Communicator - Woodlands County

Woodlands
Communicator
A quarterly newsletter published by Woodlands County
Fall 2013
What’s
Inside
2013 Municipal Election
2
Corporate Services
2
Fort Assiniboine Park
Bursaries3
Yoga in the Canyon
3
Blue Ridge Family Fun Day
4
Blue Ridge Goes Digital
4
Bethlehem Comes to Life
5
10 Ways to Get Your Garden
Ready for Fall 5
Fort Assiniboine Park Project
5
Celebrating Small Business in Woodlands County
6
Plans for Airport Take Flight 7
2013 Infrastructure Updates
7
Council Highlights
8
Woodlands County
Box 60, #1 Woodlands Lane
Whitecourt, AB T7S 1N3
P: 780.778.8400
F: 780.778.8402
OR
Woodlands County
Box 33
Fort Assiniboine, AB T0G 1A0
P: 780.584.3866
F: 780.584.3988
For more information about this
newsletter contact
Heather Anderson, Economic
Development Officer, at 780.778.8400
or heather.anderson@woodlands.ab.ca
www.woodlands.ab.ca
Mayor’s Message
Welcome to our Fall newsletter!
Woodlands County Mayor, Jim Rennie
Fall is here and what a good time to reflect on
the successes we had in 2013. Attendance at
our events surpassed previous years. Our great
partnership with the Town of Whitecourt to
organize “Party in the Park” saw 5500 people
enjoying the music, food and fun in Rotary
Park. This free event grows every year so kudos
to the committee for a job well done! That
same partnership has contributed to the 5 year
anniversary of the Alan and Jean Millar Centre.
This diverse facility offers many programs and
equipment for our residents to enjoy a healthy
lifestyle.
The Blue Ridge Family Fun day saw many
parents and children discovering, learning
and having fun. It was a great event to
showcase the hard work that has gone into
the development of the Blue Ridge Recreation
Area. For pictures and more details about that
day see page 4.
We are pleased to have completed the new
park in Fort Assiniboine. For pictures of the
park please see page 5. Paving at the Blue
Ridge rink is done and the side boards are next
due to the efforts of the Blue Ridge Community
League. See Page 3 for picture.
Construction season was slowed a bit with
the weather early this spring and summer,
however; if Mother Nature cooperates we
should see the paving on West Mountain
Road completed! Work on the Old Blue Ridge
highway is ongoing but moving forward.
Looking to the near future, Municipal Elections
are on October 21, 2013 so please get out and
VOTE! There have been some changes to the
voting procedure so please see page 2 for
details before you head to the polling station.
Research is being done to develop a new
recreation area in the Fort Assiniboine area for
our residents and tourists to enjoy. We have big
plans for our Airport and will be developing
the industrial area out there, for more details
see page 7. We are excited to support Millar
Western as their new power plant goes next
year. This project will create new jobs in our
region and add to the continued diversity of
tax revenue.
Looking farther ahead to 2015 we are proud
to support our local snowmobile club, the
Whitecourt Trailblazers, as they plan to bring
the world to Whitecourt with the planning of
the World Snowmobile Invasion! Check out
worldsnowmobileinvasion.com for details on
this amazing event.
2 l Woodlands Communicator Fall 2013
2013 Municipal Election
Bring ID When You Head
to the Polls to VOTE
This October 21!
This year the municipal election is on October
21, 2013. Voters must bring 1 piece of ID to be
eligible to vote in this year’s election. *What
kinds of elector identification are valid for
proving eligibility to vote?
a. For a local authority that does not prepare a list of electors, or where the person’s name does not appear on the list of electors, section 53(1)(b)(i) establishes the general basic requirement for verification of the person’s identity and current residence as stated in the signed voting register (Form 8). Under this basic requirement, the voter must produce (A) one piece of photo identification with name and address that is issued by a Canadian government (federal, provincial, local, or an agency thereof), or (B) one piece of identification authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer under the Election Act with name and address.
b. Types of government –issued identification allowed under (A) must show the name, address and a photo of the elector and so examples of appropriate ID include:
i. Operator/Driver’s license
ii. Government photo identification card
(for non-drivers)
For more information on voter eligibility
please see:
www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/mc
elections.cfm
www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/
ms/Voter_Eligibility_Identification_
Requirements_1.pdf
wwww.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca
Help us Spread the
Word About Your Event!
