AAMDC P P P ANT ANT

ANT | Centennial Logo ONE 2767 ONE 124 ONE 422 rural routes summer 08•issue33 Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties Canadian ForcesBaseSuffield AAMDC TurnsOneHundred Keeping theLightsOn Fighting theSpread Cypress County& of Clubroot inside in Alberta message from the editor gerald rhodes

This edition of Rural Routes saw us travelling to Cypress table of contents County. Long known as a member of the Badlands, Cypress County is also a prime example of a municipality Message from the Editor...... 1 that is working to serve an increasingly urban population The AAMDC Turns One Hundred...... 2 while preserving its rural Albertan roots. Local Decision-Makers Maintain Important Role Our trip took us from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Under Draft Land-Use Framework...... 5 Suffield to the Cypress Hills Provincial Park and on to the Keeping the Lights On in Alberta...... 9 hamlet of Dunmore. We also got a tour of the County’s newest hamlet, Desert Blume. Cypress County — Working to Bridge the Rural-Urban Divide...... 12 Desert Blume is the first hamlet in the County that is being built to urban standards, more specifically to Canadian Forces Base Suffield — In a Class By Itself...... 16 City of Medicine Hat standards. With city lots and city services, Desert Blume stands in stark contrast to the From Surviving to Thriving — other hamlets in the County, and is a tangible example The Resiliency of Rural Communities of the struggles it is having in meeting the service in the Face of Adversity...... 20 expectations of the more urban residents that are Sticking to the Plan — A Combined moving into the County while maintaining its rural feel. Effort to Fight the Spread of Clubroot...... 22

One way the County is preserving its rural community AAMDC Fuel Supply Program: Giving bonds is through activities such as the Citizen of the Year You the Advantage...... 24 Award and through its support of the Border County Financial Partnerships: The Million-Dollar Question....25 Rodeo. This rodeo not only brings together Cypress County residents, but residents of Redcliff and Medicine Municipal Careers Marketing Strategy...... 27 Hat along with CFB Suffield soldiers. It’s a good time and a good way to maintain and strengthen the community Trade Division Approved Suppliers...... 28 bonds that were established before there were any questions surrounding household garbage pickup and paved sidewalks. Published by: Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties 2510 Sparrow Drive, Nisku, AB T9E 8N5 The strength of rural community bonds is also Alberta Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association (ARMAA) highlighted in the article “From Surviving to Thriving Association of Municipal Supervisors of Alberta (AMSA) – The Resiliency of Rural Communities in the Face of Editor-in-Chief: Gerald Rhodes, AAMDC Adversity.” This contribution from Carolyn McTighe Managing Editor: Dawn Bailey, AAMDC and the Rural Wildfire Study Group focuses on the idea Consulting Editor: Bill Rogan, ARMAA of rural resiliency as it relates to the 2003 Lost Creek Production Coordinator: Dawn Bailey, AAMDC Fire and how it brought the residents of Crowsnest Pass Contributing Writers: Gerald Rhodes, AAMDC closer together. Carolyn McTighe and the Rural Wildlife Study Group Meg Campbell and Murray Hartman, In closing, I want to thank Cypress County Assistant Alberta Agriculture and Rural Manager Doug Henderson for spending the day with Development AAMDC staff and offering them a comprehensive view R.A. (Bob) Miles, AARMA Dave McGarva and Jeremy Derksen, of all the County has to offer. From the drylands of CFB Acton Consulting Suffield to the coulees near the Cypress Hills Provincial Leanne Dawkins, AESO Park, Cypress County’s landscape is as vast and dynamic Dawn Bailey, AAMDC Alberta Sustainable Resource as its people. n Development Design Coordinator / Advertising Representative: Barbara Brownell, Modern Press

summer 08  the aamdc turns one hundred dawn bailey, aamdc

This year the AAMDC is celebrating The Centennial Convention also will also find a webpage that offers 100 years of providing a strong marks the move of the Association more information about the Shaw voice for rural municipalities in conventions to the larger Shaw Conference Centre.

AAMDC Alberta. In that time, rural Alberta Conference Centre and new Dawn Bailey has gone from being an area with downtown hotel partners. Longevity of this nature is only little more than frame buildings possible through unwavering and dirt roads, to a region that is Room blocks have been secured at member participation, strong the heart of the economic vitality the Westin Edmonton, the Fairmont relationships with key stakeholders, of the province. Over this time the Hotel Macdonald, the Courtyard by and the support of organizations volume and complexity of issues Marriott Edmonton Downtown, the that value the century-old role of facing rural municipalities has also Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe, and the AAMDC. changed…and the AAMDC has been the Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton. there every step of the way. Thank you for your support over Three of the hotels are within a one the years and be sure to celebrate Our centennial celebration promises block radius or five minute walk with us this fall. You won’t be to be an exciting event. Not only from the Shaw Conference Centre disappointed! n will the Association recognize what (Westin, Fairmont, Courtyard), we’ve accomplished so far, but we and the Sutton Place Hotel can will also use the centennial as a be accessed via an indoor walk springboard for another successful through Edmonton’s underground More information regarding 100 years. and above-ground pedway system. the Centennial Celebration As usual, there will be a shuttle bus and the sponsorship The initial seeds of our celebration service to take delegates to and program is available at have been sown with the from the hotels. www.aamdc.com. If you introduction of a new AAMDC have any questions or centennial logo on our website and To help facilitate the move, concerns, please contact various communications materials. the Association opened hotel Kelly Morris at (780) This logo simply and pointedly registration for the Fall 2008 955.4095 or via email at states all that our centennial is Convention six months in advance [email protected]. – a celebration of 100 years…of of the event. The AAMDC has existence, of success, of progress. once again contracted Anderson Vacations to be the official housing The Association has also bureau of the Fall 2008 convention; commissioned a commemorative and, as in the past, all hotel room book that will be released reservations must be made directly in conjunction with the Fall through Anderson Vacations. The 2008 Centennial Celebration deadline for registration is Friday, Convention. Two respected writing October 10, 2008. professionals, Derek Drager and Stephen Scriver, have partnered More information, including links to to deliver this historical account of the hotel websites and a map, is on rural municipalities in Alberta and our website, www.aamdc.com. From the AAMDC. The book will be a there go to Events and Programs celebration of rural Alberta — alive > AAMDC Convention > Fall 2008 with pictures, stories, and quotes. Centennial > Accommodations. You

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summer 08   issue 33 local decision-makers maintain important role under draft land-use framework supplied by the department of alberta sustainable resource development

