Coun. Aaron Poytress provided Chamber of Commerce members with an update Thursday on Town of Fort Macleod projects and activities.
A community effort is moving Fort Macleod forward, Chamber of Commerce members heard Thursday.
Coun. Aaron Poytress reflected on the many projects, events and achievements in Fort Macleod in his address at the Chamber’s annual general meeting.
“I think in Fort Macleod, we’re spoiled,” Poytress said. “I think we have a wealth of wonderful businesses, wonderful people and wonderful volunteers who really push things and get things done in this town.”
During the meeting at the REO Hall, Poytress provided Chamber members with an update on past and future activities undertaken by council and the Town of Fort Macleod.
Many positive things are happening in Fort Macleod right now, due in large part to the efforts of the Chamber and other organizations, Poytress said.
“As a council and as a town, we recognize that we’re very blessed,” Poytress said.
Poytress noted 2025 was an election year, with Mackenzie Hengerer and Gord Wolstenholme electing not to seek re-election.
Taking their place at the council table are former mayor and councillor Shawn Patience and former councillor David Orr.
“They both bring a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to town council and it’s been great working with them,” Poytress said.
The Town of Fort Macleod last year added economic development co-ordinator Daniella Anker to its staff.
“She’s been doing a great job going around town and meeting all the businesses and marketing and selling Fort Macleod,” Poytress said. “She’s been a valuable asset for us so far.”
Poytress spoke of the development of the new Macleod Landing subdivision, where single family homes and multi unit residential complexes are already being built.
“We sold a commercial property over there too,” Poytress said. “It’s exciting to see that.”
Poytress noted the paving of 887 meters of pathway along Lyndon Road to the Fort Macleod Golf Club from the lookout point adjacent to Highway 3 westbound.
That project was carried out in partnership with a number of Fort Macleod businesses who donated equipment, material and manpower.
The Town of Fort Macleod has plans to add garbage receptacles and benches along the growing paved pathway system, which will soon include a one-kilometre loop in River Valley Wilderness Park, where the parking lot will also be paved.
That project is made possible by a donation from Scougall Motors and the Davis Auto Group, which last year marked 100 years in business in Fort Macleod.
Another big project started in 2025 was development of the 150 Park to mark Fort Macleod’s 150th anniversary as a town.
A large paved surface went in last year, with an area used for a new 70 ft. by 60 ft. outdoor hockey rink, with boards and fencing.
That project was spearheaded by the Hockey Through the Ages group, with corporate support from Fort Macleod businesses.
Other notable projects in Fort Macleod included the addition of 48 spots in the columbarium at Union Cemetery; resurfacing of 2,500 square metres of asphalt on Sixth Avenue; the upgrading of 25 sidewalk corners to improve accessibility; and paving 940 square metres of taxiway at the airport to provide access to new hangars.
Poytress spoke of the half million dollar renovation of the historic Empress Theatre to refurbish seats, install a new floor and expand the women’s washroom.
The grand reopening ceremony, including unveiling the donor recognition board, is Friday, March 27 with a free event that includes musical performances.
Projects the Town of Fort Macleod has planned for 2026 include installing a new cooling system, pipes, concrete and boards in the arena; landscaping and irrigation at the 150 Park; green spaces and parks in Macleod Landing; and ongoing maintenance such as refurbishing sidewalks, re-lining the waste-water system; dust suppression on gravel roads; and engineering for improvements to 10th Street and 16th Street.
Development of the third phase of Macleod Landing will also start this year. That section of the subdivision includes space designated for a seniors’ assisted living facility.
“We’ve been putting the word out and looking for some developers or anybody who wants to take a look at that project,” Poytress said.
The province has also announced it will proceed with the Stage 1A phase of the realignment of Highway 2 and Highway 3 in Fort Macleod. That includes the installation of Fort Macleod’s first traffic light.
“We’re looking forward to a lot of great community events coming up in town this year,” Poytress added.
