newsletter resident fall 2015.indd
Transcription
newsletter resident fall 2015.indd
COUNTY OF WETASKIWIN NO. 10 MAILING: Box 6960, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2G5 PHYSICAL: 243019a HWY 13 Phone 780-352-3321 Fax 780-352-3486 Edmonton Direct 780-429-0198 Toll Free 1-800-661-4125 Website: www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca FALL NEWSLETTER - 2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS FUNDRAISER AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN Community Peace Officers Nick Sahl and Dan Rabel, along with Wetaskiwin Fire Services, Wetaskiwin RCMP and South Pigeon Lake Paramedics, in association with Alberta Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, stepped forward volunteering their time to “Free Our Finest”. The event raised approximately $15,000 and raised awareness for the 2016 Special Olympics. On Friday, September 25, several mock arrests were made, including Officer Nick Sahl, with Reeve Kathy Rooyakkers assisting in the arrest. The group arrested was required to spend 36 hours on scaffolding outside Wetaskiwin Walmart before being released. The team ate and slept on the scaffolding and were required to perform the YMCA dance when a donation of $25 or more was received. High winds, cool temperatures and rain did not stop the event. Officer Dan Rabel was instrumental in raising donations from local businesses, gathering items and gift certificates for a silent auction and a raffle for a 49” T.V. Demonstrations, activities and exhibits were provided by: County of Wetaskiwin Patrol Vehicles, RCMP Vintage Patrol Vehicle, Drag Car, Explosive Disposal Unit/Robots, Driving Simulator, Police Dog Services Demonstrations, Wetaskiwin Fire Services Rescue Units, Ladder Truck, Car Fire Demonstration, South Pigeon Lake 1947 Vintage Fire Truck, Associated Ambulance Vehicle. Various public activities took place, including a family dance, dunk tank, basketball, and street hockey. A barbeque and Law Enforcement Torch Run items were available for purchase where all monies raised went to the fundraiser. Mascots from the RCMP, Victim Services, and Wetaskiwin Fire Services, City of Wetaskiwin mingled with the crowd. Peace Officers Graham Harper and Shane Fjordbotten also attended the weekend event. COUNCIL Kathy Rooyakkers Division 6 Councillor (Reeve) 682-2353 H | 514-9087 C Terry Van de Kraats Division 2 Councillor (Deputy Reeve) 352-2395 H | 387-6437 C Pearl Hay Division 1 Councillor 352-3157 H | 360-4026 C All area codes 780 Garry Dearing Division 3 Councillor 352-4889 H | 387-1788 C Keith Johnson Division 4 Councillor 387-5543 H | 361-6732 C Larry McKeever Division 5 Councillor 389-3339 H | 312-4497 C Lyle Seely Division 7 Councillor 388-3894 H | 621-1044 C DID YOU KNOW • • • The population of the County of Wetaskiwin is 10,866; The County covers 3152 square kilometers, and has 2,059 kilometers of local roads; There are 197 bridges and bridge sized culverts throughout the County (bridge sized culverts 96, standard bridges 91, major bridges 10). Page 2 RECREATION MASTER PLAN The Recreation Master Plan documents the present and future needs for recreation, trails, parks, open spaces and programs in the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10. This is achieved by identifying possible needs that are not currently being met, creating an inventory of current indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, and evaluating programs and services. Through this study, strategies are provided to meet identified needs for the residents of the County of Wetaskiwin over the next 15 years. On September 1, 2015 Council approved the Recreational Needs Assessment and Master Plan with the endorsed and rejected recommendations. Please visit our website to view the Recreation Master Plan and the Implementation Strategy at the following link: http://www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca/424/Recreation. PROGRAM GUIDE The Parade of Programs is a fantastic resource for exploring programs, seminars, clubs, community groups, and workshops offered within our community for all ages! Please see the following link to view the extensive list of programs currently being offered. Contact information is listed within each listing, so don’t delay! Get your registrations in and take advantage of the opportunities! The Parade of Programs Fall 2015 Guide can be viewed at http://www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1021 If you have recreation questions contact Director of Leisure & Community Services, Geoff Lynch, at 780-361-6227. Photo by Rick Schamber SURVEY COMMUNICATING WITH THE COUNTY OF WETASKIWIN Thank you very much for your participation in the County’s Smart Communities Initiative ratepayer survey, Communicating with the County of Wetaskiwin. Approximately 22% of ratepayers responded to the survey. Currently, all responses are being tabulated for discussion at a workshop with Council and Administration. The tabulated results will be reviewed and prioritized, actions identified