IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

LAND USE BYLAW REVIEW 

While there has not been PAC/Council meeting on this matter since January 24, 2025, the document and related issues were discussed at Council’s February 25th meeting as well as at two meetings organized by the Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association. The CCTA meetings were held in Leslieville on March 12th with 77 people in attendance, and in Caroline on March 18th with 109 attendees. At those meetings a survey was available and a total of 52 were completed/submitted.

Highlights of comments/concerns expressed both during the meetings and on completed surveys were:

· Lack of information The current draft has not been made available to the public and information meetings have not been held since the fall of 2023. Until the recent CCTA meetings, people were largely unaware of what was being proposed in the document that controls the use/development on their property.

· Lack of public input No only because the draft proposal has not been made available, but also because of lack of opportunity, the public has not had a reasonable chance to express their opinion on what should or should not be put into the document. Leaving public engagement until AFTER the draft has been completed, and reviewed by legal counsel, is like closing the barn door after the horse has escaped.

· Too many restrictions This document has 204 pages of guidelines and regulations. Not only are people concerned about the loss of freedom to use their own property as they wish, but the required guidelines, permits, and inspections make development costly or maybe even prohibitive.

· Troubling Public Engagement and final approval timeline Potentially, public engagement meetings may be held in May. At these meetings information will be presented on the document and people will have opportunity for feedback. Unfortunately that is busy spring work time for farmers. Then, the public hearing prior to 2nd and 3rd reading may be held in July. Again, this is an inconvenient time as people may be on holidays or busy haying. Of the 52 survey responses received, 5 (9%) said the timeline was OK while 43 (83%) said it was inappropriate. 4 responses did not reply to that question.

· Will the voice of the people actually be heard??? People are concerned that while there may be opportunity for input, will their opinions/voices actually have an impact on what is written in the final document??

· Delay decision until after the fall election Significant support was expressed for delaying any decision until after the fall election. In response to the survey question asking when final approval should occur 3 (6%) were in favor of July while 46 (88%) suggested waiting until after the election. 3 responses did not indicate a choice.

*** A note of interest: At the March 25th Council meeting Councillor Northcott made a motion to delay First Reading of the LUB until after the election. Unfortunately the motion was defeated with only Councillors Northcott and Mehlhaff voting in favor.

RENEWABLE ENERGY BYLAW 

Significant discussion took place at the Tuesday, March 25th Council meeting on a new Renewable Energy Bylaw. While there is a section on this matter in the proposed Land Use Bylaw, legal counsel has suggested the current bylaw be amended. This is partially due to the recent amalgamation with Caroline and the proposed solar project on the north side of the hamlet. It is interesting to note that during the discussion Councillor Mehlhaff brought up a concern about solar installations being restricted on Class 1 & 2 farmland but there is no mention of Class 3. This is a real concern as a larger portion of Clearwater County is Class 3 rated. In the end a motion made by Councillor Ratcliffe for 1st reading passed which would then allow the process to go to a public hearing. Please watch for news about when that hearing will take place and we encourage you to attend. It is interesting to note in recent research that solar projects in Canada are only 15% to 20% efficient. What farmer would remain successful if he only got 20 live calves out of 100 cows every year OR got only ½ a bale per acre instead of the normal of at least 2???

OUTSTANDING PRESENTATION AT COUNCIL MEETING

Christine Foesier of Caroline made an excellent presentation noting a lot of common concerns with the proposed Land Use Bylaw revision. In her presentation she raised concerns about the increase in control/restrictions, loss of freedom, discretionary wording, and ultimately that the voice of the people is being ignored in the “democratic” process. 24 members of the public were in the gallery to offer support and that was visibly noted with loud clapping and a standing ovation at the end.

COMING EVENTS: 

Regular monthly CCTA meetings Wednesday, April 9, 2025 and Wednesday, May 14, 2025 both at 7:30PM at the Leslieville Elks Hall

· “A true friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg even though he knows you are slightly cracked.” Bernard Melzer

· “Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” Helen Keller

· “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” Leo Tolstoy

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

LAND USE BYLAW REWRITE SIGNIFICANT 

LENGHTY discussion on the Land Use Bylaw rewrite matters occurred at County Council meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. A large variety of opinions and options were presented resulting in various motions made, discussed, withdrawn, and then passed or defeated. There were two major focusses on the matter:

Making the draft available to the public. At the moment the document is NOT being made available to the public.

