Letter to Council

Marianne Cole, President Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association RR #1 Rocky Mtn. House, AB T4T 2A1 mcmajic@telus.net

Clearwater County Council Box 550 Rocky Mtn. House, AB T4T 1A4 mswanson@clearwatercounty.ca bcermak@clearwatercounty.ca gmehlhaff@clearwatercounty.ca dlougheed@clearwatercounty.ca jnorthcott@clearwatercounty.ca nratcliffe@clearwatercounty.ca bgibson@clearwatercounty.ca

June 16, 2025

Dear Reeve Swanson, Deputy Reeve Cermak, and County Councillors:

At the Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association meeting on June 11, 2025 a motion was passed that we write a letter to Council with an urgent request to postpone passing the Land Use Bylaw draft until after the up-coming Municipal Election. Rationale for this request are as follows:

1. In the What We Heard Report, Page 8, response to the question, “What is your level of support for the proposed LUB, 48% did not support (38% strongly do not support; 10% do not support), only 31% supported it (12% strongly support; 19% support), and 21% were neutral (15% neutral, 6% unsure). According to those figures over 3 times (38%) were strongly non-supportive while only 12% were strongly supportive. Clearly the general public does NOT approve of this current draft document.

2. In the WWHR Comment Summary significant concerns were mentioned about the regulations, the restrictions, complaint based enforcement, short term rentals, permitting related to land use, seacans, and signage. While there have been some revisions made, there is a significant amount of work left to address these issues.

3. Repeatedly we have heard public concerns that the document is overly restrictive and not user friendly. This was also noted at our PAC/Council meeting on Monday, June 9th with these comments: “We need to simplify the document”, and “We don’t want rules we don’t support.”

In this regard, I draw your attention to the attachments from Ponoka County’s Land Use Bylaw. Clearly, it is much easier to read and less restrictive. First of all the developments not requiring a development permit are visibly listed and then described. Further, the requirements for an application for a development permit are significantly less and easier to read. Another example of the more user friendly Ponoka document is the section on signs which is also attached.

4. In support of postponement, we remind you of the responses to the CCTA survey handed out at the LUB information meetings we organized in Leslieville on March 12th and Caroline on March 18th. Those

responses indicated 88% of respondents (46 out of 52) wanted final approval postponed until after the election. (Note: A summary of all responses from both meetings were sent to Council later in March.)

Support for the delay noted that this document would be dealt with by the newly elected Council so it is only reasonable to have them become familiar with it and subsequently approve the final draft.

5. Finally, the proposed timing of the Public Hearing is most inconsiderate. Farmers are very busy in their hayfields in July and August so the possibility of/opportunity for their participation is certainly reduced. Furthermore, many people are away on holidays at that time.

While a response to the suggestion at the June 9th meeting of holding the hearing the first week in September suggested it was too close to the election, it is worthy to note that early in September would be a month and a half away from the election. Furthermore, with children back in school people are likely home from holidays and farming activities may be somewhat reduced between haying and harvesting.

6. Another disturbing comment that has been reiterated during the LUB review is that it is a “living document” and can be amended at any time. While this opportunity exists, it would be significantly onerous to amend the numerous, troublesome clauses and general format of the document. As an old adage goes, “Better to get it right the first time.”

In conclusion, we sincerely ask that you consider the voice of the people that has clearly indicated:

Ø Lack of support for this current draft

Ø A need to simplify the draft and make it more user friendly

Ø A review of the timing for the Public Hearing, if the process continues

Ø Ultimately a delay in passing the document until after the election

Throughout the review process you asked for, and received, public opinion. You organized, and paid for, public engagement meetings to gather information from your constituents. We now trust that those efforts and costs will be validated as you make a decision reflective of what you have heard.

Yours truly,

Marianne Cole

CC: Rick Emmons, Tracy Lynn Haight

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

We are still here!!! We apologize for this later than usual sending of The Beacon but we were waiting until after the June 9^th PAC/Council meeting so we could report the latest news on the Land Use Bylaw review.  Here it is!!

LAND USE BYLAW REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

“What We Heard Report”  

This report is a brief summary of information gathered from the various open houses held in Nordegg, Caroline, Condor, Frisco, and virtually from May 4th to May 8^th.  A total of 209 people attended the meetings.  A copy of the report is available from Planning at the County office.  Noted highlights are:

• 48% of the respondents DID NOT SUPPORT the draft LUB; 31% supported it; 21% were neutral.
• The most common comments said there were generally too many regulations, concerns were expressed over enforcement (especially with the complaint based format), and there were unfavorable controls being put forward on signs, seacans and RV’s. 

