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

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

1% Tax Rate Increase 

At their May 14, 2024 meeting Clearwater County Council passed a motion to increase the tax mill rate by 1%. Significant discussion took place on the questionable need for an increase when assessments had previously increased and, together with additional growth (mostly in industry) there was already $2,593,585 in extra revenue. Additional concerns also noted the potential impact it might have on residents.

Together with the increase in the Alberta Education requisition (which the county has no control over, the increase in assessment, and now the 1% increase in mill rate, residents might face approximately a 10% increase over last year’s taxes.

“Justification” for the raise was to maintain quality of services as well as plan for future capital projects including, among others, an Ag. Rec. Facility and a new Admin. Building.

In the end, motions for 2nd and 3rd reading passed. Special kudos to Deputy Reeve Mehlhaff and Councillors Northcott and Ratcliffe for opposing the motions due to their concerns for fiscal responsibility and the well-being of county residents.

County/Caroline Amalgamation 

Another joint meeting of both councils was held on May 24, 2024 with lengthy discussion on the following topics:

· Council Representation and Electoral Wards Discussion took place on how to maintain 7 wards (divisions) with 7 councillors in the “new” municipality. Concerns focussed on how to best accommodate Caroline. Generally it was felt most desirable to keep Caroline as one unit rather than splitting it into two wards (Divisions 4 and 6). In the end a motion was passed that Caroline would become part of Division 6 for the 2025 election with a formal review before the 2029 election.

· Interim Council Very extensive discussion took place on this topic. Originally a decision had been made that the interim Council (to operate from January 1, 2025 until October 20, 2025) would be made up of all current council members from both jurisdictions. Following concerns raised that this may present an unequal balance favoring Caroline, it was decided to re-visit the matter. Significant comments, concerns, and ideas were raised by members of both councils related to councillor remuneration, representation fairness, and council efficiency as 12 members could potentially be unwieldy.

In the end a motion was passed to have 8 members on the interim council with 7 from the county and 1 from Caroline.

· Public Participation and Next Steps No further open houses/public meetings are planned. All further information will be posted on line or potentially in the local papers. Councils are scheduled to review a draft Amalgamation Negotiation Report at their next joint meeting on June 14, 2024. Subsequent important dates are:

June 28, 2024: Final Report posted online for public information

July 23, 2024: Final Report presented to Councils for their approval.

July 31, 2024: Report submitted to Minister of Municipal Affairs

August 1 – December 31, 2024: Minister reviews report and makes a recommendation for formation of an amalgamated municipality.

January 1, 2025: Potential effective date of amalgamation.

LAND USE BYLAW REVIEW 

The Public Advisory Committee (PAC) held a recent meeting on May 21, 2024. Important topics of discussion and comments related to them included:

a. Sea-Cans

· There’s a general need for them across the county.

· The rules/guidelines for their use need to be less restrictive.

b. Secondary Suites

· Again, concerns were expressed over the restrictions, most notably the restrictive size allowing only a maximum size of 750 sq. ft..

· There is a need to differentiate them from being an Airbnb.

· Need to review the distinction between permitted use vs. discretionary use in different districts/areas of the county

c. Short Term Rentals There is currently a separate County Bylaw governing these so there is no opportunity to appeal a permit approval for them. Putting it into the LUB would allow for appeals. Concerns raised focussed on how to ensure proper use, favorable clientele, and differentiating between secondary suites and short term rentals. General consensus was that their governance should be included in the Land Use Bylaw.

d. What We’ve Heard Report Concerns have been raised with the lack of public meetings and the opportunity for public input. Currently it is suggested that meetings on the LUB draft may take place in August/September. This is, however, not a very positive time as people are on holidays and farmers are in the field haying and/or harvesting.

The next PAC meetings are scheduled for June 18, 2024 and July 18, 2024.

