Coaldale councillors hear update on ARP Engagement Strategy

Posted on June 18, 2026 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

The Town of Coaldale’s Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) is one step closer to completion as the town wraps up Phase 2 of the project’s Engagement Strategy with a community-wide survey. 

The survey opened to Coaldale residents the week of May 18 and is set to close this week.   

Spencer Croil, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, provided Town Council with an engagement update for the Downtown ARP project during the May 19 Town of Coaldale regular council meeting. 

“This is a mid-point check-in for the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan Engagement Strategy that we’ve been actioning since last year,” said Croil. “Currently we’re in Phase 2 and that involves direct, face-to-face communication and engagement with specific, different partners throughout the community that would have an impact or be impacted by changes to the downtown.”

Croil noted feedback that was gathered via pop-up booths, lunch presentations, facilitated discussions and round-table events, came from about 100 to 120 individuals over seven sessions between February and April. 

“We’ll start the process of actually writing the draft plan in preparation for presenting that to the community and project partners by early fall of this year,” said Croil, noting the timeline aligns them with anticipated deadlines set out at the beginning of the project.   

Phase 2 of the Downtown ARP Engagement Plan was organized around five key themes identified at the conclusion of Phase 1 engagement, noted Croil in his update report.  

Following Croil’s engagement update, Coaldale councillors asked a couple of questions, including those from Coun. Lisa Reis, who inquired about the social media campaign and access to the survey for all participants via a QR code. Coun. Jacen Abrey asked Croil if he was satisfied with the input from residents.    

Once the survey is concluded, the project team will analyze and summarize results and present findings to Council and the community. They will then begin drafting the plan over the summer through the remainder of June, July and August.