If your community group is holding
an event or if you know of one that is
happening in Woodlands County, let us
know. We can help promote it and get
more people there! Please call or email
Heather Anderson at 780.778.8400 or
heather.anderson@woodlands.ab.ca.
There will be elections for four Councillors one in each of the following Divisions:
Anselmo – Division 1
Candidates – Marlene Aubrey, Sylvia E. Bonnett and Daryl Yagos
Whitecourt Central – Division 3
Candidates – Alan Deane and Ron Govenlock
Goose Lake – Freeman River – Division 6
Candidates – Bill DeGroot and Dale McQueen
Fort Assiniboine – Timeu – Division 7
Candidates – Dale Kluin and Olaf Nieslony
Polling stations will be open at the following locations for both the advance vote and the
election please remember to bring one piece of identification with you that has your name
and address on it:
Advance Vote
Saturday, October 19
Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Election
Monday, October 21
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Division 1 Anselmo Hall
Division 3 Whitecourt Municipal Office
Division 6 Goose Lake Hall
Division
7 Fort Assiniboine Regional Office
Division 1 Anselmo Hall
Division 3 Whitecourt Municipal Office
Division 6 Goose Lake Hall
Division 7 Fort Assiniboine Regional Office
Voters can vote for one Councillor in their Division and should remember they will be required
to produce one piece of identification that must show their name and address e.g. Operator/
Driver’s license, Government photo identification card (for non-drivers); utility bill, bank/credit
card statement, etc.
For a more complete list of acceptable ID visit woodlands.ab.ca or
http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/mc_elections.cfm and check out Appendix B.
In order to be eligible to vote you must be:
• At least 18 years old
• A Canadian citizen
• Resided in Alberta for 6 consecutive months immediately preceding election day
• Place of residence is in area on election day
• Produce one piece of identification
Corporate Services
Happy Thanksgiving and Season’s
Greetings from Woodlands County!
Council and staff wish you all the best and
blessings through the holiday season.
Our administration buildings will be
closed on October 14, 2013 and on
certain days over the Christmas Season.
Please note the following dates below:
Holiday Hours for December:
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
www.woodlands.ab.ca l 3
Woodlands County offers programs to recognize
the outstanding academic and communityoriented achievements of students in the region.
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Post Secondary
Students will receive a grant of $2,000 for first year bursaries and $1,000 for
second year bursaries for a total of $3,000 over two years. They must be full time
students and enrolled in post secondary courses in a recognized and accredited
post secondary educational institution. Applicants must successfully complete a
minimum of three (3) courses per semester or trimester to qualify for that portion
of the bursary.
If a graduating high school student takes up to three school years off prior to
attending a post secondary institution, the student would still be eligible for
the bursary. If the time off is beyond three years, the student will forfeit his/her
eligibility for this bursary. Fillable application forms are available on our website
woodlands.ab.ca under “Quick Links”. DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 15, 2013
Apprenticeship
Looking to enter the trades? Students will receive a grant of up to $250 for first
year bursaries and $250 for second year bursaries for a total of $500 over two
years. Applicants must obtain a passing grade on the classroom portion of
the program.
Funds will be dispersed upon receiving an official transcript. Fillable application
forms are available on our website woodlands.ab.ca under “Quick Links”.
Applicants are only eligible to receive this bursary once and there is no age
restriction for applicants.