and prioritized, and evaluation metrics and analysis techniques determined. Details regarding the survey results will be provided in the Spring 2016 Resident Newsletter and posted on the County’s website. Thanks again for your input. Your participation will assist us in our efforts to improve how we engage and communicate with you. Questions regarding the survey may be directed to Communications Officer, Sharon Radis, at 780-361-6220. Page 3 2015 GRANTS Watch the Pipestone Flyer and www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca for deadlines to apply for grant programs. The County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 provided the following grants throughout the County in 2015. RECREATION ZONE 1 Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum (Collections Storage/Resource Library Update) 3,000.00 Wetaskiwin Curling Association (Rental of Curling Rink from City) 5,000.00 Wetaskiwin Ski Club (Replace Equipment) 4,636.15 ZONE 1 TOTAL $12,636.15 RECREATION ZONE 2 Brightview Community Baptist Church (Admin Fees/Transportation Costs/Equipment) Falun Community Hall (Operation/Maintenance) 4,500.00 17,179.06 Fletcher Community Association (Operation/Maintenance) 2,375.52 Lakedell Agricultural Society (Operation/Maintenance) 15,759.54 Lone Ridge Community Hall (Operation/Maintenance) 4,142.67 Mulhurst Bay Community Hall (Operation/Maintenance) 11,674.81 Pigeon Lake Athletic Cultural & Educational (Dividers/Jerseys/Lighting/Rubber Matting) 10,950.00 Pigeon Lake Soccer Club (Equipment/Field Paint/Existing Website/Fees/Insurance) 5,000.00 Pipestone Community Society (Operation/Maintenance) 12,341.11 Porto Bello Community Society (Operation/Maintenance) 7,329.35 Usona Agricultural Society (Operation/Maintenance) 12,891.54 ZONE 2 TOTAL $104,143.60 RECREATION ZONE 3 Alder Flats 4-H Club (Club Toques/Gloves) 447.60 Buck Mountain Central School (Purchase Canoes/Trailer) 3,000.00 Buck Mountain Band Parents Association (Guest Conductor/Band Trips) 1,000.00 West of the 5th Rodeo Society (Rodeo/Bronc Riding) 3,000.00 Winfield & District Agricultural Society (Mudd Safety ATV Course) 1,800.00 Winfield Elementary School (Live Theatre at Citadel) 1,000.00 Winfield Elementary School (Skating/Ice Rental) 1,008.00 Winfield Elementary School Council (Bus to Swim/Fine Arts/Reading Program) 3,000.00 Winfield Historical Society (Plants/Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot & Walkway / Informative Walking Trail) 2,000.00 Winfield Pre-Kindergarten (Field Trips) 300.00 Yeoford Community Hall (Maintenance/Utilities/Insurance) 1,500.00 ZONE 3 TOTAL $18,055.60 RECREATION ZONE 4 Alder Flats Community Agricultural Society (Install Screen/Build Cabinet) 1,500.00 Alder Flats Elementary Parent Council (School Events) 7,187.00 Alder Flats Fitness Centre (Kettlebells/Workout Ball/Pilates Equipment/Athletic Chalk) 1,500.00 Alder Flats/Buck Lake Public Library (Books/Phone) 2,900.00 Alder Flats Rodeo (Rodeo Event) 4,000.00 Alder Flats T-Ball (Equipment) Page 4 528.00 RECREATION ZONE 4 - con't Buck Lake Agricultural Society (Mudd Safety Program) 2,000.00 Buck Mountain Central School Band Parents Association (Guest Conductor/Band Trips) 900.00 Buck Lake Senior Citizens Drop In Centre (Utilities/Cabinets/Maintenance/Janitorial/ Roof of Shed) 6,000.00 Buck Lake Stampede Society (Maintenance/Operating Expenses/Utilities/Kids Play Area) 4,000.00 Mending Soldiers’ Spirit (Supplies) 1,000.00 Peacemakers Quilting (Charity Quilting) 1,800.00 Playful Learning Preschool Foundation (Insurance/Trips/Supplies) 1,800.00 Tri County Riding Club (Judges/Clinics/Ribbons/Awards) 1,800.00 Western Pioneer Senior Citizens Assoc. of Alder Flats (Utilities/Phone/Janitor/Insurance) 6,200.00 Winfield & District 4-H Beef Club (Grooming Chute/Entrance Fees to EmTeTown & Buck Lake Stampede) 1,100.00 Winfield Minor Hockey Association (Power Skating/Equipment) 3,000.00 ZONE 4 TOTAL $47,215.00 RECREATION ZONE 5 Millet & District Historical Society (Signage for the Museum) 3,000.00 Millet and District Arts & Craft (Service to Sewing Machine) 200.00 ZONE 5 TOTAL $3,200.00 CEMETERY OPERATING ASSISTANCE GRANT TO ASSIST WITH MAINTENANCE Alder Flats Cemetery 1,000.00 Millet Community Cemetery 1,000.00 Bonnie Glen Cemetery 800.00 Mount Clare Cemetery 1,000.00 Bunker Hill Cemetery Club 860.00 Nashville Cemetery 1,000.00 Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery 890.00 New Sweden Mission Church Cemetery 1,000.00 Crooked Lake Cemetery 1,000.00 Peace Hills Zion Lutheran Cemetery 1,000.00 Dalby Cemetery 1,000.00 Poplar Valley Cemetery 1,000.00 Emmaus Lutheran Cemetery 1,000.00 Roseland Cemetery 840.00 Grandview Cemetery 200.00 Siegel Hill Cemetery 1,000.00 Hegge Community Cemetery 730.00 St. John's Lutheran Cemetery 1,000.00 Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery 440.00 St. Norbert's Catholic Cemetery 500.00 Lakedell Community Cemetery 1,000.00 St. Peters Lutheran Cemetery 920.00 Lone Ridge Community Cemetery 1,000.00 Twin Creek Cemetery 680.00 Malmo Mission Covenant Church Cemetery 1,000.00 Vang Lutheran Church Cemetery Maywood Cemetery 1,000.00 Waldheim Cemetery 1,000.00 370.00 CEMETERY TOTAL $24,230.00 library grants Alder Flats/Buck Lake Public Library 14,315.14 Lakedell Area Community Library Soc. 16,678.17 Millet Public Library 28,356.33 Winfield Community Library Assoc. 