WESTLOCK — Two new commodity storage bins installed in the northwest end of town are helping expand the Town of Westlock’s local economy.
Rock Solid Concrete, a local business with offices in Athabasca and Westlock, have provided two commodity storage bins that will be used as part of a new transload facility in Westlock.
“As a transload facility, we’ll be railing in commodities and then we’ll be going from rail car into storage and then from storage into trucks,” said Rock Solid Concrete co-owner John Both.
The two bins were installed July 5 on a piece of land about 1.46 acres in size that was purchased by Rock Solid Concrete about two months ago. They have since conducted site work and completed the foundations before installing the above-ground infrastructure.
Each bin weighs 26 tonnes and both are expected to be in operation by late 2024.
While all materials stored in the bins have not been confirmed, they have potential for storing and will be used for “powders and other bulk products” noted Both, and “is not intended for grain.”
It is the first transload facility for Rock Solid Concrete, who worked on the project with the Town of Westlock’s planning and development department.
“They’ve been amazing to work with. We work with a number of other municipalities and we’re very appreciative of what the Town of Westlock has done. They’ve gone over and above,” he said.
“Our first question to the town economic and development team was: Is Westlock open for business? The answer is yes and we see that clearly,” added Both.
Rock Solid is working closely with Westlock Terminals Ltd. for the project and all involved are community focused and “are pulling together to make this possible,” said Both.
Westlock Terminals CEO Clifford Bell said they are “very pleased to be working with Rock Solid Concrete on the trackage side with our present siding and car movement capabilities,” and noted how the new project will enhance long-term viability and usage of their rail component.
“Coordination of inbound products and the geographical location of Westlock to serve these markets, is a growth opportunity,” said Bell. “We see (it) as a positive move for Westlock Terminals members and shareholders, Rock Solid Concrete, Town of Westlock and Westlock County.”
Operations at Westlock Terminals includes grain transportation and sales, storage and blending, future distillery operation and a fleet of trucks and rail cars. They source and ship grain products from multiple areas in western Canada to points around the globe.
Town director of planning and development Danielle Pougher noted the town’s role in providing guidance and support for businesses looking to locate or expand in Westlock.
“In this case, they had found the property ahead of time and had come to us to ask if what they wanted to do there was possible, if it fit within our current land use bylaw and what the process was they needed to follow,” said Pougher.
“We’re very fortunate in Westlock to still have such an active rail line so it’s always great to see new businesses come take advantage of that, because that’s really one of our selling features is that really easy access to that type of shipping.
“It’s always encouraging to see local businesses decide to choose and expand in Westlock.”
Both said the new project will allow them to “utilize land that was underutilized,” and will provide an economic boost to Westlock.
“This will enhance the economics of this community. It’ll bring more jobs here and bring more exposure to this community,” said Both.
Rock Solid Concrete was founded by two local families and has been in operation in Athabasca for 15 years and 10 years in Westlock. They also have operations in the U.S.