This caused major discussion with a distinct division of opinion. Those in favor suggested that the public deserves to have adequate opportunity to review, and comment on, a document that has a direct impact on the use of their own property.

By comparison, those who opposed giving the public copies of the draft said that because the document is only a “draft” and is currently being reviewed by legal counsel, we should wait until that review is completed.

Interestingly, even after being perused by legal counsel it will still only be a DRAFT until it is officially adopted by Council. Providing opportunity for public input as soon as possible is certainly in the best interest of both residents and Council.

A motion was finally passed that the draft document be made available to the public as of March 31, 2025.

Timeline for document approval. 

As mentioned above, the document is currently being reviewed by legal counsel. Once returned, it will be reviewed by PAC(Public Advisory Committee) and Council, hopefully in April. There will then be Public Engagement meetings, possibly in May, followed by further potential revisions, Council passing 1st reading, a Public Hearing (maybe June/July) and then final approval. Concerns were expressed about this timing due to spring work, haying, and holidays.

Comments were also made that perhaps the best solution is to wait for final approval until after the fall election. This would allow the “new” council to adopt a document that they would ultimately be dealing with.

In the end a motion was passed that the advisory committees (PAC and Council) have meetings and then schedule the public engagement to follow.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUEST 

At Tuesday’s meeting Council passed a motion to assist in funding the position of a Regional Affordable Housing Consultation Coordinator. This position will assist in determining seniors’ housing needs in the community. As a result of the motion the county will be contributing $13,096.00 to the initiative while the town will contribute $1,786.00 and the Rocky Senior Housing Council $5,000.00.

COUNTY BRAND 

An interesting discussion also took place on Tuesday on the possibility of the county developing a “brand”/symbol (similar to a cattle brand) that could be used to advertise and identify various county operations/projects. Administration was asked to gather info on costs and a potential design.

ROCKY AG SOCIETY LETTER 

A letter was received noting that at their AGM in November 2024, the Rocky Mountain House Agriculture Society reaffirmed their support of $75,000.00 for the development of an Agriculture Recreation Facility in Clearwater County.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 7:00PM, Leslieville Community Hall

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 7:00PM, Caroline Hub

Both public information meetings regarding the Land Use Bylaw Rewrite project.

“When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay. And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure they steal your heart away.” Bing Crosby

“May the road rise up to meet you, 

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.” Irish blessing.

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

BROADBAND 

Action on providing Clearwater County residents with improved access to high speed internet service is ramping up significantly following notification of qualifying for grants. At a meeting of the Broadband Committee on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 information was provided on up-coming plans and costs. To help ensure success with the county’s goals of providing “Fibre to the Home” (FTTH), the county has been divided into 5 service areas: Rocky to Nordegg/Bighorn; Ferrier; south of Rocky/Caroline; east/northeast to the Lacombe county border; and north/northeast to the Wetaskiwin/Ponoka county borders. The total capital cost of installing fibre optic cable and towers in these areas is projected to be $88.5M with $62.7M coming from grants and $25.8M funded by Clearwater County. Interesting note: Earlier on January 7, 2025, Council had approved a capital budget of $43, 675,676 for Broadband with $28,697,830 coming from capital revenues and $14,977,846 from restricted surplus transfers. At that January meeting Council had also approved a Broadband operating budget of $1,730, 585 with anticipated revenue of $503,000 to be recuperated from broadband operations sale of service.

At Wednesday’s meeting it was noted that there is significant interest from various internet service providers (ISP’s) to become involved in the county’s “Open Access Network” (OAN) to provide internet service to homes. Three companies were noted in the agenda package has having already signed on and included:

· Bearspaw Networks. Based out of the Calgary area, Bearspaw was formed in 2023 when it bought out Clearwave Broadband out of Edmonton. Currently Bearspaw is focussing on providing service out to the Bighorn Reserve and Nordegg.

· Stoney Nakoda Telecom. Established in 2025, Stoney Nakoda is focussing on the area northwest of Rocky.

· Missing Link Internet. Based out of Rimbey, Missing Link has been servicing the Rocky, Eckville, Lacombe, and Ponoka areas for a number of years.

