IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

URGENT NOTICE

The latest Municipal Development Plan draft has been completed and up-coming meetings are planned BUT there has been very little publicity to inform people of what’s happening so we are here to do that.

Noticeable parts of the draft are:

NO CHANGE to the troublesome number of subdivisions out of a quarter. 

The new draft states:

· Section 10.2.1: The maximum number of titled parcels that is allowed to be created in a quarter section designated Agriculture District shall be three (3)…. Any new parcels or titles created shall come out of an un-subdivided quarter section or the largest agricultural parcel within a previously subdivided quarter section.

· Section 10.2.2: Notwithstanding policy 10.2.1, Clearwater County may approve the subdivision of a fourth (4th) title in a quarter section for residential or non-residential use…..

Size of parcels

· Section 10.2.5: For residential parcel in the Agriculture District…that includes all or part of an existing farmstead, the parcel size shall be no less that …2.25 acres and no greater than …7acres…

· Section 10.2.6: For a residential parcel in the Agriculture District…that does not include an existing farmstead, the parcel size shall be no less than…2.25 acres and not greater than…5.00acres.

· Section 10.2.7: For an agricultural small holding parcel within the Agriculture District…the parcel size shall be no less than… 8 acres and no greater than…20acres.

NOTICE OF MEETINGS

1. August 3, 2022: Leslieville Community Centre, Session 1: 3:00PM – 4:30PM; Session 2: 7:00PM –8:30PM

2. August 4, 2022: Virtual/zoom meeting, 7:00PM – 8:30PM

3. August 6, 2022: Nordegg Public Services Building, 2:00PM – 3:30PM

4. August 10,2022: Lou Soppit Centre, Rocky Mountain House, 3:00PM – 4:30PM; 7:00PM – 8:30PM

5. August 11, 2022: Caroline Community Hub, 3:00PM – 4:30PM; 7:00PM – 8:30PM

CONCERNS

Lack of publicity. As of today, July 26, 2022 the only information about the draft of the MDP and the up-coming meetings has been on the County website. While the notice of the meeting is easily seen on the website, finding the copy of the draft is not. One has to check out various links on the menu before actually finding the draft of the document. This is very frustrating and time consuming, especially for people that are not tech savy. Furthermore there are many county residents, especially our older ones, that do not even have computers. To ignore their opportunity to be informed is absolutely wrong. It was very strongly indicated last year that the most effective way of informing people was through large, eye-catching ads in the Western Star.

Timing of meetings. First of all it is very inconsiderate of the farming sector to have meetings now when they are very busy in the fields trying to get haying/silaging done. Also, other people may be on holidays and unable to attend. Then to have the meetings in the afternoon and evening is another indication of the lack of consideration for the farmers as that is just the time when the hay would be ready for baling, making it impossible to attend. THAT IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.

This MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN is a very important document and it is crucial that we have the greatest opportunity for input. PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO YOUR FRIENDS. ENCOURAGE THEM, IF POSSIBLE, TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS AS WELL AS CALL THEIR COUNCILLOR WITH THEIR OPINIONS/CONCERNS. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Coming Events: Check above schedule for MDP Review Meetings

September 14, 2022, CCTA Regular monthly meeting, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

New CAO 

At their May 24, 2022 council meeting Clearwater County Council ratified the appointment of Rick Emmons as our Chief Administrative Office (CAO). Following the resignation of our previous CAO Christopher Read in February, Murray Haggan had been the Interim CAO. Rick brings back years of municipal government experience at all levels and had been our highly respected CAO from 2018 – 2021. We certainly welcome him back along with the integrity and dedication he brings to the position.

RAMP Meeting 

At our May 11, 2022 CCTA meeting we hosted John Knapp, a consultant with Parkland County. He gave a very informative presentation on RAMP, the Regional Agricultural Management Plan that had been developed by 13 rural and urban municipalities in the Edmonton area. He began his presentation by giving alarming figures on the distinct increase in food needs, while at the same time, an amazing amount of food producing land is being lost to urban sprawl. He cautioned/advised all rural municipalities to consider protecting such land as they develop their related municipal plans/documents. We hope that this might provide significant “food for thought” as our county moves forward with the Municipal Development Plan review.

