Red Deer County News official news from centre november 2016 Community Well-Being Survey

LOOKING FOR RESIDENT OPINIONS ON RECREATION, CULTURE, AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Red Deer County ensures that recreation, culture, and individual and family express their views on a wide range of topics that impact them directly”. support programs and services are available to all residents. Beginning Questionnaires will be mailed out to every household in the County. Each October 17, the County will be conducting a Community Well-being Survey package will include a letter of introduction, a questionnaire, and a to gauge the satisfaction levels around a number of different recreation, postage-paid return envelope. The survey will also be available online. If a culture, and family support services. resident does not receive a package, they are encouraged to contact the County office and one will be sent to them. The last consultation process of this type was in 2004, and information gathered at that time has helped to drive decision-making for over a All the information given through the survey will be confidential. Combined decade. Much has changed over that time, and now it is time to find out responses will be shared with County Council, and will help to set priorities what residents want the County’s recreation and culture priorities to be for recreation, culture, and individual and family support services for the over the next five to ten years. coming years. According to Community Services For updates, please see WHAT’S INSIDE: Manager Jo-Ann Symington, “The the Red Deer County Community Well-being Survey is a vital website or follow us on tool in assessing the needs of the Twitter with the hashtag: Open Houses...... Pg. 9 community for recreation, culture, and support services. The responses to this #CountyWellBeing Boards/Appointments...... Pg. 10 survey will shape Red Deer County’s plans in these areas for years to come. Wastewater Workshop...... Pg. 12 It is a great opportunity for residents to

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facebook.com/reddeercounty county highlights TOWN HALL MEETING R ed Deer County Receives International WITH COUNCILLOR LORENZ - DIVISION 5 Award for 2016-18 Budget

Monday, November 28, 2016 Spruce View Community Hall 7:30 PM following the Multi-Lot Country Residential Development Policy Review See page 9 for more details

Join me for an Open House. Ask questions. Share your ideas.

Red Deer County is proud to announce they are the recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2016-2018 budget document. The document lays out all Capital and Operating expenditures for the County, and details how tax dollars are used to provide services for ratepayers. The document contains both detailed and summary breakdowns of funding sources, policies, and highlights County finance over a multi-year timeline. This is the first time Red Deer County has received the GFOA award. The Association is based in Chicago, Illinois, and is the chief body for over 18,000 elected local, state, and provincial-level government finance officials. Before a municipality can receive the award, a copy of their budget must be sent to the Association, where it undergoes a series of reviews by practicing experts in the www.rdcounty.ca field of Government finance. Heather Gray-Surkan, Corporate Services Director adds, “It reflects a commitment from Red Deer County to be transparent and 403.350.2150 accountable to all of our ratepayers. Our constituents should take this award as a vote of confidence in the processes Red Deer County has in place to ensure that ratepayers are getting a clear view of County finances.” The 2016-2018 budget document can be found at www.rdcounty.ca. WALK WITH THE MAYORS

November is Senior Falls Prevention month in , and to encourage older adults to “Keep Active, Stay Independent” Mayors Dennis Cooper (Penhold), Jim Wood (Red Deer County) and Sean McIntyre (Sylvan Lake) invite you to join them to:

Walk with the Mayors on Wednesday, November 9 starting at 9 AM at the Penhold Multiplex

Anyone can fall, but as we age the risk of falling and getting injured increases. Falls are the leading cause of serious injuries in older adults with over 8700 hospital admissions resulting in over $160M in health care expenses in 2011. Every year, one in three Alberta seniors will fall, leading to potential disability, physical and mental distress and diminished quality of life.

The Falls Prevention Coalition is hosting Walk with the Mayors in partnership with the Town of Penhold. “The Coalition works to share the resources of the Finding Balance campaign and to encourage everyone, especially older adults, to keep active to prevent falls,” says Kathleen Raines, Executive Director of SCCA. “Community initiatives like Walk with the Mayors are a great opportunity to remind everyone that “What’s predictable - like the risk of falling - is preventable.”