Up-Coming Meetings: 

Wednesday, June 12, 2024, and September 11, 2024, both at 7:30PM at Arbutus Community Hall. Note: No meetings in July and August as we all take a holiday.

 “Happiness is the first day of summer holidays.”!!!

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

COUNTY/CAROLINE AMALGAMATION 

Two public open house meetings and one virtual meeting were held April 17 – 19, 2024. The following concerns and information were gathered from those meetings:

· First of all the format was very disappointing. Rather than a sit-down meeting, attendees had to walk around and read various information charts. Staff and councillors were available to answer questions.

· Most people felt it would have been much more beneficial to have an open, informative presentation followed by a question/answer session. That way everyone would have been given equal opportunity to hear the same information along with all questions and concerns. Comments heard at both meetings suggested this was a “divide and conquer” format.

· Currently councils are discussing possible operational plans as well as issues such as make-up of the interim council and wards/divisions for the new municipality.

· Opinions on those important matters are also being gathered on a survey available on the county’s website or at the county office. We certainly encourage you to complete the survey.

· Of significant discussion at the joint amalgamation meeting of April 25, 2024 were concerns about financial implications. It seems there is definitely information lacking about future infrastructure costs in Caroline and this is a noted issue for county council members.

· A “What We Heard” Report will be prepared and released to the public, hopefully later in May or early June.

· We certainly hope public meetings will then be held to present and discuss that information.

County Proposing a 1% Tax Rate Increase

This was a key item of discussion at the county council meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Key points noted were: (Special note: For clarity, the actual taxes you pay are calculated by taking the assessed value of your property and multiplying it by the mill rate set by county council. Also, all quotes are taken from the meeting’s agenda package.)

· As a result of inflation, property assessment values in the county have increased 1.8%, resulting in “additional revenue of just under $900,000 for the county.”

· Increased growth, mostly in industry, is “contributing additional revenue of approximately $1.7million” or about 3.2% over last year.

· Together, “The change in assessment base is contributing an additional $2,593,585 in tax revenue over the 2023 budget which does not include the 1% tax rate increase that is included in this draft.”

· A draft of the 2023 audited financial statements also presented at Tuesday’s meeting showed that as of December 31, 2023 there was an unrestricted surplus (can be used as needed) of $100,000 while the restricted surplus (dedicated to specific categories) was $108,661,116.

· To compare how Clearwater County rates with neighboring jurisdictions, research showed in 2022 audited financials (2023 figures weren’t available for some neighbors) that restricted surpluses put Clearwater County at the top with $103, 297,385 while neighbors ranged from about $26M to $87M.

· Clearwater County passed first reading (on a vote of 5-2) to approve a 1% tax rate increase but it will be brought back on May 14, 2023 for 2nd and 3rd reading.

· Kudos are sent to the council members that expressed concerns over the need questionable need for a tax increase given the increase in revenue the county will already be receiving.

· Perhaps increased fiscal responsibility is necessary instead of a tax rate increase.

Broadband A Broadband Committee meeting

Began on Thursday, April 18, 2024 but ended before the agenda could be completed due to the amalgamation open house meeting also happening that day. The meeting was reconvened on Friday, April 26, 2024. Highlights/questions from that meeting were:

· A review of the “services” provided by the county which include Lit Services (internet and date transmission for immediate use), Tower and POP leasing (renting space on towers and Point of Presence locations), Dark Fibre Services (leasing unused fibre optic cable), and Subduct Leasing (leasing space within underground cables for installing fibre optic cables)

· Questions/concerns arose related to Rigstar’s responsibilities and involvement with operations. (Rigstar is an independent company that has been hired by the county as a “Network Operator”.)

· Significant discussion took place on assisting with providing broadband connectivity to the North Saskatchewan River Park (the rodeo grounds). It has been noted that this would be a great benefit to users of that location.

· As the town of Rocky owns that property the county would need to discuss connectivity options with them.

· A motion was passed recommending that administration meet with the town to gather more information on costs and operation opportunities moving forward.