MDP Review 

Through recent communication with the Planning Department, we have learned that the Municipal Development Plan is still under review and a request for a copy of the proposed new draft is unavailable. Council and the Planning Department did meet with Parkland Regional Planning consultant Craig Teal on Thursday, May 12, 2022 but that meeting was not open to the public and no information has been provided from it. As for a timeline for public engagement on the matter, it has been hinted that public meetings might take place in July/August with the final document to be approved in November.

The timing of public engagement to be held in July/August is particularly troubling as people are either on holidays or busy in the hayfield. There is absolutely no excuse for this.

Planning could’ve reviewed the comments from last year in the fall, presented a summary to Council in January and then completed a revised draft in February/March. They could have presented this to Council in April and public engagement meetings could’ve been held in May/June.

When will consideration of/value for public opinion become a top priority?? It is the taxpayers of this county that will ultimately be the most affected in every way, and all efforts should be made to provide the greatest opportunity for their input. July/August doesn’t cut it.

Broadband Issues

Following motions passed at the Council meeting on May 24, 2022, the internal problems with broadband issues continue. Up for discussion/decision at that meeting was 3rd reading of a bylaw to establish a Broadband Committee. First of all a motion was made by Councillor Mehlaff to table 3rd reading until the newly appointed CAO, Rick Emmons, could be brought up to speed on the current matter. This motion was defeated 4-3 with Reeve Lougheed and Councillors Mehlaff and Ratcliffe voting in favor while Councillors Graham, Northcott, Cermak, and Swanson opposed the delay.

Councillor Swanson then moved to grant 3rd reading of the proposed bylaw to establish a Broadband Committee. This motion passed 5-2 with Reeve Lougheed and Councillors Graham, Northcott, Cermak, and Swanson in favor; Councillors Mehlaff and Ratcliffe opposed. (Note: There had previously been a Broadband Committee of which all councillors were members, but it had not met for some time and was disbanded earlier this year.)

Following the passing of that motion to establish a Broadband Committee, Councillor Swanson then moved that the Committee members include Reeve Lougheed and Councillors Mehlhaff, Graham, Northcott, Cermak, and Swanson. Councillor Ratcliffe was excluded. This motion passed 5-2 with the same people voting for/against as the motion above. Consequently, in any future discussions/meetings of the Broadband Committee Councillor Ratcliffe will not be involved, and the opportunity for council to hear valuable information on broadband operations will be thwarted.

Furthermore, from this voting pattern, along with the comments/discussion during the meetings it seems there is a real divide on council on broadband issues, a matter that has (and will continue to) cost the county millions of questionable dollars. It seems that there is a distinct reluctance by administration to listen to, or value, input from someone with practical, first-hand knowledge on this subject. To support that reluctance for quality information, questionable rationale is sometimes being put forward to council to “justify” the need for a very pointed Broadband Policy and now an exclusive Broadband Committee. It seems that the majority of council accepts the presented rationale instead of pausing to reflect on MGA guidelines, the integrity of their teammate involved, and the real benefits of hearing proven expertise.

In our efforts to work for the common good of county taxpayers, the CCTA has requested a review of this troublesome situation by the Office of the Ombudsman.

No summer meetings 

As per normal, we will not be holding meetings in July and August but we will try to keep you informed of MDP review happenings with pages in the Western Star if necessary.

Coming Events:

Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, regular meeting Wednesday, October 12, 2022, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, regular meeting.