To learn more about falls prevention, visit the Finding Balance website at www.findingbalancealberta.ca.

Red Deer County News - November 2016 2 What’s Happening in Red Deer County

Red Deer County Council, MPC, Alberta Youth Pheasant Spruce View Christmas Country and Public Hearings: Tuesday, Program: Sign up now! Ages 12 Market: Will be held in our November 1 and Tuesday, to 20 welcome. We supply community hall Sunday, November November 22. MPC commences everything except lunch, and you 27 from 12:00 PM until 5:00 PM. We welcome your at 9:30 AM, followed by Council, at don’t need any previous We are located west of Innisfail on the County Centre. Public experience or outdoor courses. HWY 54. For more information feedback! Hearings are held at 1:30 PM. Every Saturday and Sunday until please call or text Allison at December. Call Doug at 403.350.7726. You can contact us with questions or Christmas Preview and Open 403.347.7968 for dates and maps. comments at: [email protected] House: Thursday, November 3, Scholarship Offering or 403.350.2150 2016 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Benalto & Area Rural Crime Dr. Don Church has made Parkland Nurseries & Garden Watch Society General Meeting: available two scholarships of Moira Duley - Corporate Communications Specialist Centre. Bring your friends to a Thursday, February 27, 2017 at $2,000 each, for Red Deer County - Corporate Communications Coordinator Adam Ferguson great socializing event where we 7:00 PM, Benalto Leisure Centre students who are pursuing a Tyler Harke - Corporate Communications Manager will unveil our Christmas Displays! Ag. Grounds. In attendance, degree in Agriculture or Veterinary There will be gourmet tastings, hot BARCWS Liasisons. BARCWS Medicine. The scholarship will be twitter.com/reddeercounty apple cider, live music and more. membership is $25 for 5 years and payable to the post secondary youtube.com/rdcounty Donations to the Red Deer Food RCMP clearance. For more institution to be applied towards Bank are graciously accepted. information please call Dave More tuition, once university acceptance facebook.com/reddeercounty at 403.746.3429 or Sue Banting at and registration has been 403.896.7189. confirmed. Red Deer County welcomes reader Parkland Craft & Market Sales: submissions, but reserves the right to Every Saturday from November 12 Braden Gates at Fensala Hall: Please submit applications on or to December 17, from 10:00 AM to Markerville’s Fensala Hall is proud before June 30, 2017. approve/disapprove content. 4:00 PM. These unique markets to welcome Braden Gates, an For inquiries regarding the provide craftspeople/artisans the based folk singer- scholarship and eligibility, please Current issues of County News are opportunity to showcase their songwriter, on November 12. call the Community Foundation available free of charge at the Red Deer creative one-of-a-kind creations to Come join us for a night of fiddle office at 403.341.6911 or Dr. Don County Centre, or can be viewed online at the public. It’s a great time to playing, guitar picking and Church at 403.340.2092. www.rdcounty.ca come out and purchase that storytelling with this local folk handmade gift you have been festival star. Doors open at 7:00 Submit application, resume, looking for this season. A donation PM. Tickets are $25.00 online at academic status, student ID Have an Event? to the Red Deer Food Bank is historicmarkerville.com. Contact number and community We are happy to list upcoming events appreciated. Breanne at 403.877.4752 or involvement to: Marlene at 403.728.0153 for more Dr. Don Church in and around the Red Deer County information. [email protected] area. Submit your information to: Kristine Bugayong [email protected] [email protected]

COUNTY AGREES TO $500,000 CONTRIBUTION TO 2019 WINTER GAMES On October 19, Red Deer County Council agreed to commit $500,000 to the 2019 Canada Winter Games, which will take place in Red Deer.

