County environmental committee rolls out 2018 goals
By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor
With the approval in 2017 of an environmental plan for Wheatland County, the new council got an update on what 2018 goals would be.
“The environmental program allows Wheatland County to streamline projects and showcase environmental leadership of the municipality,” stated Alyssa Cumberland, environmental coordinator for the county.
The nine-page summary lists strategic plans and goal completion dates. It includes the following initiatives: environmental compliance, community consultation, compost and recycling including agricultural plastics, Crowfoot Creek restoration, environmental stewardship award, internal education and communication, agriculture conservation and water preservation, air quality with an idling initiative, planning and development, and transportation and infrastructure issues.
Fitness proclamation
Those with health and fitness goals for the new year have about six months to prepare to pat themselves on the back for National Health and Fitness Day. Wheatland County council approved acknowledging June 2, 2018 as an appropriate date to recognize health initiatives.
During an internship in the office of Senator Greene Raine, Justin Bergamini played a key role in the planning and delivery of the National Health and Fitness Day (NHFD), stating 300 communities across Canada would recognize that day.
Former Member of Parliament John Weston sponsored the bill and he indicated Statistics Canada showed a 45 per cent participation decline in sport activities for Canadians over age 15.
It is hoped Canadians will recognize the day by staging events, initiating fitness programs and by the public taking advantage of Canada’s beautiful outdoors with energetic activity.
Oxbow annexation on track
The 132.45 acres owned by Telsec Property Corporation that encompass the Oxbow Golf Course got one step closer to trading their country designation for an address in the Town of Strathmore. The company hopes to build senior housing around the golf course and planners said it would make sense to tap into Strathmore’s infrastructure. Wheatland County had to approve the move, as the current property falls within their jurisdiction.
“On March 2, 2016, Mayor (Michael) Ell wrote a letter to Reeve (Glenn) Koester and Wheatland County council that the town council had given favourable consideration to the annexation proposal with views to seek the county’s opinion on this matter,” stated Colton Nickel, Wheatland County senior planner.
He said Koester replied that in general the council indicated they were in favour of the move, but needed more information on the matter. Legal opinion noted no problems with the agreement. A fiscal breakdown analysis analyzed implications of the move. After review, it was determined that an amount of $92,588.10 would be requested by the county from the Town of Strathmore, as per the Municipal Governance Act, to cover lost tax revenue, any infrastructure investments and expenses in the conversion. The process is expected to be complete by 2022. Rural landowners in the affected area may see some changes to their taxes once annexation is complete.
Municipal planning commission gets go-ahead
Council told administration to forward names for municipal planning commission positions, after they passed third and final reading on Jan. 9. Once the commission is established, landowners and developers will be forwarding their requests for subdivision and development permits to the council, freeing up council hours for other issues. The first meeting will be on Jan. 23.
Marigold looks for building support
Buildings take money to build and the Marigold Library System board has appealed to Wheatland County to provide a $2 million to $4 million loan for their new headquarters, giving Wheatland County a repayment caveat against the building until the loan is repaid. The money is requested to supplement their current $6 million set aside from secured building grants and other financing. It is expected that at least $8 million will be needed for the building project budget. They have completed repairs and renovations in the existing building, hoping it will generate better sales revenue when the building sells.
Board chair Lynda Lyster hoped the county will consider a low interest loan, and pointed out that the residents of the county reap many benefits of having the Marigold Library System in the county. Wheatland County already supplements many of the area libraries with funds and contributes to the Marigold Library System on a per capita basis.
Based on the supplied information, council asked administration to bring the request back for a decision by council.
Monthly utility billing
Wheatland County is shifting to monthly utility bills starting in March 2018. The county will hold off January-February penalties, until notification can be made. Penalties will be charged in April, and any residual payments from the switch will appear on the March billing invoice.
New gravel pit
Wheatland County will pay $3,500 per acre for 62.5 acres to secure a gravel pit east of Strathmore. County staff anticipate over one million tonnes of gravel will be removed at the site.
“Having gravel pits and stockpiles of gravel products strategically located increases the productivity of road maintenance crews, and reduces cost and time to access materials when required,” said Dave Churchill, transportation and infrastructure manager for Wheatland County.”
The total price for land and gravel will cost just under $2.2 million.
The Alberta Sand and Gravel Association confirms that finding new gravel sources is becoming more difficult, and could jeopardize road quality and maintenance for municipalities with large road systems. Many provinces are looking for strategies to secure new sites. There is a movement to map gravel resources in the province and protect them for future needs.