19,041.19 Wetaskiwin Public Library 47,260.55 TOTAL $125,651.38 chamber of commerce grants Pigeon Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce 10,000.00 Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce TOTAL 10,000.00 $20,000.00 Page 5 2015 GRANTS continued Watch the Pipestone Flyer and www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca for deadlines to apply for grant programs. FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES Family & Community Support Services provides funding to enhance and enrich preventative programs and services throughout the County of Wetaskiwin. FCSS funding is allocated through Alberta Children and Youth Services with an 80/20% split with the municipality. Breton FCSS (Summer Programs) 1,500.00 Boys & Girls Club of Wetaskiwin (After School Programs) 2,000.00 Brighter Futures (Summer Day Program) 3,000.00 Leaders of Tomorrow (Awards) 1,000.00 Pipestone School (Print Making) 954.54 Pipestone School (Alberta Zirka Ukranian Performers) 500.00 Winfield Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-Kindergarten) 1,500.00 Wetaskiwin Allied Art & Craft Center (After School Care Pilot Project) 1,590.00 Brightview Baptist Church (Family Wellness Workshops) 3,975.00 County of Wetaskiwin (Family Skate at Winfield Arena) 3,000.00 Lakedell Ladies Conference (Conference) 100.00 West Pine Oldtimer Association (Seniors Wellness) 900.00 Buck Lake Senior Citizens Drop-In Centre (Senior Bus Tour) 1,000.00 Seniors Wellness Conference (Conference) 200.00 Leduc & District Victim Services (Volunteer Development/Public Awareness) 3,691.00 Volunteer Week Committee (Volunteer Week) 250.00 Wetaskiwin Community Learning Council (County Communication) 5,500.00 Wetaskiwin & District Victim Services (Volunteer Development/Public Awareness) 5,031.00 Winfield Community Library (Volunteer Appreciation) 300.00 Winfield Fire Department Society (Recruitment Drive) 300.00 Wetaskiwin Millet Maskwacis Pink Shirt Anti-Bullying Coalition (Beyond The Hurt - Bullying Prevention Training) Wetaskiwin Community Transportation Society (Transportation Services) 1,000.00 10,000.00 TOTAL $47,291.54 GRANTS TO CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS & SOCIETIES Wetaskiwin & District Victim Services 7,000.00 Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day Wreaths (Wetaskiwin, Millet, Mulhurst Bay, Ma-Me-O 634.00 2,565.50 Wetaskiwin Music Festival 100.00 Beach, Winfield & Alder Flats) Farm Safety Centre Canteen Curling Bonspiel 150.00 TOTAL $10,449.50 AGRICULTURAL BURSARIES Agricultural bursaries are provided to selected applicants attending post secondary institutions in a faculty relating to Agriculture. Emilee Graff 500.00 Lacy Schmidt 500.00 Melissa Hirsekorn 500.00 Amy Belec 500.00 TOTAL GRAND TOTAL FOR 2015 GRANT FUNDING Page 6 $2,000.00 $414,872.77 RECREATION OPERATIONAL FUNDING AGREEMENTS Wetaskiwin Pool and Arena 223,754.15 Winfield Agriplex 38,251.00 Millet Recreation Centre 77,500.00 TOTAL $339,505.15 DO YOU HAVE THE PROPER FIRE & FIRE FIGHTING INSURANCE? Check with your insurance company to be sure that you have the proper fire and fire-fighting insurance that will cover you in the event of a fire. Some insurance policies will not cover the cost of the trucks responding. All County of Wetaskiwin Fire Departments charge a user fee per unit per hour. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT The County of Wetaskiwin recently held a table top exercise to test the County’s Municipal Emergency Plan. ERMC was contracted to develop and facilitate the exercise. The simulated scenario was an over turned anhydrous ammonia tanker on highway 13 at the Village of Pigeon Lake. Several stakeholders were involved with the exercise such as the RCMP, Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), and Pigeon Lake Summer Villages to name a few. This type of training assists in developing professional relationships with other agencies before emergencies occur. HOME SUPPORT SERVICES Homemaking Services is a ratepayer assistance program that provides eligible ratepayers with light housekeeping services to maintain their independence and remain in their homes. The Homemaking Program provides general homemaking, such as: vacuuming, dusting, washing floors, laundry, spring and fall cleaning. Eligible ratepayers may include seniors, the disabled or those who may require some extra help while recovering from a hospital visit. Referrals can come from family members, friends, doctors, or themselves. A fee based on income is charged per hour and invoiced monthly. For more information on Home Support Services please contact Linda Goltz, FCSS Coordinator at 780-682-2100. Page 7 MANAGING YOUR WATERFRONT SURVEY In September