The contribution came after an engaging presentation from the Red Deer Canada Games Committee, which was led by CEO Scott Robinson, Sponsorship Co-Chair Lars Rogers, and Chair Lynn Radford. Each of the leaders spoke during the presentation – providing examples of the benefit of the Games as a whole, and to contributing municipalities.

The focus of the presentation surrounded three pillars, including volunteer development, economic development, and citizen engagement. Each speaker touched on the many ways that the Canada Winter Games can be a memorable event in the lives of central Albertans. Mayor Jim Wood remarked, “This will be the largest event to hit Red Deer in my lifetime. The games can be a real economic development opportunity for Red Deer County, and I think it will give all of central Alberta great exposure.”

In April 2015, Red Deer County approved $500,000 in funding for the construction of Red Deer College’s Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. This facility will not only support the Games, but will also provide future recreational opportunities for the region.

The Games Committee now has approximately 30 months to find additional sponsorship and to organize the largest event in Red Deer’s history. Some of the largest undertakings involve the organization of roughly 5000 volunteers, building new venues such as the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, expanding existing venues such as Canyon Ski Hill, and finding local vendors to provide meals, equipment, and marketing materials for the various events.

According to the Canada Games website, the 2019 games will be 16 days of frenzied activity, with over 19 sports, and 3600 participants. Over 20,000 visitors are expected to descend upon central Alberta to watch, cover, and participate in the largest multi-sport event Alberta has seen since the 1988 Olympics. Red Deer County News - November 2016 3 operation services COUNTY RESIDENTS REMINDED TO CONSIDER SPRING DUST CONTROL

Red Deer County would like to remind residents that they are eligible for subsidized calcium chloride dust control on sections of road. By filling out the application, residents will receive dust control spray for a minimum of 125 metres in front of their properties. Additional metres of dust control can be applied at a per metre cost.

The dust control application process opens during the winter months. However, it is easy to forget about dust while snow is on the ground. Likewise, if the spring months are wet, it may not seem as though dust control is required. As we all know, the Alberta summer can dry things out quickly, and dust can become an issue in a matter of weeks even if the previous months featured high amounts of precipitation.

Applications are available beginning in mid-February and the deadline for dust control applications is typically in late April or early May. If you experienced problems with dust during the past summer, please consider this subsidized program. Once orders have been taken, the dust control contractor selected by the County is given a list of locations. The contractor cannot add additional locations once they have purchased their supplies, so please act early if you are interested in the County’s dust control program.

Winter Maintenance & Snow Removal in red deer county

WHERE / WHEN DO THE PLOWS START? Naturally everyone wants to be first when the clearing begins. To make things fair – there is a different start and end point every time. This way – no one is always first, and no one is always last on the route. There are a total of 13 grader routes in the County that each cover 200 kilometres of roads.

During a winter storm, plows, graders and operators get ready for action – but – no plowing starts until the storm event STOPS. It’s better to wait until the plowing will be effective, even though it’s understandable that everyone wishes it could start sooner. Starting sooner is not always better – there are temperatures and times where plowing is simply not effective.

Timing can be severely affected by the amount of snow, temperature, continuing bad weather such as wind causing drifts or by poor visibility. If the visibility means motorists and plow or grader operators can’t see each other, plowing will be delayed until the visibility improves, for everyone’s safety on the road. Once the plowing rotations begin, plows won’t return to a road until the entire rotation is complete.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO CLEAR THE ROADS AFTER A SNOWSTORM? This varies. If there is a lot of snow, or if the snow is heavy and moist, or if there is a strong wind, it can take longer to move the snow and fight drifts – and can take several days to complete road clearing. Generally, it takes 40 hours per round and one day for cleanup. On average, about 2,500 equipment hours are spent yearly on sanding and plowing, with 4,500 metric tonnes of sand and salt being used on County roads and 21,000 hours of grader time on gravel road maintenance. The County will bring in extra help if it is required.