Applications can be downloaded from our website at woodlands.ab.ca
or picked up at:
Woodlands County
Administration Office
Box 60, #1 Woodlands Lane
Whitecourt, AB T7S 1N3
780.778.8400
OR
Woodlands County
Regional Office
Box 33
Fort Assiniboine, AB T0G 1A0
780.584.3866
Hard Luck Canyon is one of Woodlands County’s natural
wonders. This past June we offered yoga classes on the
canyon floor in partnership with Santosa Yoga Studio. The
classes were well attended and every participant said the
location and atmosphere were perfect to connect, breath
and enjoy a yoga class. The incredible sunshine, warm
temperatures and soothing sounds of the Hard Luck Falls all
added to a peaceful experience for everyone.
If you are interested in more of these activities, let us
know. Contact the Community Services Department at
communityservices@woodlands.ab.ca
Soon to be Play Ready...
Blue Ridge Outdoor Rink
4 l Woodlands Communicator Fall 2013
Blue Ridge
Family Fun Day
A Huge Success!
“... my daughter screamed in
excitement “It was AWESOME!
Can we go again next year!”
AESRD set up stations to help children identify animal furs and scat. The fish identification station was a favourite.
Blue Ridge Family Fun Day
August 23 saw the Blue Ridge Recreation Area full of families ready to have fun and
learn at the same time. There were many stations set up in the loop between the
two lakes at the recreation area. There was face painting, Italian ice and hotdogs.
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development and Cows and Fish
set up educational tables for learning about fish, animals, riparian areas and the
environment. A helicopter even made a guest appearance close to 200 people took
advantage of the free event for families.
Councillor Chad Merrifield spent the day there with his family and stated, “The Blue
Ridge Family Fun Day was an excellent event. The booths by AESRD and Woodlands
County really added to the enjoyment of the day, especially the Italian Ice station.
Woodlands County has invested greatly in the recreation area and it is wonderful
to see it being used to benefit the families in the area. The stocked trout pond with
fish jumping all over fills the kids with anticipation when fishing. When we asked our
kids how they enjoyed the afternoon, my daughter screamed in excitement ‘It was
AWESOME! Can we go again next year!’ The huge turnout of children and families
that enjoyed the well planned activities served as a great testament to the incredible
staff of Woodlands County.”
Community of Blue Ridge
Goes Digital!
You may have noticed while visiting Blue Ridge a brand
new digital sign is now broadcasting community events.
Residents Lois Sawyer and Don Myers worked hard to get the project completed.
Councillor Dan Pritchard says “The reason for wanting the sign was to put some life
into Blue Ridge. The light, sparkle and changing info supplied by the sign is proving
instrumental in encouraging more people to come forward and join in to support
community events.”
www.woodlands.ab.ca l 5
Bethlehem Comes to Life
in Fort Assiniboine
Journey to Bethlehem is preparing for its 15th season of performance. It is a
free, outdoor, family-friendly event. Travel through time and consider what it
may have been like on the night Jesus was born. Journey to Bethlehem 2013
performances take place in the hamlet of Fort Assiniboine on the evenings
of November 16, 17, 23 and 24. Tours through “Bethlehem” begin at the
Catholic parish on the edge of town, and conclude with refreshments at the
Fort Assiniboine Friendship Centre. The outdoor tour takes about 25 minutes,
please dress warmly! Volunteers are always needed, if you are interested
contact Fred and Trina Bradley 780.584.3761. For more details check out the
Facebook event ‘Journey to Bethlehem 2013-Fort Assiniboine’.
Agricultural Services
10 Ways to Get
Your Garden Ready for Fall
The chill is in the air! Fall is coming soon and it’s a great time to start
planning and preparing your garden for fall, and eventually winter.
