Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

While Division 6 contains three recreation districts and three fire districts, I had the pleasure of attending the District 20 (Champion) Fire Protection Association meeting at the end of August. Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, I was not able to attend their meeting on September 27^th. I can report, however, that tickets are now available for the District 20 Fire Protection Association Annual Fundraiser on November 5th and will be available until October 28^th. Doors will open at the Champion Community Hall at 4:30 PM; the meal and silent auction are unlikely to disappoint. Please come out for an enjoyable evening in support of our volunteer fire protection service in the Champion District. All district fire halls provide integrated fire protection for the whole of Vulcan County, when and as required. The fundraising efforts of even one fire association remains a critical piece in maintaining affordable levels of service for municipal partners, as well as updated equipment purchases for our volunteers.

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

August had two meetings of County Council. Much progress has been made on the new industrial park as well as on road construction and maintenance for 2022, this despite some equipment being down for repair.

I was able to work with a division resident on proposing a land use bylaw amendment that would have allowed large cisterns and sceptic tanks for five years prior to the development of a primary structure (excluding the hamlets, being intended for reservoir vicinity or rural general). While we were not successful in moving this bylaw to public hearing, there are understandable reasons why Council took this position and the discussion with Council remained very worthwhile; the planning department is always open to discussing how our land use bylaw might be amended. These conversations are important for all stakeholders in the development and planning process. If you have ideas or concerns regarding Vulcan County’s development standards, please feel free to bring them forward to me. If I can see the merits of your case, I am happy to assist in refining and presenting it to the rest of County Council. Either way, I’m always happy to have a conversation regarding these matters.   

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

              July began by celebrating the 111^th anniversary of the Village of Champion. In May, I saw Dale Groves at a Lions meeting in Milo and he invited me to participate in the parade they were organizing for July 2^nd. As it turned out, Kelly and Gord Nelson were planning on participating in the Champion events regardless, and Councillor Nelson was willing to join me in the parade.

              The Nelsons enjoy collecting and restoring old cars, trucks and rare equipment. Champion’s parade was just the excuse Gord needed to drive us in one of his favourite items, an antique Toro mower that originally came from a golf course in Calgary. Kelly fitted it out with two lawn chairs. Gord secured the lever for the dump box so that he wouldn’t accidently “unload us” on the street. I organized the signs, the magnets and the candy. We were ready to roll! … Thank you to the Champion Community for a memorable and fun cruise through the village.