“They’ve served us well for the past 30 years but all organizations evolve…” This statement from Coun. Jason Heistad reflects a significant shift in Innisfail as the town grapples with losing its key planning service, Parkland Community Planning Services (PCPS). The organization, which had provided municipal planning services since 1995, dissolved on March 26 due to financial challenges.
The dissolution leaves Innisfail with a share of PCPS’s outstanding liabilities, amounting to $20,917.61. This financial burden comes as the town also navigates its own budgetary constraints. Innisfail’s annual cost for PCPS services ranged between $20,000 and $30,000, underscoring the impact of this loss.
Meghan Jenkins, a local resident, expressed concern about how this will affect future subdivision applications. “We need clarity on who will handle our planning needs now,” she said. The town is currently exploring options to fill this gap in municipal planning.
Meanwhile, the community has welcomed the reopening of the Innisfail Aquatic Centre, which recently underwent modernization. The updated facility now features universal change rooms, aiming to make swimming accessible for everyone. A local swimmer noted, “It is different; but, it’s OK. It will grow on us!” highlighting a positive reception despite initial adjustments.
However, not all news has been smooth sailing for the aquatic center. A sign misspelled ‘Innifail’ instead of ‘Innisfail’ caught attention, prompting a response from a spokesman at Transport and Main Roads. “Spelling errors occur on rare occasions and TMR is reviewing the quality control processes,” he stated. A replacement sign is expected to be installed within three weeks.
The dual challenges of losing a key planning service while managing community expectations around the aquatic center reflect a period of transition for Innisfail. As officials seek solutions for planning needs and residents adapt to their newly modernized facility, the town continues to navigate these changes with resilience.