The Alberta government has released An effective land-management This approach is distinctly different to the Draft Land-use Framework, a plan system recognizes that planning and previous regional planning initiatives. that charts a new direction for land- decision-making must take place at Alberta created planning commissions

use planning and decision-making in different levels of government and to provide land-use planning advice Alberta Sustainable the province. these decisions need to be aligned. in response to growth in the late Resource Development The Alberta government has 1940s and 50s. As well as preparing The framework sets out six basic primary responsibility for making regional plans, the commissions strategies regarding land-use planning decisions that meet the economic, were responsible for such decisions and decision-making: environmental and social goals of all as subdividing municipal land, and Albertans. In the face of increasing advising municipalities on plans . Establish six new land-use pressures and conflicts, the Alberta and bylaws. The commissions regions with a requirement government needs to ensure these acted as a liaison between member to develop regional plans for provincial interests are addressed at municipalities and the provincial each. a local scale. government departments. . Establish a new Cabinet committee to oversee regional “During the consultation process to “What we are bringing back is the plan development, supported develop the frameworks, Albertans regional planning philosophy, not by a Land-use Secretariat and told us they want strong provincial the bureaucracy of the old planning Regional Advisory Councils. leadership in land-use planning, while commissions. Regional plans will . Use a cumulative effects respecting local decision-making,” recognize the authority and role approach at the regional level stated Morton. “The draft framework of municipalities in local decision- to manage the impacts of proposes better tools, processes and making,” Morton emphasized. development on air, land, water resources for all levels of government and biodiversity. to make the right decisions.” Regional plans for each region will . Develop new policy tools for be led by a Land-use Secretariat, conservation and stewardship Under the Draft Land-use Framework, which will work with government on private and public lands. regional planning will be the main departments and Regional Advisory . Establish an information, mechanism for linking provincial Councils. These advisory councils will monitoring and reporting direction and policies to local be made up of members representing system to support planning and decision-making. Six regions will be the range of interests within each decision-making. established: the North, North East, region, including provincial and . Include Aboriginal Peoples in North West, North Central, South municipal governments, industry, land-use planning. Central and South. The boundaries non-government groups, aboriginal are based on the province’s major communities and other land-related “Albertans have asked for a planning watersheds, but are aligned to fit with stakeholders. The councils will have a framework that better balances our existing municipal boundaries and short-term mandate to provide advice environmental, social and economic Alberta’s natural regions. on regional plans over the course of needs and provides greater certainty its development. for decision-makers,” said Ted Within each region, municipalities Morton, Sustainable Resource will align their municipal The regional plans will define Development Minister. “The Draft development plans, planning economic, environmental and social Land-use Framework does this by documents and bylaws with regional outcomes, and a broad plan for land providing a strategic blueprint for all plans. It is important to note that and natural resource use for both levels of government and Albertans local decision-making authority will public and private lands within the as we make decisions today about the remain with the same officials who region. They will not be “cookie- province we want in the future.” currently exercise it. cutter” plans—each plan will reflect

summer 08  the region’s uniqueness and priorities. A cumulative effects approach will A Land-use Framework for the province One region, for example, may be be used to manage the combined or will be finalized following feedback more at risk of floods or droughts “cumulative” impacts of all activities, from Albertans. Implementation will than others, and focus more attention and ensure the integration and begin soon after that. In the meantime, on preventing or reducing these risks. coordination of provincial policies for municipal governments will rely on A region with a strong industrial base air, land, water and biodiversity. This existing processes for development will need to tailor its plan differently approach considers the total impact projects. However, the Alberta than a region with little industry but a of development in a region, over government hopes land-use decision- strong agricultural base. time, in decision-making, and moves makers will consider the directions in the province away from looking at the Draft Land-use Framework. n Regional plans may involve trade-offs development on a project-by-project for managing specific landscapes and basis to looking at all potential impacts natural resources. For example, the within a region of all projects—both All Albertans are encouraged decision may be made to ensure that existing and new. Using this approach, to become familiar with the valuable wildlife corridors be protected regional land-use plans will ensure Draft Land-use Framework, in one specific landscape while that the impacts of development and to provide their feedback increasing residential, recreational are kept within defined thresholds. by completing the public or industrial land use in another Regional Councils will provide advice survey. You can access the landscape that is not as essential to on setting these thresholds. draft framework online at wildlife. The role of Regional Advisory www.landuse.gov.ab.ca, Councils will include providing advice “The Draft Land-use Framework along with the public feedback on such decisions. is a significant step forward in the survey. Print versions of evolution of land-use planning in the survey and the draft Once a regional plan is completed and Alberta,” said Morton. “The purpose framework can be obtained approved by Cabinet, it will become of the framework is to manage through all MLA constituency provincial policy. The plan will then growth—not stop it. It promotes offices, on the website or by guide land-use decision-making responsible growth, a future with calling 310.4455. within the region, providing direction plentiful opportunities and a healthy for local plans. environment.”

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08STEL1008_LoadTrak Municipalities Print Rural Routes  issue1/2 page33 – 7” x 4.5” keeping the lights on in alberta leanne dawkins, aeso

of industry and we don’t own or Our role also includes the planning and operate any power facilities. We development of Alberta’s transmission have no shareholders or any financial system. AESO transmission planners AESO motivation to build transmission lines. make sure the system is reinforced to Our only motive is to act in the public keep pace with the demand for power Leanne Dawkins interest of all Albertans. Albertans as our population and the economy can depend on reliable power every continues to grow. We create day because our system controllers applications for needed transmission are constantly balancing the supply of facilities and we develop a 10-year electricity with the demand for power plan and 20-year transmission system across the province. outlook to provide long range plans Have you ever wondered for the kind of power system that is what really happens behind There’s no leeway when it comes to going to be needed to meet the needs the switch when you flick on a balancing the supply and demand of Albertans. Alberta’s transmission light in your home? because power can’t be effectively business is regulated by the Alberta stored. The instant a stove is turned Utilities Commission. Who is responsible for ensuring on, a school lights up or a heart electricity is going to be there to supply monitor chirps the power must be One of the biggest challenges the light, heat and entertainment that there to meet the need. facing the electric industry and our we enjoy everyday? We are the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and it’s our job to keep the lights on so Albertans can count on safe, reliable electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year after year. We’ve been around as the AESO since 2003, but our roots date back to 1996 when one of our predecessor companies, the Power Pool of Alberta, created Canada’s first competitive market for electricity. The AESO now operates Alberta’s $8 billion wholesale power market, which is like a commodity exchange where companies buy and sell large volumes of electricity. Our other predecessor organization, the Transmission Administrator, planned and developed Alberta’s electric transmission system and that, too, is a job the AESO does today.

