Civil and Municipal - Mar 2023

126 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 and questions that they may have. In addition to that, we also formed the Development Investment Readiness Technical Team (DIRTT), and those are the external folks. So, any large- scale industrial development that is looking at us now also has immediate access to all utility providers. We quickly bring together those folks once the investor is vetted. Ultimately that process has now got us looking at a potential $580 million in investment, over the last year.” An ideal location with land availability is one of the factors driving this major investment, but Brent Williams, CAO, acknowledges that Olds College of Agriculture and Technology is another important driver. He says, “Without the college here we would be an absolutely different community. It’s the only reason we’re not a bedroom community of 5000 people.” As an agricultural institution, Olds College was founded in 1913 and has been an important partner in the town’s growth and success. Bringing 4000 students per year into the community, the college also employs 450 people. Todd Ormann, Associate VP of Industry Solutions and Partnerships at the college recounts, “Olds provides a very unique environment because it kind of straddles both that urban and rural. So, we have the ability to attract students from a very small town, it doesn’t scare them to come to a community of 9000. At the same token, we can attract students from India and around the world to come to Olds as well, to introduce them to agriculture.” With a hands-on approach, the college is able to partner with the town to use 1,700 acres surrounding the facility for applied research projects, generating approximately $85 million over the last 4 years. “We have a lot of global visitors that come through here. It is nice that we’re 45 minutes from the Calgary airport, yet we can still have that physical infrastructure that allows us to train students and do research in Bringing Our Community Together: The Power of Rural Internet At O-NET, we believe that the power of rural internet extends far beyond fast and reliable service. We're committed to bringing our community together by providing access to high-speed internet that connects individuals, families, and businesses to the world. All with a dedicated focus on the small town customer service we know and love. Our service is designed to keep you connected and engaged with the world around you. Join O-NET and experience the power of rural internet. Contact us today to learn more about our internet solutions and how we can help bring your community together. 403.556.ONET (6638) customerexperience@o-net.ca WWW.O-NET.CA