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

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