For more information: WHAT IF I NEED TO GET TO TOWN AND THE ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE? If you have a medical condition or if you have a job where you are required to get to town every day – please plan ahead for unexpected bad weather. Listen to the weather forecast and make your plans twitter.com/reddeercounty accordingly. Most rural residents know that when they choose to live in the country, getting snowed in youtube.com/rdcounty can happen. Any and all roads can become impassable with extreme weather and it’s important to have food and supplies to last for several days during a bad storm. facebook.com/reddeercounty If you are experiencing a medical emergency situation – don’t call the County, please call 911. The County follows a protocol when dealing with emergency situations. Should there be a need to send assistance to clear your road and get you out – this call is made by emergency responders and the County will do its part.

Red Deer County News - November 2016 4 operation services continued RE-GRAVEL PROGRAM AS OF OCTOBER 6, 2016, RE-GRAVELLING HAS OCCURRED ON THE FOLLOWING ROADS:

Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 220 & Rge Rd 221 Twp Rd 372 between Rge Rd 263 & Rge Rd 273 Rge Rd 282 between Twp Rd 350 & Twp Rd 352 Rge Rd 221 between Twp Rd 352 & Hwy 590 Rge Rd 264 between Hwy 42 & Twp Rd 372 Rge Rd 280 between Twp Rd 350 & Twp Rd 352 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 221 & Rge Rd 222 Rge Rd 270 between Twp Rd 372 & Twp Rd 374 Rge Rd 271 between Hwy 591 & Twp Rd 352 Rge Rd 222 between Twp Rd 352 & Hwy 590 Rge Rd 272 between Hwy 42 & Twp Rd 374 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 271 & Hwy 791 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 222 & Rge Rd 230 Rge Rd 274 between Hwy 42 & Rge Rd 273 Twp Rd 350 between Hwy 791 & Rge Rd 284 Rge Rd 230 between Twp Rd 352 & Hwy 590 Rge Rd 275 between Hwy 592 & Twp Rd 372 Rge Rd 270 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 364 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 230 & Rge Rd 232 Rge Rd 275 between Hwy 42 & Twp Rd 364 Rge Rd 264 between Hwy 590 & Hwy 42 Rge Rd 232 between Twp Rd 352 & Hwy 590 Twp Rd 391 between Rge Rd 12 & Rge Rd 10 Rge Rd 271 between Twp Rd 360 & Hwy 42 Twp Rd 352 between Hwy 21 & Rge Rd 240 Rge Rd 12 between Hwy 11A & Twp Rd 392 Rge Rd 263 between Hwy 590 & Hwy 42 Rge Rd 240 between Twp Rd 352 & Hwy 590 Rge Rd 11 between Hwy 11A & Twp Rd 392 Twp Rd 362 between Rge Rd 271 & Rge Rd 253 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 240 & Rge Rd 241 Twp Rd 284A between Rge Rd 285 & Rge Rd 10 Rge Rd 262 between Hwy 42 & Hwy 590 Rge Rd 241 between Twp Rd 352 & Hwy 590 Rge Rd 285 between Hwy 11A & Hwy 11 Twp Rd 350 between Rge Rd 285 & Rge Rd 290 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 241 & Rge Rd 243 Twp Rd 284 between Rge Rd 284 & Rge Rd 285 Rge Rd 285 between Twp Rd 351 & Hwy 587 Rge Rd 243 between Twp Rd 352 & Hwy 590 Rge Rd 284 between Hwy 11 & Burnt Lake Trail Rge Rd 281 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 