Chris Davis
Note: This report covers the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 regular council meetings held on February 26, March 12, March 26, and April 9. Note: I was present at the April 9 and February 26 meetings and for most of the March 26 meeting, but not present for the March 12 meeting. Some of the following is therefore taken directly from the council's minutes, with additional material from the MD's spring newsletter.
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| Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient Deputy Reeve Rodney Cyr |
Deputy Reeve Rodney Cyr was presented with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Diamond Jubilee Award at a special presentation by Reeve Bjorn Berg and Councilor Terry Yagos on Saturday, April 6. The award was given during the Pincher Creek Emergency Services annual presentation dinner at the Pincher Creek Legion. Cyr has been the councillor for Division 2 from 1998 to the present and was Reeve from 2007 to 2011.
Mill rates set for 2013
The 2013 Mill rate Bylaw, 1236-13, passed three readings unanimously. Tax notices are anticipated to be mailed out May 1.
Lundbreck Parade and Cornfest to be held Saturday August 24, 2013
Lundbreck is gearing up for a parade during their annual Corn Fest this summer, along with a Show and Shine after the parade.
Livingstone School Playground/Let Them Be Kids
On February 26 council discussed a funding request related to the Livingstone School-Let Them Be Kids project. Councillor Terry Yagos proposed an expenditure of $3000 from the Grants to Groups and Organizations account. Councilor Garry Marchuk moved the request be tabled pending a delegation appearing before Council, which was carried.
On April 9 Livingstone School Principal Terri Donald and parent/volunteer/assistant Kim Jorgenson appeared before council to explain their ambitious plans for Paton Park and the area around Livingstone School in Lundbreck. "We have embarked on a community improvement project with our school," said Donald, who also expressed her belief that the Kindergarten to Grade 12 environment of Livingstone School was very beneficial, being the only school in the area to span a whole grade-school experience for its students. Approximately 200 students currently attend Livingstone School.
"Our school grounds and outdoor equipment are very much in need of upgrading and enhancement," reads the handout distributed by Donald and Jorgenson at the meeting. "Our hope is to work with the community of Lundbreck and the MD of Pincher Creek to create a setting with outdoor equipment for all ages as well as activity spaces and park-like rest areas to be enjoyed by the whole community as well as visitors to the area."
Jorgenson explained that an application to Let Them Be Kids (LTBK) was in the third stage of the process. LTBK is the same organization responsible for the lauded playground project completed with much community involvement adjacent to St. Michael's School in Pincher Creek.
"Our intent is to raise 75 thousand dollars," Jorgenson said. "We've raised 31 thousand since September." LTBK matches dollars raised by a community towards approved projects. "Our goal is spring of next year. We want a community place where seniors can come with their grand kids, with a walking park around it, an amphitheatre.. Many people live there because it's cheap and they can't afford to travel to town to use a playground."
Jorgenson explained that LTBK likes to see projects completed by June, likely pushing the Lundbreck project into next year.
AG Service Board Meeting/Elections
The MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 Agricultural Service Board met on February 5, and elected Susan Vogelaar as Chair and Dallis McGlynn as Vice Chair for 2013. It was announced that Lindsey Cockerill has accepted a position as the new Assistant Agricultural Fieldman.
Also at the February 5 meeting, the Castle Crown Wilderness Coalition was granted $1000 for this year's West Castle Wetland Ecological Reserve weed pull.
Quarterly Community Policing report
RCMP Rural Community Policing Officer Doug Sokoloski submitted his quarterly report, covering January 1 to March 31, 2013. Highlights:
Reeve Berg reported at the April 9 meeting of council that Pincher Creek's Municipal Airport will see more activity in the near future. According to Berg details are still being worked out, but a charter plane is expected to fly 25 to and from Fort McMurray every 10 days from May to November this year. He suggested council consider reinstating the Airport Committee to deal with issues that may arise from that arrangement.