Here are 10 tips for ensuring your garden’s ready for fall and the cooler
temperatures:
1. Plant your spring bulbs, including tulips and daffodils..
2. Trim back perennials that have gone dormant (once the leaves and stems have turned yellow or brown)
3. Get rid of any diseased foliage from infected plants
4. Divide dormant perennials that have become too large or numerous.
5. In early fall the ground is still warm and many plants are still actively growing roots so you can keep planting.
6. Water needle-leaved conifers (like pines, firs, spruces and cedars) well
into the fall.
7. Rake up and compost tree leaves.
8. Stake young and newly planted trees.
9. Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and to protect your plants from rapid fluctuations in temperature.
10.Don’t forget to fill up the bird feeder. Fall is migration time and you never know what feathered visitor may stop by!
For more information, please check out the complete article from the
Nature Conservancy Canada website at: http://www.natureconservancy.
ca/en/what-we-do/resource-centre/101s/10_ways_to_get_your_
garden_ready_for_fall.html
Fort Assiniboine
Park Project Completed
The beautiful park beside the post office has been
completed with landscaping this summer. The park
is there to be enjoyed by residents and tourists and
provides a great view of the Athabasca River. The park
is just one aspect of the picturesque community of
Fort Assiniboine.
6 l Woodlands Communicator Fall 2013
Celebrating Small Business
in Woodlands County with Inspiring Events
Small Business is a Big deal in Woodlands County
Barb Stegemann
Small Business Week is this October 20th - 26 and Woodlands County has partnered with the Town
of Whitecourt, The Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Yellowhead East to bring a series
of events to our region. Mayor Jim Rennie had this to say in support of small business. “As mayor of
Woodlands County, I witness time and again the ingenuity of our residents as they start and grow small
businesses to fit the needs and opportunities of our area.” Furthermore, “whether it is a husband/wife
team running a small trucking company, or a long-time resident who has built a large operation, you
know these are the people that are sponsoring the local soccer and hockey teams, school breakfast
programs, and arts programs that enrich our community!”
Wednesday, October 23, 8:00 a.m: Breakfast and Barb Stegemann.
The week kicks off speaker Barb Stegemann of 7 Virtue perfume.
Stegemann, one of Canada’s top 100 Most Powerful Women and
2012’s winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the emerging
Entrepreneur category for Atlantic Canada, among many other
allocades, shares her wisdom and knowledge with Whitecourt and
Woodlands County. Stegemann has been a delegate alongside Bill
Clinton and worked with the likes of Erin Brockovich and Donald Trump.
Her pitch on Dragon’s Den lead to her becoming one of their most
successful candidates. $25 gets you breakfast and Barb at the Forest
Interpretive Centre in Whitecourt. Tickets are limited so get yours today.
Thursday, October 24, 8:30 am: A full day of business training
at the Forest Interpretive Centre is planned for business owners.
Discover local resources and training opportunities, learn all about
safety, how to employ and retain youth workers and humour in the
workplace are just a few of the sessions to choose from. Lunch is
provided and business owners can learn, connect and network with the
trainers. Tickets are $25 per person for the whole day which includes
lunch. A small investment for training.
Friday, October 25, 1-5 pm: has the winners of the submission contest
presenting their business idea to local TOP GUNS! This take on CBC’s
the Dragon’s Den has local successful entrepreneurs connecting,
mentoring or investing in potential local entrepreneurs. Come see the
fun and experience the business excellence and see the Best of the Best
at the Forest Interpretive Centre.
Friday October 25, 6:30 pm: at the Eagle River Casino. Rewarding
business excellence continues with a Gala and Business Awards
presented to the top nominees. Come join us as we celebrate small
business in our region and enjoy an intimate performance by country
recording artist, Codie Prevost. Tickets are $50 per person and are
limited so get yours today!
Slow Down!
Please SLOW DOWN when passing
equipment and workers on roadways!
If you see flashing lights, flag people
or signs, please slow down for the
safety of our workers and residents!
www.woodlands.ab.ca l 7
Infrastructure
Plans for the Airport Take Flight
Airport Manager, Will Stewart gives an overview of where we are, what we are
doing now and future plans for the development of the Airport.