352 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 243 & Rge Rd 245 Rge Rd 12 between Burnt Lake Trail & Twp Rd 380 Rge Rd 274 between Twp Rd 344 & Hwy 587 Rge Rd 245 between Twp Rd 352 & Hwy 590 Rge Rd 284 between Burnt Lake Trial & Twp Rd 380 Twp Rd 344 between Hwy 791 & Rge Rd 274 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 245 & Rge Rd 250 Twp Rd 380 between Rge Rd 285 & Rge Rd 10 Rge Rd 274 between Twp Rd 350 & Twp Rd 344 Rge Rd 250 between Twp Rd 352 to Hwy 590 Rge Rd 285 between Twp Rd 380 & Twp Rd 370 Rge Rd 273 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 350 Twp Rd 362 between Rge Rd 222 & Rge Rd 224 Twp Rd 374 between Rge Rd 283 & Rge Rd 10 Rge Rd 265 between Twp Rd 350 & Hwy 590 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 224 & Rge Rd 225 Twp Rd 384 between Rge Rd 22 & Rge Rd 23 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 250 & Rge Rd 262 Rge Rd 222 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 360 Twp Rd 372 between Rge Rd 10 & Rge Rd 285 Rge Rd 253 between Twp Rd 352 & Twp Rd 360 Rge Rd 223 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 360 Twp Rd 364 between C & E Trail & Rge Rd 275 Rge Rd 260 between Hwy 42 & Twp Rd 363 Twp Rd 360 between Rge Rd 224 & Rge Rd 230 Rge Rd 275 between Twp Rd 364 & Twp Rd 362 Twp Rd 360 between Rge Rd 260 & Rge Rd 254 Rge Rd 225 between Twp Rd 360 & Twp Rd 364 Rge Rd 280 between Hwy 592 & Twp Rd 362 Rge Rd 251 between Hwy 590 & Pine Lake Road Twp Rd 360 between Rge Rd 224 & Rge Rd 230 Twp Rd 362 between C & E Trail & Hwy 2A Twp Rd 364 between Hwy 42 & Hwy 816 Rge Rd 225 between Twp Rd 360 & Twp Rd 364 Twp Rd 360 between C & E Trail & Hwy 2A Rge Rd 265 between Hwy 42 & Twp Rd 362 Rge Rd 230 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 362 Twp Rd 361 between Rge Rd 12 & Rge Rd 14 Rge Rd 283 between Burnt Lake Trail & Twp Rd 380 Rge Rd 224 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 363 Rge Rd 282 between Twp Rd 342 & Hwy 587 Twp Rd 384 between Sylvan Lake Boundary & Rge Rd 20 Rge Rd 245 between Twp Rd 362 & Hwy 42 Rge Rd 283 between Twp Rd 342 & Hwy 587 Twp Rd 385 between RR 22 & Rge Rd 20 Rge Rd 20A between Hwy 42 & Rge Rd 245A Rge Rd 284 between Twp Rd 342 & Hwy 587 Rge Rd 22 between Twp Rd 384 & Twp 390 Rge Rd 244 between Hwy 42 & Rge Rd 243 Rge Rd 285 between Twp Rd 342 & Hwy 587 Rge Rd 20 between Twp Rd 380 & Hwy 11 Twp Rd 362 between Rge Rd 240 & Rge Rd 243 Twp Rd 340 between Rge Rd 281 & Rge Rd 291 Rge Rd 21 between Twp Rd 382 & Hwy 11 Rge Rd 243 between Hwy 42 & Twp Rd 360 Rge Rd 291 between Twp Rd 340 & Hwy 587 Rge Rd 23 between Hwy 11 & Twp Rd 382 Twp Rd 360 between Rge Rd 242 & Rge Rd 245 Twp Rd 340 between Hwy 2 & Hwy 2A Twp Rd 382 between Hwy 781 & Rge Rd 40 Rge Rd 242 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 362 Twp Rd 341 between Rge Rd 13 & Hwy 2A Rge Rd 24 between Hwy 11 & Twp Rd 382 Rge Rd 245 between Hwy 590 & South Pine Lake Rd Twp Rd 343 between Hwy 2A & Rge Rd 13 Rge Rd 25 between Twp Rd 380 & Twp Rd 384 Twp Rd 373A between Rge Rd 223 & Rge Rd 224 Rge