FUNNY THOUGHT FOR THE SUMMER

1. What did the pig say at the beach on a hot summer’s day??? I’m bacon.

2. Why is a ball game a good place to go on a hot day??? Because there are lots of fans.

3. When do you go on red and stop on green?? When eating a watermelon.

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

FOIP Reply 

As noted in our March newsletter the CCTA had made a FOIP request to gather information on broadband expenses to date, as well as a proposed business plan. Last week we received a reply with the noted information:

· “…a search…failed to retrieve any records specific to your request for Items 1 to 3”. (1… costs of fibre optic cable installation on the Sundre, Ferrier, and Nordegg backbone projects; 2… cost to install fibre from the County border to Olds; 3… copy of the business plan including capital costs, operating costs, and projected revenues)

· “However being as the County is responsive and compliant with FOIP legislation … the County decided to produce the attached financial reports responsive to Items 1 & 2”.

· “In regard to your request for Item 3, I’m confirming no record exists at this time, as it is currently under development.”

· From the information that was provided a total of $11,636,827.90 has been spent on the broadband backbone projects in Ferrier, out to Nordegg, and towards Caroline, Sundre and Olds.

· Of the above amount, a total of $2,973,956.96 has been spent on POP (Point of Presence) facilities that will house “connection” locations/operations. POP facilities are being set up in Rocky, Ferrier, Nordegg, Caroline, Olds, and Calgary. The information gathered on the size of a facility needed in each location varies from a “small bar-sized fridge type cupboard” to an ATCO sized trailer. The cost to date for the Rocky POP is $1,653,604.01.

There continues to be confusing information regarding the “need” to go to Olds, our involvement with O-Net (a now municipally controlled internet service provider) and the need for a POP in Calgary. It is equally troubling to find out about the lack of information being given to Council on this whole matter, when they are the ones who are responsible for making fiscally reasonable decisions on our behalf.

Strategic Plan Review 

As noted in our March Beacon, the Strategic Plan is currently under review. This document guides Council and Administration in developing general communications and operational plans. In an effort to help provide an opportunity for public input, we will be hosting Doug Griffiths, the consultant from 13 Ways at our up-coming April 13th meeting. He will begin with a presentation and then open the floor to public comments/questions. We encourage you to come and bring a friend to help provide valuable input into the development of a document that has a future impact on all taxpayers.

Caroline Seniors’ Housing Project 

A very informative public meeting was held in Caroline on March 28th to present information on a potential seniors’ housing plan. While there is a possible plan for a facility that could provide 3 levels of care (independent living, lodge living, and supportive 24-7 care) it was noted that likely the most financially beneficial facility should focus on the independent and lodge type living. 

Floor plans and descriptions of the amenities in the 3 story facility were presented, with options for 2 bedroom “apartments” with balconies for independent living along with the 1 bedroom lodge living suites. Provision would be made for dining, visitor, and recreation areas. A proposed budget of $16M was presented along with a 5 year start to finish action plan/timeline. It was also noted that a cooperative, community stake-holder model would be beneficial in order to receive government grant funding. We wish all those involved the very best and congratulate them on their efforts to allow our seniors to happily “age in place” in our community.

Municipal Development Plan Review 

There is no new information on the County’s review of the Municipal Development Plan, HOWEVER, the CCTA will be hosting John Knapp, a representative from Parkland County at our May 11, 2022 meeting. Parkland County is one of 13 municipal jurisdictions (both urban and rural) that worked cooperatively in 2021 to develop RAMP a Rural Agricultural Management Plan. Their efforts came as a result of concerns related to the potentially negative impact of urban sprawl and the need to protect agricultural land. We are very excited to hear about their efforts/concerns with the hope that the information presented will be helpful as our county moves forward with our MDP review. We hope to see you at this meeting…along with all your friends.

Coming Events:

Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, Regular monthly meeting with guest speaker, Doug Griffiths on the county’s Strategic Plan review.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, Regular monthly meeting with guest speaker John Knapp speaking on the Rural Agricultural Management Plan developed in the Edmonton area.

Smiles for April: What kind of jewellery does the Easter Bunny wear? 14 carrot gold. What happened to the Easter Bunny when he misbehaved at school? He was eggspelled.

Caroline Seniors Housing

Public meeting, Monday, March 28, 2022 at the Caroline Hub

Display viewing begins at 6:30PM

Formal presentation at 7:00PM

Discussion to follow on the proposed Seniors Housing project.

Everyone welcome.