Another ISP was also mentioned during the meeting. This was MAGE, a large company based out of Calgary. Founded in 2017 it operates 5 networks in Canada and provides service throughout North America.

While there are various opinions on the county’s involvement in providing internet service, modern technology is an important aspect of today’s life and its provision in the most beneficial manner is a valid item of consideration. Information on the county’s involvement can be found on the County’s website and public engagement meetings are being planned for this spring.

LAND USE BYLAW REVIEW

A joint meeting of PAC (Public Advisory Committee) and County Council was held on Friday, January 24, 2025 to review the initial draft of the new Land Use Bylaw. This is a 204 page document that controls land use and development in Clearwater County. Unfortunately copies of the document were only sent out on Thursday so it was very difficult for people to prepare adequately for the meeting. At the meeting the noted items of discussion included:

· Definitions. There are 36 pages of definitions providing information on the various types of operations, buildings, physical features, and developments that could be found in Clearwater County.

· Land Use Districts. These include Agricultural, Country Residential Agricultural (CRA), Country Residential (CR), Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, Hamlet Residential (HR), Recreational/Leisure Residence, Manufactured Home Park, and Rural Development Node. For each of these districts there are stipulated guidelines for development.

· Incorporation of information from Caroline’s LUB

· The use of seacans

Discussion took place what should and shouldn’t be allowed in these various districts and how development should be fostered in a beneficial way.

Interesting note: The use of Seacans has been of significant concern in the past as there has been nothing guiding their use in the previous LUB. In reviewing this new draft it is noted in Part Nine: Specific Development Regulations, 9.1.6 states, “Sea-Cans may only be located in industrial, public, country residential and agricultural districts...”. Then there are various restrictions about their location and maintenance.

Printed copies of the LUB draft are available at the county office and we strongly urge you get a copy and review the document. It is crucial that your concerns/opinions be heard. Another joint meeting of PAC and Council is being planned along with several public engagement meetings in the spring before the final document is approved.

Up-coming Meetings: 

Wednesday, February 12 and Wednesday, March 12, both at 7:30PM at the Leslieville Elks Hall

Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. Franklin P. Jones

To Love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. David Viscott

The giving of love is an education in itself. Eleanor Roosevelt

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

WELCOME CAROLINE 

As of January 1, 2025 we welcome the former “Village of Caroline” to become part of Clearwater County as a hamlet. As such, it joins other hamlets such as Condor, Leslieville, and Nordegg under the jurisdiction of Clearwater County. We certainly welcome all residents and businesses as we begin a new year together and hopefully enjoy many more cooperative, beneficial ones to come.

INTERIM COUNCIL ORGANIZATION 

With the amalgamation coming into effect on January 1st, an Interim Council Organizational meeting will be held on January 7, 2025. At that time an interim Reeve and Deputy Reeve will be chosen by the council now made up of 6 county representatives and 1 from Caroline. Along with those 2 guiding positions, councillor representatives will be appointed to each of the various boards and committees the county is involved with. These positions will remain in effect until the municipal election in October 2025.

2025 BUDGET 

At Council’s December 20, 2024 meeting the proposed 2025 budget was initially approved. (It will be presented for final approval by Interim Council on January 7, 2025.) Highlights include:

· Operating budget: (excluding broadband and hamlet of Caroline) $55,521,258. This is up $5,894,565 (11.8%) from the 2024 budget of $49,626,693.

· Capital budget: (excluding broadband and hamlet of Caroline) $41,294,355. This is up $927,459 (2.3%) from the 2024 budget of $40,366,896.

· Broadband Operating expenses are estimated to be $1,730,585. Information in the agenda package for January 7, 2025 is somewhat confusing as one sentence says this expense is “being funded through operating revenues of $1,730,585”. In another sentence it states, “Of the $1,730,585 budgeted operating expenses, $503,000 is expected to be recuperated from broadband operations sale of service.” Are the operating revenues expected to equal the expenses or cover less than half of the costs?

· Broadband capital budget for 2025 totals $43,675,676 with $28,697,830 coming from capital revenues and $14,977,846 coming from restricted surplus.

· Caroline’s operational budget is proposed to be $1,275,003, balanced by equal proposed revenues. Interestingly, expenses include $109,000 for “Adjustments”, $57,747 “Council Expenses”, and $326,900 in “General Administration” expenses. Are these necessary expenses now following amalgamation?