of 2014 the County of Wetaskiwin and Leduc County distributed a Managing your Waterfront survey to lake front property owners. The County of Wetaskiwin targeted landowners within 500 meters of a lake front. The majority of the County of Wetaskiwin’s survey respondents owned small parcels, with 4.31% from farms. The most responses were received from owners around Pigeon Lake (43.19%) and Buck Lake (39.49%). The first four questions on the survey asked personal information such as name, address, municipality, property size and which lake the respondent lives closest to. 95.33% of respondents answered yes to the 5th question: A buffer zone is an area, measured from the shoreline, designated to preserve the lakeshore and prevent human activities from having a negative ecological impact on the watershed. Do you support the implementation of a buffer zone, which would restrict the usage of certain products? 93% of respondents indicated synthetic fertilizers for the 6th question: If you answered “yes” to the previous question: What products would you support to be banned? 21.28% of respondents indicated 100 metres and 20.04% of respondents indicated 30 metres for the 7th question: What buffer zone perimeter would you support? The survey results provide a snap shot of resident sentiments at the time. Those that responded expressed a general concern for lake health and interest in improving it. A variety of concerns were shared, some which stand out were: septic/sewage systems, blue green algae blooms, agricultural impacts, potential physical “fixes” to lake quality, enforcement of existing by-laws and legislation and the need for more education. If you have questions regarding the survey responses please contact Director of Agricultural Services, Stephen Majek at 780-361-6226. COSMETIC LAWN FERTILIZER RESTRICTIONS Following the citizen survey Managing Your Waterfront, and in its efforts to promote environmental sustainability and protect the natural environment, Council has approved a by-law restricting the use of cosmetic lawn fertilizers in the County of Wetaskiwin within 100 meters of the shores of Battle Lake, Buck Lake, Coal Lake, Pigeon Lake, Red Deer Lake and Wizard Lake. Cosmetic Lawn Fertilizers, defined in the County Bylaw, means any substance or mixture of substances, containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or other plant food that is manufactured, sold or represented for use as a plant nutrient or to aid plant growth. Page 8 www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca COSMETIC LAWN FERTILIZER RESTRICTIONS continued The bylaw pertains to residential properties using cosmetic lawn fertilizers to promote lawn and plant growth. Several exceptions are listed, including lands used for the purpose of agriculture or maintenance of golf courses. The full bylaw can be viewed on the County website at http://www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca/documentcenter/view/1019. Restricting the use of cosmetic lawn fertilizer is one strategy to reduce excess nutrients from reaching our lakes. Excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus, in the lake support the growth of blue green algae (cyanobacteria). Phosphorus is often the limiting nutrient in freshwater systems; if more phosphorus is added to a lake, it encourages more algae growth. Why are lake shores important? A healthy lakeshore enhances and protects the health of the whole lake. How? By providing: • Stability: Natural shoreline vegetation has deep roots which help hold the shore together and prevent erosion • Water Storage: Healthy shorelines act like a sponge which store water and recharge groundwater supplies • Biodiversity: Riparian zones around lakes are habitat for many species of wild life • Water Quality: Natural shoreline plants trap sediment and nutrients which can run off into the lake Managing your Waterfront Human disturbance of all kinds affect a watershed, and ultimately lake health. Sometimes, what people find aesthetically pleasing along the shoreline can actually have the opposite effect on shoreline function. In isolation, each disturbance might not be great, but they add up. What can landowners do to minimize their effects on the lake? • Maintain a buffer of natural vegetation between the lake and your property • Lawns should be avoided on your waterfront. They are not as effective at controlling erosion as native plants because they have short root systems • Avoid harmful cleaners, chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides • Maintain your wastewater system • Practice responsible boating and fishing • Use low-impact solutions for roads, trails and docks Lawn Maintenance near Waterfronts Lawn Care near a waterfront should be handled differently than dryland areas. Here are some ideas on how to manage your lawn: • Eliminate the use of all types of cosmetic fertilizers to help decrease the amount of potential nutrients in run off • Use Manure, compost, and other natural fertilizers • Tolerate some plant diversity in your