By Marianne Cole
Fire Rescue Services Bylaw
At their Tuesday, August 25th meeting Council spent significant time reviewing and discussing this bylaw. This document dictates various regulations regarding resident responsibilities related to fires as well as fireworks.
Currently there are two regulatory documents that deal with fire matters in Clearwater County: one a provincial document stipulating rules specifically for Forest Protection Areas and then Clearwater County’s own Fire Bylaw. The provincial document is in effect for only lands that are in the FPA, basically the west side of the county.
While reviewing both documents at their Strategic Planning meeting in July, Council realized there were some differences in the regulations. In an effort to make the rules similar for all county residents, it was decided to make appropriate changes to the county’s bylaw.
Highlights from Tuesday’s meeting include:
· Significant discussion on the rules regarding necessary permits, burning barrels, and fire pits.
· Requirements for fire permits between March 1 to October 31.
· Requirements for fireworks permits year round.
After passing motions for 1st and 2nd reading, the motion for necessary unanimous approval to proceed to 3rd reading was defeated. This will allow for further info to be gathered before the matter is again brought to a future meeting.
Certainly there are concerns about this document and we encourage everyone to get a copy to review the rules which have a potential effect on all of us. Then pass on your comments/concerns to your councillor.
Kootenay Ecological Reserve
Recent news suggested that the province is planning to “disestablish” the Kootenay Plains area as an “Ecological Reserve” and change it to a provincial park. This could result in significant change of use in this very special area. Consequently, Council passed a motion to write a letter to Forestry and Parks asking for an impact assessment that the change would create and clarification on compatible/incompatible uses. This is certainly an issue we encourage people to express their opinion on by contacting our MLA Jason Nixon.
Data Centers
While this is currently a hot topic provincially, there is the possibility that it may arise in Clearwater County as well.
Early in the spring of 2025 there was a proposal for a data center and large gas fired power generation facility in the Gimlet area of our county. In gathering information on the current status of these projects, information was recently received from the county. Originally known as the “Flipi Project”, TransAlta is now the owner/builder of the power generation facility which has received AUC approval.
With the approval of this large power facility is a proposal for a data center around the corner??? We will try to keep you updated. Due to the concerns re data centers this will be a topic of discussion at our September meeting and then the CCTA is hosting special guest speakers to present information on data centers at our October 14, 2024 meeting.
In conclusion, we continue to thank all members of our Council for their distinct efforts to consider and evaluate all aspects of each matter brought before them. Their prior research, along with their consideration of the impacts on county residents, is clearly evident and much appreciated.
Coming Events:
Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, 7:30PM, Leslieville Elks Hall, regular meeting. Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 7:00PM, Pidherney’s Community Hall, Leslieville, special meeting re data centers.
