Wheatland County responds to emergencies

Times Contributor   

 

The Emergency Response Plan developed by Gerald Skibinsky, Protective Services manager has received positive response in the community.

“The villages went over the process and were impressed with what the county has here. They were considering taking it back and implementing it in their own areas,” said Skibinsky.

He was hoping to have an Emergency Response mock event set sometime during the winter months. 

He reminded council about a meeting set for Oct 9 in the afternoon, where WADEMSA issues will be discussed.

The fire service review is right on track with technical proofing set to conclude by Sept. 30. Skibinsky said they expect the first draft will be done by Oct. 3 and a presentation of the report may be as early as Oct. 15.

The August Protective Services stats showed 119 violations with 90 traffic offences and one overweight ticket. They continue to assist the RCMP with seven calls, one EMS assist and four assists to other county departments. There were eight animal control calls, two environmental investigations and four general reporting matters.

Officers have increased their hours of service to coverage earlier and later in the day. 

“We have had positive feedback from the ratepayers. We have had several phone calls thanking us for being out there,” said Officer Kevin Taylor.

 

Off road bylaw

Council approved the Off Road Vehicle bylaw through second and third readings. The bylaw included the changes requested by council from the public hearing, which included no helmet requirement, no speed limit, farm vehicle use exemptions, hours of operation changes and exemptions for highway vehicles with specific requirements approved by the county Chief Administrative Officer.

“So off road vehicles can be used in a hamlet, if the owner and operator have a working access agreement with the County?” asked Councillor Don Vander Velde, to address concerns put forward by hamlet residents in the past.

County Peace Officers confirmed they could, if they have the working access agreement and they abide by the other terms designated in the bylaw.