The Airport As It Stands
The Whitecourt airport is a registered airport that is booming with activity with
on site helicopter charters, helicopter training and an E.S.R.D. tanker base. The
number of aircraft coming and going peaked in May with 2594 landings or take
offs, an increase of 60% from last year. Our airport is currently a registered airport
which allows us to be a legal airport with our existing infrastructure. However in
order to begin accommodating scheduled air services we will need to upgrade to
certified airport status by improving infrastructure and developing new policies
and procedures.
Airport Improvements 2013
In the last year we have completed a number of upgrades to our airport and have
laid the groundwork for future development and the possibility of seeking certified
status. We have repaved the entire main runway surface and apron parking area.
We have installed new edge lighting around our apron and taxiways. We are also
nearing the completion of our Airport Master Plan that will help guide our future
developments in order to maximize a return on investment.
Future Developments
Using the airport master plan we have begun development of 2 new subdivisions
at the airport. First is an industrial subdivision consisting of 3 fully serviced
industrial lots. We plan to offer these lots for sale to the public before the end
of 2013. The second subdivision will provide new lots for airside developments
such as commercial or private aircraft hangars. The airside development requires
the creation of a new taxiway and will not be available for sale until near the end
of 2014. All funds collected from the sale or lease of land at the airport will be
reinvested towards our future developments allowing us to strive for financial
self-sustainability.
Help Clear the Way...
Please keep the path to your utility meter clear of
debris and snow so our staff can safely reach them to
collect the correct data.
2013 Infrastructure
Project Updates
Director of Infrastructure William Lacasse reports
projects are moving full steam ahead as the warm,
dry weather has assisted crews in completing
projects. Should Mother Nature continue to
cooperate many road and construction projects will
be completed this year.
West Mountain Road Paving should be completed by
the end of the season (weather permitting). This was
the largest project in Woodlands County history.
Old Ferry Loop Water, Phase 1 is complete and
residents have water. Phase two to be tendered out
September 26, closing October 10, 2013.
The expansion of the Fort Assiniboine shop has been
completed and is working well.
A new backup generator has been installed at the
Airport as well as the new runway lighting.
Do you Know a
Tourism Operator in
Woodlands County?
Let us know if you or someone you know offers
these services and we can refer customers to them.
We receive tourism requests for the following:
• Horseback Riding
• Quad Rentals
• Snowmobile Rentals
• Guided Tours (Hiking, Fishing, Quadding)
Please call or email Heather Anderson at 780.778.8400
or heather.anderson@woodlands.ab.ca.
Woodlands Communicator Fall 2013
Woodlands County
Council Members
DARYL YAGOS Councillor for Anselmo
Electoral Division - Division 1 daryl.yagos@woodlands.ab.ca
780.786.2417 CHAD MERRIFIELD
Councillor for Whitecourt
West
Electoral Division - Division 2
chad.merrifield@woodlands.ab.ca
780.706.2065
ALAN DEANE
Councillor for Whitecourt
Central Electoral Division Division 3
alan.deane@woodlands.ab.ca
780.778.5168
JIM RENNIE
Woodlands County Mayor
Councillor for Whitecourt East
Electoral Division - Division 4
jim.rennie@woodlands.ab.ca
780.778.0202
DANIEL PRITCHARD
Councillor for Blue Ridge
Electoral Division - Division 5
dan.pritchard@woodlands.ab.ca
780.648.2149
DALE MCQUEEN
Councillor for Goose Lake
Freeman River
Electoral Division - Division 6
dale.mcqueen@woodlands.ab.ca
780.584.2619
OLAF NIESLONY
Councillor for Fort Assiniboine/
Timeu Electoral
Division - Division 7
olaf.nieslony@woodlands.ab.ca
780.584.2154
www.woodlands.ab.ca l 8
Council Highlights
Highlights from June 4, 2013 Meeting
Regional Waterline Feasibility Study –
Regional Collaboration Program
Council made a motion to support a joint
application by the Town of Mayerthorpe under
the Regional Collaboration Program for a
Regional Waterline Feasibility Study Project
that will allow access to Woodlands County and
Hamlets along the route.