Rd 12 between Twp Rd 354 & Twp Rd 355A Rge Rd 32 between Twp Rd 380 & Twp Rd 382 Rge Rd 225 between Twp Rd 370 & Twp Rd 374 Twp Rd 355A between Rge Rd 12 & Rge Rd 10 Rge Rd 35 between Twp Rd 382 & Twp Rd 380 Twp Rd 372 between Rge Rd 224 & Hwy 21 Rge Rd 21 between Twp Rd 354 & Rge Rd 22 Twp Rd 372 between Rge Rd 30 & Rge Rd 40 Rge Rd 231 between Twp Rd 372 & Twp Rd 374 Rge Rd 11 between Twp Rd 350 & Twp Rd 355A Rge Rd 40 between Twp Rd 372 & Twp Rd 374 Rge Rd 224 between Twp Rd 364 & Hwy 21 Rge Rd 12 between Twp Rd 350 & Twp Rd 352 Twp Rd 374 between Rge Rd 30 & Rge Rd 40 Twp Rd 373A/374 between Rge Rd 224 & Old Hwy 21 Rge Rd 13 between Twp Rd 340 & Twp Rd 350 Rge Rd 31 between Twp Rd 374 & Hwy 54 Twp Rd 380 between Rge Rd 224 & Hwy 21 Rge Rd 23 between Hwy 587 & Twp Rd 352 Rge Rd 33 between Twp Rd 374 & Twp Rd 370 Rge Rd 225 between Twp Rd 380 & Twp Rd 382 Twp Rd 350 between Rge Rd 35 & Hwy 766 Rge Rd 32 between Twp Rd 372 & Twp Rd 364 Rge Rd 230 between Twp Rd 380 & Twp Rd 382 Rge Rd 34 between Hwy 587 & Twp Rd 350 Twp Rd 370 between Hwy 766 & Rge Rd 32 Twp Rd 380 between Rge Rd 224 & Hwy 21 Rge Rd 31 between Hwy 587 & Twp Rd 342 Rge Rd 20 between Twp Rd 374 & Twp Rd 370 Twp Rd 384 between Hwy 21 & Rge Rd 224 Rge Rd 32 between Twp Rd 350 & Twp Rd 342 Rge Rd 21 between Twp Rd 372 & Twp Rd 371 Rge Rd 234 between Twp Rd 384 & Hwy 595 Rge Rd 14 between Hwy 587 & Twp Rd 340 Twp Rd 374 between Hwy 781 & Rge Rd 15 Twp Rd 382 between Rge Rd 233 & Rge Rd 234 Rge Rd 15 between Hwy 587 & Twp Rd 340 Rge Rd 24 between Twp Rd 380 & Twp Rd 374 Rge Rd 233 between Twp Rd 384 & Hwy 595 Rge Rd 20 between Hwy 587 & Twp Rd 340 Rge Rd 25 between Twp Rd 372 & Twp Rd 370 Twp Rd 370 between Rge Rd 241 & Rge Rd 233 Twp Rd 340 between Hwy 2A & Rge Rd 21 Rge Rd 235 between Twp Rd 372 & Hwy 42 Twp Rd 342 between Rge Rd 13 & Rge Rd 23 Twp Rd 372 between Hwy 21 & Rge Rd 241 Rge Rd 22 between Twp Rd 342 & Hwy 587 Rge Rd 243 between Twp Rd 372 & Twp Rd 374 Twp Rd 342 between Rge Rd 23 & Rge Rd 24 Twp Rd 374 between Rge Rd 240 & Rge Rd 243 Rge Rd 35 between Hwy 587 & County Border Rge Rd 240 between Twp Rd 374 & Twp Rd 380 Rge Rd 41 between Hwy 587 & County Border Rge Rd 244 between Twp Rd 374 & Hwy 42 Rge Rd 283 between Burnt Lake Trail & Twp Rd 380 Rge Rd 245 between Twp Rd 374 & Hwy 42 Rge Rd 281 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 360 Rge Rd 251A between Hwy 42 & Twp Rd 370 Rge Rd 280 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 360 Twp Rd 374 between Rge Rd 250 & Rge Rd 242 Rge Rd 22 between Twp Rd 342 & County Border Rge Rd 251 between Twp Rd 374 & Twp Rd 370 Rge Rd 275 between Twp Rd 352 & Twp Rd 364 Twp Rd 374 between Rge Rd 250 & Hwy 816 Rge Rd 273 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 360 Twp Rd 381 between Rge Rd 255 & Hwy 808 Twp Rd 362 between Rge Rd 272 & Rge Rd 271 Rge Rd 242 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 362 Rge Rd 272 between Hwy 590 & Twp Rd 350 Twp Rd 374 between Rge Rd 270 & Rge Rd 263 Twp Rd 352 between Rge Rd 283 & Hwy 791 Red Deer County News - November 2016 5 council