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

County/Village of Caroline Amalgamation

This matter was recently discussed at the February 22, 2022 County Council meeting. An earlier study/suggestion had evaluated the possibility of a union of the town of Rocky, village of Caroline, and Clearwater County. This subsequently determined that the most beneficial plan would be a simpler union of just the county and village. At council’s recent meeting a consulting firm, Nichols Applied Management, provided the following information:

· The village has a balanced operating budget but a sizable infrastructure deficit.

· Without assistance, the village is facing a potential dissolution.

· The County, as the adjacent governing body, would then be required to absorb the village.

· The County has the capacity to absorb the village without a substantial adverse financial impact.

If an amalgamation were to proceed, this would be the scenario:

· Negotiations with the two jurisdictions would occur.

· The village would give up its status as a village and return to a hamlet in the county.

· The county would be responsible for delivering services to Caroline. Existing staff would become part of the county.

· A transition team comprised of representatives of both the county and village would address consolidation matters.

Discussion will now take place between Caroline village council, Clearwater County council, and Municipal Affairs. We encourage residents of each area are to contact their councillors to express their opinions/concerns.

Regional Waste Authority 

After termination of the previous Rocky Mountain Regional Waste Authority in March 2020 our county waste disposal has been operating independently. Certainly we are likely all aware of the changes that have occurred with the town transfer station, opening of a new one up by the airport, and the uses of county waste disposal cards. At the February county council meeting matters related to waste disposal were discussed, most notably:

· A Net Asset Distribution Agreement between the town, village, and county is proposed. Information provided indicates that as of December 31, 2020 there was an accumulated surplus of $7.4M with a net cash and temporary investment of $11M. The Distribution Agreement proposes that the Net Asset Value be distributed as follows: 65.03% to the county, 33.13% to the town, and 1.84% to the village.

· The future of the county’s solid waste management is under review with the assistance of Tetra Tech Canada. Currently the county operates 9 rural transfer stations, one “temporary” transfer station (the one up by the airport), and a Regional Landfill. Together county staff and Tetra

Tech will evaluate current operations and outline a plan for the future. It is anticipated that public engagement will also occur, potentially through mail-out surveys, on-line surveys, virtual meetings, and open house meetings. We will keep you posted.

Strategic Plan 

The Strategic Plan is a document that helps guide county council with planning and economic development policies. Following a motion made at their February 8th meeting, council moved to replace the current 2019-2022 Strategic Plan with a new one for 2022-2025. 13 Ways Inc. has been hired as consultants for this process. At their most recent meeting, Council approved an additional $32,000 in cost for the project, for a total of $51,975.00. This increase was approved to help cover consultant costs due, in part, to increased public engagement. We are not sure what public engagement activities may be involved.

CAO Position 

Following the resignation of Christopher Read, Deputy CAO, Murray Hagan was appointed Interim CAO. The process has now started to hire a permanent CAO and this will likely take 2-3 months.

Broadband 

As mentioned in previous newsletters this continues to be a contentious issue due to the lack of financial information available. On Wednesday, February 16, 2022 the CCTA filed a FOIP request asking for information on the costs and projected revenues for the county’s broadband activities to date along with future plans. We will share this information when it becomes available.

Smiles for March: 

What is a leprechaun’s favorite type of music? Sham-rock’n roll. 

What do ghosts drink on St. Patrick’s Day? BOO’s 

How can you tell if an Irishman is having a good time? He’s Dublin over with laughter.

Coming Events: 

Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 7:30PM, Regular monthly meeting, Arbutus Com. Hall

Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 7:30PM, Regular monthly meeting, Arbutus Community Hall.

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Coe

Broadband 

This continues to be a troubling topic both in Council chambers and in the community. At the January 11th Council meeting Councillor Ratcliffe brought forward 2 motions essentially promoting the opportunities for this new council to get further information on improving connectivity in the county. Throughout the discussion he was repeatedly being accused of pecuniary interest, most notably by the CAO at that time. While Councillor Ratcliffe does have a vested interest in Light Link Technologies, his motions were simply an attempt to suggest information opportunities that would enable this council to make potentially more beneficial decisions on broadband. No contract or actual business ventures were involved so the accusation of pecuniary interest was questionable.