Municipal Emergency Plan adopted
Council unanimously adopted the Municipal Emergency Plan as presented, all 400 pages of it. Look for a more in depth article on this subject in the future.
Mike Barkwith appointed to Library Board
Council decided to waive the Canadian Citizenship candidate qualification in Policy 115A – Appointments to Boards, Committees and Commissions accepting landed immigrant status and appointed Michael Barkwith as an MD representative on the Pincher Creek Municipal Library Board.
Rotary Club proposes a Community Theatre
Rotary Club of Pincher Creek appeared before joint council on February 7 to ask for the participation of MD Council, Town of Pincher Creek council, Holy Spirit and Livingstone School divisions, and various Rotary Club of Pincher Creek members to join a feasibility committee to explore the viability of a community Performing Arts Theatre in Pincher Creek. Rotary Club leaders for the project include Gerry Alex, Scott Korbett, and Dan Crawford.
Early Childhood Development (ECD) presentation
Colette Sinnott appeared before council on April 9 to discuss results from the Early Development Instrument (EDI) testing conducted with kindergarten aged children in the area.
"The point I want to get across is that one in four children are showing up without the tools they need," she said. She also raised concerns about transportation issues in terms of busing and getting kids to school, which she said can be a real challenge for single moms in the area.
Sinnott presented some demographics, based on Statistics Canada 2006 census data, which compares Pincher Creek and area to the rest of Alberta. Significant areas of deviation from the Alberta average included a median income in 2005 (people 15 years and older) of $19,671.88 in this area, well below the provincial median of $28,239.14, and an area unemployment rate of 8.15% compared to 4.41% provincially.
A total of 109 EDI questionnaires were analyzed. 7.81% of children were diagnosed with severe disabilities in at least one area of development. The study concluded that "Although the majority of children in Pincher Creek and Area are developing appropriately, a large percentage are experiencing difficulty or great difficulty, particularly in communication skills and general knowledge (26.60%)."
See also: Early Childhood Mapping Coalition hosts Ages and Stages developmental checkup
Provincial funding approved for bridge replacement
The Government of Alberta has approved a grant for $112,000 towards the replacement of a bridge on TWP Rd 7-0, which crosses a tributary of the Castle River.
The Municipality's contribution to the cost-shared project is expected to be $50,274.39, to come out of the Public Works Road Reserve. The project has been tendered and Don Boyce Contracting Ltd. was the successful contractor with a bid of $118,400.
Lundbreck Community Hall gets fresh gravel
20 yards of gravel was spread at the Lundbreck Community Hall at a cost of approximately $600, according to Director of Operation Leo Reedyk.
Citizens on Patrol receives funding
Council passed a motion by Helen Cyr on February 26 to donate $2500 to the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program, with the funds to come from the Grants to Groups and Organizations account, with this item to be added to the Joint Funding Committee agenda to determine whether or not COP should continue to be considered for joint funding.
Allocation of unused 2012 funds to Reserves for future expenditure
At their March 12 meeting council agreed to submit $1,992.38 of the Joint Funding Committee Unused Funds for 2012 back to the Town of Pincher Creek and to put $1,992.37 into 2013 Special Project Reserve - Grants to Groups and Organizations account.
2012 Year end surplus allocation
Council agreed to allocate a 2012 operating surplus of $306,000 to the Operating Reserve – Mill Rate Stabilization Fund.
2013 Operating/Capital Budget adopted
The 2013 operating and capital budget submitted by MD Director of Finance and Administration Mat Bonertz on March 21 was approved and includes expenses of $26,11,870 and revenue of $26,11,880 for an overall surplus of $10.
Blueweed and substation concerns raised by LLG
Livingstone Landowners Group (LLG) representatives Bruce Mowat and Dan McKim appeared as a delegation before council on February 26 to express concerns regarding Blueweed in the MD. According to Mowat, blueweed was noticed along the Snake Trail in the Porcupines area and along MD roads. He said there seems to be Blueweed seed in the gravel now. He indicated that he had not noticed these weeds being sprayed or attended to, and pulled several plants himself.
Mr. Mowat expressed the opinion that extra manpower and equipment will help “get a handle” on the Blueweed.
Blueweed can take up to 8 years to eradicate the weed once it has started growing in an area.
Mr. Mowat then discussed the Fidler Substation application by AltaLink. He said the LLG is not opposed to the substation or the wind turbines but insists the process must be followed properly. Existing right of ways were discussed. Later in the meeting council carried a motion by Terry Yagos that a letter be sent to the Alberta Utilities Commission regarding council's preference regarding the routing of the Fidler 312S Substation and Transmission Line.
AUC Hearing regarding Fidler 312S substation
Related to the above, the AUC will be holding a hearing with respect to Proceeding ID No. 2284, commencing at 9 am on Tuesday April 30, 2013 at the Heritage Inn (919 Waterton Avenue, Pincher Creek). The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) filed a needs application requesting approval of the need for Fidler 312S substation and associated transmission lines in the Pincher Creek area, resulting in AltaLink Management Ltd. filing a facility application requesting to meet the need described in the AESO application. The AUC requests than anyone intending to participate in the hearing submit a list of their issues and whether expert witnesses will be called prior to April 16, 2013.
Communications
Dan McKim addressed council about communication between the MD and the ratepayers with regards to planning, suggesting semi-annual ratepayer meetings in each Division. He has also suggested that when any large capital projects are proposed, affected landowners are notified sooner and possibly be included in the planning process.
MSI Funding
The MD has been given two Provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative Grant Program (MSI) grants for projects in the 2012/2013 fiscal time frame. The North Burmis Road project is eligible for $1,212,241 and the new Administration Building is eligible for $4,200,000 in MSI program funding.
Maycroft Road Dust Survey kiboshed
Council heard concerns from residents regarding dust and repair of the Maycroft Road. At that meeting some residents asked that information on air quality be provided. MD Administration reports they sent a survey to residents for input on the short and long term plans for the road, along with an Alberta Environment report titled "Albert Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Guideline Summary". Genivar was then asked to submit a quote outlining the scope and cost of an air quality monitoring study. The estimated cost as quoted by Genivar was $10,804,671.
At the April 9 meeting of council Helen Cyr motioned to forego doing the survey "As we already have enough information to know there's a problem." Councillors Terry Yagos, ROdy Cyr, and Garry Marchuk expressed agreement with that sentiment. "That $10,000 would be better spent on actual dust control," said Deputy Reeve Cyr.
Councilor Cyr's motion to forego the study passed with Reeve Berg casting the only dissenting vote.
Purchase of pickups passed
Council approved the purchase of a 3/4 ton truck for Agricultural and Environmental Services and two 3/4 ton and one 1/2 trucks for Public Works. Councilor Garry Marchuk opposed the purchases, being unconvinced that an outdoor temperature display in the Agricultural and Environmental Services truck was a necessary expense. According to Director of Operations Leo Reedyk the temperature display was an important tool when spraying for weeds. "Sometimes it's too hot to spray, the plants are under too much stress," he explained.
Burmis Lundbreck Area Structure Plan subject of Public Hearing
A Public Hearing was held on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 in order to receive input on Bylaw 1229-12 which proposes to amend Land Use Bylaw 1140-08. The purpose of proposed Bylaw 1229-12 is to allow for the implementation of the amended Burmis-Lundbreck Corridor Area Structure Plan. Several zoning issues relating to a trailer park and a sawmill were discussed.
Final Mile project gets Provincial funding
The Final Mile rural internet plan received a $200,000 boost from the Alberta Government, pending an approved final plan. According to Director of Operations Leo Reedyk, the MD's share of the project will be about $36,000, with partner/service provider Tough Country also contributing about $30,000. Reedyk said he was also investigating whether the MDs of Ranchland and Willow Creek wanted to partner in the project.
New staff welcomed, retiring staff thanked
Lindsey Cockerill has been hired as the Agriculture Fieldman Assistant to the recently appointed Agriculture Fieldman Shane Poulsen. Stuart Weber has been hired as the Public Works Superintendent Assistant. Shelly Small Legs has been hired as Accounting Clerk II.
The MD would like to wish Erich Tapp and Robert Jackson all the best as they have both retired from the MD. Erich retired as the Field Supervisor after 16 years of service. Robert retired as an Operator 4 after 36 years of service.
New office hours
The MD Administration Office is now open during the lunch hour. The office is open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, and is closed on statutory holidays. An after-hours drop box is located to the right of the front doors at the Administration Building (753 Kettles Street, Pincher Creek).
Waste Collection/Recycling for MD Residents
MD Residents are reminded that the waste collection bins located within the Town of Pincher Creek
on Macleod Street is for your household refuse only. Recycling materials, such as cardboard, should
still be taken to either the landfill or to the recycling depot located at 1038 Deer Avenue.
The Recycling Depot is now open on Wednesday’s until 8:00 pm.
Dog licences
“The owner of an animal shall ensure every dog over six (6) months of age, owned by a resident in a
Hamlet, shall be licenced. A tag will be issued and must be worn by the dog, on a collar.”
Licences are available at the Administration Office.
Elected Officials Training
Elected Officials Training has now been open for any person interested in learning more about Municipal Government. Councillors Helen Cyr and Terry Yagos are the first graduates from this program, as reported here previously.
Dead Stock Removal
The MD in cooperation with the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Carnivore Working Group (WBR-CWG), is in the process of expanding their dead stock removal and pick-up program. The program will provide residents living within the Carnivore Conflict Area, as identified by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resources Development, subsidized pick-up and disposal. The purpose of the program is to remove the carcasses of stock from the landscape, effectively reducing attractants to large carnivores and minimizing human-carnivore incidents.
The MD agreed to fund approximately five more bins to be constructed and locat\ed throughout the municipality and available for signed up producers to drop off dead stock. Furthermore, producers in the conflict area can have larger stock picked up on-site if necessary. Eligible dead stock includes cattle, horses and pigs. This is phase one of a two phase project.
A Message from Reeve Bjorn Berg (from the Spring 2013 MD newsletter):
As I shook hands with Robert Irving, President of Cavendish Farms, I thought "what does 150 million pounds of potatoes look like?" He had just bought a Lethbridge potato processing plant. The potatoes were the annual harvest destined to be a mountain of fries and chips.
Irving leaned close and asked, "Where are you from?"
"Pincher Creek", I replied. "Cattle country. Need a steak with those potatoes?"
He laughed. "We'll talk" he said, and handed me his card.
There's an opportunity.
In our little corner of Alberta there is a world of opportunity. The rural municipality of Pincher Creek is a destination sandwiched between two internationally recognized World Heritage sites, one a national park, with a ski resort on the side. Millions of gallons of clean water flow past our homes and businesses. We drink it, play in it, irrigate with it, and get power from it. We have a landscape of rocks, trees and grass to enjoy, to conserve and to cultivate.
Mountains and forests and fields of opportunity.
How we exploit these opportunities is up to us but we need to make choices that have balance. At least that was one conclusion to be taken from the Community Values Assessment the MD completed last year.
In case you hadn't noticed we're trying to put words into action. Last year the MD Council revised the Burmis Lundbreck Corridor Area Structure Plan to balance the needs of those who live there with a world class trout fishery. It's a good plan.
Council has been working hard in the preparation of the 2013 budget, which is nearing completion. Projects of note for 2013 are: completion of the new Administration Building; completion of the North Burmis Road project; completion of Bonertz Road and Bridge projects, east of Twin Butte; review of the Castle Mountain Area Structure Plan; Summerview Road intersection improvements; commencement of the Regional Water project with Cowley; and Brekenridge drainage improvements in Lundbreck.
During the past year, both Town Council and MD Council have been working with a consultant to establish a Commission to govern Pincher Creek Emergency Services. Discussions on this topic have been going well and we are now in a position to approach the provincial government to establish a Commission.
As many of you will be aware, Alberta Health Services have been working hard to eliminate contracts with municipalities for the delivery of ambulance service. Councils of the MD and Town are negotiating hard with Alberta Health to retain our contract with Alberta Health and maintain our current service, which we feel we can deliver a more efficient service than that which is being offered by Alberta Health.
October 2013 will bring another municipal election to the forefront. Although not passed by the provincial government as yet, it appears Council terms will move from three to four years. If you are interested in your community and want to become involved as an elected official, please contact the administration office for further details.
As we approach Spring and have had an excellent winter, we are very optimistic that flooding will not be an issue. If you have concerns on any maintenance issue, we encourage you to phone our administration staff.
Related links:
Fidler Substation and Transmission Line AltaLink page
Pincher Creek Emergency Services holds 2013 Awards Night
Early Childhood Mapping Coalition hosts Ages and Stages developmental checkup
Jorgenson explained that an application to Let Them Be Kids (LTBK) was in the third stage of the process. LTBK is the same organization responsible for the lauded playground project completed with much community involvement adjacent to St. Michael's School in Pincher Creek.
"Our intent is to raise 75 thousand dollars," Jorgenson said. "We've raised 31 thousand since September." LTBK matches dollars raised by a community towards approved projects. "Our goal is spring of next year. We want a community place where seniors can come with their grand kids, with a walking park around it, an amphitheatre.. Many people live there because it's cheap and they can't afford to travel to town to use a playground."
Jorgenson explained that LTBK likes to see projects completed by June, likely pushing the Lundbreck project into next year.
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| Concept drawing for Livingstone Playground Project (click to view enlarged) |
AG Service Board Meeting/Elections
The MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 Agricultural Service Board met on February 5, and elected Susan Vogelaar as Chair and Dallis McGlynn as Vice Chair for 2013. It was announced that Lindsey Cockerill has accepted a position as the new Assistant Agricultural Fieldman.
Also at the February 5 meeting, the Castle Crown Wilderness Coalition was granted $1000 for this year's West Castle Wetland Ecological Reserve weed pull.
Quarterly Community Policing report
RCMP Rural Community Policing Officer Doug Sokoloski submitted his quarterly report, covering January 1 to March 31, 2013. Highlights:
- Distance driven: 13,195 km
- Violation tickets issued: 238
Violation ticket locations: Beaver Mines - 38, Lundbreck - 26, Castle Mountain - 8, Twin Butte - 8Airport about to get busier
Reeve Berg reported at the April 9 meeting of council that Pincher Creek's Municipal Airport will see more activity in the near future. According to Berg details are still being worked out, but a charter plane is expected to fly 25 to and from Fort McMurray every 10 days from May to November this year. He suggested council consider reinstating the Airport Committee to deal with issues that may arise from that arrangement.
Municipal Emergency Plan adopted
Council unanimously adopted the Municipal Emergency Plan as presented, all 400 pages of it. Look for a more in depth article on this subject in the future.
Mike Barkwith appointed to Library Board
Council decided to waive the Canadian Citizenship candidate qualification in Policy 115A – Appointments to Boards, Committees and Commissions accepting landed immigrant status and appointed Michael Barkwith as an MD representative on the Pincher Creek Municipal Library Board.
Rotary Club proposes a Community Theatre
Rotary Club of Pincher Creek appeared before joint council on February 7 to ask for the participation of MD Council, Town of Pincher Creek council, Holy Spirit and Livingstone School divisions, and various Rotary Club of Pincher Creek members to join a feasibility committee to explore the viability of a community Performing Arts Theatre in Pincher Creek. Rotary Club leaders for the project include Gerry Alex, Scott Korbett, and Dan Crawford.
Early Childhood Development (ECD) presentation
Colette Sinnott appeared before council on April 9 to discuss results from the Early Development Instrument (EDI) testing conducted with kindergarten aged children in the area.
"The point I want to get across is that one in four children are showing up without the tools they need," she said. She also raised concerns about transportation issues in terms of busing and getting kids to school, which she said can be a real challenge for single moms in the area.
Sinnott presented some demographics, based on Statistics Canada 2006 census data, which compares Pincher Creek and area to the rest of Alberta. Significant areas of deviation from the Alberta average included a median income in 2005 (people 15 years and older) of $19,671.88 in this area, well below the provincial median of $28,239.14, and an area unemployment rate of 8.15% compared to 4.41% provincially.
A total of 109 EDI questionnaires were analyzed. 7.81% of children were diagnosed with severe disabilities in at least one area of development. The study concluded that "Although the majority of children in Pincher Creek and Area are developing appropriately, a large percentage are experiencing difficulty or great difficulty, particularly in communication skills and general knowledge (26.60%)."
See also: Early Childhood Mapping Coalition hosts Ages and Stages developmental checkup
Provincial funding approved for bridge replacement
The Government of Alberta has approved a grant for $112,000 towards the replacement of a bridge on TWP Rd 7-0, which crosses a tributary of the Castle River.
The Municipality's contribution to the cost-shared project is expected to be $50,274.39, to come out of the Public Works Road Reserve. The project has been tendered and Don Boyce Contracting Ltd. was the successful contractor with a bid of $118,400.
Lundbreck Community Hall gets fresh gravel
20 yards of gravel was spread at the Lundbreck Community Hall at a cost of approximately $600, according to Director of Operation Leo Reedyk.
Citizens on Patrol receives funding
Council passed a motion by Helen Cyr on February 26 to donate $2500 to the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program, with the funds to come from the Grants to Groups and Organizations account, with this item to be added to the Joint Funding Committee agenda to determine whether or not COP should continue to be considered for joint funding.
Allocation of unused 2012 funds to Reserves for future expenditure
At their March 12 meeting council agreed to submit $1,992.38 of the Joint Funding Committee Unused Funds for 2012 back to the Town of Pincher Creek and to put $1,992.37 into 2013 Special Project Reserve - Grants to Groups and Organizations account.
2012 Year end surplus allocation
Council agreed to allocate a 2012 operating surplus of $306,000 to the Operating Reserve – Mill Rate Stabilization Fund.
2013 Operating/Capital Budget adopted
The 2013 operating and capital budget submitted by MD Director of Finance and Administration Mat Bonertz on March 21 was approved and includes expenses of $26,11,870 and revenue of $26,11,880 for an overall surplus of $10.
Blueweed and substation concerns raised by LLG
Livingstone Landowners Group (LLG) representatives Bruce Mowat and Dan McKim appeared as a delegation before council on February 26 to express concerns regarding Blueweed in the MD. According to Mowat, blueweed was noticed along the Snake Trail in the Porcupines area and along MD roads. He said there seems to be Blueweed seed in the gravel now. He indicated that he had not noticed these weeds being sprayed or attended to, and pulled several plants himself.
Mr. Mowat expressed the opinion that extra manpower and equipment will help “get a handle” on the Blueweed.
Blueweed can take up to 8 years to eradicate the weed once it has started growing in an area.
Mr. Mowat then discussed the Fidler Substation application by AltaLink. He said the LLG is not opposed to the substation or the wind turbines but insists the process must be followed properly. Existing right of ways were discussed. Later in the meeting council carried a motion by Terry Yagos that a letter be sent to the Alberta Utilities Commission regarding council's preference regarding the routing of the Fidler 312S Substation and Transmission Line.
AUC Hearing regarding Fidler 312S substation
Related to the above, the AUC will be holding a hearing with respect to Proceeding ID No. 2284, commencing at 9 am on Tuesday April 30, 2013 at the Heritage Inn (919 Waterton Avenue, Pincher Creek). The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) filed a needs application requesting approval of the need for Fidler 312S substation and associated transmission lines in the Pincher Creek area, resulting in AltaLink Management Ltd. filing a facility application requesting to meet the need described in the AESO application. The AUC requests than anyone intending to participate in the hearing submit a list of their issues and whether expert witnesses will be called prior to April 16, 2013.
Communications
Dan McKim addressed council about communication between the MD and the ratepayers with regards to planning, suggesting semi-annual ratepayer meetings in each Division. He has also suggested that when any large capital projects are proposed, affected landowners are notified sooner and possibly be included in the planning process.
MSI Funding
The MD has been given two Provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative Grant Program (MSI) grants for projects in the 2012/2013 fiscal time frame. The North Burmis Road project is eligible for $1,212,241 and the new Administration Building is eligible for $4,200,000 in MSI program funding.
Maycroft Road Dust Survey kiboshed
Council heard concerns from residents regarding dust and repair of the Maycroft Road. At that meeting some residents asked that information on air quality be provided. MD Administration reports they sent a survey to residents for input on the short and long term plans for the road, along with an Alberta Environment report titled "Albert Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Guideline Summary". Genivar was then asked to submit a quote outlining the scope and cost of an air quality monitoring study. The estimated cost as quoted by Genivar was $10,804,671.
At the April 9 meeting of council Helen Cyr motioned to forego doing the survey "As we already have enough information to know there's a problem." Councillors Terry Yagos, ROdy Cyr, and Garry Marchuk expressed agreement with that sentiment. "That $10,000 would be better spent on actual dust control," said Deputy Reeve Cyr.
Purchase of pickups passed
Council approved the purchase of a 3/4 ton truck for Agricultural and Environmental Services and two 3/4 ton and one 1/2 trucks for Public Works. Councilor Garry Marchuk opposed the purchases, being unconvinced that an outdoor temperature display in the Agricultural and Environmental Services truck was a necessary expense. According to Director of Operations Leo Reedyk the temperature display was an important tool when spraying for weeds. "Sometimes it's too hot to spray, the plants are under too much stress," he explained.
Burmis Lundbreck Area Structure Plan subject of Public Hearing
A Public Hearing was held on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 in order to receive input on Bylaw 1229-12 which proposes to amend Land Use Bylaw 1140-08. The purpose of proposed Bylaw 1229-12 is to allow for the implementation of the amended Burmis-Lundbreck Corridor Area Structure Plan. Several zoning issues relating to a trailer park and a sawmill were discussed.
Final Mile project gets Provincial funding
The Final Mile rural internet plan received a $200,000 boost from the Alberta Government, pending an approved final plan. According to Director of Operations Leo Reedyk, the MD's share of the project will be about $36,000, with partner/service provider Tough Country also contributing about $30,000. Reedyk said he was also investigating whether the MDs of Ranchland and Willow Creek wanted to partner in the project.
New staff welcomed, retiring staff thanked
Lindsey Cockerill has been hired as the Agriculture Fieldman Assistant to the recently appointed Agriculture Fieldman Shane Poulsen. Stuart Weber has been hired as the Public Works Superintendent Assistant. Shelly Small Legs has been hired as Accounting Clerk II.
The MD would like to wish Erich Tapp and Robert Jackson all the best as they have both retired from the MD. Erich retired as the Field Supervisor after 16 years of service. Robert retired as an Operator 4 after 36 years of service.
New office hours
The MD Administration Office is now open during the lunch hour. The office is open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, and is closed on statutory holidays. An after-hours drop box is located to the right of the front doors at the Administration Building (753 Kettles Street, Pincher Creek).
Waste Collection/Recycling for MD Residents
MD Residents are reminded that the waste collection bins located within the Town of Pincher Creek
on Macleod Street is for your household refuse only. Recycling materials, such as cardboard, should
still be taken to either the landfill or to the recycling depot located at 1038 Deer Avenue.
The Recycling Depot is now open on Wednesday’s until 8:00 pm.