minutes AGENDA & MINUTES DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS municipal planning The agenda and minutes of the September 20, 2016, Mckay’s Contracting for Reginald Begin – Unit 83, meeting were approved as submitted. Plan 072-2472, SW 13-36-25-4 (Division 1) commission The property is located on the east side of Pine Lake REPORTS within the Whispering Pines Resort. Approval was OCTOBER 4, 2016 Parkland Regional Library Board – unanimous given for a 0.89-metre (3’) rear yard setback relaxation approval was given to approve the proposed 2017 for the construction of a cottage with an attached budget of the Parkland Regional Library Board as garage, shed and covered deck, subject to seven The meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM with presented. conditions, with Councillors Church, Huelsman, Lorenz Chairman Councillor P.J.R. Massier, Mayor J.J. Wood, and Massier being in favor and Mayor Wood and Councillors J.M. Bota, D.B. Church, C.R. Huelsman, Bylaw No. 2016/32 – unanimous approval was given Councillors Bota and Moore being opposed. R.R. Lorenz and C. Moore in attendance. to this bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2011/38, Road Protection and Traffic Control, to set the speed limit at Donald and Debra Bugbee and Mark and Stephanie AGENDA & MINUTES 60 km/hr on a portion of Rge Rd 265 north of Hwy 11 Schaffer - Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 071-6251, SW 21-34- The agenda and minutes of the September 20, 2016, to the northern boundary of the Balmoral subdivision. 28-4 (Division 4) meeting were approved with an amendment to motion The property is located approximately 4.5 miles east of MPC-16-153, Condition 8 to read “The portion of road Bylaw No. 2016/33 - unanimous approval was also the Town of Bowden south of Hwy 587 on Rge Rd 284. (Twp Rd 372A) located on NE 13-37-26 4 shall be given to this bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2011/38, Road Unanimous approval was given to locate a second registered as a road right of way to the satisfaction of Protection and Traffic Control, to set the speed limit at dwelling (manufactured home), subject to seven Red Deer County”. 60 km/hr on Rge Rd 251A north of Hwy 42 to Twp Rd conditions. 370 (north of Pine Lake). DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS Gary & Cynthia Cressey – NE 4-38-2-5 (Division 5) Stanley Norem – Pt SW 16-39-27-4 (Division 6) Tax Recovery Sale – unanimous approval was given The property is located approximately 7 miles The property is located approximately 0.5 miles north to approve the reserve bid amounts and the sale southwest of the Town of Sylvan Lake north of Twp Rd of the City of Red Deer adjacent to Hwy 2 on Twp Rd conditions for the public auction tax sale properties, as 380 on Rge Rd 23. Unanimous approval was given to 392. Unanimous approval was given to construct a presented, with the public auction being held locate a second dwelling (modular home), subject to second dwelling, subject to six conditions. November 18, 2016. seven conditions.

