Anticipating film crews

Posted on: Staff Writer

From edition: May 2016 Strathmore Times

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Wheatland County has been the backdrop for various film productions in the past. On May 3, Wheatland County reviewed policy changes that will ensure production companies keep Wheatland’s residents’ concerns and safety in mind.
Councillor Ben Armstrong noted that emergent situations weren’t included in the policy, such as immediate filming needs due to weather.
“I suggest that council direct those requests to administration and give the CAO permission to deal with those issues,” said Armstrong.
The guidelines for film companies can be viewed under the May 3 Wheatland County agenda package.
Economic Development
Many municipalities are resorting to hiring economic development officers to attract business. Wheatland County is moving to develop an Economic Development board.
“We had interest from eight people with a pretty good mix from small business,” said CAO Alan Parkin.
He said some applicants had to be reconsidered, as they did not live in the county or did not have small business experience.
The county is currently applying for grants, so Parkin indicated that the positions weren’t currently paid as they have limited funding.
People put forward to work towards a mandate and structure for the board were Marci Field, Betty Jane Janzen, Dianne Brown, and Traci Cornett, along with council’s Alice Booth.
Salute to Slim Moorehouse
Commencing July 1, the Dimmrock family will pull ten grain tanks with 36 Percheron horses to commemorate the pull done by Slim Moorehouse for the 1925 Calgary Stampede. The pull will begin in Gleichen and make a route through Wheatland County, until it leaves the county on July 6. Council was approached to help with organization and presentation duties. The route can be seen in attachments to the May 3 Wheatland County agenda.
County Connector
Every two months a new and improved version of the County Connector will appear as an insert in the Strathmore Times.
It will change from being a page in the newspaper to a smaller size magazine format.
Staff propose that the regular communication will help build trust and relationships with ratepayers and increase understanding and engagement. The magazine will have more detailed information that is designed to keep ratepayers informed.
The publication and distribution is set for May 2016.