Category: Notes from Council

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

November is a busier month for County Council. In addition to the two regular meetings there is always the Rural Municipalities of Alberta conference and meetings to review the interim budget for the forthcoming new year. For 2023, the County is forecasting a significant increase in its linear taxable assessment and consideration is being given as to how this might lower certain tax rates. Decisions will be finalized come Spring.

The November 5^th fundraiser for the District 20 Fire Association was a great success, raising over twenty four thousand dollars for rural fire protection. Donations received toward the event were generous. Ryan Fleetwood was in fine form in his capacity as the auctioneer. Those in attendance—a full house despite the weather—enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the association members. Their support for the auction broke previous records by a wide margin.

Read More about Notes from Council, November 30, 2022

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

On November 5^th the Champion Fire Association will be having their annual fundraiser at the Champion Community Hall. There are tickets still available. Beef and bison will be served. Ryan Fleetwood will auction a unique selection of items. It will be an enjoyable evening as we celebrate our rural fire protection service.

County Council will consider Second Reading of the Linear Tax Incentive Bylaw on November 2^nd. At the October 19^th meeting, I proposed a Notice of Motion outlining the reasons why Council should consider delaying this item until our Municipal Development Plan (MDP) has been updated. It includes a letter from Division 6 resident, Leslie Warren, as well as excerpts from the 2012 Vulcan County MDP, the 2021 Vulcan County and Village of Lomond Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP), and the 2021 M.D. of Pincher Creek MDP; you can find it on my website.

Read More about Notes from Council, October 29, 2022

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.

Read More about Notes from Council, September 30, 2022

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.   

Read More about Notes from Council, August 31, 2022

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.

Read More about Notes from Council, July 29, 2022

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

It’s amazing the difference a little rain will bring! Everything is much greener in Vulcan County.

There were two meetings of the County Council this month, as well as an all-day Governance and Priorities meeting to work on our strategic plan for the next four years. All councillors were provided the opportunity to identify key priorities and staff provided input from each of their departments. It was a long but insightful day. We plan to review a draft document with staff at the next Governance and Priorities meeting.

Read More about Notes from Council, June 30, 2022