· We certainly hope that joint cooperation will be possible and that we can have a beneficial solution in the near future.

· A March 15, 2024 letter from the CCTA requesting information on broadband finances and operation, including Rigstar’s responsibilities, was also discussed. Administration will be gathering information to provide answers to the questions asked in the letter.

SINCEREST CONDOLENCES 

Our sincerest condolences are being extended to the Ahlstrom family on the recent passing of Lavern. Lavern was the primary instigator of getting the Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association organized and was a dedicated member since it started as an ad hoc committee in 2010 and became an official society in 2013. His sincere care for his community in various ways will certainly be missed.

Coming Events: 

Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 7:30PM and 

Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 7:30PM regular meetings at Arbutus Community Hall

“May is the time when everything awakens and springs into action.” Unknown

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

“ Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party’!!” Robin Williams

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

County/Caroline Amalgamation 

The latest meeting of both councils to discuss the proposed amalgamation was held on March 14, 2024. Some key points of interest include:

· Change of voting process. In all previous meetings decision making involved a “consensus model” of voting. As noted in the agenda package that process is “based on the principle that members agree to support the decision even when it’s not everyone’s favorite choice.

Following significant discussion, a decision was made to move forward with a majority rule group based decision making. As such, when a motion is made, individual votes will be counted in two groups, one by county councillors and one by Caroline councillors. If a majority votes in favor in each group, it is recognized as passed motion. A motion is lost when one group votes in opposition, or individual votes in a group are tied.

This allowed each member of each council to vote as they wished or felt was most beneficial rather than having to conform with the group.

· Interim Council and Wards A motion was passed that the Amalgamation Committee (both councils) review the makeup of the Interim Council and the electoral wards. Originally the Interim Council, effective January 1, 2025, would consist of 12 members: 7 Clearwater County Councillors and 5 Village of Caroline Councillors. Concerns have subsequently been expressed that this gave an unequal/unfair representation advantage to the village. (Almost 50% votes for 4.5% of the amalgamated population.) It will be interesting to see what future decisions are made with regards to the number of council members on the Interim Council and the representation from each jurisdiction.

· Public Engagement Meetings In person Public Engagement Meetings will be held on: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the Caroline Hub and Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the Leslieville Community Hall. A virtual on-line meeting will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. You can go to the county’s website for further information and to join in.

We certainly appreciate the efforts for public engagement but have expressed our distinct concerns with the inconvenient time of the day those meetings are being held. We really hope people will be able to make the necessary arrangements for their participation.

Land Use Bylaw Review 

There is nothing new to report about the review of the current document and PAC (the Public Advisory Committee) has not had any meetings since January 30, 2024 and no further ones are scheduled.

One interesting new proposed Renewable Energy Land Use Bylaw was brought forward at the February 27, 2024 Council meeting. This was a very lengthy article with extremely technical, difficult to understand language. Following discussion the request was made to review/redo the proposed bylaw. With the current LUB under review, as well as provincial guidelines being discussed, it will be interesting to see what develops with this article.

“In the Wind” 

Several items related to Strategic Planning were brought forward at the March 26th Council meeting. Perhaps highlighting the list was a request for a report from administration on Clearwater County Future Facility Needs along a request for the opportunity for future discussion on an Agriculture Recreation Facility.

These were “hot” items back in 2016 after the county had purchased the quarter of land north of Rocky on the airport road and plans were proposed for a new administration building as well as an Ag Rec/Indoor Rodeo facility. It will be interesting to see what discussion and action is “in the wind”.

Up-coming CCTA Meeting 

At our April 10th meeting we will be hosting Ross Watson as a guest speaker. Ross is a long time farmer in both Clearwater and Red Deer counties and has significant experience with land use issues. As he is aware that we are currently reviewing our land use bylaws he offered to share his knowledge and experience with us in order to help address potential concerns with our proposed LUB. We certainly welcome his offer of assistance and look forward to hearing his presentation.

