Doug Collie, Olds Albertan Journalist Profile

Articles

Risk of grass or bush fire burning homes in Olds is low: fire chief

3 weeks ago | thealbertan.com | Doug Collie

OLDS – The risk of a grass or bush fire that could destroy homes in Olds is relatively low, but not zero, the Olds Fire Department chief and protective services director says. During the Town of Olds' May 12 council meeting, Coun. Darren Wilson asked Justin Andrew what that risk is. Wilson said he was spurred to ask that question by the fact that when he and fellow Coun.
Youths believed first with Down syndrome to graduate from central Alberta high school

3 weeks ago | thealbertan.com | Doug Collie

OLDS — Two youth with Down syndrome are believed to have been the first to ever graduate from École Olds High School. During Friday’s cap and gown ceremony, Anthony and Connor crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, just like their peers. In most cases, they’ve been with those peers right from Grade 1. Through the Albertan, Anthony was asked how he felt about graduating. “I am happy and a little bit sad. I will miss seeing my friends and my teachers,” he said.
Giving back to the community: Men's Shed builds furniture for local emergency shelter. #Support

3 weeks ago | thealbertan.com | Doug Collie

OLDS – By about the end of May, the Men’s Shed of Olds (MSO) is expected to complete one of its more ambitious projects: 14 outdoor wood (and partly metal) pieces of outdoor furniture for Kirsten’s Place, the emergency shelter under construction in Olds. A Men’s Shed is place where men – often retired, but not exclusively so – can meet, socialize and work on projects to help reduce social isolation and improve their mental wellness. The MSO has about eight projects underway.
Central Alberta library saves community $3.5 million, manager says

3 weeks ago | thealbertan.com | Doug Collie

OLDS – The Olds Municipal Library is a good deal, saving about $3.5 million for the community, returning about $6.10 for every dollar invested, library manager Lesley Moody says. But she told the Town of Olds' council the library is reaching capacity and as the town grows, solutions will have to be found to enable the library to serve that larger population. Moody made those comments and more as she presented a report on the library to council during its May 5 committee of the whole meeting.
Central Alberta town announces second sewer repair project

3 weeks ago | thealbertan.com | Doug Collie

OLDS – The Town has announced a second sewer repair project in as many days. The latest one, at three addresses on Davis Place, is expected to be undertaken from 8 a.m. June 4 to 7 p.m. June 5. The precise addresses where the work will be done are 6201, 6205 and 6206 Davis Place. During the work, access will be available to local traffic only. Water and sewer services are not expected to be interrupted by this project.
Sewer main repair project in Central Alberta begins June 3

3 weeks ago | thealbertan.com | Doug Collie

The intersection of 52 St. and 56 Ave will be closed, possibly for two days as the work is undertaken OLDS – Starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, the intersection of 52 St. and 56 Ave will be closed, possibly for two days, as crews repair a sewer main in the area. Residents and motorists are warned that the work is scheduled to be undertaken from 8 a.m. June 3 to 7 p.m. June 4 and they’re urged to watch for signs regarding the project.
SNDL asks for cannabis production to be removed from Olds property zoning

3 weeks ago | thealbertan.com | Doug Collie

OLDS — On June 9 at 1 p.m., the Town of Olds' council will hold a public hearing on a proposal to rezone two parcels of land in the southeast industrial park owned by SNDL Inc., formerly known as Sundial Growers Inc. The request by SNDL is to rezone the land where it used to operate its marijuana cultivation business from direct control 7 (cannabis production) to light industrial 1.
Zoning change to allow low-density housing in Central Alberta approved

3 weeks ago | thealbertan.com | Doug Collie

OLDS — The Town of Olds' council has passed a bylaw allowing for the rezoning of a chunk of land in the west end of the Vistas from urban reserve to R1 (low density) housing. Council made that decision last month after holding a public hearing on the proposal. Infrastructure and planning manager James Crozier told council that notice of the public hearing was advertised on the Town of Olds' website and in the Albertan.
Former Habitat For Humanity Central Alberta land in Olds rezoned for new use

4 weeks ago | thealbertan.com | Doug Collie

OLDS — Two lots in East Olds, formerly owned by Habitat For Humanity Central Alberta have been rezoned from general residential to medium density residential. That rezoning will allow for construction of multi-unit dwellings such as multiplexes or apartment buildings. A process is underway to revert ownership of the lots, located at 4830 52nd St. from Habitat For Humanity Central Alberta back to the Town of Olds.
Central Alberta bylaw officers to explain what an unsightly yard is

4 weeks ago | thealbertan.com | Doug Collie

OLDS — Olds residents can expect some “definitive action” on some unsightly properties later this spring or summer, the municipality's protective services director Justin Andrew says. Andrew made that prediction during town council’s May 12 meeting. However, he said the word “unsightly” may not be what some people envision. “A prime example would be dandelions on front grass is viewed as unsightly, but that doesn't meet the definition of what an unsightly property would be.