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 14th 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