In the end a motion to invite local ISP’s to make presentations to council was passed. We hope that these opportunities will provide council with valuable information.

In the meantime, we hosted Phil Swanson from Missing Link at our January 12th CCTA meeting. Missing Link currently operates 30 towers in Clearwater County and has 300 customers in our area. Here are some noteworthy points gathered from that meeting:

· Fibre optic cable is not the complete answer. It is very costly to install but definitely useful when towers aren’t efficient in our topography. A combination of both towers and cable is necessary.

· Starlink is currently putting up numerous Low Orbit Satellites and this is a positive venture. Future service may, however, become a problem as usage increases and weather interferes.

· The County is currently installing 144 strand fibre in its backbone projects while most ISP’s are using 24 strand. It is definitely questionable why businesses directly involved with broadband operations have found it workable to use a more reasonably priced product. Apparently 144 strand is 3 times as expensive.

· The need to put fibre optic cable all the way to Olds to connect to O-Net remains a HUGE question. Originally the need was “justified” to avoid “redundancy” and to ensure constant service should local providers “go down”. Currently there are 4 local internet service providers in Rocky (Bell/Axia, Shaw, Zao, and Telus). While they use only 2 “channels “ of fibre optic cable, the chances of a total malfunction by all 4 is highly unlikely.

Moreover, O-Net is in very serious financial trouble. As reported in the January 5, 2022 issue of Mountain View Today, O-Net currently has a “debt and a line of credit totalling $18 million” and its future is uncertain.

Why are we even thinking of spending $3-4 million of our tax dollars to put fibre in the ground to connect to an operation that might also end up “in the ground”? It is urgent that Council get complete accurate information on our current expenditures on this endeavor, along with O-Net’s future. Clearwater County taxpayers should not be on the hook for something we absolutely may not benefit from.

Fire Truck Purchase 

A more recent issue has been raised regarding the purchase of a new ladder truck to replace a 20 year old unit. As this would be a purchase involving Clearwater Regional Fire Services, both town and county are involved.

This issue was discussed at length at the January 25th County Council meeting with excellent information and questions begin brought forward by both councillors and staff. It might be worth your time to watch the meeting on your computer.

The county has approved a budget of up to $1.8M for this purchase while the town is budgeting $1.2M on this shared responsibility. Although the need for replacement is recognized there are some questions that remain:

· Why is a 100 ft. ladder necessary, rather than the current length of 75 ft.?

· Why is a “Pierce” truck needed instead of the more reasonable “Rosenbauer”? (The comment has been heard that this is like comparing a Cadillac to a more reasonably priced GM product.)

· Would putting the procurement of this truck out to tender result in a better price?

This matter will be discussed further by an Intermunicipal Collaboration Committee and then brought back to each council for approval.

Municipal Development Plan 

Council recently directed the Planning Department to review last year’s public engagement comments, make revisions, and bring back a revised draft to Council. The process for more public engagement is also being reviewed.

As mentioned earlier the CCTA had made a request under FOIP to get copies of the comments made during public engagement opportunities organized by the county. We did receive copies and presented the results at our January 12th meeting. We hope you enjoy the summary below. Option 1 included phone calls, letters, and comments made during the various meetings. Option 2 included comments made online and through social media.

SUMMARY OF OPINIONS RE THE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW

Import opportunity   Supportive of        Opposed to        Supportive     Opposed

                                    MDP changes       MDP changes      of process      to process               

Option 1                              43                        100                        0                    47

Option 2                              37                         66                         1                    17

Total                                    80                        166                        1                    64

Funny February Questions: 

Who always has a date on Valentine’s Day?? A calendar.  

What did one boat say to another on Valentine’s Day? Are you up for a little row-mance?

What did the ghost say to his valentine? You look so BOOtiful!!

