The intersection upgrade project at Highway 16 and Richmond Loop in 亚洲天堂 Lake is progressing smoothly, according to Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sheryl Worthing.

The $1.5 million project, funded primarily by a $1 million grant from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) and the remaining $500,000 from Northern Capital Planning Grant, aims to enhance access to new commercial properties.

Work began in 2023 and the expected completion date for the intersection upgrade is Fall 2024, said Worthing.

Civil North Consulting is responsible for the Highway 16/Richmond Loop intersection upgrade, while Terus Construction, a division of Colas Western Canada Inc., is handling the Richmond Loop subdivision development.

Worthing said the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake applied for the REDIP grant independently to facilitate intersection improvements and subsequently acquired subdivided lots adjacent to Highway 16, as required by grant conditions.

"After grant funding was approved, the Village negotiated the purchase of three subdivided lots located on Richmond Loop," Worthing said. One of the conditions of the grant was that the Village must have ownership of the property adjacent to the Hwy 16 intersection. And another condition of the purchase was that the subdivision of the three lots occur, she said.