by Dana McArthur
June 30, 2025 issue: At the April 8, Yellowhead County Council meeting, council approved a motion to direct Administration to proceed with the detailed design phase of the Tipple Park Museum and Library Amalgamation project, in Evansburg.
“Following Council direction, Administration met with representatives from the Pembina Lobstick Historical Society (PLHS) and Yellowhead County Library Board (YCLB) on April 30, to collect feedback on stakeholder needs and priorities to be incorporated into the detailed design,” stated Crystal McNernie, General Manager of Community Services.
The overarching goal of the design process is to create a functional, shared facility at the Tipple Park Museum that supports both library and museum services while finding operational synergies and reflecting the needs of area residents.
Administration has also explored two potential construction timelines. A Fall 2025 construction start or a Spring 2026 construction start.
Consultants have advised that while fall construction is technically possible, the schedule would be extremely tight. There is also increased risk given current market capacity issues and possible contractor delays. While a fall start could potentially see project completion before year-end, a spring 2026 start is seen as more advantageous overall.
A Spring construction timeline allows for a competitive tender process, access to a broader contractor pool, and reduced risk of cold weather delays. It is the consultant’s recommendation that this option would result in better pricing and quality.
An updated cost analysis was completed to reflect refinements in the design and construction assumptions. The estimated project cost has increased by approximately $82,500, bringing the new estimate to $1.64 million, compared to the previously approved estimate of $1.55 million.
Councillor Penny Lowe said, “I’m really glad to see that they’ve taken into consideration the cold weather construction. I don’t think either the library or the museum would be happy with patrons having to perhaps detour for entrance in winter time; and it gives us possibly more tenders to pick from. I think it’s a really good idea.”
Council voted all in favour for Yellowhead County to direct Administration to complete construction drawings and tender package in 2025, with a tender release for the project in 2026.