AHS, Rocky Mountain House reach agreement on water tower demolition

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE – Alberta Health Services and the Town of Rocky Mountain House today reached an agreement to demolish the town's water tower so that the upgraded heliport at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre can begin operation.

The cost of the tower demolition will be paid for by AHS.

"We are pleased to come to an agreement with the community," said Brenda Huband, AHS Vice President and Chief Health Operations Officer, Central and Southern Alberta. "The Town and AHS are entirely committed to getting the upgraded heliport open as soon as possible."

Mayor Fred Nash said the decision to demolish the water tower is a good step forward to ensuring community members have access to STARS air ambulance services, if and when they need them, right at the hospital.

"This is a solution that will see the heliport open and able to accommodate the larger helicopters now in use by STARS,” said Nash. “AHS and the Town will work together to get this project done, and ensure that emergency air transport remains available in Rocky Mountain House."

The estimated cost of demolition is $430,000. Under the agreement reached today by AHS and the Town, the town will hire a consultant to manage the demolition. An RFP for the work was issued earlier this month, and it is anticipated a contract will be awarded as early as next week. In addition to the demolition, AHS will fund the replacement of the town, county, and regional fire communication antennas, and relocate the ammonia stack on the rink.

Later this month, AHS and the Town will meet with Transport Canada to ensure there are no other obstructions, and to establish timelines for opening the heliport.

The need to either paint or demolish the water tower to meet current Transport Canada regulations became evident as construction of the heliport neared completion this summer.

For now, all STARS helicopters will continue to land at the Rocky Mountain House airport. Ground ambulances will be used to transport patients to and from the health centre and airport. This is already common practice in Rocky Mountain House, and, in fact, other communities across the province. It is a safe option.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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