Clearwater County Financial Research Report compiled by Perplexity AI

 Clearwater County Broadband Project 

Financial Research Report 

April 24, 2026 

This report compiles publicly available financial information on the Clearwater County Open Access Network (CAN) broadband project, drawing from federal grant records, county budget documents, audited financial statements, council meeting agendas, and procurement records.

Section 1: Project Overview 

The project is a county-owned open-access fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network serving rural Clearwater County, Alberta. Originally scoped at approximately $20 million in 2020, it has grown to a total gross program cost of approximately $140 million, with roughly $88 million covered by federal and provincial grants, leaving a net county cost of approximately $52 million. Construction is targeted for completion by March 31, 2027. The network covers 4,399 homes across 7,227 total county residences — representing 61% of all residences in the county. 

Section 2: Total Program Cost Summary 

The following tables summarize the total program cost broken down by component and by spending period. 

Program Component	Gross Cost	Grant Funding	Net Cost to County
Core Backbone	$18,261,203	($4,438,213)	$13,822,990
Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH)	$121,565,411	($83,361,311)	$38,204,100
Grand Total	~$140,000,000	~($88,000,000)	~$52,000,000

Note: The widely reported $85.1M figure refers only to the remaining FTTH costs to complete, not the total program cost. 

Spending Timeline 

Period	Gross Spent/Forecast	Net to County
Spent to end of 2025	$54,664,641	$33,990,260
2026 forecast	$74,938,250	$15,480,899
2027 forecast	$10,223,723	$2,555,931
Total to Complete	$85,161,973	$18,036,830

Section 3: Federal & Provincial Grant Funding 

Clearwater County secured seven grants through the federal Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada, with matching support from the Government of Alberta. Grants cover up to 75% of eligible project costs. Source: ISED Selected UBF Projects page.

Grant ID	Communities Served	HH	Combined Grant  Amount
RRS-02668	Nordegg	242	$3,781,303
UBF-03250	Martins Trailer Court, Ferrier Acres, Ullin, Crimson Lake	337	$2,332,741
UBF-07119	Chedderville, Burnstick Lake, Butte, Caroline, Crammond	873	$32,332,828
UBF-07121	Codner	315	$13,861,734
UBF-07122	Carlos	160	$9,256,528
UBF-07123	Nordegg, Saunders, Horburg	299	$4,944,592
UBFP-99263	Alhambra, Stauffer, Dovercourt, Chedderville, Burnstick Lake, Crammond, James River Bridge, Echo Valley, Bingley, Bearberry	630	$20,567,888
TOTAL		2,856	~$87,077,614

Note: Grant amounts shown are combined federal + provincial totals as listed on the ISED website. The confirmed federal-only agreement value for UBF-07119 (via the Open Government portal) is $16,166,414, indicating approximately a 50/50 federal/provincial split. The 2024 audited financial statements confirm the broadband restricted fund grew from $240,822 (2023) to $20,727,140 (2024), confirming grant tranches are actively flowing.

Section 4: Committed Construction Contracts 

Source: February 13, 2026 Broadband Committee Strategic Options Review (Arcadis/Pardal Ventures). 

Project	Homes  Passable	Prime Contractor Value	Inventory
UBF-03250	442	$5,768,778	—
UBF-07119 (Caroline corridor)	1,379	$28,953,112	—
UBF-07121	530	$9,216,047	—
UBF-07122	318	$11,085,870	$6,626,200
UBF-07123	454	$4,728,336	—
Rocky East (no grant)	284	$5,457,459	—
UBFP-99263	992	$0 (not yet tendered)	—
TOTAL	4,399	$65,209,602	$6,626,200

Note: $71,835,802 total committed (84% of FTTH completion cost) as of end of 2025. 

County Net Cost per Home by Area 

Project Area	County Net Cost	Per Home
UBF-03250	$1,415,312	$3,202
UBF-07119 (Caroline corridor)	$13,080,163	$9,485
UBF-07121	$5,608,505	$10,582
UBF-07122	$3,639,543	$11,445
UBF-07123	$2,114,131	$4,657
Rocky East	$5,184,234	$18,254
UBFP-99263	$7,162,212	$7,220
Average		$8,685/home

Section 5: Revenue Projections & Break-Even Analysis

Revenue is generated through ISP access fees paid by retail providers using the open-access network infrastructure. 