Coming Events: 

Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, regular meeting with guest speaker, Ross Watson. 

Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 7:30PM, regular monthly meeting, Arbutus Community Hall

“An optimist is the human personification of spring.” Susan J. Bissonette

“Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.” Doug Larson

“Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.” Virgil A. Kraft

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

County/Caroline Amalgamation

Two joint meetings of councils of the whole were recently held on January 25th and 26th. There was significant discussion with a variety of opinions expressed on several topics. Of special note were the following:

· Formation date As mentioned before, January 1, 2025 is the proposed date for amalgamation to occur. In order for that to happen a report has to be submitted from our councils to the Minister of Municipal Affairs 6 months in advance. It has been repeatedly said that this is a very tight timeline for gathering information, developing a draft report, and offering public engagement opportunities before the final report is written and submitted to the Minister. Alternate ideas of postponing the formation date were brought forward but in the end a motion was passed to move on with the January 1st date.

· Interim Council An interim council would be formed to deal with the operations of the “new amalgamated” municipality. This temporary council would operate from January 1, 2025 until municipal elections are held in the fall of 2025. Again, significant discussion took place on the possible number of members on that council and how those numbers would be allocated. Suggestions were made that it be an uneven number and perhaps a smaller group than the current 12 members from both councils. Another concern of “equality” of representation was raised, comparing one county councillor representing 1800 residents versus 5 Caroline councillors representing 500 people. After representatives from Municipal Affairs joined the meeting to offer advice and answer questions, a motion passed to proceed with all members of current councils making up the interim council.

· Appointment of Chief Elected Official (Reeve) A motion was passed that an organization meeting of the Interim Council be held on January 7, 2025 and the “Reeve” be chosen at that time.

· Bylaws and Enforcement (Operational) Aside from maintaining the current bylaws this agenda item provided two options of enforcement: 1. No change. Keep things as is. 2. Increase the number of CPO’s (County Police Officers) from the current number of 4 to 5 to offset the additional services required. Again significant discussion took place. First a motion to support Option 2 was defeated. More discussion ensued and finally a decision was made to support Option 1.

Throughout the meetings other items of discussion included maintaining library services in Caroline, accepting current bylaws and resolutions of both jurisdictions and maintaining current emergency services.

Of interest, the minutes of the earlier January 5th and 6th meetings recorded significantly more time spent in camera than in open session--- approximately 1 hour open to 2 hours in closed session for each meeting. Also noted in the minutes was that the councils struck the original idea of holding of a public survey re amalgamation, and proposed public engagement dates are yet to be determined.

PAC 

The Public Advisory Committee formed to assist with the gathering of public opinion during the re-write of the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) held their second meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. While the agenda for that meeting had been originally proposed to review the definition section of the current LUB, the focus changed to reviewing the committee’s roles and responsibilities and focussing on discussing comments on what concerns we have heard to date.

While “Stakeholder Group” meetings were part of the original plan of action in this review process, none have been held to date. The suggested Stakeholder Groups would include agriculture, aggregate groups, oil/gas industry representatives, and various other groups involved with tourism, realtors, and small business.

Round table comments noted the concerns committee members have heard, regularly sharing those comments, restrictive rules, direct controls districts and emergency situations, rules related to seacans, confined feeding operation definition, fencing restrictions, and the need for more meetings.

No date was set for the next meeting. It is very important that people express their opinions/concerns on the Land Use Bylaw. This can be done by contacting your councillor or going on the county’s website, searching the Land Use Bylaw Rewrite or going on the following website: clearwatercounty.ca/p/land-use-bylaw-rewrite.

