Who let the dogs out?

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Wheatland County is working with Siksika Nation to try to solve the stray dog problem in the Gleichen area.
Stuart Larson, Wheatland County’s emergency, protective and fire services manager, said he met with Siksika justice administration to coordinate some solutions to the dilemma.
“Apparently the situation is a little worse further south of the border (Wheatland County and Siksika reserve), closer to the tail end,” said Larson. “We are making a commitment to work together and try to solve the problem.”
Peace officers were encouraged to find some new non-lethal alternative capture methods. One idea is the use of net-guns, which fire a net to capture animals. These types of guns are widely used in wildlife and research operations.
“The dogs are getting smarter, so when they see the cars they are taking off,” said Larson.
Siksika administration is moving forward to require licensing for owned dogs on the reserve.

What to do with the old Cluny Hall?
County council approved moving forward with acquiring the old Cluny Hall that had been up for bidding through negligent taxation rules. The county stated there had been a few complaints about the abandoned property, so staff did an environmental assessment.
“There was a very low risk that there could be an environmental hazard on it,” said Brian Henderson, Wheatland County’s corporate and financial services general manager. “So with this property, there is a vacant building on it that will need to be demolished and taken away.”
The cost for the demolition would be $33,500. If there are contaminants found in the demolition process it may require additional funds. The building is not viable for restoration.
“What happens if we don’t do this?” asked Councillor Tom Ikert. “This is $35,000 and the guy that owns the property now doesn’t want to spend the $35,000. With it being in Cluny, if we hang on to it, in 30 or 40 centuries it will be worth $35,000 for that lot.”
The other option was to leave it as it exists. Henderson restated there have been complaints and for safety factors it should be dealt with. Councillor Ben Armstrong said legal costs may take up an equivalent amount in order to get the owner to clean up the property, and once the property was cleaned up it might have better sales value.

WADEMSA fee increases considered
County council is considering raising the amount of money per capita that is transferred to Wheatland and District Emergency Medical Association (WADEMSA) dispatch.
“The fees historically were $2, ever since dispatch started. Since we were acquired by Alberta Health Services, they don’t fund our dispatch anymore. After a lengthy review by the board, to keep our dispatch and to pay for it would cost about $8 per cap,” said Deputy Reeve Glenn Koester. “The biggest draw is it is a local dispatch. Our dispatchers know (the area and residents) and they are also now getting first responders out. We were having issues with Alberta Health Services getting first responders out in a timely manner. We are tracking that and the only way we can do that is through our dispatch.”
Koester said other municipalities in the county were contacted on the increases and supported the raise. He emphasized that the issue is not just about money, it is also about the quality of service for ratepayers.

Safety code contractor
Some of Wheatland County’s business goes to contractors who supply service to the county. One of those is safety inspections on construction activity in the county. Park Enterprises Incorporated of Lethbridge was chosen from the tenders for the new contract. The contract runs for three years, 2019-2022.
Councillor Tom Ikert asked about the criteria for choosing the company from the applicants.
“Staff went through a number of requirements. Pricing was one of them, but not the only one. There was also qualifications of the staff, the system they use that complies more to what our system is, experience and of course reference checks,” said Alan Parkin, Wheatland County’s chief administrative officer.
There were 174 development permits received and reviewed last year.