Year	Projected Annual Revenue
2024	$26,117
2025	$106,627
2026	$528,867
2027	$1,116,175
2028	$1,933,840
2029	$2,288,822

Key Metrics 

• Operating break-even: 2,562 homes (58% take-up rate), targeted 2029–2030 • Current sales close ratio: 73% 

• Homes signed up as of Feb 13, 2026: 572 (exceeding 2.5-month forecast by 500+) 

• Fibre Connect installation fee: $399 for first 100m + $14/additional metre (introductory); $1,500 after construction 

• Operating deficit 2026: $1,690,308 (~$37.62/property/year) 

• Forecast operating surplus 2030: $122,200 (~$2.05/property/year) 

• Estimated property value uplift from fibre: ~$11,748/home (~3%)Section 6: Strategic Options Review (Feb 13, 2026) 

Section 6: Strategic Options Review (Feb 13, 2026)

The Arcadis/Pardal Ventures review presented five options plus a baseline. Council voted 6-1 to continue (Option Base) on February 24, 2026, approving a $72 million budget adjustment funded by grant revenue and restricted surplus transfers. 

Option	Description	Additional Capital	Key Risk	Outcome
Base	Finish current program	$18M net	Low	Most stable; break-even  ~2029
1	Full countywide buildout (no grants)	$18M + $88M	Medium	EBITDA positive 2030; ~200 yr payback
2	Pause construction	$21M–$64M penalty	Very High	Triggers grant default; worse later
3	High-density areas only	$8.6M + $76M grant loss	High	Never breaks even
4	Sell existing  infrastructure	Loss on existing  investment	Medium	Market value $8.1M–$16M (2027–2032)
5	Stop UBFP-99263 only	$8M over 7 yrs +  $20.6M grant loss	Medium/Hig  h	Never breaks even
Stop  entirely	Cancel whole program	—	Very High	$21.8M–$64.8M termination cost

Termination Cost Breakdown (if stopped entirely) 

Item	Cost
Termination — Construction & Operations Contracts	$24M to over $60M
Additional Termination Liability & Litigation	$4.2M to $7.7M
Less: Potential Sale Value of Infrastructure	($2.9M to $6.4M)
Net Termination Cost	$21.8M to over $64.8M

Section 7: Budget History

Budget Year	Broadband Capital Allocation	Notes
2025 approved (Dec 2024)	$43,675,676	Major FTTH construction ramp-up
2026 initial (Dec 2025)	$2,828,601	Frozen pending project decision
2026 revised (Feb 2026)	~$72,000,000	Budget adjustment approved Feb 24, 2026

2026 Overall County Budget Context

Item	Amount
Total operating revenues	$76,861,516
Total operating expenses (excl. amortization)	$58,866,409
Capital revenues	$8,572,521
Capital expenditures	$40,311,347
Expected tax increase	~5%

Section 8: Audited Financial Statements — Broadband Figures 

Source: 2024 Clearwater County Audited Financial Statements (Metrix Group LLP, opinion date April 22, 2025). 

Broadband Restricted Fund 

Year	Broadband Restricted Fund Balance
2023	$240,822
2024	$20,727,140
Change	+$20,486,318

This ~$20.5M increase in one year reflects federal/provincial grant tranches received and ring-fenced. Broadband is the single largest restricted surplus fund in the county as of year-end 2024. 

Overall County Financial Health (2024 Audited) 

Item	2024	2023
Cash & equivalents	$55,733,623	$52,563,032
Investments	$50,032,550	$51,979,710
Net financial assets	$95,912,740	$92,316,214
Tangible capital assets	$392,229,299	$391,152,180
Accumulated surplus	$494,576,316	$490,153,507
Total revenues	$68,205,181	$64,020,027
Total expenses	$69,943,210	$63,617,461

Section 9: Procurement Records 

Source: Clearwater County Tenders & Contracts page.

