ALAMEDA - A new maintenance shop for the RM of Moose Creek had been in the works for years.
It was time to build. Council visited shops of other municipalities to get ideas and it was decided that a building of 30 1/2 metres by 61 metres would be more than sufficient for their needs, both now and in the future.
In 2017, the ground was leveled, in 2018, the concrete pad was poured and the building shell erected. Throughout 2019, the inside work and finishing touches were done and towards the end of that year, everything was finished. Most of the work was done by local contractors.
All that remained was for the RM and Town of Alameda to celebrate. But along came COVID-19 and the celebration plans were put on hold.
Over two years later, on Aug. 9, the grand opening party finally took place. Hamburgers and hot dogs were the main course, cooked on a barbecue provided by Baker Hughes. Cupcakes were the dessert and beverages were kept cool in the bucket of a one-week-old tractor.
Two bouncy castles were set up for children who were too young to appreciate the significance of the new building.
The new facility is an upgrade for the RM. It replaces two much smaller shops that were located in the town. As a result, the heavy equipment no longer needs to travel the streets of Alameda.
“It’s a lot nicer with lots of room to work,” said foreman Kirk Brooks. “The old shop was full when three graders were put in it, leaving no room to work. The new building’s wash bay is the same size as the whole previous main shop.”
The novelty of the new shop hasn’t worn off for Brooks. He continues to take a lot of pride in it and keeps it spotless.
Kelvin Luedtke is the reeve of the RM of Moose Creek. Like Brooks, he too was extremely proud of the finished project.
“As council, we’re very proud of this building. It is extremely well done. It suits the purpose 100 per cent and should be here for a century to come. It is a true asset that all the ratepayers can be proud of.”
Perhaps what he appreciated most was that none of the $2 million that was required for the building had to be borrowed. The municipality had all the money on hand. He expressed this fact as part of his short welcoming address to those who had come to celebrate.
The building has been completed and so has the celebrating.
