The Longitudinal Centre of Canada may be the site of Taché’s next big development.

“We’re looking at developing a high-level plan for the intersection of PR 206 and the Trans-Canada Highway to create a commercial hub for the municipality.”

Christine Hutlet is the Chief Administrative Officer for Taché. She says the RM has seen an increase in residential development over the past decade but is experiencing a lack of industrial growth.

“We have had several businesses over the past few years express an interest in coming to Taché but, unfortunately, we didn't have the land or infrastructure to be as competitive as our neighboring municipalities.”

Now, Council is trying to gather the tools necessary to stimulate that potential development.

“We would really like to see Taché grow,” stresses Hutlet. “We want to ensure that our community is diversified and we want to bring jobs to the area for our local residents.”

Hutlet notes that the presence of the RM office building, next to Highway 1, means the area already has the three-phase power essential for any commercial use. The next step is to apply for grants and funding.

“Currently, we are looking at a ‘Building Sustainable Communities Grant that will cover 50% of the required cost up to 75 thousand dollars,” she offers.

Before their dreams get too wild, Hutlet admits that a lot of discussion needs to take place between municipal and provincial levels of government. Conversations around traffic control and commercial impact on the land will be essential before any shovel hits the ground.

Still, Hutlet says, the idea is certainly exciting for Council and she is optimistic the project will bear fruit in the foreseeable future. Whatever the timeline, there is a good chance that the “Centre of Canada” will soon be getting a major facelift.