· Caroline’s capital budget is proposed to be $664,448, balanced by grant revenues.

PROPOSED PROJECTS PROMPT PARLEY 

The proposed expenditure of $6M on a 10 bay heated storage facility and $11M on an indoor waste facility to be built on the county’s north quarter sparked significant discussion at Council’s December 20th meeting. Particular questions/concerns were raised on the need for these new builds, their size, and the resulting cost.

Numerous motions were made, defeated, and revised before it was ultimately decided to postpone decisions until a new council is elected in October and the 2026 budget will be dealt with by them.

Interesting comments have been heard, wondering if this is the “beginning” of more new developments “up there”.

LUB REVIEW UPDATE 

A joint meeting of both Council and PAC is being proposed for later in January. This will be an all-day meeting to review the current draft. Following that several public engagement meetings will be held.

Coming Events: 

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 and February 12, 2025, 7:39PM, Leslieville Elks’ Hall, regular monthly meetings.

“Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day.” Michael Josephson.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Martin Luther King Jr.

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” H. Jackson Brown Jr

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

DEPUTY REEVE SYDNEY GRAHAM RESIGNS 

As per a November 18, 2024 Clearwater County news release Deputy Reeve Sydney Graham submitted her resignation letter on November 17, 2024. Graham was first elected as Division 2 Councillor in October of 2021 and was voted in as Deputy Reeve at this year’s organizational meeting on October 22, 2024.

In an article in the November 20, 2024 issue of The Mountaineer Graham noted that she has been dealing with health problems but the “tipping point for her in making a decision to resign came about after contact from a resident.” This resident had criticized her for being unavailable for a council event due to a medical appointment.

We certainly thank her for her efforts and dedication as councillor for Division 2 for these past three years and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors. This includes in her new position as Community & Recreation Services Coordinator with Clearwater County Agriculture & Community Services Department.

GENNIFER MEHLHAFF CHOSEN AS NEW DEPUTY REEVE 

At their November 26, 2024 meeting Clearwater County Council chose Division 1 Councillor Mehlhaff as Deputy Reeve. Councillor Ratcliffe had nominated her while Councillor Northcott nominated Councillor Bryan Cermak. Via secret ballot, Councillor Mehlhaff won the majority vote. She had previously been Deputy Reeve for the 2023-2024 year.

NO BY-ELECTION 

Also at their November 26th meeting a lengthy discussion took place on the pros and cons of holding a by-election in Division 2 following Councillor Graham’s resignation. Points noted included the impact of residents in that division not having representation for almost a year, the timing of a by-election and its impact on the potential amalgamation, and the costs involved with holding a by-election.

Deputy Reeve Mehlhaff was the first to make a motion supporting a by-election but it was defeated when only Mehlhaff and Councillor Ratcliffe voted in favor. Subsequently Councillor Cermak made a motion that the seat in Division 2 remain vacant until the municipal election of 2025. This motion passed with Reeve Swanson and Councillors Lougheed, Northcott, and Cermak voting in favor.

INTERESTING MOTION

What began as a Closed Session ended with an interesting motion.

As stated in the November 12, 2024 minutes, the Closed Session Item 10.1 was noted as “Verbal Discussion; FOIP s. 17 Disclosure Harmful to Personal Privacy,s.24. It further states that Reeve Swanson

and Councillor Ratcliffe recused themselves from voting on the motion to go into Closed Session and they left the meeting.

Upon returning to Open Session, Councillor Mehlhaff made a motion “that Council retains the services of a third party integrity commissioner to review the Code of Conduct complaint as per Code of Conduct Bylaw 1143, Section 45 (a) (b). The motion passed.

CCTA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS 

At their November 13, 2024 Annual General Meeting the Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association welcomed two new board members, Julie Layden and Doug Skeels to the Director positions. They replace outgoing members Debbie Gastonguay and Tim Plante who we sincerely thank for their past dedication and support.

Maintaining their positions are: President Marianne Cole, Vice President Ron Schultz, Secretary Susan Durand, and Treasurer Pat Butler along with Directors Reg Belyea, Jim Foesier, and Leah Schultz.

It was great to have 32 people attend the meeting that included a guest presentation by Helge Nome from the Medicine River Watershed Alliance on serious concerns about the current drought situation and continued use of fresh water for fracking. Other interesting points of discussion focussed on the Land Use Bylaw review, the Ag. Rec. Facility Feasibility Study Results and the Citizen Satisfaction Survey Results.

