Category: Notes from Council

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

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

The month of May was relatively quiet for County Council; both regular meetings were only half-day. I was, however, invited to the Spring meeting of the Lake McGregor Country Estates Community Association on May 22^nd. This meet was very well attended by the membership and provided a two hour “information session” on all business items of the community, as well as Social Club matters. The meeting was well-organized and the volunteer board of directors each took turns speaking to a different item on the agenda. I was greatly impressed by the thoroughness of the presentation (over 1 hour, 50 minutes), as well as the quality of the questions asked and answers provided. While the community does have significant challenges, being only phase one of a development that was initially foreseen to have three phases, the board is diligent about infrastructure and facility maintenance, as well as working toward a longer-term agreement with the developer for these installations. Longer-term viability requires that the planned three phases of development are realized, especially when provincial and federal infrastructure grants are not available for a private community of both permanent and seasonal residents.   

Read More about Notes from Council, May 31, 2022

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

A budget meeting kicked-off a busy month of county business on April 5^th. All of council sits on the Budget Committee and this provided a second opportunity to review the budget since we first did in November. We reviewed required modifications from the interim budget with Administration.

Read More about Notes from Council, April 30, 2022

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

March started off with our regular meeting on the 9^th where we heard a presentation from STARS air ambulance providing an overview of their 2021 operations. We were able to finalize loan arrangements for the Carmangay Curling Association and the capital improvements that they are making to their facility. Also addressed was a minor land use bylaw amendment to rezone a parcel near Travers. We discussed the new draft recreation agreement with the Town of Vulcan as well.

Read More about Notes from Council, March 31, 2022