By Andrew de Souza

Green industrial construction expected by fall

Dec 10, 2010 | 5:18 AM

Development in Prince Albert’s 28-acre Green Industrial Park is expected to become a reality by fall of 2011.

That was the message behind a presentation given at Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce

Luncheon by Canadian Bio Energy Management CEO Robin Woodward, whose job it is to find interest in the GIP.

He said the park was on its way to its second phase of development, which was the installation of infrastructure with the city’s recent approval of $2 million in tenders for water and sewer infrastructure.

“We expect that all of the servicing would be in by September of next year and at that point there would be the integration between the key infrastructure that the city has funded and just lapsed and the infrastructure requirements for the companies that would be coming on site,” said Woodward.

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He said there was strong interest from the business community around the country and the world and that there had been around 80 informal talks and serious discussions with about 8 businesses in locating at the park.

For Woodward, Prince Albert is in the perfect place at the perfect time.

He said the city’s central location to forestry and farming makes it ideal for many industries.

“A lot of companies that are looking to getting into green manufacturing, particularly in the fuel side, need the in-feeds,” said Woodward.

”You need to have a place to go that’s got the stuff to support your manufacturing operations. We have that in Prince Albert.”

As well, he said the market was ready on both the production and consumption sides of the equation.

“Lots of companies that are looking to do very basic manufacturing in the green economy are ready to move in that direction and there’s a consumer demand for all sorts of goods,” he said.

The city’s GIP approximately 28 acres of land just north of the airport. It is zoned specifically to encourage green development by reducing the cost of land based on certain parameters including construction materials and jobs created. In addition, its proximity to the airport means certain pollution, noise and height restrictions are already in place.

adesouza@panow.com