The AESO is one-of-a-kind in Alberta’s power business. The jobs we do for Albertans are defined by the Alberta Electric Utilities Act. We operate the wholesale power market independent

summer 08  organization has been to reliably meet the rising demand for electricity driven by Alberta’s strong economic growth. With the growth in demand come increased requirements for new power supply, transmission system reinforcements, and access to the transmission system for both new power generation projects who want to connect to the grid and customers – often new industries – and who need to have access to the electric system for the power necessary to supply their operation. We currently estimate that Alberta will require an additional 5,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity supply by 2017. Over the past five years, the demand for power in Alberta has grown by a rate about equal to adding more than two cities the size of Red Deer to the electric system each year. By 2027, a total new supply of 11,500 MW could be required to meet the growing electricity demands of Albertans. That represents a doubling of today’s existing power capacity in Alberta over the next 20 years.

Our 10-year Transmission System Plan, published in February 2007, identified an investment of about $5 billion in new transmission development, including projects underway. If all the potential concepts that are discussed in the plan are required and built, the total investment in this critical infrastructure would amount to an approximate $7 charge on a residential customer’s monthly power bill. Manufacture – Supply – Install – Repair

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10 issue 33 Excellence in Municipal Law

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summer 08 11 cypress county – working to bridge the rural-urban divide dawn bailey, aamdc

When driving into Cypress County, you’re met with the slogan of “Member of the Canadian Badlands” and while Cypress County is a gateway into an area of Alberta known for its rich archeological AAMDC

Dawn Bailey history, Cypress County residents are also as apt to yell, “Remember rural Alberta!”

History of Cypress County biggest challenge County council Desert Blume adjoins the Desert Cypress County, similar to many is having right now is whether they Blume Golf Club and according to other municipalities, went through want to be a rural municipality or the development’s website, www. a number of name changes and some other type of municipality desertblume.com, “The development municipal incarnations before – urban or ‘rurban’ – because we’ve will be carefully planned and its incorporation in 1985 as the got a population that breaks down fastidiously constructed to respect MD of Cypress #1. The name was to about one-third rural, one-third and retain the visual integrity and subsequently changed in 1998 when country residential and one-third natural features of the Seven Persons it became Cypress County. hamlets – which are becoming more Coulee system and surrounding urban,” Henderson said. Cypress ‘desert’ environment.” The municipality started out as County’s 2007 population was 6,729 Improvement District (ID) No. 1 and according to the Ministry of Municipal However, there is some concern over was formed by amalgamating ID Affairs. what role the County will play in Nos. 1, 2, 3, 31, and 32 in 1945. After supporting such an environment. many other ID iterations it became Working to Bridge the Rural-Urban the Municipal District of Cypress No. Divide 1 in 1985. The name was once again While the County has changed to the Municipal District been able to maintain of Cypress 11 years later before the level of service ultimately becoming Cypress County for its older hamlets, effective November 1, 1998. it is struggling with the construction and Cypress County encompasses an area development of the that is 13,237 km2 and includes the newest hamlet, Desert hamlets of Desert Blume, Dunmore, Blume. Hilda, Irvine, Schuler, Seven Persons, Suffield, Vienerville, and Walsh. Also “Desert Blume is a within the County – but not a part of brand new urban- it – are the City of Medicine Hat and density hamlet with City the Town of Redcliff. lots and City services. It’s very different than Cypress County Assistant Manager our other hamlets and Doug Henderson said these rural when it is complete hamlets are starting to experience there will be around 400 a population surge as former lots with approximately Medicine Hat residents move to the 1,000 residents. Such hamlets looking for the more relaxed population growth country life. With this move comes – especially one that is an expectation of a level of service more urban in nature the County has never had to meet – is going to cause a real before. swing in the balance of rural versus urban “We grew 10 per cent between the residents,” Henderson last two censuses and probably the said.

12 issue 33 “In Desert Blume they are going to build a park, which is similar to what happens in our other hamlets. In those older, more rural hamlets, the community association AMHSA is a takes care of the parks. The local residents are the ones maintaining the parks to a country standard – the parks not-for-profit may not be irrigated, and the upkeep may involve just organization making sure the grass is cut,” Henderson said. dedicated to helping reduce However, the Desert Blume park is being built to City of Medicine Hat standards which include irrigation. While the human and this will add to the aesthetics of the hamlet, there is financial costs a potential that the County will have to pay staff to resulting from maintain this irrigated park. This undoubtedly raises workplace the question of where funding for this service will come illness, injuries, from. & property damage. “That’s the biggest struggle council has right now. How do they figure out Desert Blume and how to meet the Preventing Workplace Injury and Illness standard of service of all those more urban residents,” Henderson continued. Our mandate is to provide meaningful safety training and education programs to our members Park maintenance, along with other community in a cost-effective manner. Members include cities, activities, is supported through recreation grants towns, villages, counties, municipal districts and provided to the various community associations. County specialized municipalities. council allocates $30 per capita for recreation and the recreation board, which is made up of community members. The board then decides how funds are Course Schedule: www.amhsa.net allocated to the various community associations.

This funding came about after Cypress County and local issue. According to the Bow Island Commentator, the community associations built new community halls in plan stated the Desert Blume condo association would the 1970s and 80s. The community associations have do all of the routine maintenance, including solid waste difficulty raising enough funds to operate them, so the collection and park maintenance. County provides operating and capital grants from the recreation board. Even still, Councillor George Russill was quoted as saying that expanding the hamlet would mean another In response to the concern over park maintenance, council representative for the Desert Blume area, Northlands Development Ltd., the developer for making three of the nine positions on council more Desert Blume, presented councillors with a proposed urban in nature: “We won’t be a rural municipality expansion plan in January 2007 that dealt with the anymore.”

summer 08 13 A Natural Check on Development – Water

There is another pressing constraint on development in Cypress County – water.

Until recently the County has been able to keep pace with the 10 per cent growth it has experienced, but it is now starting to experience water shortages. For example, in the hamlet of Dunmore, the County is at its limit in the amount of water that it can provide.

Henderson explained that the City and the County have an agreement whereby the City will provide an average of 985m3 of water per day to the hamlet of Dunmore. However, with recent growth, the hamlet is In the interim, Cypress County has based on a resident using 40 cubic using all of its water allocation. “We implemented a tiered rate system metres or less, which is the average can’t expand anymore in Dunmore that will increase water rates every household water use for two winter until new agreements are made or January and increase the base rate months, and a user progresses up a potential regional water system is immediately. As such, the average bi- the tiers as they use more water. established,” he said. monthly water bill (61.3 cubic metres) According to an article in the Bow has increased from $56 to $64. The Island Commentator, “Less water The question of whether there will be new rates will eventually have water consumption would benefit the enough water to support growth has users in the first tier cover 80 per cent County in several hamlets where also reached the hamlet of Suffield of the costs to the County and users water is already restricted, such as where five lots are being surveyed in the second and third tiers covering Walsh, Irvine and Schuler. No more for potential hamlet expansion. 100 per cent. The first tier rates are water will be available in those Cypress County, the City of Medicine Hat and the Town of Redcliff are in the middle of a tri-area utilities study where they are examining the idea of a regional utility system and whether that would include water and sewer and solid waste management. The tri-area study is part of the Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) negotiations between the three municipalities.

