Local projects are getting the thumbs up from Alberta’s Minister of Infrastructure.

Last week, Prasad Panda was in Fort McMurray to examine the progress being made on local projects – like the Willow Square Continuing Care Centre.

Panda tells Mix News the $110 million project is on schedule and set to open by the Summer of 2020.

“Renovating the hospital and building Willow Square – these are two very important projects for this region. They are all on track and we are going to be finished with construction by the winter and then we will work to open it to the public.”

Panda notes he’s very happy with the progress being made on projects currently under construction.

He also had a chance to speak with local leaders about other proposed projects – including the East Clearwater Highway.

“I heard about that project from some of my stakeholders and I’m going to review with my local MLA’s and municipal leaders when we have a clear picture for that project.”

The highway was proposed by the former Wood Buffalo council in 2016 – following the wildfire – as an alternative evacuation route.