RFP	Scope	Awarded To
IT-02/2024	Backbone Construction — Rocky East Route	Canadian Fiber Optics Corporation
BB01-2024	FTTH Design & Civil Construction (UBF-03250 + UBF-07123 East)	ROHL Global Networks Inc.
BB02-2024	FTTH Design & Civil Construction (UBF-07123 West)	ROHL Global Networks Inc.

 

RFP	Scope	Awarded To
BB04-2024	FTTH Design & Civil Construction (UBF-07119)	ROHL Global Networks Inc.
BB05-2024	FTTH Cable Installation, Splicing & Testing  (UBF-03250 + UBF-07123)	TRAP Specialized Services
BB06-2025	FTTH Design & Civil Construction (UBF-07121)	Canadian Fiber Optics Corporation
BB07-2025	FTTH Design & Civil Construction (UBF-07122)	Canadian Western Infrastructure Corp.
BB08-2025	Fibre Drop Installation	ATI Telecom International
BB09-2025	FTTH Cable Installation, Splicing & Testing  (UBF-07119)	TRAP Specialized Services
BB10-2025	FTTH Cable Installation, Splicing & Testing  (UBF-07121 + UBF-07122)	TRAP Specialized Services
BB11-2025	Open-Access Network Operations & Support Services	No Award

Notable: BB11-2025 returned no award. Under the UBF grant conditions, the county must own and operate the network for at least 5 years post-construction (until ~2032) before any sale is possible. No confirmed operator contract is in place for the expanded FTTH network as of April 2026.

Section 10: Key Observations & Flags 

1. True program cost is ~$140M, not $85.1M. The $85.1M figure reported in media and council discussions refers only to the remaining FTTH construction cost. The full program including backbone is ~$140M gross ($52M net to the county after grants). 

2. Grants are real and flowing. The broadband restricted fund in the 2024 audited financial statements jumped from $240K to $20.7M — confirming active grant disbursement, not just announcements. 

3. UBF-07119 is the largest single contract and covers the Caroline/Burnstick Lake/Crammond corridor — 1,379 homes at $28.9M in committed construction contracts and $13.1M net to the county ($9,485/home). 

4. Cancellation is more expensive than completion under every modeled scenario. Net termination cost ranges from $21.8M to over $64.8M — versus $18M to complete. 

5. No network operator contract is in place. BB11-2025 (Open-Access Network Operations) returned no award. The county will be required to self-operate until at least 2032 under UBF grant conditions. 

6. Revenue uptake is early but tracking above forecast. 572 homes signed up after 2.5 months, exceeding forecast by 500+. The 73% close ratio is strong, but 2,562 homes must be connected to break even operationally. 

7. Transparency concerns persist. No publicly available document breaks down the $140M program by line item. The tenders page and the Feb 13 strategic options review are the closest available to a granular financial record.

Sources 

1. ISED Canada — Selected Universal Broadband Fund Projects https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/high-speed-inter net-canada/en/universal-broadband-fund/selected-universal-broadband-fund-projects 

2. Clearwater County — Budget Page https://www.clearwatercounty.ca/p/budget 

3. Clearwater County — Tenders & Contracts https://www.clearwatercounty.ca/p/tenders-contracts 

4. Clearwater County — Broadband Project Background 

https://www.clearwatercounty.ca/p/broadband-background 

5. Clearwater County — Dec 19, 2025 Budget News Release https://www.clearwatercounty.ca/p/news-releases 

6. Broadband Committee Meeting — Feb 13, 2026 (Agenda PDF, CivicWeb) https://clearwatercounty.civicweb.ne t/filepro/documents/66090?handle=CFA16849BD104DA9AFCB7B93AD4B1C97 

7. Broadband Committee Meeting — Feb 13, 2026 (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiYNXZzUGCk 

8. 94.5 Rewind Radio — Feb 17, 2026 

https://945rewindradio.ca/2026/02/17/clearwater-county-to-continue-broadband-project-despite-opposition/ 