In a November 2006 IDP meeting, the municipality explained that one of the reasons for entering into an IDP was to improve efficiencies and economies of scale for regional water, sewer and solid waste management. In addition, an IDP will help secure a piped, low-volume water supply for rural areas where sufficient demand exists and where it is economically viable.

14 issue 33 hamlets until the water system is Working for the County offers job (assistance includes a $1,000 Cypress upgraded, the supply increases or security, good benefits, and a more County Technical Scholarship or a consumption decreases.” community-based lifestyle. $500 Agricultural Bursary).

The tiered system sets regular Citizen Engagement In addition, the County works to make increases every January until 2011, This community-based lifestyle can sure all residents can access the at which time the rate system will be also be seen through the County’s information superhighway through reviewed by council. citizen engagement activities. its wireless Internet network. This service was made possible through The reason behind the increase was Cypress holds both a Citizen of the a 2004 Municipal Sponsorship Grant to cover the cost of providing water Year Award – whereby Cypress from the Province. because from 2004-2006, total water County, in cooperation with the sales revenues only covered 35 per Cypress Courier newspaper, “Citizen engagement is important cent of the expenses. recognizes a deserving resident of to the County,” Henderson said. the County for their contributions “Even if a dozen people come out to Dealing with the future water to their community – and offers ratepayer meetings, that’s a dozen supply situation is just part of the financial assistance for students more than we might have heard from municipalities’ IDP, which looks 50 entering post-secondary education otherwise.” n years into the future.

Where To From Here While Cypress County is partnering with its neighbouring municipalities Cypress County at a Glance on growth-related issues through the IDP, it, like most municipalities, is No. of dwellings: 3,289 facing its own staffing shortages. No. of farms: 949

Henderson said the County has to Km of roads: Paved 81 offer comparable wages as Medicine Dust Control (oiled) 381 Hat and the oil patch in order to Gravel 2,190 remain competitive. However, Km of sewers: Sanitary 30 despite the County’s efforts many of the skill sets it is looking for from its Km of waterlines: Watermains 99 employees are getting harder to find. Income sources: Property taxes, fees and charges For example, Henderson said Cypress County used to have four to five Services provided: Agricultural programs, road summer students with agriculture- maintenance, bylaw enforcement, related experience that would work land planning, development advice for them, but that now most students and approvals, fire protection, work in the oil field. recreation, street lighting, waste collection, recycling, water and In addition, Henderson said the sewer, emergency services, family County is going through a period and community support. of retirements further straining the 2008 Mill Rate (Residential): 5.9082 labour pool. 2008 Mill Rate (Non-Residential): 7.1054 “We’re not really that big. We only have about 50 full-time staff and 2008 Operating Budget: $26,270,000 half of those are in public works,” 2008 Capital Budget: $7,305,000 Henderson said. information courtesy of the Cypress County website However, he continued, the benefits outweigh our small numbers.

summer 08 15 canadian forces base suffield – in a class by itself dawn bailey, aamdc

The Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Much of the land was purchased from In 1971, the Canadian government Suffield is located in southeastern the Canadian Pacific Railway and the ratified a 10-year agreement with the AAMDC Alberta, approximately 50 kilometres Hudson’s Bay Company for one dollar British government permitting UK Dawn Bailey northwest of Medicine Hat and 250 an acre, after which the Experimental forces to use approximately three- kilometres southeast of Calgary. Station Suffield, with the Canadian quarters of the range for armoured, Army officially responsible for infantry and artillery training; and in The base is approximately 2,690 square its administration, commenced December of that year, CFB Suffield kilometers (660,000 acres) and is one operations on June 11, 1941 “making was officially named. of the largest live fire training areas in them the longest permanent resident the western world. It is larger than the in the area,” said CFB Suffield Base A marked increase in the training country of Luxembourg and two-thirds Public Affairs Officer, Jennifer Taylor. carried out both in conjunction with the size of Prince Edward Island. the British Army Training Unit Suffield On April 30, 1947, the Experimental (BATUS) and by Canadian regular The land that the base now sits on Station Suffield ceased to be force units and militia began in 1991. was once homesteaded, “but it administered by the Canadian Army Taylor noted CFB Suffield is expecting was pretty poor land, really dry and and was officially taken over by the approximately 10,000 British soldiers people found out it wasn’t the best Defence Research Board, which is to rotate through the base this year way to make a living out there,” said now called Defence Research and alone. Doug Henderson, assistant manager Development Canada or DRDC. of Cypress County. The land was so The BATUS organization is the chief inhospitable to farming that a poem DRDC is an agency of the Canadian training facility for mechanized was written about it in an abandoned Department of National Defence operations for the entire British army homestead: that responds to the scientific and and is the largest organization on the technological needs of the Canadian base. Its mission is to provide training Seven miles to water, Forces. Its mission is to ensure that and training support to the field army Fifteen miles to wood the Force remains scientifically and and others in order to prepare units You can have my desert homestead operationally relevant and is made and formations for operations. I’m leaving for good. up of seven research centres across Canada. After the extreme winter of 1906-07, a British land speculation company, Southern Alberta Land Company, purchased a quarter of a million acres of land near the hamlet of Suffield for irrigation of the dryland. The venture eventually collapsed and by 1941 there were about 125 scattered farms on the present range, of which only five were financially viable.

In that same year, there was a requirement for a combined British/ Canadian experimental station for trials in biological and chemical defence. Authorities, in seeking a large area of land as a suitable location for the experimental station, chose Suffield.

16 issue 33 “A complete inventory of the In November 1975, as a result of an first two renewable leases were British army’s most modern heavy agreement between the governments signed which allowed the Prairie mechanized equipment” comes of Canada and Alberta, the Alberta Farm Rehabilitation Administration through Suffield during the exercise Energy Company (now EnCana) was (PFRA) to establish and operate three season of the beginning of May given permission to develop natural community pastures.” through to the end of October, Taylor gas deposits lying under the base. A explained. further agreement in 1977 allowed PFRA works with prairie residents to the company to develop heavy oil develop a viable agricultural industry CFB Suffield is embodied in the deposits on 130 square kilometres and sustainable rural economy in regular forces and allocated to Land in the northeast corner of the base Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta Force Command reporting through and, to date, there are approximately and the Peace River Region of British 1 Area Support Group in Edmonton. 10,000 gas wells and 2,000 oil wells in Columbia. The base’s mission is to provide production on the base. support services to its lodger units and The two leases encompass a large area “to provide a world class Range and With the present day industrial of the base not normally required for Training Area that enables Defence development coupled with the on- BATUS training or for DRDC trials and Research and Development Canada- going military training, the effective more than 5,000 head of cattle graze Suffield, the British Army Training stewardship of the natural landscape in this area from June to November Unit Suffield and other potential users is a vital component of the base’s each year. to achieve their mandates through mission in providing a world class effective stewardship of all the Range Range and Training area. On June 19, 2003 the CFB Suffield Training Areas infrastructure and National Wildlife Area was officially equipment.” Taylor explained: “Environmentally recognized under the Canadian sensitive areas have been protected Wildlife Act. This environmentally While its military use has increased, since the base’s official inception protected area totals 458 square so has its oil and gas exploration. in 1971; and in November 1977 the kilometres, borders the South