West Mountain Road Update
Administration provided Council with an update
on West Mountain Road assuring that not only
is the project being monitored daily by the
project engineer and the Infrastructure Services
Director, but that a weekly meeting is also held
with the contractor.
Highlights from June 18, 2013 Meeting
Bylaw 417/13 –
Request for Road Allowance Closure
A public hearing was held on bylaw 417 –
Request for Road Allowance Closure wherein
a number of individuals expressed their
opposition to the proposed road closure
bylaw. In order to allow residents to hear the
final discussion on this bylaw, Council made a
motion to hold a special meeting on Tuesday,
June 25, at 10:00 a.m. in Whitecourt to review
bylaw 417/13.
Building Standards in Hamlets
Council directed administration to research
building standards, landscaping controls,
architecture controls and enhancements across
other small urban areas and report back to
Council in November.
Highlights from July 2, 2013 Meeting
Temporary Road Bylaw
Council passed a temporary Road Bylaw for
an existing roadway on private lands, which
has been used by members of the public to
access township road 593A. This bylaw allows
Woodlands County to take legal responsibility
of the roadway for up to two years until a
permanent roadway can be established.
Appointment of Development Officer
Council appointed Jennifer Sunderman as
Development Officer for Woodlands County
in accordance with Section 9 of the Land Use
Bylaw No. 407/13.
Northern Alberta Elected Leaders (NAEL)
Council is in full support of the Northern Alberta
Elected Leaders sending a letter to the Minister
of Transportation on the poor condition of
Alberta’s northern highway infrastructure.
Old Ferry Water/Sewer Installation Update
Administration provide Council with an update
on the Old Ferry Water/Sewer Installation,
advising that Phase I has been completed with
30 residents having finalized the paper work
required to hook up to the waterline and that
hook ups will begin shortly.
Highlights from September 3, 2013 Meeting
Restrictive Covenants & Enforcement
Administration will be preparing an information
sheet on restrictive covenants and enforcement
to educate residents on this process. The
information will be placed in the Woodlands
County quarterly newsletter as well as on the
county website at www.woodlands.ab.ca.
Policy 1004 Distribution of Council Agendas
and Minutes
Council has revised policy 1004 – distribution
of Council Agendas and Minutes in order
to continue open communication with
stakeholders and ratepayers. The revision to
the policy will allow the agenda package to be
placed onto the County’s website for residents
to review prior to each meeting, as well as
allowing a draft copy of the minutes to be
posted after each meeting.
Tree Grant
Council has approved the allocation of funds
for the tree grant damage that some residents
had due to the windstorm from 2012 and those
residents may expect to receive compensation
for their tree damage in the next couple of
weeks.
Highlights from September 17, 2013 Meeting
Gravel Haul Route for Aggregate Proponents
North/West of Airport
Council has directed administration to proceed
with steps to secure adequate access for
proposed gravel pits west of the airport and to
discuss options with the Town of Whitecourt.
School Resource Officer
Council has directed administration to extend
the memorandum of understanding for the
School Resource Officer with Woodlands
County, County of Barrhead, Town of Barrhead,
Pembina Hills Regional School Division No. 7
and the RCMP.
Advance Vote
Council has set Saturday, October 19, 2013 from
noon until 6:00 p.m. as the date and time for
an advance poll in Whitecourt, Anselmo, Goose
Lake and Fort Assiniboine in order to provide
additional opportunities for residents to vote in
the 2013 Municipal election.
For more details on these and other Council agenda items, all Council minutes are available on our
website at www.woodlands.ab.ca