Monthly meetings of the CCTA will continue to be held the second Wednesday of the month from January to June and September to November. Please note that starting January 8, 2025 meetings will be held at the Leslieville Elks Hall. We welcome all interested residents to join us for vigorous discussions on various county matters.

We now wish you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HOPE TO SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR!!

Coming Events: 

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 and Wednesday, February 12, 2025 regular meetings at 7:30PM at Leslieville Elks Hall.

“Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.” “Gifts of time & love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly Merry Christmas.” Peg Bracken 

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” Burton Hills.

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

NEW DEPUTY REEVE 

At the County Council’s annual re-organizational meeting on October 22nd, Sydney Graham was voted in as Deputy Reeve while Michelle Swanson was re-installed as Reeve. We sincerely thank Councillor Gennifer Mehlhaff for her utmost dedication and hard work as both Councillor and Deputy Reeve for the past year. At the organizational meeting council members, as well as Public at Large members, were also chosen for the various county committees. We thank everyone who submitted their names for those committees for their interest in serving all residents of our county.

PAC/LUB REVIEW 

The Public Advisory Committee for the Land Use Bylaw review held their most recent meeting on October 23rd. Notable points of discussion included:

· Unsightly Bylaw. Discussion took place on the benefits of developing an “Unsightly Bylaw” separate from including such a section in the LUB. It was noted that it may be helpful to have information on this in both places.

· Temporary Living Accommodations in RV’s Discussion focussed on the rules regulating such, including suggested timelines.

· Mandatory Sprinkler Systems The requiring/regulating of sprinkler systems in high risk fire areas was discussed. Concerns were expressed over the success/benefit versus the cost and enforcement.

· Use of Variances Variances are often allowed in development permit applications. Discussion took place on the numerical percentage commonly allowed. In other jurisdictions variances of 10% to 40% are allowed while in Clearwater County 20% is common.

· Number of Dwellings Allowed In the proposed LUB up to 3 dwelling units may be allowed in Agriculture Districts on a parcel over 80 acres. On a parcel smaller than 80 acres only 2 dwellings would be allowed. Those same allowed numbers would apply in Recreational/leisure Residence Districts. In Country Residential Estate, Industrial/Commercial and Hamlet Residential districts only one principal dwelling would be allowed per parcel.

· Off Property Sales Questions were posed re what people may be allowed to sell off their property without a commercial license. There is currently no section in the LUB governing this but it is in the Municipal Development Plan, Section 7.2.3 under Direct Market Sales.

· Renewable Energy Guidelines This matter was discussed in Council as well and there is an appetite for protecting agricultural land.

· Seacans and Signage There are separate parts governing each of these topics. They are both quite lengthy as well as specific about their use. It wold be very helpful to have public input related to these sections. You may call the County’s Planning Department and ask for copies.

· Future Plans for the Review PAC and Council will be having further meetings in November. Hopefully a draft of the completed document will be available for perusal in January with public engagement to follow in later January/February. Ultimately it is hoped the document will be finalized in April.

ROCKY ROD AND GUN CLUB DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION 

After receiving development approval by Clearwater County’s Municipal Planning Committee in September, the Pine Ridge Woodlands Homeowners Group submitted an appeal of the decision. As the location in question involves a provincially controlled public land lease, the appeal was directed to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal. Originally scheduled to be heard on October 11, 2024, a request for a delay in proceedings was approved. The hearing will now be held November 15, 2024. Matters of significant concern are the potential increase in noise irritation, reduced property values, negative environmental impacts, loss of public access/use of the land outside of gun range operations, and non-compliance with guiding documents if approval were to be granted.

NORDEGG DEVELOPMENT 

At County Council’s Strategic Planning meeting on October 29th, there was significant discussion on future development plans for Nordegg. This included matters related to the Nordegg Cemetary, residential areas, the industrial subdivision, and road development/improvements. Of particular importance was potential improvements to Center Street and Stuart Street. These plans involve potential changes to the playground and/or golf course. At the meeting Councillor Mehlhaff made a motion to gather public opinion on these matters through Public Engagement meetings, but this motion was defeated. On Wednesday, October 30th Councillors Mehlhaff and Ratcliffe attended a Nordegg Community Association meeting to gather information from the area residents. Following that, discussion has taken place with administration and mitigating plans for these road developments are being considered.