summer 08 17 Saskatchewan River, and is out of place to be. We are looking at ways “We get wild cows from the prairie bounds for military training, while of making new developments more and put four of them in a ring and access for other activities is tightly energy efficient by not only building a team of three soldiers have to try controlled. It is the second largest greener, but also by implementing and milk her and get some of it in a environmentally protected area of its environmentally friendly technologies cup,” Taylor explained, saying British type in Canada and is the only wildlife throughout the base.” soldiers are the primary participant in area not managed by the Minister of this event. Environment; rather it is managed by CFB Suffield also prides itself in the Suffield Base Commander. its community outreach and in its While the rodeo is fun for soldiers Taylor said the area is protected for relationship with both Cypress County and community members, alike, both several reasons, which include a and Medicine Hat. Taylor and Cypress County Assistant fragile ecosystem, unique flora and Manager Doug Henderson agree it fauna, archeological artifacts and an Suffield hosts and runs the Border helps to strengthen bonds. abundance of wildlife. Around 1,100 County Rodeo which is part of the species call the area home, of which 14 amateur rodeo circuit and part of the We have a good relationship, are considered species at risk. These base’s “Connecting with Canadians” Henderson said. The base is self- would include the Burrowing Owl, effort. sufficient, they have their own Sprague’s Pipit and the tiny Crypanthe. council – even though it’s not an There are also three biologists on base The base also offers more unique incorporated municipality – and they who monitor the area in conjunction competitions including gentlemen’s are one of Cypress County’s bigger with the Canadian Wildlife Service. calf roping, where there is a calf in a employers. n In addition, there is a Suffield chute and participants stand by and Environmental Advisory Committee try to rope it – they don’t ride horses For more information about CFB that advises the Base Commander on – and wild cow milking. Suffield visit http://www.army.gc.ca/ environmental protection and oil and cfb_suffield/home.html gas development on the base.

Suffield’s environmental stewardship also extends to archeology – it is home to the Ellis Medicine Wheel and MehbZia_bbi dcndjg several other notable historical sites. :eehij[f

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18 issue 33 ISTHEONLYNATIONAL EMPLOYMENTREFERRALSYSTEMOFITSKIND EXPRESSLYFORPROFESSIONALTECHNICIANS ANDTECHNOLOGISTS)TPROVIDESEMPLOYERS WITHTHEOPPORTUNITYTOGODIRECTLYTOTHE SOURCEFORPRE QUALIlEDPERSONNEL s /VER TECHNICIANSAND TECHNOLOGISTSCURRENTLYHAVEPROlLES POSTEDON#4%.xCHANCESAREYOULL lNDTHEPEOPLEYOUNEED s #4%.OFFERSEMPLOYERSACCESSTO THOUSANDSOFQUALIlEDTECHNICIANS ANDTECHNOLOGISTSINSTANTLYAND INEXPENSIVELY

summer 08 19 from surviving to thriving – the resiliency of rural communities in the face of adversity carolyn mctighe and the rural wildfire study group1

Group There are few things that can test dollars and the SRD was estimating enthusiasts. During the Lost Creek the strength and resiliency of a rural their losses at approximately $38 Fire, this volunteer group was not only

Rural Wildlife Study community more than an unforeseen million. instrumental in notifying residents

Carolyn McTighe and the natural disaster. Such unexpected of the evacuation order, but also of catastrophes can take the varied Yet despite the catastrophic nature of patrolling the streets to secure the form of floods, wildfires and even the fire and the apparent losses the area and offering emotional support tornadoes, and yet in the end, the residents of Crowsnest Pass suffered, for elderly evacuees who were alone one underlying similarity of all such the study found that through it all the and frightened. calamities is their ability to either bring residents exhibited a strong sense the residents of a rural community of belonging, which further helped A further example of this community together or pull them apart. In a recent to unite the already close-knit cohesiveness was displayed by the study conducted by the University of community. One male participant brave and dedicated local firefighters Lethbridge and funded by the Institute expressed his attachment to the who not only sacrificed their regular of Catastrophic Loss Reduction, this community this way: “I am prepared paying jobs, but time spent with idea of rural resiliency was closely to stay here, no matter what the their families, in order to fight the studied by examining the effect of the outcome is, and how the landscape encroaching fire. Only partially 2003 Lost Creek Fire on the residents changes, this is where I want to be, compensated by the Municipality for of the southern Alberta community of and so I am prepared to stay, no their lost wages, many of the firemen Crowsnest Pass. matter what happens.” were spending upwards to 18 hours a day fighting the fire and could only In July of 2003 the community was In addition to this, the study also hope their families were faring well devastated by a wildfire that destroyed revealed that in the case of Crowsnest in their absence. “Adversity tends to more than 21,000 hectares of pristine Pass there was a specific community- bring people together,” noted one forests and put the rural community resiliency process that took place male participant. “I saw what I would on a 31 day state of emergency. The during the duration of the fire. This describe [as] an absolute, completely Lost Creek Fire required over 800 process included the residents’ different community at least for thirty- firefighters and personnel, the full interactions with one another and their one days.” resources of the provincial Ministry of ability to “get along” which ultimately Sustainable Resource Development led to a “sense of community” and a In addition to larger scale (SRD), and the commitment and shared state of mind and attitude. An demonstrations of community dedication of the town’s residents example of this community action was unification, there were also many to help contain the blaze. Over 2,000 demonstrated by a number of local smaller scale examples. One such residents were evacuated from groups and organizations during the example came in the form of an their homes and by the time the fire evacuations. One such group was the organized multi-denominational was under control, the cost to the “Quad Squad,” a local organization prayer service hosted by local Christian municipality was over $2 million comprised of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) ministers. Community members were

1 The Rural Wildfire Study Group includes: J. Kulig, W., Reimer, I., Townshend, D., Edge, K. Neves-Graca, N. Lightfoot, M., Barnett, J. Clague., A. Coghlan, M. McKay. D. & Hutton

20 issue 33 invited to attend and pray that the fire would be contained quickly and that community members would band together under the strain of the disaster. Another example of this “community belonging” can be illustrated in the case of the displacement of residents during the evacuation. For many of the evacuees the only place for them to go was to the homes of family and friends who had not been evacuated. During this time it was not uncommon to find individuals moving in with their children or siblings, or even moving their holiday trailers to the backyards of their friends’ homes. This helps to demonstrate the overall strength of Crowsnest Pass, the family bonds and relationships between friends, as well as the support given by surrounding communities during this unsettling time.