lawn and choose a mix which is drought and disease-tolerant • Leave grass clippings on the lawn to supply nutrients instead of fertilizing If you have questions regarding the Cosmetic Lawn Fertilizer bylaw or managing waterfronts please contact Director of Agricultural Services, Stephen Majek at 780-361-6226. Resources: • Lakes and Wetlands Fact Sheet, Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society, http://cowsandfish.org/pdfs/lakes-wetlands.pdf • On the Living Edge, Your Guide for Waterfront Living, Kipp & Callaway, 2009, Federation of Alberta Naturalists • Respect Our Lakes, Alberta Environment and Parks, http://aep.alberta.ca/water/programs-and-services/respect-our-lakes/defaults.aspx • Pigeon Lake Watershed Association, Healthy Lake Lawn Care - www.plwa.ca/pages/healthy-lake-lawn-care Page 9 PIGEON LAKE WASTEWATER LINE UPDATE The Pigeon Lake Regional Wastewater Planning Committee continues to work on the regional solution to the wastewater environmental concerns around Pigeon Lake. Considerable progress has been made on the construction of the system, with completed portions including: • Expansion of the Mulhurst Lagoon • Construction of transmission main pipeline from the Mulhurst lagoon to the Village at Pigeon Lake, and two lift stations (expected completion November 2015), and a truck dumping station at Westerose The next step is expansion of service from the Village at Pigeon Lake to the north west along Pigeon Lake. The County and Summer Villages of Ma-Me-O Beach, Norris Beach and Crystal Springs have received approval from the Building Canada Grant which covers 66% of the installation of the collection line. The County and the Summer Villages of Poplar Bay and Grandview are working together on funding options. Approval has been received from Building Canada for the collection system; however approval for the Water for Life grant application for the transmission main has not been received as yet. A final step, which may be considered at a future date, would include the expansion of service from the Mulhurst lagoon west along the north side of Pigeon Lake. An in-depth brochure has been developed for the South Pigeon Lake Regional Wastewater Collection System which can be viewed at www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca or on the summer village website www.svofficepl.com. The brochure includes a list of Committee contacts for each of the six participating municipalities, as well as the two CAOs: Frank Coutney, County of Wetaskiwin at fcoutney@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Sylvia Roy, CAO, Summer Villages at Sylvia.roy@svofficepl.com. BLUE GREEN ALGAE IN LAKES In recent years Alberta Health Services (AHS) has put out advisories for blue-green algae found in several lakes located within the County of Wetaskiwin. When AHS testing identifies blue-green algae in a lake within the County of Wetaskiwin, contact is made by AHS staff to County staff requesting the installation of AHS signage for the advisory at the identified lake. County staff install the signage and also share a link to AHS website for blue-green algae advisory on the County website. The County of Wetaskiwin is cognizant of the environmental concerns around lakes and has, for over 20 years, been an advocate for expanding wastewater services surrounding Pigeon Lake. This dream of expanded service became a reality in 2014 and details can be viewed in the Pigeon Lake Wastewater Line Update article above. In further efforts to protect lakes, Council passed the Cosmetic Lawn Fertilizer bylaw, restricting use within 100 meters from the shores of Battle Lake, Buck Lake, Coal Lake, Pigeon Lake, Red Deer Lake and Wizard Lake. More details on the bylaw can be viewed in the Cosmetic Lawn Fertilizer article on page 8/9 of this newsletter. Information specific to blue green algae can be found on the Alberta Health Services website at http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news.asp. Page 10 www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca ANNUAL E-WASTE AND TOXIC ROUND-UP WELL UTILIZED The annual E-Waste and Toxic round-up was once again hosted by the County of Wetaskiwin in the Town of Millet and at Lakedell School on June 27, 2015. The round-up hosted is as a result of the County's ongoing Strategic Planning and Budget process and a partnership with the Town of Millet and the Wetaskiwin Regional Public School Board, which allowed the County to use their sites. E-Cycle Solutions Inc. has provided the County of Wetaskiwin with a certificate noting that all electronics shipped to e-Cycle Solutions Inc. by the County have been recycled in an environmentally friendly and secure manner. No electronics shipped to e-Cycle Solutions are landfilled and all base commodities are recycled using environmentally friendly and government approved methods in accordance with all applicable laws, legislation and environmental standards. Wastes collected include: Millet Lakedell Aerosols (includes paint) 234 cans 158 cans Paint Related Materials 