June 9^th PAC/Council Meeting   

There were distinct concerns with the excessive definitions and restrictive rules/guidelines for development permits.  Specific areas of concern focussed on:

• RV Usage.  This focussed on the number allowed on a property and the length of their continuous use.  Public feedback from the What We Heard Report showed that most people felt 6+ RV’s could be allowed on one’s property and 89% wanted longer than 2 week time limits on continuous use. Discussion at the meeting noted the value of year round usage due to current housing concerns.
• Seacans. In the draft, seacans are only permitted in agricultural, industrial, and public airport districts.  They are discretionary in country residential, country residential agricultural, leisure residence, manufactured home parks, hamlet commercial/mixed use, highway development, community amenities, recreation facilities, and some direct control districts.  They ARE NOT ALLOWED in hamlets, Nordegg Urban Residential, Nordegg Commercial Core, David Thompson Development Nodes, Crown Land, or on Compassionate Care/Health Services lands.  Comments made at the meeting suggested that they be allowed in ALL districts as they are much safer as ancillary buildings used for storage.
• Short Term Rentals.  This is a concern focussed mostly in Nordegg.  A very positive idea was put forward suggesting that a development permit for this be only granted initially for only one year.  Re-application and subsequent approval would be granted dependant on comments received about the facility’s past operation.
• Questionable Development Permit Requirements.  There are still many questions/concerns over the numerous items of information needed for development permits.  These ranged from concerns over landscaping requirements to financial information to design/character of proposed buildings.

Next Steps  

During discussion on a timeline for the process from here, some comments were made to delay things until after the election and it was specifically noted that a public hearing should not be held in July or August as people are on holidays and farmers are busy in the hay fields.  Unfortunately the following tentative dates received majority support:

• June 24, 2025:  Regular Council Meeting.  The latest draft will be presented for First Reading.   At that time Council has the opportunity to pass approval of the document, request some amendments and delay approval, or defeat approval.
• July 24, 2025:  Public Hearing.  Possibly at the Caroline HUB.  The public will have the opportunity to provide opinion/input on this document.
• 2^nd and 3^rd Reading to Follow

We certainly encourage you to attend both meetings and/or send your comments to Council.  While you may not be allowed to speak at the Council meeting, it would be beneficial for you to hear the discussion and comments from Council.  That may help you prepare for the Public Hearing that we certainly hope a large number will be able to attend.

Special Comments from the PAC/Council Meeting 

There were two very notable comments made at the meeting: “ We don’t want rules we don’t support” and  “We need to simplify the document”.

RENEWABLE ENERGY BYLAW 

  At Tuesday’s June 9^th Council meeting there was significant discussion on a Renewable Energy Bylaw.  (Note:  There is a similar section in the proposed Land Use Bylaw as well.)  It is noteworthy to mention that in this document solar installations (which would be more common than wind turbines in Clearwater County) are restricted from development on Class 3 lands which form the majority of our area.  During the discussion concerns focussed on:

• Size of installations needing permits (basically personal use vs. commercial)
• Questionable restrictions on small/personal installations
• Setbacks for large operations for both wind and solar
• Decommissioning rules and requirements for bonds/securities
• Concern with the control held by the AUC (Alberta Utilities Commission).

In the end the bylaw was passed.

UP-COMING MEETINGS:

 

June 24, 2025, 9:00AM, Council Meeting, County Office;    

July 24, 2025, 7:00PM ((Tentative)  Public Hearing, Caroline Hub;     

September 10, 2025, 7:30PM, Regular CCTA Meeting, Leslieville Elks’ Hall;   

October 8, 2025, 7:00PM Municipal Elections Candidates’ Forum, Leslieville Community Hall.

WE WISH YOU ALL A GREAT SUMMER!!!

 

Surface Rights Group Poster

Warburg Pembina Surface Rights Group

SPECIAL PRESENTATION ADMISSION IS FREE TO EVERYONE

Tuesday Evening, June 10, 2025. 7:00 PM

At the Pioneer Agriculture Center (Warburg Community Hall) 5335-50A Ave, Warburg, AB

Agenda:

6:30 PM 6:45 PM 7:00 PM

TOPICS:

Special Presentation by

Kara Westerlund

President of RMA Rural Municipalities of Alberta

Registration (come early, seating is limited)

Overview & Introduction

PRESENTATION AND GROUP DISCUSSION – POWERPOINT PRESENTATION BY KARA WESTERLUND

• RMA report
• About $300 million dollars of unpaid taxes owed to the 69 Rural Municipalities of Alberta from oil & gas companies.
• Some companies are bankrupt and some are operating but not paying taxes
• Municipalities can take action to recover unpaid taxes from you but the oil and gas industry is subject to legislative loopholes that municipalities cannot take action on linear property
• 41% of unpaid taxes are owed by companies that continue to operate and choose not to pay taxes owed.
• Government could take actions to compel these companies to pay taxes but has chosen not to do so.
• Counties may have to raise your taxes so they can operate
• 80000 inactive wells in Alberta need reclamation.