When asked about the resiliency of their community and whether or not they demonstrated it during the 2003 fire, many of the town’s residents agreed that this ability to deal with adversity and change was definitely on display throughout the fire. They noted that individual contributions to resiliency included having a positive attitude and a willingness to work alongside their fellow neighbours. The findings supported the Community Resiliency Model and confirmed the importance of getting along, developing a sense of belonging and a sense of togetherness. When community action was needed, dealing with change in a positive way, having visionary leadership and using efficient and effective problem- solving skills were also key.

Though there is still no straightforward answer to the question of how the resiliency of the individual relates to the resiliency of the community as a whole, there is no doubt that the community of Crowsnest Pass was able to effectively deal with the Lost Creek Fire. In the end, it can be concluded that without the dedication of these resilient individuals there would have been no evidence of resiliency at the community level. n

summer 08 21 sticking to the plan - municipalities, farmers and the provincial government make a combined effort to fight the spread of clubroot meg campbell and murray hartman, alberta agriculture and rural development

Murray Hartman Municipalities and farmers throughout and find solutions. The University action in reducing the spread. Many Meg Campbell and Alberta are feeling the effects of of Alberta has started breeding for counties have developed their own clubroot. Infestations of the disease resistant varieties of crops, and private clubroot policies and strategies to are damaging crops worldwide. companies are doing the same. We fight its spread. are hoping to have a resistant variety While the majority of Alberta farmers in three to five years.” Policies, such as the restriction of crop have experienced only minor losses rotation on infested fields, are likely due to clubroot, a small number have Clubroot is not a new disease in to help farmers avoid future yield planted canola on clubroot infested Canada – crops in eastern Canada and disasters. Although such restrictions fields and experienced high yield loss British Columbia have suffered from represent some of the best efforts in - a few with complete crop loss. clubroot for many years. Decades ago, the fight against clubroot, in reality, clubroot became a local problem as they have a minor impact if equipment To help fight the spread of clubroot, cases were found in Alberta gardens cleaning is not practiced. the Alberta Government, working and, more recently, in market gardens with industry, municipalities, and near Leduc in 2001. However, clubroot Daily farming practices often require other stakeholders, has developed had not been reported in canola in movement from field to field, resulting The Alberta Clubroot Management western Canada until 2003 when the in the transfer of dirt when machinery Plan (ACMP). first infested fields were found near and footwear are not properly cleaned. Edmonton. Although this lack of cleaning may The ACMP was developed to describe seem harmless, the results can be the disease, the roles of stakeholders, Since 2004, the University of Alberta very damaging. Farmers are not only and provide best management has surveyed the counties near transferring dirt, but may also be practices. Developed by the Alberta Edmonton for clubroot. Each year spreading clubroot. Clubroot Management Committee, the the infestation has spread and it now plan outlines what the Government encompasses 10 municipalities in “The key to limiting the spread of of Alberta is doing to minimize the central Alberta, and one in southern clubroot is preventing the transfer of spread of clubroot in the province. Alberta. Reports indicate the disease dirt from an infested field to that of a severity ranges from slight to very healthy one,” ARD Oilseed Specialist “The committee is made up of a wide severe. Murray Hartman insists. “Therefore, range of individuals from both private some policies are as simple as companies and public institutions “We have been surprised at the speed cleaning county equipment and in the agricultural, horticultural and at which new cases of clubroot have footwear after accessing farmland. It energy sectors. This diverse group been found,” said assistant professor, is also possible to plant a few acres is committed to educating the public Dr. Steve Strelkov. “This may reflect of grass seed near field exits to help about the threats of clubroot, and not only increased surveillance, but with equipment cleaning.” developing innovative guidelines to also fairly rapid spread for a soilborne aid municipalities in managing the disease.” Unfortunately only a small percentage disease,” says Paul Laflamme, Head of fields have been surveyed and thus of the Pest Management Branch In April 2007 the Alberta government the clubroot status of most fields is for Alberta Agriculture and Rural added clubroot to the list of declared unknown. Municipalities have been Development (ARD). “There have pests in the Agricultural Pests encouraged to survey some fields for been a number of research projects Act. Municipalities now have the clubroot if canola or mustard is grown started to understand this disease responsibility and authority to take there.

22 issue 33 Clubroot is a serious soil- borne disease of crucifer crops worldwide. The crucifer family includes field crops like canola / rapeseed, mustard, and vegetable cole crops such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, radish and turnip. 0Gm
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It is expected that most counties in central and northern Alberta will have surveys underway this summer and fall. It will be important to indicate status of fields by including all three classes: surveyed and found positive, surveyed and found negative, not surveyed and unknown.

Farmers affected by clubroot should contact their municipality to report any cases of the disease, and then Agriculture Financial Services Corporation for advice on possible compensation.

The Alberta Clubroot Management plan can be found on Ropin’ the Web at: http://www1.agric.gov. ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/ agdex11519. n

summer 08 23 aamdc fuel supply program: giving you the advantage dawn bailey, aamdc

