The Town of Stettler is moving forward with the final phase of its Okoppe Way project in downtown Stettler.
Council had previously approved a total project budget of $72,000. To date, concrete work and fencing have been completed, leaving $51,507.39 for the next phase.
The remaining work includes informational signage, an entrance gate, shade structures, furniture, and vegetation.
Program Signage – $900: A history sign recognizing the Twin Sister City program between Stettler & Okoppe, Japan will be etched by Woodcraft by Dave for $300, with a base to be built by WTS for $600.
Entrance Sign and Gate – $2,000: An entrance archway similar to the one found in Okoppe and accompanying signage to welcome visitors.
Shade Structure – $15,000: The original plan for a permanent structure proved too costly. Instead, two removable sail shades are proposed, with pricing sourced from shadesailscanada.com.
Furniture – $20,000: Administration explained that finding park furniture that was reflective of Japanese culture was challenging to find. Sanderson Concrete of Surrey, B.C., provided a quote for two picnic table sets with wood elements and potentially some additional concrete blocks for seating.
Landscaping – $3,000: Two columnar aspens and double-flowering plum shrubs will be planted at the back of the park, alongside washed rock ground cover. The plants were chosen to reflect elements of Japanese garden design, symbolizing cherry blossoms.
Following discussion of each of the items, council approved a motion to fund $51,400 of the remaining budget through the 2025 Capital Budget.
Council also discussed whether to relocate the existing Okoppe Trail Rock, currently placed at the entrance to West Stettler Park, to the Okoppe Way site.
The group felt it best to leave it here as it’s part of a trail already, and was the original commemoration of the Twin Cities program.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
