It is a beautiful building.
That was the consensus of the more than 70 people who attended the Sept. 13 official ribbon cutting for Lac Ste. Anne County’s (LSAC) new administration building about two kilometres south of Sangudo.
The building replaces a trio of buildings in Sangudo in which its staff of about 50 called home. With no storage space inside, the county’s records sit in three unheated storage containers.
A 2005 review found the county’s main office building had “major structural flaws,” including an unsafe roof, leaking windows, mould, and an “unsanitary” sewage system, among others concerns.
Construction of the new $11.7 million, 25,000 square foot administration building has been plagued with controversy and delays.
Before construction was started LSAC residents debated on the location of the building, with many people wanting it closer to the Onoway/Rich Valley area. Opponents of the building also objected to the design of the building saying it was too extravagant and expensive. Residents launched two petitions in an effort to stop construction. The building’s opening was pushed back several times for numerous reasons, including construction delays due to weather and building defects.
“From the very start we envisioned a design that was simple, practical yet inviting. A design that provided a healthy work environment and had ample room to grow.” said LSAC mayor Bill Hegy. “Most importantly there is a sense of open engagement with county constituents that we had not previously had. From a large and inviting common area, dedicated meeting rooms, a public gallery in council chambers so the public can view proceedings.”
Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) director and Leduc County mayor John Whaley congratulated LSAC council and county residents on their new building.
“It’s never easy spending taxpayers money, but I know this building will serve you well for many years,” he said.
County of Barrhead deputy reeve Bill Lee, who was in attendance along with councillors Marvin Schatz and Dennis Nanninga, added his congratulations.
“It is a great achievement,” he said. “We are always happy to work with the county of Lac Ste. Anne on many ventures. We are neighbours and we really appreciate Lac Ste. Anne. They are neighbours that are there to help you, not take advantage of you. So congratulations on your new facility, I’m sure it will serve you well for many years to come.”
Lac Ste. Anne county manager Mike Primeau said 80 per cent of the funding for the building came from provincial government grants and that the building would be completely paid for by 2019.
“It has been a long time coming and staff have had to work in buildings that no one should have had to. This building is something that was long overdue and is something our staff deserve,” he said.