6,000 litres 1,200 litres Televisions 28 7 Computers 6 4 Copiers/Scanners 9 4 RECYCLING The County of Wetaskiwin provides newspaper and mixed paper recycling at West Buck Lake, Lakedell, Mulhurst Bay and Millet transfer stations. All transfer stations accept e-waste and paint recycling. Oil containers and oil can be recycled at Peace Hills. Herbicide containers can be recycled at Peace Hills, Hilgartner, Lakedell, Gwynne, Winfield & West Buck Lake. Upcoming Transfer Station closure dates: December 24, 2015 - East Millet Transfer Station December 25, 2015 - All Transfer Stations December 28, 2015 - Lakedell Transfer Station Information on all utilities services can be viewed at www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca/394/Utilities or contact Utilities Foreman, Garry Ellison at 780-361-6236. SNOWPLOWING PROGRAM County policy is to strive to grade all roads within 72 hours of a major snowstorm (exceeding 10 cm), with arterial and primary roads being cleared on a priority basis. County of Wetaskiwin residents are offered the option to purchase a prepaid snowplowing flag exclusively for plowing of private driveways from the County roadway to allow access to their place of residence. The private driveways will be plowed once all County roads have been plowed. Flags may be purchased at the County Office, Seely’s General Store in Alder Flats, Buck Lake Hardware or Falun Coop at a cost of $50.00 per flag, including GST, which is valid for one use only. The flag must be posted at the driveway indicating a request for snowplowing. The flag will be collected by the Patrol Operator when the driveway is plowed. Residents who reside within a Hamlet, within the corporate municipal boundaries of the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 are not included in this policy. Questions regarding snowplowing may be directed to the Public Works Dispatcher at 780-361-6243. Page 11 FARMER’S ADVOCATE - SURFACE RIGHTS, LAND AND ENERGY: PRICING TRANSPARENCY MAPPING PROJECT Among other roles, the Farmer’s Advocate Office (FAO) assists landowners by providing information and advice on surface rights, land and energy. In order to provide more accessible information to landowners, the FAO is collecting surface lease, transmission line, seismic and pipeline right-of-way agreements from landowners. The intent is to create four interactive maps with information on projects and the compensation values paid to landowners. The maps should provide a negotiation starting point for landowners. VISION STATEMENT The FAO is currently collecting pipeline right-of-way and seismic agreements no older than 2011, and surface lease and transmission line agreements no older than 2010. Additional information can be found at www.farmersadvocate.gov.ab.ca. You may also contact Jeana Les at 780-427-7956 or email jeana.les@gov.ab.ca. Strong Proactive Leadership ALTERNATIVE LAND USE SERVICES Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) is a voluntary program that will soon be available to County of Wetaskiwin residents who actively use their land for agricultural production. This program compensates farmers for retaining or restoring natural areas such as wetlands, grasslands, riparian areas and trees. The goal of ALUS is to create a healthy working landscape that sustains agriculture, wildlife and natural spaces for all Canadians. The program will be available to county producers through the Sustainable Agriculture program, a long-standing partnership between Leduc County and the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10. With ALUS, farmers retain ownership of their land and no conservation easements are included. Essentially, ALUS targets marginal, unproductive land, or areas inefficient to farm, and does not focus on productive agricultural areas. For more information about ALUS, contact Kim Barkwell, Sustainable Agriculture program manager at 780-387-6182 or kbarkwell@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca or visit www.alus.ca. Safe Progressive Communities “GRAZING FOR DOLLARS” WORKSHOP Plan to attend the “Grazing for Dollars” Workshop on November 19, 2015 at the Buck Lake Community Hall. Cost $20/person. 10:00 am registration and coffee / 10:30 am - 2:30 pm workshop Lunch included. Brought to you by the Grey Wooded Forage Association and the County of Wetaskiwin. www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Page 12 LIBRARY SERVICES WITHIN THE COUNTY The County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 Library Board was formed in 2000 to help the libraries access additional funds from the Provincial Government in accordance with the Libraries Act. There are three County Libraries (Alder Flats/Buck Lake, Lakedell/Pigeon Lake and Winfield) and two additional library boards (Wetaskiwin and Millet) that are contributed to. The County of Wetaskiwin Library Board distributes the funds received through taxation of the County ratepayers and grants from the Provincial Government to the Societies that operate the individual libraries. The