WILL YOU BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR RECLAMATION??

Coffee Break
Meeting continues with questions and answers, session

8:15 PM 8:30 PM

Another company operating northwest of Warburg is not
paying annual rent to landowners. What can you do about that??

Everyone is welcome, plan to attend and bring a friend

For information call Karl Zajes, President, (780) 848-2508, Alvin Platz, Vice President, (780) 542-3984

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

Broadband 

Four open house public engagement meetings were recently held in Nordegg, Rocky Mtn. House, Leslieville, and Dovercourt to give residents information about the county’s “Fibre to the Home” (FTH) project to improve internet connectivity in our area. Some information highlights include:

· The county is offering a current reduced incentive hook-up charge of $399.00. Later, the hook-up charge will be $1500.00.

· The hook-up charge includes the cost of installation of the fibre optic cable from the “hook up box” at the roadway to your residence, provided the distance involved is less than 100m. For distances greater that 100m you would have to pay $14.00/m.

· The subsequent monthly charge would be dependent on the Internet Service Provider (ISP) you choose and their options. Currently there are 5 ISP’s that have expressed interest in working with the county to provide the “final step” hook-up.

· It has been suggested that 60% of the residences (or about 2000), plus numerous industrial sites, would need to hook up to make the project profitable.

· The overall budget for this project is just over $100M with $60+M coming from grants and $40+M funded by county coffers.

We certainly hope that progress can be made in the most financially beneficial way to provide a valuable service to county residents.

LUB Review Workshop 

An informative, successful workshop, organized by the Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association was held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Leslieville Community Hall. Special thanks to Councillor Neil Ratcliffe for his great technical assistance with the visual presentation, the Leslieville Hall caterers for the delicious beef on a bun lunch, and to all the attendees who were so engaged with their comments and concerns.

The focus of attention was Draft #4 of the Land Use Bylaw that is currently being reviewed. This document dictates the use of your property and any development that may occur within the county on 199 pages of guidelines. Similar documents in other counties have significantly less pages of guidelines.

Throughout the presentation attendees were welcome to ask questions and raise their concerns. Numerous comments were expressed on various specific clauses during the review. The most common general comments focussed on:

· What is the need for some of the restrictions?

· Who has suggested some of these rules?

· Why is the freedom to use our own property being reduced?

· Will the voice of the people actually be heard/have an impact when the final decisions are made?

Ultimately we urge you all to attend one of the following Public Engagement Open Houses being organized by the County. It is an important opportunity for you to not only gather helpful information but also to express your opinion.

Sunday, May 4, 2025, 1:00PM or 3:30PM, Nordegg Community Hall

Monday, May 5, 2025, 3:00PM or 6:00PM, Caroline Community Hub

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 3:00PM or 6:00PM, Condor Community Hall 

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 3:00PM or 6:00PM; Frisco Community Hall

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 12:00noon , Virtually; pre-register at www.clearwatercounty.ca/LUB

After these meetings the following steps will be taken:

· The Planning Department will prepare a “What We’ve Heard” Report and present it to Council.

· A final draft of the Land Use Bylaw will be prepared and presented to Council.

· First reading will take place and Council will have the choice to pass 1st reading, defeat it, or delay it.

· If passed, a Public Hearing will be organized. At least two weeks’ notice must be given for this with advertising usually taking place in local papers.

· The Public Hearing may potentially take place in July.

· Following that, Council will consider 2nd and 3rd reading where they will have the opportunity to pass, defeat, or revise the document.

Numerous comments have been heard suggesting that this process be delayed until after the election in October as it will ultimately be the new council dealing with the document.

Whatever the final result will be MAY THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE BE HEARD AND VALUED.

Coming Events: 

Noted Public Engagement Meetings above; 

Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 7:30PM, regular monthly CCTA meeting, Leslieville Elks Hall

Thought for the day: Always look on the bright side.

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