SPECIAL UP-COMING FUNDRAISER 

The CCTA is planning a St. Patrick’s Day themed fund raiser for Saturday, March 16, 2024. The event will be held at the Leslieville Community Hall, starting with a roast beef supper at 6:30PM and followed by entertainment at 8:00PM, showcasing Ben Crane and his daughter. There will also be a silent auction and 50-50 ticket draw. Tickets for the event cost $30.00 each and may be purchased from any one of the following Board Members: Marianne Cole (403)729-2493; Ron Schultz (403)846-1523; Susan Durand (403)729-2585; Pat Butler (403)729-2455; Jim Foesier (403)844-8088; Debbie Gastonguay (403)845-6922; Tim Plante (403)846-3059; Leah Schultz (403)850-7533; Reg Belyea (780)554-9631. We welcome you and encourage you to bring your friends to this amazing, fun-filled evening.

Coming Events: 

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 and Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 7:30PM, Regular Monthly Meetings at the Arbutus Community Hall

Saturday, March 16, 2024, St. Patrick’s Day themed fund raiser. Doors open at 5:30PM; roast beef supper at 6:30PM; entertainment with Ben Crane and his daughter at 8:00PM; silent auction and 50-50 ticket sales throughout the evening.

 “Love is something sent from heaven to worry the hell out of you.” Dolly Parton 

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

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

2024 BUDGET

Clearwater County Council approved the 2024 budget at a special council meeting on December 19,2023.  Items of special note include:

• Operating revenues.  Potential revenue is slated to be $62,163,392, up $1,061,311 from the 2023 budget of $61,102,081.  This would be a 1.7% increase.
• Operating expenses.   These are budgeted to be $49,626,693, an increase of $2,019,592 or 4.2% over the 2023 budget of $47,607,101.
• Capital expenditures for 2024 are budgeted to be $40,366,896.  No figures from 2023 were presented for a comparison.
• Where necessary, short falls in revenue will be covered through restricted surpluses.

During discussion on the budget, questions were raised re a potential new fire hall in Caroline, road maintenance/improvement on the Beaver Flats, Taimi, Rainbow Ford, and Airport roads as well as future funding for seniors' housing.

BROADBAND

This was a separate item of discaussion at the budget meeting.  2024 revenues are anticipated to be $350,000 while expenses are projected to be $2,086,972.  this would be an increase in expenses of $648,371 or 45% over last year's budget of $1,438,602.  A question was raised where the revenue would come from with a reply saying it comes from the ISP's (Internet Service Providers) not the end users.

While not mentioned at the budget meeting it is interesting to note that the county has entered into a contract with Rigstar Industrial Telecom, a company based out of Calgary, to operate as the "Network Operator" for the county's broadband operations.  According to information on the county's website, Rigstar, "together with Arcadis, stands at the forefront of managing Clearwater County's Open Access Network"...  It is unclear what role Arcadis, a company based out of the Netherlands, has in this operation.

COUNTY/CAROLINE AMALGAMATION

Joint meetings of both county and village councils were held on December 4th and 5th, 2023.  Decisions on the following matters were made:

• The "new" municipality would continue with the same boundaries as are currently being used.
• The name would remain as is for Clearwater County but the village of Caroline would be known as the Hamlet of Caroline.
• The municipality's council would continue with 7 councillors, one for each division.
• The divisions would remain basically the same with the north side of Caroiline joining the county's Division 4 and the south side joining Division 6.  Highway 54 would be the dividing line between the two.
• The amalgamated municipality office will remain at the county's current location and Rick Emmons will be the Chief Administrative Officer.

Concerns were again expressed regarding the potentially restrictive timeline, extra staff responsibilities, and maintaining current service levels.

Up-coming public engagement will involve in-person meetings in Leslieville and Caroline as well as a virtual/on-line meeting.  In addition, a survey is being drafted and will be available on the county's website, the county and village offices, and potentially in local papers.

The next amalgamation meetings are scheduled for January 25th and 26th, 2024.

UP-COMING EVENTS

Regular Monthly CCTA Meetings

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

All at 7:30PM at the Arbutus Community Hall