9. 94.5 Rewind Radio — Feb 25, 2026 https://945rewindradio.ca/2026/02/25/clearwater-county-formalizes-broa dband-go-ahead-councillors-express-displeasure/ 

10. CBC — Rural Broadband Alberta https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/federal-provincial-rural-broadb and-expansion-rolling-out-slowly-in-alberta-1.7317901 

11. Clearwater County 2025 Budget News Release (PDF) https://www.clearwatercounty.ca/Home/DownloadDocu ment?docId=794cb8a8-4976-4508-a87f-bbd24445f474 

12. Clearwater County 2024 Audited Financial Statements (PDF) 

https://www.clearwatercounty.ca/Home/DownloadDocument?docId=6ed85dfe-860d-4bdb-808d-13c5c6a7669e 

13. Arcadis — Woven Selected for Clearwater County Broadband 

https://www.arcadis.com/en/news/global/2024/7/woven-selected-to-design-broadband-network

14. CWCBB Marketplace About https://market.cwcbb.ca/cwcbb/Show/About

Page 11 — Clearwater County Broadband Financial Report

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

MDP Review   A review of Section 10, Subdivision of Land is currently underway.   

At their February 24, 2026 meeting, County Council granted First Reading to amend specific clauses in this section of the Municipal Development Plan and proceed to a Public Hearing.  The most concerning clauses deal with:

• Clause 10.2.2, the number of residential subdivisions off a quarter.   The proposed new clause states, “Clearwater County may approve one additional subdivision in a quarter section for a residential parcel from the largest agricultural parcel within a previously subdivided quarter section that does not already contain a residential subdivision.” (Underlining for emphasis, not part of the clause.)  
• Clause 10.2.3 re fragmented parcel. This clause re-instates the option of allowing an additional subdivision on a fragmented parcel.  It was taken out of the 2023 MDP.
• Deletion of Clause 10.2.8, re small agricultural operations on residential parcels.   The current clause allows for small agricultural holdings as a discretionary use in Country Residential Agriculture (CRA) districts.  Its removal brings up a concern that such activities may not be allowed.

For more information and a complete comparison of current and proposed clauses you can google Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association, go on the County’s website, or call the county’s Planning Department to request a copy of the current clauses and their proposed changes.

Above all, it is absolutely crucial that the voice of the people is heard on this matter.  We encourage you to attend the Public Hearing on April 14, 2026 at 10:00AM at Council Chambers in Rocky.

Area Structure Plan Reviews  

•   As you may, or may not, have seen in last week’s Western Star, the ASP’s for the Alexo-Saunders and Whitegoat Lakes (Lake Abraham) areas are again being reviewed.  These documents were recently reviewed and adopted in July of 2025 by our previous council.

Concern has since arisen regarding a lack of public engagement during that review.  People are particularly concerned about the possible increase in proposed/potential “facility cells”.  These are “land areas suitable for commercial recreation development in the form of fixed roof accommodations and campgrounds as well as related commercial facilities and public services.”

People are concerned that this could result in a significant increase in tourist traffic and its resulting impact on public services such as waste/garbage disposal, fire protection, first responder attendance, and policing.  Above all, they are concerned about environmental impacts along with their ability to enjoy a pristine mountain area.

As per information in last week’s Western Star, public engagement meetings are planned for:  

Caroline Hub, Tuesday, March 31; Condor Community Hall,Wednesday, April 1; Rocky Rec. Center, Subway Room, April 7 and Nordegg Community Hall, April 10.  All meetings are at 3:00 – 5:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM at each location.  There is also a virtual meeting on Wednesday, April 8 at 6:00-8:00PM with pre-registration required.

Once again, special kudos to our current Council for their desire to hear from their residents and address their concerns. 

We encourage you to contact them with your opinions and above all, attend one of the above meetings on this matter.  

April Guest Speakers   

• Mark Dorin, a lawyer from Red Deer and a strong advocate for landowner rights, along with MLA Jason Nixon, will be guest speakers at the monthly CCTA meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 7:30PM at the Leslieville Elks Hall.  They will be addressing Alberta’s Mature Asset Strategy along with other matters related to the oil/gas industry that impact landowner rights. Please come to hear their information, ask questions, and express your opinion.