Fuel Supply Program Takes Another members’ overall costs,” explains Oil are the suppliers of bulk delivery Step Forward Gladden. fuel and cardlock delivery fuel. Fas AAMDC The AAMDC and Prairie Fuel Advisors Gas/RaceTrac is the retail supplier Dawn Bailey (PFA) Inc. have announced a new What is the Fuel Supply Program and operates a fuel card program that partnership designed to better serve The objective of the Fuel Supply is available at any Fas Gas/RaceTrac its members and further expand the Program is to combat one-sided location. Fuel Supply Program. pricing advantages enjoyed by petroleum suppliers and to assist our A member, if they feel that it is no Under the terms of the new members to purchase fuel at a lower longer advantageous to continue, partnership, PFA will relocate its cost, while still supporting local fuel may withdraw from their fuel supply headquarters into the AAMDC office dealers. contract at any time, without penalty. and operate under the direction of the AAMDC Trade Division. As an At present, there are 75 AAMDC Free Cost Analysis acquisition, the PFA will be operated members who currently purchase If you would like to consider joining as a wholly owned subsidiary of the over 25 million litres of fuel each year the AAMDC Fuel Supply Program AAMDC and will be called Prairie Fuel in Alberta, and 53 other municipalities please forward a copy of your fuel Advisors (2008) Ltd. in Saskatchewan and Manitoba who invoices for the past year to Duane purchase an additional 16 million Gladden, Manager of Marketing, “It’s not a huge change in how things litres of fuel each year. Trade and Business Development, work but it is a big step towards taking at the AAMDC office. Our program the program to the next level,” said Since 1995 PFA has been successful managers will then compare the prices Duane Gladden, AAMDC Manager in negotiating fuel contracts you paid for fuel to those that you of Marketing, Trade and Business and developing long standing would have paid had you purchased Development. “This new partnership relationships with petroleum through the program and give you a means that we can better serve providers. The program is designed to detailed report of their findings with the members, gain synergies, and assist municipalities, school divisions no obligation. deal with the fuel companies from a and related municipal organizations stronger position.” in managing their fuel purchases. More information is available online It is administered in all three prairie at www.aamdc.com > Trade > Fuel Joining the AAMDC staff as PFA provinces by Prairie Fuel Advisors who Supply Program or toll-free at (800) representatives are Peter Pellatt, are responsible for fuel purchasing, 807.3750. n Adele Parks, Burgandy Parks, and dealing with fuel suppliers, monitoring Chantal Beaudoin. and establishing prices, as well as Benefits of the AAMDC Fuel invoicing the members for their Supply Contracts “The PFA has extensive experience in purchases. . negotiating fuel supply contracts, this, Lower the cost of gasoline, diesel combined with PFA’s management Cost of Joining the Fuel Supply and lubricants . skills and experience using the latest Program: Retail credit card program with in technology advancements, have Any member may join the fuel Fas Gas and RaceTrac Gas allowed PFA to successfully reduce supply program at any time; however allows for an additional discount membership is subject to fulfilling of 7 cents per litre in addition to the requirements and terms of any any local discount . existing fuel contract. Control the price changes of fuel to eliminate the practice of fuel There is no cost to join the fuel supply suppliers providing “give away” program. Members are charged a prices in response to a tender and then increasing the prices commission of 1.2 cents per litre of fuel and 5 cents per litre for lubricants to more profitable levels in the as an administration fee. The fee is following months . not tied to the price of fuel at all. Eliminate the cost and burden of tendering for fuel . Each member purchases the fuel from Provide the confidence to Council those who have entered into supply that fuel is being purchased contracts with the AAMDC. United fairly . Farmers of Alberta (UFA) and Imperial Support local fuel agents

24 issue 33 financial partnerships: the million-dollar question dave mcgarva and jeremy derksen, acton consulting

Money is one of the main causes of Afterwards, in one of the film’s few should be premised on the simple marital discord. Traditionally, things humorous moments, a friend of the standard of being a good neighbour. haven’t been much different among couple chastises the husband: “He

Alberta municipalities when the offered you a million dollars for a Under the “good neighbour” Dave McGarva & prospect of financial partnerships night with your wife? … How could approach, financial partnerships arises. Some consider the concept you agree to something like that?” he should either be mutually beneficial Jeremy Derksen, Acton Cons. scandalous. to both parties (e.g. two neighbours splitting the costs and labour to But the municipal landscape is replace a shared fence) or offer changing. With increasing resident The stakes restitution in the case that one party’s demands, a burgeoning economy and actions incur costs or damage to the limited resources, local governments other (e.g. one neighbour pays to are under growing pressure to deliver are high, replace the lawnmower he borrowed, more and better services to their then broke). communities. One way to do this is through inter-municipal partnerships. the moral In the former, two parties unite to strengthen their collective region. In Striking the right balance, however, issues are the latter, the emphasis is resolving can be tricky. Unlike municipal differences in a fair manner. The jurisdictions, natural resources don’t concept here is not to punish but stop at an arbitrary line on the map. outrageous instead, to provide restitution or Neither do roads, pollution or the “make whole.” If one municipality’s need for essential services. People and the actions will negatively impact its flow back and forth across municipal neighbour, the two agree on a way to borders to work, spend leisure time, offset the impact. buy goods or access services. It’s situation is not always easy to distinguish the A basic set of guiding principles will dividing line. So how do you develop emotionally help maintain a level playing field. The an equitable partnership? AAMDC discussion paper “Equitable Economics: Inter-municipal Financial In the film Indecent Proposal, starring volatile. Partnerships” recommends that Demi Moore, Robert Redford and partnerships be focused on enhancing Woody Harrelson, two parties service to ratepayers, through a (Harrelson and Redford) negotiate a cooperative effort of all municipalities one million dollar financial agreement says, with clear moral outrage. “How involved. The resulting agreement to “share” the third. The stakes are could you negotiate without your high, the moral issues are outrageous lawyer? Never negotiate without your should be accountable, transparent and the situation is emotionally lawyer!” and based on real, objective measures volatile. Right from the start, it’s a for determining the financial terms. It perfect example of a failed agreement. 1. The Pre-Nup must also respect municipal autonomy After all, it is founded on sharing If managed improperly, financial and the right of each municipality to something that is against normal partnerships between municipalities benefit from its own resources, and values to share. Compounding this, can run similar risks. To avoid the be flexible to allow the partnership to the couple fail to take into account the pitfalls of the “indecent proposal,” adapt to changing social, economic potential impacts. They’re blinded by inter-municipal financial partnerships and environmental conditions. the money.

summer 08 25 2. The Vows program spending due to population to deliver enhanced services to their With a proper foundation in place, growth. Considering the net effect— ratepayers. And in many cases, it you can get down to nuts and bolts. calculating both positive and negative just makes sense. Singly, the five However, settling on a financial impacts—puts the good neighbour communities of Beaver County, model can be difficult when different policy into practice again. Whereas Tofield, Viking, Ryley and Holden interests and values come into play. one municipality might incur road would each have to carry high Because it is the easiest to calculate, damage from the heavy traffic costs to provide local fire protection most partnerships have traditionally commuting to the new oil upgrader services. Using a delivery sharing operated on the revenue sharing in the other, it may also benefit from model, they were able to divide the model. Depending on the situation, increased permit fees or property costs of a regional fire department though, this may not or may not taxes as a result. Once again, the while enhancing service. The costs be the best approach. “Equitable emphasis is on equitable resolution. are shared equitably based on three Economics” identifies three objective, easily measurable potential models for inter- criteria: parcel count, population municipal financial partnerships: and usage. cost sharing, delivery sharing and revenue sharing. Each has value for different applications. The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) between the City of Revenue sharing works best as Wetaskiwin, County of Wetaskiwin a hedge against uncertainty, and the Town of Millet is another an insurance policy. The best successful example. Like in the examples from Alberta arise Industrial Heartland, the partners when economic development in JEDI agreed to strengthen opportunities are sought, but their collective bargaining power no one municipality has an by joining forces rather than obvious advantage (geography, competing. land availability, etc.) over their neighbours for location. In the In the face of rising costs, as more past, these situations have municipalities confront challenges caused municipalities to compete meeting the expectations of with each other, sometimes their communities, financial undercutting each other with tax partnerships can be a viable and considerations or low-cost land. rewarding option. And, provided The real winner in these battles you have the right formula, they is industry. Under a revenue work. sharing arrangement (such as the Industrial Heartland) neighbours There’s a reason Indecent Proposal can work together to attract industry is set in Vegas. It’s a gambling town, and share in the revenue derived by Delivery sharing is a good option and the characters in the movie stake the projects regardless of location, where one municipality’s residents their future on a gamble. It may all usually based on a fixed percentage. benefit from a service provided by end well in the movie, but in real life, another municipality; or, when two or Cost sharing may be preferable when more municipalities collaborate on a indecent proposals don’t succeed. If one municipality—in serving its own joint project to deliver a new service, your partnership isn’t built on a solid community and exercising its “right thereby reducing costs and increasing foundation of basic principles and to benefit” from opportunities within efficiency. Developing a regional practical solutions, your tale won’t its jurisdiction—impacts another. recreation facility or providing have a Hollywood ending. Even when Rather than sharing a percentage shared emergency services are good the odds are good, gambling doesn’t of revenue, the former municipality examples. make sense for municipalities. Before compensates the latter for the direct, you rush to the altar, make sure you measured net cost of any impacts, 3. Growing Old Together know what you’re getting into. Then such as road deterioration from Each of these strategies has potential when the time comes, you’ll be ready increased traffic or increased social to enhance local government’s ability to say, “I do.” n

