Division 2 candidates address issues

Times Contributor 

 

The Wheatland County Division 2 election forum, held on Oct. 7 in the Gleichen Community Hall, brought out many issues affecting Division 2 over the past four years. 

“I have decided to run for council because I believe it’s time for a new voice to represent both the hamlets and rural issues. We have issues that need to be addressed,” said Division 2 candidate Ian Mast. 

Mast, along with Russell Smith, Kevin Miller, Colin Smith, Rex Harwood and Jacki Kirk, are all hoping to be the voice that helps solves issues for the division during the next four years.

“I was happy to find out there were six candidates, with five here tonight. That means we are an active community, we are involved in the community and we are concerned about it,” said Colin Smith. Rex Harwood was unable to attend the forum.

The candidates outlined several issues they say need attention in the county, including the lack of development or business growth; crumbling infrastructure in hamlets; lack of communication between Wheatland County and its residents; the opposition of residents to the closing of local schools; the need for clean drinking water; and the need for improvements for inter-relationships between other towns, hamlets, rural areas and the Siksika reserve.

There was a call for a public accounting of money spent and area needs assessments to be done by Wheatland County. It was suggested the Municipal Development Plan and Area Service Plans needed changes to aid development and commercial/industrial investment in the region. The idea of hiring an economic development officer was suggested and whether industrial areas outside of current established zones could be allowed.

A question from the audience prompted a discussion that small business permits needed to be developed, rather than requiring all businesses to go through the lengthy development permit process. It was suggested improved curb appeal and unsightly property cleanup would boost property value and increased investment in the community. Exorbitant utility hook-up fees were said to deter people from moving into county hamlets. A 711 number for direct dispatch of bylaw officers was suggested.

Some candidates said when Gleichen went to hamlet status, maintenance had suffered. A dedicated maintenance person assigned to the hamlets was one preferred solution. Others suggested seasonal public works assignments with regular follow-up on the projects. It was put forward that residents should be able to talk to public works staff for maintenance requests, rather than addressing issues to the councillor for referral. 

When and where council meetings were held was discussed, with suggestions of holding evening meetings, and council travelling to alternate towns and hamlets. Improved communication was said to be needed and could be improved by establishing community boards, round table discussions by community leaders, improving current technology and the county website, posting notices and holding more open houses to inform the public on county issues. Better signs on the highway were discussed and residents want them updated. Fire ban signs were also wanted throughout the county.

The closing of the Gleichen school was a deep concern. One measure was for county councillors to vote down the Eastland School development permit. All the candidates agreed busing elementary students was bad for the children and the community, and they said they had grave concerns about the safety of children at a school built between two secondary highways. All candidates agreed that a local school was an economic draw and a centre of the community.

Candidates were divided on the water issues, with some supporting piped in water and others wanting an updated Gleichen plant, filtration and better treatment or topping up the Glechen reservoir when levels were low. There was also a mention of concerns over safe drinking water, of water rights and how the water grants were used.

Panhandling and alcohol abuse in Gleichen and Cluny downtown cores was discussed. It was suggested a co-ordinated effort be implemented by the hamlets, the RCMP and the Siksika council to help solve the addiction problems of those creating disturbances, with a possibility of developing a co-operative AADAC program. Changing the hours liquor could be purchased was mentioned as a deterrent.

There was open discussion with the public after the audience question period, and all candidates welcomed residents to contact them to discuss their platform. Election stations will be set up in Gleichen and the county office on Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.