Up-coming Meetings: 

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 and Wednesday, May 13, 2026.  Both meetings at 7:30 PM at the Leslieville Elks Hall.

 “If you see a rabbit laying little brown eggs, don’t eat them.  They aren’t chocolate.”  Unknown.

“Easter is the only time of the year it’s safe to put all your eggs in one basket.”  Evan Esar

Public Hearing April 14

DID YOU KNOW????????

MOST IMPORTANTLY…LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD…

COME TO THE PUBLIC HEARING ON APRIL 14, 2026

10:00AM AT COUNTY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Parts of the Clearwater County Municipal Development Plan (an over-arching document that controls land development and use in our county) are being reviewed.  

The current revisions focus on Section 10 Subdivision of Land.  Proposed changes include:

• Allowing only 1 subdivision out of a quarter along with the title for the remainder of the quarter.
• Allowing an additional subdivision for a fragmented parcel.
• Multi-lot subdivisions shall consist of any proposal for subdivision outside of those mentioned above.
• Deleting the clause that allowed for agricultural small holdings as a discretionary use within the Country Residence Agricultural District (CRA). (Note this could possibly prevent people from the benefit of small activities such as selling eggs or garden produce off their acreages.)

For more information and a comparison of the current clauses and the proposed changes, you may google Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association or go to our website at:           clearwatercountytaxpayers.blogspot.com

IT’S YOUR LAND; YOUR VOICE MATTERS

LET IT BE HEARD ON APRIL 14TH

INFORMATION RE MDP REVIEW

Background: At the November 12, 2025 council meeting a motion by Deputy Reeve Drew McKay was passed directing Administration to prepare a bylaw to amend the current Municipal Development Plan. There was significant discussion at that meeting about possible changes, most specifically regarding Section 10- Subdivision of Land. Subsequently at the February 24, 2026 council meeting Council granted First Reading to amending the current MDP and proceed to a Public Hearing.

Clauses involved: Number of Permitted Parcels in Quarter Sections Designated Agriculture District (Current clauses with changes in red).

10.2.1 In a quarter section designated Agriculture District as per the land Use Bylaw:

(a.) the maximum number of titled parcels that are allowed to be created in a quarter section shall be two(2). This number includes one(1) additional parcel and the balance or remainder of the quarter section.

10.2.2 Not withstanding 10.2.1, Clearwater County may approve one additional subdivision in a quarter section for residential or non-residential use subject to the proposed parcel being redesignated to the designation applicable to the use under the Land Use Bylaw. The land use redesignation must be approved prior to the subdivision application being approved.

(a.) The non-largest agricultural parcel on a quarter section may be entitled to a land use bylaw amendment and subsequent subdivision. An application within the non-largest agricultural parcel shall be evaluated by Council at the time of the lan use bylaw amendment.

Proposed Change: Delete Policy 10.2.2 in its entirety and replace with:

Not withstanding 10.2.1, Clearwater County may approve one additional subdivision in a quarter section for a residential parcel from the largest agricultural parcel within a previously subdivided quarter section that does not already contain a residential subdivision.

10.2.3 When evaluating the land use redesignation which may provide additional subdivision options Clearwater County shall take into consideration:

(a) the impact on roadways, access and potential for additional traffic;

(b) potential impacts on adjacent lands including existing uses;

(c) The applicable residential policies contained in Section 6 and 5.2.3 of this MDP

Proposed Change: Delete Policy 10.2.3 in its entirety and replace with:

In addition to the subdivision of a first residential parcel from a quarter section as provided for in Policy 10.2.2, Clearwater County may approve the subdivision of land that is separated from the balance of the quarter section by a developed registered public road, and active railroad, a permanent water course or water body provided by following criteria re met to the satisfaction of the County:

(a) The feature that separates the fragmented parcel from the balance of the title is impassable for farm machinery;

(b) The difficulty and safety of access from the balance of the title renders the proposed fragmented parcel to be permanently severed from the balance of the title;

(c) The size and characteristics of the parcel to be fragmented are as conducive or more conducive to the proposed use than the current use; and

(d) With regard to a permanent water course or water body, there is written confirmation from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development that the title of the bed and shore of the water course or water body is vested in the Crown in the right of Alberta.