library grant received from the province is based on $5.55 per capita. The County of Wetaskiwin contributed $5.55 per capita to the County of Wetaskiwin Library Board in 2015. The Board is comprised of five members of which three are at large from the County and two are elected Council representatives. The County, by Bylaw, has passed on various responsibilities to the Board under provisions in the Provincial Libraries Act. Along with the Board, the Yellowhead Regional Library (YRL) provides centralized services to all the libraries in the region and acts as a central depository for books that circulate monthly. Library Hours Lakedell Community Library (Pigeon Lake Public Library) 603 - 2 Avenue, Ma-Me-O Beach Phone: 780-586-3778 Fax: 780-586-3558 Mon. & Wed. 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Thurs. 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Closed Holidays Additional Hours Open July through September long weekend Sat. 11:00 am - 2:00 pm www.pigeonlakepubliclibrary.ab.ca Millet Public Library 5031 - 49 Avenue Phone: 780-387-5222/Fax: 780-387-5224 Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Fri. & Sat. Noon - 5:00 pm www.milletlibrary.ca Winfield Community Library Winfield Elementary School Phone: 780-682-2498/Fax: 780-682-2490 Tues.: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Wed: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm www.winfieldlibrary.ab.ca Alder Flats Buck Lake Public Library Society Alder Flats Elementary School Phone: 780-388-3881/Fax: 780-388-3887 Books can only be checked-out when a Librarian is present during the following hours: Open September to June Tues. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm & Thurs.: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Open July and August Tues. 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Public can come and use the computers, read books, browse and return books. Open September to June On School Days: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 4:00 pm www.alderflatslibrary.ab.ca Wetaskiwin Public Library 5002 - 51 Avenue Phone: 780-361-4446 Fax: 780-352-3266 Mon. - Thurs. 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Fri. & Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed: Sundays & Statutory Holidays Free library membership for City & County residents www.wetaskiwinpubliclibrary.ca www.wetaskiwinpubliclibrary.ab.ca Page 13 PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Planning functions provide important direction and guidance for both current and future land uses. The department provides information to the public regarding the allowable activities and development for land within the jurisdiction of the County’s land use statutory planning documents, policies and subdivision processes authorized under the Municipal Government Act of Alberta and Land Use By-law. Assistance with Area Structure Plans, rezoning, subdivision and development permit processes can be obtained by contacting the Planning and Economic Development department either in person or by phone at 780-352-3321 or toll free 1-800-661-4125. RATEPAYER REMINDER An additional penalty will be applied to all outstanding property taxes as of December 31st, 2015. The following outlines applications received for various Planning and Development processes from January 1 - September 30, 2015: Subdivision Applications: 39 Area Structure Plan Applications: 10 Rezoning Applications: 12 Development Permit Applications: 260 Pipeline Agreements: 22 Compliance Certificates: 35 Subdivision & Development Appeal Board Hearings: 5 COMMUNITY PEACE OFFICERS The vision of the County of Wetaskiwin, “Strong Proactive Leadership - Safe Progressive Communities”, guides the Community Peace Officers in its daily ventures. Our Community Peace Officers perform a wide range of duties including road protection, traffic management (enforcement), conducting preventative patrols, public relations/awareness, public safety, as well as providing assistance to the R.C.M.P. (Provincial Police Service) and other Law Enforcement Agencies as requested. Community Peace Officers provide a supplemental level of public safety throughout the County in assistance to ratepayers, local government, and the R.C.M.P. Authority has been issued to Community Peace Officers to enforce on Highway 13 within Hamlets where speed is 90 km/hr or less. Patrols across the County focus on key areas depending on identified seasonal priorities. Routine, preventative patrols conducted by Community Peace Officers regularly incorporate road protection initiatives. Compliance monitoring of Provincial legislation and County imposed road bans is carried out in an effort to reduce costs caused by damage through overloaded trucks. Officers regularly travel local and secondary roads to ensure compliance with maximum allowable axle limits throughout the year, particularly during road ban season. The top 10 Occurrence Reports Community Peace Officers filed in 2015, include: 25 Abandoned Vehicles 36 Assist RCMP 17 Disturbance