Dog licences
“The owner of an animal shall ensure every dog over six (6) months of age, owned by a resident in a
Hamlet, shall be licenced. A tag will be issued and must be worn by the dog, on a collar.”
Licences are available at the Administration Office.
Elected Officials Training
Elected Officials Training has now been open for any person interested in learning more about Municipal Government. Councillors Helen Cyr and Terry Yagos are the first graduates from this program, as reported here previously.
Dead Stock Removal
The MD in cooperation with the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Carnivore Working Group (WBR-CWG), is in the process of expanding their dead stock removal and pick-up program. The program will provide residents living within the Carnivore Conflict Area, as identified by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resources Development, subsidized pick-up and disposal. The purpose of the program is to remove the carcasses of stock from the landscape, effectively reducing attractants to large carnivores and minimizing human-carnivore incidents.
The MD agreed to fund approximately five more bins to be constructed and locat\ed throughout the municipality and available for signed up producers to drop off dead stock. Furthermore, producers in the conflict area can have larger stock picked up on-site if necessary. Eligible dead stock includes cattle, horses and pigs. This is phase one of a two phase project.
A Message from Reeve Bjorn Berg (from the Spring 2013 MD newsletter):
As I shook hands with Robert Irving, President of Cavendish Farms, I thought "what does 150 million pounds of potatoes look like?" He had just bought a Lethbridge potato processing plant. The potatoes were the annual harvest destined to be a mountain of fries and chips.
Irving leaned close and asked, "Where are you from?"
"Pincher Creek", I replied. "Cattle country. Need a steak with those potatoes?"
He laughed. "We'll talk" he said, and handed me his card.
There's an opportunity.
In our little corner of Alberta there is a world of opportunity. The rural municipality of Pincher Creek is a destination sandwiched between two internationally recognized World Heritage sites, one a national park, with a ski resort on the side. Millions of gallons of clean water flow past our homes and businesses. We drink it, play in it, irrigate with it, and get power from it. We have a landscape of rocks, trees and grass to enjoy, to conserve and to cultivate.
Mountains and forests and fields of opportunity.
How we exploit these opportunities is up to us but we need to make choices that have balance. At least that was one conclusion to be taken from the Community Values Assessment the MD completed last year.
In case you hadn't noticed we're trying to put words into action. Last year the MD Council revised the Burmis Lundbreck Corridor Area Structure Plan to balance the needs of those who live there with a world class trout fishery. It's a good plan.
Council has been working hard in the preparation of the 2013 budget, which is nearing completion. Projects of note for 2013 are: completion of the new Administration Building; completion of the North Burmis Road project; completion of Bonertz Road and Bridge projects, east of Twin Butte; review of the Castle Mountain Area Structure Plan; Summerview Road intersection improvements; commencement of the Regional Water project with Cowley; and Brekenridge drainage improvements in Lundbreck.
During the past year, both Town Council and MD Council have been working with a consultant to establish a Commission to govern Pincher Creek Emergency Services. Discussions on this topic have been going well and we are now in a position to approach the provincial government to establish a Commission.
As many of you will be aware, Alberta Health Services have been working hard to eliminate contracts with municipalities for the delivery of ambulance service. Councils of the MD and Town are negotiating hard with Alberta Health to retain our contract with Alberta Health and maintain our current service, which we feel we can deliver a more efficient service than that which is being offered by Alberta Health.
October 2013 will bring another municipal election to the forefront. Although not passed by the provincial government as yet, it appears Council terms will move from three to four years. If you are interested in your community and want to become involved as an elected official, please contact the administration office for further details.
As we approach Spring and have had an excellent winter, we are very optimistic that flooding will not be an issue. If you have concerns on any maintenance issue, we encourage you to phone our administration staff.
~ Reeve Bjorn Berg
Related links:
Fidler Substation and Transmission Line AltaLink page
Pincher Creek Emergency Services holds 2013 Awards Night
Early Childhood Mapping Coalition hosts Ages and Stages developmental checkup
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