10.2.7 (Currently the final sentence states:) Multi-lot subdivisions shall consist of any proposal for four (4) or more titles per quarter section. Replace with:

Multi-lot subdivisions shall consist of any proposal for subdivisions outside of 10.2.1 through 10.2.3.

10.2.8 Agricultural small holdings will be a discretionary use within the Country Residence Agricultural District within the Land Use Bylaw.

Delete Policy 10.2.8 in its entirety.

Figure 6: Subdivision Examples (This page shows diagrams of how additional subdivisions could be created. Example 1 shows a proposed second parcel in an opposite corner of the quarter section with each parcel being 7 acres. Example 2 shows a second parcel adjacent to the existing first parcel out. One parcel could be 5 acres and one could be 7 acres. Example 3 shows a fragmented parcel.)

Delete the statements and Example 1 and Example 2 within Figure 6.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED

As these clauses affect every land owner’s rights, it is absolutely crucial that the voices and opinions of the residents of Clearwater County are heard.

PLEASE COME TO THE PUBLIC HEARING ON APRIL 14, 2026 AT 9:00AM AT THE COUNTY OFFICE. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

BROADBAND

• CCTA Workshop   
• A successful broadband workshop was held at Dovercourt on Saturday, February 21,2026.  Our first guest speaker, Phil Swanson, from Missing Link, spoke on the operational processes and pro’s/con’s of fibre optics, satellite, and hybrid connectivity.  With the definite variety of topography in Clearwater County a combined provision of these options is necessary.  Here is a brief description of each:

• Fibre Optics 
•   This option features fibre optic cables connected to a central hub and then has the cables dug into the ground throughout the county including to residences.  It is a highly reliable, cost effective option with large capacity.  With the varied land types in Clearwater County, it is difficult to install in some areas.  Depending on the options a person would choose, the costs range from $60 to $200 per month.
• Hybrid   
• This option uses a combination of towers and cable with communication passing through both structures.  While it is a cheaper option, resident hook-up does require a line of site to the tower.  Monthly costs range from $50 - $150.
• Satellite 
•   This currently seems to be a very popular option with many residents hooking up to Starlink.  While it is an easily accessible option it may be negatively affected by weather and increased usage.  Monthly costs average $140.

• County Operations  
• Keith Ponton with Arcadis, was our second speaker and gave an excellent, informative presentation on the county’s broadband operations.  Special notes were:

• Current happenings   
• Representatives from AFL, a company hired by the county to promote the project, are going around the county and stopping at residences to provide information to home owners as well as gather “expressions of interest”.  As soon as possible crews will also continue digging in fibre optic cable.
• Early Bird Offer  
• Accepting an early bird offer for hook up would cost a resident $399 which includes necessary equipment and fibre optic cable for the first 100m to your home.  Beyond that distance there would currently be a charge of $14/m.  These costs would be paid when the hook up actually occurs.
• Increased property value 
•   Property owners that hook up could potentially see an increase in property value of approximately $11,000.
• Community benefit 
•   It was also noted that during construction, with the various crews involved and them using various community facilities/businesses, there could be a benefit of @ $7M to the community.

During Mr. Ponton’s presentation various concerns were brought up, including:

• Difficulty working through the county’s website to access information.
• The significant cost of bringing fibre from the roadway to the residences.  Suggestions to address this included allowing people to either hang the cable on their fences or dig it in themselves.  Another option brought forward was to “average” the inlay cost so everyone paid the same cost for bringing the service from the road to the home, similar to the method use by gas coops.
• Desire for more public engagement opportunities to provide information and encourage hook ups.

We certainly look forward to seeing what happens as the county continues with this operation.

BITCOIN MINING CENTERS APPROVED   

At the February 18^th meeting of Clearwater County’s Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) they approved discretionary use development permits for the installation and operation of 3 power generation sites for Bitcoin Mining Centers.  These operations will be located in an undeveloped area in the northeastern part of the county, roughly 4 – 10 miles east of Hwy. 22, on the north side of the Medicine Lake Road.

