By Marianne Cole
Fire Rescue Services Bylaw
At their September 8, 2026 Council meeting discussion continued on matters related to fire pits, firework permits, and the benefits of differentiating between the Forest Protection Area and the non-FPA. As noted in previous articles the FPA is generally the western area of the county. In the end a motion was made directing administration to, again, bring back further info on these matters.
Area Structure Plans for the West Country
Amendments to the Area Structure Plans for the Alexo/Saunders and Whitegoat/Lake Abraham areas continue to be a matter of consideration. At the September 8th meeting motions were made to direct administration to work with the provincial government in the review and drafting of the needed amendments. Hopefully resident concerns expressed earlier this spring will have an impact.
Short Term Rentals
Significant discussion took place at the September 22, 2026 Council meeting re short term rentals. Currently yearly applications for the operation of a STR are required and if approved each year for 3 consecutive years, a permit may be then granted for up to 5 years. The majority of STR’s are in the Nordegg area with a total of 23 there while there are only 7 active ones in the rest of the county. During the discussion that ensued, particular concerns were raised about public engagement opportunities involved with approvals. In the end a motion was made directing administration to develop a survey to gather public opinion on STR’s.
Broadband Update
Information in the agenda package noted that currently 2, 271 homes out of the possible total of 4,394 have fibre optic cable running past them. There have been 1,073 fibre optic connect orders received. During discussion on this subject the question was asked when hook-ups could actually occur. The reply noted that testing is currently being done and more definite information will be passed on when available.
Up-coming Meeting
A special meeting on data centers is being organized by the CCTA for Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 7:00PM at the Pidherney’s Community Hall in Leslieville. Two guest speakers will be providing information on the operation of/concerns with data centers. With the recent proposals for the building of these throughout Alberta (even with rumors for one in Clearwater County) we encourage everyone to attend.
Up-coming Meetings:
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 7:00PM, Pidherney’s Leslieville Community Hall, Special Data Center meeting.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7:30PM, CCTA’s Annual General Meeting, Leslieville Elks Hall. Note date change as regular meeting date would have been on Remembrance Day
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow. Melody Beattie
We must find time to stop and thank people who make a difference in our lives. John F. Kennedy.
No gesture is too small when done with gratitude. Oprah Winfrey.