at County Parks 15 Fire Calls 51 Motor Vehicle Collisions 17 Off Highway Vehicles 19 Road Damage 55 Public Relations 14 Commercial Vehicle on Banned Road For concerns or complaints please call the Protective Services Department Dispatch line at 780-352-0005 or 1-800-581-0050. ADVERTISING The Pipestone Flyer is the official newspaper for the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10. All County advertising appears in the Pipestone Flyer each week on the County page(s). The information contained within these pages is of interest to our residents and all local residents should be receiving the paper on a weekly basis. If you are a local resident and are not receiving the Pipestone Flyer by mail or have other delivery issues, please contact the Pipestone Flyer at 780-387-5797. www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Page 14 ARE YOU RECEIVING YOUR MAIL? Since the County of Wetaskiwin assigned rural addressing to residential and commercial properties, there has been some confusion regarding proper mailing addresses. Some residents mailing addresses have been changed to rural addresses, which are not recognized by Canada Post, in the County of Wetaskiwin, as a proper address, and those who have done this will not receive their mail. Rural addressing, in the County of Wetaskiwin, is used by emergency services to pinpoint the access to a property off a range road or township road. They can also be used for delivery of goods and services to your home. Your rural address is not the same as your legal land description or postal address through Canada Post. As mentioned above, rural addressing, in the County of Wetaskiwin, is not a Canada Post mailing address. The Canada Post Guide for Addressing, dated January 12, 2015, illustrates addressing as follows: Civic Addresses (Street Addresses) Civic address JOHN JONES 10-123 1/2 MAIN ST SE MONTREAL QC H3Z 2Y7 Postal Box Addresses Postal Box Address JOHN JONES PO BOX 4001 STN A VICTORIA BC V8X 3X4 Rural Route Addresses Rural route address JOHN JONES RR 6 STN MAIN MILLARVILLE AB T0L 1K0 General Delivery Address Civic address with additional delivery information JOHN JONES MARKETING DEPT 10-123 1/2 MAIN ST SE MONTREAL QC H3Z 2Y7 Civic address in rural area JOHN JONES 123 MAIN ST MILLARVILLE AB T0L 1K0 Postal Box address with civic address and additional delivery information JOHN JONES MARKETING DEPT 1425 JAMES ST PO BOX 4001 STN A VICTORIA BC V8X 3X4 Rural route address with civic ad- Rural route address with dress additional delivery information JOHN JONES JOHN JONES SITE 6 COMP 10 462 CEDAR ST RR 6 STN MAIN RR 6 STN MAIN MILLARVILLE AB T0L 1K0 MILLARVILLE AB T0L 1K0 JOHN JONES GD STN A CALGARY AB T0H 1A0 To view the entire Canada Post Guide for addressing document please visit the Canada Post website at https://www. canadapost.ca/tools/pg/manual/PGaddress-e.asp. If you or your lawyer have changed your mailing address to your rural address, please contact the County of Wetaskiwin Assessment Clerk at 780-361-6237. Page 15 STAFF LISTING MAIN OFFICE 780-352-3321 or 1-800-661-4125 Sharon Radis, Communications Officer 780-361-6220 sradis@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Frank Coutney, CAO 780-361-6223 fcoutney@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca John Rudolph, Public Works Dispatcher 780-361-6243 jrudolph@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Rod Hawken, Assistant CAO 780-361-6225 rhawken@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Protective Services Complaints 780-352-0005 or 1-800-581-0050 Grace French, Director of Finance 780-361-6228 gfrench@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Dave Dextraze, Director of Public Works 780-361-6230 ddextraze@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Dog Control Complaints 780-361-6110 For Brian Anderson, Assistant Director of Public Works 780-361-6244 banderson@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca EMERGENCIES Steve Majek, Director of Agricultural Services 780-361-6226 smajek@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Call Linda Goltz, FCSS Co-ordinator 780-682-2100 lgoltz@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca 9-1-1 Geoff Lynch, Director of Leisure & Community Services 780-361-6227 glynch@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca David Blades, Director of Planning & Economic Development 780-361-6235 dblades@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Mike Zajac, Director of Emergency Services/Health & Safety 780-361-6240 mzajac@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca René Boutin, Director of Assessment 780-361-6233 rboutin@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 Box 6960 Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2G5 Physical: 243019A Hwy 13 Lynn Weed, Director of Information Services 780-361-6229 lweed@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Phone: 780-352-3321 Toll Free: 1-800-661-4125 Fax: 780-352-3486 www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca