factory in Crossfield.
Minister Panda visits Central Alberta.
Minister Panda visits Central Alberta.
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Prasad Panda
Prasad Panda served as the Minister of Infrastructure from April 30, 2019 to June 21, 2022.