While similar to data centers, Bitcoin Mining Centers are dedicated solely to enabling transactions related to the Bitcoin network.  Conversely, data centers are larger facilities designed to store, process, and manage large amounts of data for various applications.  

Both centers use large amounts of energy, though Bitcoin operations can scale their energy use up and down based on market conditions and energy prices.

The companies involved, NVS Engineering and Jayhawk Resources are both Alberta based, though NVS also has an office in Sheridan, Wyoming.

This will be another interesting matter to follow as it develops.

Up-Coming Events

• March 18, 2026, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall.  CCTA meeting with guest speaker MP William Stevenson.  
• April 8, 2026, 7:30PM, Leslieville Elks Hall.  CCTA meeting with guest speakers Mark Dorin and Jason Nixon to discuss the province’s proposed Mature Asset Strategy  to deal with regulations governing current and orphan wells.

 “May your heart be light and happy; may your smile be big and wide; and may your pockets always have a coin or two inside.”  Irish proverb.

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

• Caroline Area Structure Plan   Open House meetings held in Caroline on February 3, 2026 kicked off public engagement and the review of an Area Structure Plan for that hamlet.  As stated in the information handout, an ASP “is a statutory (legally binding) document that guides and informs the orderly development of a land area.”  It also stated, “For the Hamlet of Caroline, the ASP will establish a vision for the future of the community and will inform County decisions on future development.”

Following an informative presentation, along with a question/answer period, residents had the opportunity to personally speak with Planning staff at various tables.  Here the public could gather information as well as give opinions on residential, commercial, industrial, or recreation development.  One commonly noted concern continued to focus on the possible solar farm on the north side of Caroline.

The proposed timeline for the completion of this review is:

• January – February 2026.  Introduce the process and gather information from the community as well as through research.
• March – May 2026.  Complete a draft of the ASP, hold open house to gather feedback on the draft, and make necessary revisions to the draft.
• June 2026.  Present the draft to Council, hold a Public Hearing, and follow this with Council making a final decision on the document.

Special kudos to Council for their decision to do the work on this document “in house” with our county Planning Staff rather than hiring a consultant.

• Broadband   Work continues throughout the county on the installation of fibre optic cable with the ultimate goal to provide “Fibre to the Home” (FTTH) to a large portion of the county.  The fibre network is owned 100% by the county but interested Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) can lease the fibre network to offer their internet services to the residents.  This program allows a property to be connected from the fibre line at the municipal access point on the road to their home or business.

Information provided in the recent broadband newsletter on the initial hook up cost to residents states, “An early bird rate of $399 for the first 100m, plus $14/m beyond that, is currently available.  Once the overall network construction is completed, the standard rate of $1500 for the first 100m will apply.”

 Further information on broadband operations can be found in the first Broadband E-Newsletter that is available on the county’s website (clearwatercounty.ca/broadband).  This document provides excellent information on the history of the county’s actions on broadband as well as the current process.

Because there are still a lot of unanswered questions and concerns the Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association is organizing a Broadband Workshop on February 21, 2026 at 1:00PM at the Dovercourt Hall.  There will be a presentation on fibre optics vs. satellite, along with an opportunity for information, questions, and discussion on county broadband operations.

• Special Guest Speaker in March    Our recently elected Member of Parliament Mr. William Stevenson will be the guest speaker at the CCTA’s March meeting.  To accommodate his schedule the regular meeting date is being delayed one week to March 18, 2026 at 7:00PM at the Arbutus Community Hall.  This will be a great opportunity to gather information and express your concerns on matters related to federal politics.

• UP-COMING EVENTS

• February 11, 2026, 7:30PM, Leslieville Elks’ Hall, Regular CCTA meeting
• February 21, 2026, 1:00PM, Dovercourt Hall, Broadband Workshop
• March 18, 2026, 7:00PM, Arbutus Community Hall, CCTA meeting with Guest Speaker, MP William Stevenson

“Friendship is love without conditions, laughter without limits, and memories without end.” Anonymous