26 issue 33 municipal careers marketing strategy bob miles, alberta rural municipal administrators’ association

A committee from ARMAA, AAMDC, to address those challenges. They 1) internal communication, including the Alberta Urban Municipalities will be contacting municipalities to recognition of outstanding AARMA Association, the Local Government hear about the effects of the current municipal employees and Administration Association, the labour shortage and the issues municipalities; R.A. (Bob) Miles Society of Local Government and opportunities for recruiting 2) targeted and broad-based Managers and Municipal Affairs employees to municipal careers. marketing and communications has selected Firebrand Media, in to shift perceptions and increase partnership with Freckle Creative, The following high level goals of awareness; and to develop a Municipal Careers the project have been developed: 1) 3) coordinated public relations and Marketing Strategy. They are make municipal careers more visible publicity to support all aspects of experienced communication and and more appealing to potential a marketing campaign. marketing firms and assisted with municipal employees; 2) increase the the development of the marketing number of qualified applicants for The Municipal Careers Marketing material for the Rural Matters! available positions; and 3) decrease Strategy will be completed in June national symposium on forging the time required to fill vacant and made available to participating healthy Canadian communities. positions. associations, municipalities, and Municipal Affairs. This project has They will be collecting information In order to shift perceptions of been funded from a grant from on the challenges municipalities municipal careers and to recruit Municipal Affairs and we appreciate face in recruiting qualified staff and and retain employees it will require their assistance in this most will create a marketing strategy activities in three key areas: important initiative. n

summer 08 27 trade division approved suppliers

Acti-Zyme Products Ltd. Emco Corporation Phoenix Fence Ltd. Acton Consulting Ltd. Fence Depot, The Praxair Products Inc. ADT Security Serv. Canada, Inc. Finning International Inc. Pro Detail Supply Trade Division Alberta Traffic Supply Ltd. Fountain Tire Corporation Quest Gasket and Supply Inc. Approved Suppliers A V Brake Ltd. Gear Centre, The Red-L Distributors Ltd. Barnes Distribution Canada General Paint Ltd. Regent Biologic Inc. Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd. Geo H. Hewitt Co. Ltd. Regent Supply BC Bearing Engineers Ltd. Goodyear Canada Ltd. Rite-Way Fencing Inc. Bolt Supply House Ltd., The Grand & Toy Rocky Mountain Equipment Boundary Equipment Co. Ltd. HLS Ecolo Inc. Russel Metal Inc. Brandt Tractor Hammer Equipment Sales Ltd. Shaw’s Enterprises Ltd. Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. Hertz Equipment Rental Sherine Industries Inc. Bucyrus Canada Limited Hi Signs The Fath Group Ltd. Sinclair Supply Ltd. Bunzl Distribution Hi-Way Service Inc. Spalding Hardware Systems C.W. Carry Ltd. Honeywell ASCa Inc. Stampede Printing Ltd. Can Alta Bindery Corp. Hydra Steer Strongco Equipment CanvasMart ICI Paints (Canada) Inc. Superior Industrial Frictions Ltd. Capital Printing & Forms Ink. Industrial Exhaust Components Ltd. Superior Stamp & Stencil Ltd. CCI Industries Ltd. Interstate Battery Supremex Inc. (Innova) Cloverdale Paint Kal Tire Sysco Food Services Coast Paper Kit Business Equipment - Office Plus Tirecraft Commander Warehouse Equip. Ltd. Layfield Geosynthetics & Ind. Fabrics Titan Supply Inc. Commercial Lighting Products Ltd. Levitt Safety Ltd. Traction Heavy Duty Parts Coneco Equipment Lynx Brand Fence Products Alta. Ltd. Trinus Technologies Corix Water Products Inc. Lyreco Office Products Twin Pro Industrial Products Corporate Express McCoy Bros. Inc. Unique Solutions Group Corrpro Canada, Inc. McWinn Air Filter Cleaning Serv. Ltd. Univar Canada Ltd. Creative Concepts Menzies Printers Valley Blades Ltd. Crystal Glass Canada Ltd. Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. W.E. Greer Ltd. Culligan Microserve Wajax Industries Ltd. DATA Group of Companies, The Milltrade Building Products Ltd. Waterous Power Systems Davies Electric Co. Ltd. Modern Press Ltd. Wesclean Equipment and Cleaning Diamond J Industries Nelaine Advertising Ltd. Wesco Distribution – Canada Inc. Discovery Paper Nilex Inc. Westburne Electric Supply Alberta Dynachem (Kevin Marsh Agencies) Northern Hardware Limited Western Pontiac Buick GMC Ecolab Ltd. Northwest Printing & Lithographing Ltd. Wilcor Systems Ltd. Eecol Electric Ltd. Office Depot (Canada) Inc. Wolseley Canada Inc. E C & M Electric (1934) Ltd. Pat’s Driveline Specialty & Machine Ltd. Wood Wyant Inc. E C & M Electric Northern Ltd. Petro-Canada Products (Lubricants) Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. Elfrieda Enterprises (Imports) Ltd. Phoenix Fence Inc. Zep Manufacturing Co. of Canada

28 issue 33 Congratulations on your Centennial Anniversary!

Aon is proud to partner with the AAMDC and its members

Stop by our trade booth at the “Rural Matters Symposium”

July 5-8 2008 z Shaw Conference Center z Edmonton, Alberta

Serving the insurance and risk management needs of Canadians from coast to coast.

For more information please visit us at www.aon.com