CLEARWATER COUNTY TAXPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM will be held on November 13, 2024 at 7:30PM at the Elks Hall in Leslieville. This will involve the election of officers and discussion on notable parts of the Land Use Bylaw being reviewed. We really encourage everyone to attend, become involved, and to voice your opinion of the LUB document.

“There can be no dedication to Canada’s future without a knowledge of its past.” 

John Diefenbaker, 13th Prime Minister of Canada.

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

New Ag. Rec. Facility 

   The possibility of Clearwater County building a new Ag. Rec. Facility has once again surfaced.  A feasibility survey has been sent out to 61 possible user groups to gather information on their potential usage/interest in such a facility.  In the meantime, questions/concerns have been raised about the actual viability of such a facility.

When a 2 Phase development was first proposed several years ago, Phase 1 was to include an indoor riding arena with box stalls, meeting room and other necessary amenities along with outdoor ring, parking, and camping areas.  The Capital Cost of this development was estimated at $12M. Operational figures suggested revenues of $222,600/yr. with operating costs of $352,400, leaving a yearly operational deficit of $129,800.

Phase 2 was to include expansion of the arena and spectator seating, increased box stalls, a banquet/exhibition hall, commercial kitchen, and increased meeting rooms.  The Capital budget for this expansion was an additional $10M.  The operating budget for Phase 2 included revenue of $443,000 and expenses of $506,150 leaving an operational deficit of $63,150.

It will be very interesting to see current survey results of potential interest and usage when they become available… along with revised budgets.  Then the ultimate decision will be even more interesting!!!

Clearwater County/Village of Caroline Amalgamation  

   Both councils have approved the potential amalgamation of the two municipalities and a final report has been submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for his perusal/recommendation.  Should matters proceed as planned the two would become one entity as of January 1, 2025.  An interim council consisting of all 7 county councillors and 1 village councillor (Barb Gibson) would then take control until the municipal election in October 2025.

Land Use Bylaw Review    

  Meetings continue as both Clearwater County Council and PAC (Public Advisory Council) review the current document.  With the large impact this document has on development and land use in the county, careful consideration is necessary by both groups.  As a result, the deadlines have been revised for when the final draft will be released and public engagement takes place.  It is anticipated that the draft will be available in November of 2024 with public open houses to follow in Dovercourt, Caroline, Condor, Crammond, Frisco, and virtually.

The next PAC meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2024.

 

Rocky Rod & Gun Club Development Approval  

  The RRGC (located just off of Hwy. 11A, across from the Pine Hills Golf Club) recently submitted a development application to expand their operation to include extensions of 2 current gun ranges, the development of a new long gun range (1 mile), expansion of the archery/biathlon area, and the establishment of a group campsite.  Despite significant opposition from local residents, MPC (Municipal Planning Committee) approved the development at their meeting on August 21, 2024. 

 

Concerns expressed included additional noise irritation, decline of property value, detrimental environment issues, and loss of public access to crown land. Even though the Ferrier-Garth Area Structure Plan stipulates that development should not negatively impact the quality of life of area residents, and that crown land should remain open for public use, these factors were ignored in the approval.

It is interesting to note that the RRGC has a lease on 8 quarters of crown land.  Information researched on the amount of land occupied by other gun clubs indicated that one other large operation in the Edmonton area operates successfully on 4.5 quarters (720 acres).  Why is it necessary for 8 quarters of public land to be taken out of public use here?  4 should be sufficient.

Citizen Satisfaction Survey

  In June, the county conducted a survey to gather information from area residents on how they felt about county services and operations.  Results of that survey are not yet available but we look forward to sharing them with you as soon as possible. 

Wishing You the Best 

  It was with distinct disappointment that we read Debbie Baich’s notice of resignation as Mayor of Rocky in the August 14^th issue of the Western Star.  We certainly commend her on her utmost dedication to serving the residents of our community, along with her cooperative attitude towards both the town and county.  Debbie, we wish you the very best in whatever lies ahead.

Up-Coming Meetings:  

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 and Wednesday, October 9, 2024

both at 7:30PM at Arbutus Community Hall.

“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.”  Anonymous

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all other seasons.”  Jim Bishop