County passes Regional Emergency Bylaw amendments

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County council passed all three readings for bylaw 2024-16, being their Regional Emergency Bylaw during the June 4 regular meeting.

It was the recommendation of county administration that council approve all three readings of the bylaw as presented. 

“In 2019, Wheatland County passed the first regional emergency management bylaw which included a regional committee, agency, and a planning group. Through an annual housekeeping review, it was determined that the agency and the planning coordination group were duplicating effort, and it was determined that the agency could complete the duties of the planning and coordination group, and that the planning and coordination group could be removed,” said Michael Bourgon, manager of emergency and fire services for Wheatland County. “The review also recommended adding the City of Chestermere to the bylaw, as they are currently in our WREMP (Wheatland Regional Emergency Management Plan) and our partnership agreement.”

The annual housekeeping referred to by Bourgon took place Feb. 6, at which time the reviewing Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) officer recommended amendments to the existing regional emergency management bylaw, 2019-24.

These recommended changes were focused on refining procedures for regional partnerships, and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the agency, committee members, and all other involved stakeholders.

Other changes to the bylaw include clarified definitions of terms, grammar corrections, and organizational changes. 

Under the authority of the Emergency Management Act, the AEMA provides support to municipalities facing emergencies that are beyond their capacity.

This aid involves linking municipalities with the necessary resources to effectively manage the emergency event, as well as direct assistance to municipalities through field officers who deliver services and programs, including emergency management training, to elected officials and public service employees.  

The proposed amendments to the bylaw prior to its passing by council were noted to align and be in compliance with the Local Emergency Management Regulations, and the Provincial Emergency Management Act. 

Bourgon added the county’s revised bylaw was based on similar existing documents currently employed by other and surrounding municipalities.

“We did base this on other municipalities … we took their bylaw and we made sure that we kept it consistent so this would be the working very similar,” he said.

Council voted unanimously to pass first and second readings, permission to hold third reading, and the subsequent final reading during the same meeting of council. 

More information regarding the bylaw amendment is available via the council public meeting agenda through their website.