Camrose covets college

CHRIS BROWN MACLEOD GAZETTE WRITER

As the only city left among the four communities vying to be the site of the $100-million police college, Camrose has a large base of support from the community.    "This has been a partnership from the start between the city and also the County of Camrose," Camrose Mayor Clarence Mastel said. The city has close to 16,000 residents while the county has an additional 7,500.    "There's been strong support from the outset from the University of Alberta campus we have here and also of course from the county," Mastel said. "There's been verbal and written support coming in from the business community and the private citizens here have been behind us and gotten involved from the start."    The collaboration between the city and county and strong support from community groups are just a couple of the bid's many strong points, according to Mastel.    "We have access to the land and the infrastructure to support the land, which is close to the city," he said.    Camrose's chosen site, which will be annexed to the city, adjoins the southeast corner of Camrose, next to the Big Valley Jamboree site.    "The property will allow for growth and expansion for both the city and for the college itself," he said.    The city, located about 110 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, is just 45 minutes from the international airport and also has its own municipal airport.    Known as "The Rose City" for its scenic setting, Camrose possesses a full range of amenities and services that are always expanding.    A Home Hardware is currently under construction, which will complement an existing Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Zellers and Staples, among other stores.    Construction is also currently under way on the Camrose Lodge, Convention Centre and Casino, a Ramada Inn and a $20-million sport development centre, which will house an arena, fitness centre and office facilities and will be adjoining the aquatic centre, curling rink and an  existing arena.    "We're happy and pleased with the bid we put forth," Mastel said, admitting he doesn't know the rating system that will be used by the selection committee.    "I have no idea what the other communities did, but it would be interesting to know how they got to the final also," he said.    Mastel was reluctant to say that Camrose should be the final choice.    "I'll leave that decision up to the due diligence of the process established by the solicitor general's office," he said.