Northern Development & Investment Group breaks ground on major new commercial development in Coaldale

Sunny South News Photo by Kristine Jean. COALDALE CROSSING GROUNDBREAKING: Town of Coaldale staff, council and representatives with Northern Development & Investment Group gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony on the site of a brand new commercial development in the town’s east end. The six-building development called Coaldale Crossing will include a mix of retailers, restaurants, service providers and other businesses.

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Town of Coaldale staff, council and representatives from Northern Development & Investment Group gathered for the official groundbreaking of Coaldale Crossing on Aug. 12. 

The new, major commercial development will be located just off of Highway 3 on 19A Ave. in Coaldale and is expected to meet the everyday needs of Coaldale residents and the surrounding region. 

The six-building development will be designed as a grocery-and-pharmacy-anchored retail centre, which will consist of about 74,000 square feet of new commercial space. It will accommodate a mix of retailers, restaurants, service providers and other businesses. 

Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn called the commercial development a “very significant project” for the community.   

“Breaking ground on Coaldale Crossing is an important milestone for our community,” said Van Rijn. “Coaldale continues to grow, and developments like this are essential to ensuring residents have convenient access to the shops, services and amenities they need close to home.” 

He noted how the project will also create new opportunities for local employment, and spoke of the impact the project will have in the community, helping position Coaldale for continued long-term growth. 

“It also strengthens our commercial tax base and supports Council’s broader vision for a growing, sustainable and increasingly complete community,” he said. “Coaldale Crossing is another tangible sign of a community that is growing, attracting investment and building for its future.” 

Construction on the development will begin immediately, with the project aiming to be completed in about 16 months – putting an approximate completion date at the end of 2027. Businesses are expected to open soon after that. 

President of Northern Development & Investment Group, Sidney Waskiewich, said he was grateful for the collaboration that made Coaldale Crossing possible and shared a few words at the groundbreaking ceremony.  

“For 55 years, Northern Developments & Investment Group has invested in communities across Alberta, and that experience has taught us that towns like Coaldale are the backbone of this province,” said Waskiewich, noting the value such a project adds to the community.

“The growth we’re seeing here — in population, in demand, in confidence — tells us this is the right location at the right time. Coaldale Crossing is our largest project to date and it reflects our belief in this community.”  

Cameron Mills, Deputy CAO and Director of Growth and Investment for the Town of Coaldale noted that Coaldale Crossing is a strong example of private-sector investment that is following Coaldale’s continued residential growth.

“The development will help address the growing demand for additional retail and service options while creating employment opportunities and strengthening Coaldale’s position as a regional commercial centre,” said Mills. “The level of interest the project has already attracted also demonstrates that businesses increasingly recognize Coaldale as a community where they can invest with confidence and grow over the long term.”