Local Strathmore organizations begin collaborations on new community facility

• Tweet

The new joint facility is located on a 6-acre parcel at Orchard and Pine

The Marigold Library System and Western Irrigation District (WID) broke ground on a joint facility in Strathmore, on Sept. 11.

In total, 70 full-time employees will benefit from the modern layout and improved workflow of the building, with 34,462 square feet of separate and shared spaces.

“We are immensely excited to start construction of a new space for our employees,” said the CEO of Marigold Library System, Michelle Toombs.

Adding, “This facility allows us to grow our space to better serve our member municipalities, and to realize operational efficiencies.”

The collaboration secures a long-term future for both organizations within the community as a large meeting area will provide the opportunity for community organizations to meet and host larger events. 

“It is unique for two organizations like these to come together, and we both benefit from the cost effectiveness of sharing resources,” said the WID General Manager, David McAllister. 

“Plus, our community benefits from construction jobs in the near-term, the public use of meeting space, and our ongoing contributions to the local economy in the longer-term,” he said.

The land was originally owned by WID, however is now co-owned with Marigold. 

A parcel to the west, with an existing wetland, was donated to the town of Strathmore to be retained in its natural state.

The Marigold Library System wing and a portion of the shared space was made possible in part by a $3 million grant from the Alberta Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

The new building is projected to be completed by Summer 2021.

• Tweet