Coming Events: 

Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, regular meeting

Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, regular meeting

IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

Breaking News 

Christopher Read, CAO for Clearwater County has resigned, effective February 13, 2022. Mr. Read joined the County’s Administration team officially on June 1, 2021 and will be leaving his position here to take on a new position in Jasper.

Welcome to New (and Returning) Board Members 

As a result of our Annual General Meeting in November we welcome one new board member, one returning after a brief absence, and one taking on a new position, along with six returnees. The 2022 Board is as follows: President: Marianne Cole; Vice-President: Tim Plante (former Director); Secretary: Susan Durand; Treasurer: Pat Butler; Directors: Jim Foesier, Al Gaetz, Larry Titford, Ken Qually (returning after brief absence) and Ron Schultz (new member). We thank Helge Nome who continues as our Communications Coordinator, managing our website, and former Board Member Jim Pearson for his long time support. We look forward to working together for the benefit of taxpayers in our county.

2022 Budget 

Earlier in December our County Council met to deliberate the 2022 Operating and Capital Budgets. A simplified chart of the proposed figures for revenues and expenses is included below:

Clearwater County's 2022 Proposed Budget Information

Description                  2021 Budget                  2022 Proposed               Increase/ Decrease

Operating Revenues   $53,502,641                    $54,502,641                     +$1,000,000

Capital Revenues        $4,190,834                     $16,771,250                      +$12,580,416

Total Revenues           $57,693,475                   $71,273,891                      +$13,580,416

Operating Expenses    $60,444,314                   $63,022,071                       +$2,577,757

Capital Expenses        $41,007,981                    $52,379,099                      +$11,371,118

Total Expenses           $101,452,295                 $115,401,170                     +$13,948,875

                                                                                                                     a 13% Increase

Note: Operating expenses include items for the daily operation of the County such as utilities, salaries, etc. Capital expenses include special projects like road building, equipment purchases, etc.

The difference in revenue and expenses is expected to be resolved by accessing money from our reserves. There is also a potential that council could approve a tax increase when that deliberation takes place in a couple of months.

Interesting comparisons: Red Deer County’s projected 2021 Capital and Operating Expenses were $98,520,561, while the budgeted expenses for 2022 are being REDUCED about $20M to $78,407,869.

Their expense budget is $36,993,301 LESS than Clearwater County’s. In addition, Lacombe County’s 2022 budget shows a combined expense total of $81, 365, 060 which is $34,036,110 less than ours.

(Note: The 2021 figures for all jurisdictions were the ones projected last year and won’t be verified until Audited Financial Statements are provided in April/May.)

Broadband 

This continues to be a topic of varied opinion and questionable cost. In the December 21st Mountaineer it was reported the Councillor Ratcliffe put forward a Notice of Motion to invite Missing Link ( a local Internet Service Provider/ISP) to join Council in an in camera information meeting. Missing Link is a well-known, successful ISP who could provide this Council with very helpful, practical information on broadband operations. The CCTA has repeatedly suggested that Council and Administration could benefit greatly from gathering information from the “people with their feet on the ground” as the success and continued operation of their businesses depend on making sound financial decisions.

We trust that this current Council will value the opportunity to gather needed practical, proven information and pass Councillor Ratcliffe’s motion at their up-coming January 11, 2022 meeting. We would certainly encourage meetings with other ISP’s as well.

Clearwater Regional Fire and Rescue Services 

As many of you may have heard, our Clearwater Regional Fire Chief has resigned. A number of rumors have surfaced, but as this is a confidential matter, the CCTA cannot publish/put forward any information. It is the duty of the County and Town Councils, along with Administration, to deal with this issue.

Guest Speaker Coming

Because of the importance of hearing/learning valuable information on improving broadband connectivity in a financially responsible manner, we will be hosting Phil Swanson from Missing Link at our January 12, 2022 meeting. We urge everyone to come and bring a friend to this open, hopefully informative, presentation.

UP-COMING MEETINGS: Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, Guest speaker, Phil Swanson from Missing Link; Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, Regular Meeting.

THOUGHT FOR THE NEW YEAR: “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” Edith Lovejoy Pierce.