1244456 Alberta Ltd (Pearl Rose Construction Ltd) IN-CAMERA SESSION - Lot 14, Block 9, Plan 122-5165, SE 29-37-27-4 Sale of a Portion of Railway Plan 748AF in the NE and SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS (Division 2) SE 30-38-1-5 – unanimous approval was given to James Purdie – NW 6-38-25-4 (Division 1) The property is located south of the City of Red Deer approve the sale of all that portion of Railway Plan The property is located approximately 6 miles east of within Gasoline Alley West on Laura Avenue. 748AF (approximately 6.92 acres) in the NE and SE 30 the City of Red Deer north of Hwy 595 on Unanimous approval was given to construct a mixed 38 1 5 to the Town of Sylvan Lake subject to the terms Rge Rd 20. Unanimous approval was given to use (commercial and residential) 6-storey building, as presented and to authorize the County Manager to subdivide a 3.5-hectare (8.65-acre) parcel containing a subject to 19 conditions. execute the necessary documents on behalf of Red farmstead, subject to seven conditions. Deer County. Corrine Jacobsen – Lot A, Block B, Plan 2017TR, SW 7-38-28-4 (Division 6) COMMITTEE REPORTS Wade Nickerson – NW 13-35-4-5 (Division 5) The property is located approximately 6 miles west of Councillors reported on meetings they have attended The property is located approximately 5.5 miles west of the City of Red Deer east of Rge Rd 10 on Burnt Lake on behalf of Red Deer County since September 21, the Gleniffer Reservoir north of Twp Rd 352 on Rge Rd Trail. Unanimous approval was given to renew a Home 2016. 41. Unanimous approval was given to subdivide a Business Major for the sales and rentals of storage 3.78-hectare (9.34-acre) parcel containing a containers and location of a 32 sq. ft. sign advertising The meeting adjourned at 11:21 AM. farmstead, subject to six conditions. the business, subject to 15 conditions. The meeting adjourned at 9:56 AM. Jeffrey and Marsha Bennett – Lot 38, Block 2, Plan 802-2182, SW 31-38-2-5 (Division 5) The property is located within the Hamlet of Benalto * * * * * * east of 48 Street on 52 Avenue. Unanimous approval was given for a Home Business Major (Personal Fitness and Yoga Studio) including a relaxation to the municipal planning council parking requirements and a variance to allow the commission business to start at 6 AM, subject to 11 conditions. OCTOBER 18, 2016 OCTOBER 18, 2016 The meeting adjourned at 10:00 AM. * * * The meeting was called to order at 9:34 AM with The meeting was called to order at 10:59 AM with council Chairman Councillor P.J.R Massier, Mayor J.J. Wood, Mayor J.J. Wood, Deputy Mayor C. Moore, Councillors Councillors J.M. Bota, D.B. Church, C.R. Huelsman, J.M. Bota, D.B. Church, C.R. Huelsman R.R. Lorenz OCTOBER 4, 2016 R.R. Lorenz and C. Moore in attendance. and P.J.R. Massier in attendance. AGENDA & MINUTES AGENDA & MINUTES The agenda and minutes of the October 4, 2016, The agenda and minutes of the October 4, 2016, The meeting was called to order at 10:11 AM with meeting were approved as submitted. meeting were approved as submitted. Mayor J.J. Wood, Deputy Mayor C. Moore, Councillors J.M. Bota, D.B. Church, C.R. Huelsman R.R. Lorenz and P.J.R. Massier in attendance.

Red Deer County News - November 2016 6 council minutes continued

REPORTS COMMITTEE REPORTS 2019 Canada Winter Games Funding Request – Councillors reported on meetings they have attended public notices following a presentation by the 2019 Canada Winter on behalf of Red Deer County since October 5, 2016. Games Committee, a motion to provide $1 million of cash and in-kind services to the 2019 Canada Winter The meeting adjourned at 2:44 PM. november 22, 2016 Games with the funds to be allocated over a five-year period from 2016 to 2020 was defeated on a 4 to 3 * * * vote with Mayor Wood, Councillors Bota and Moore County Council will be further considering the being in favor and Councillors Church, Huelsman, organizational meeting following bylaws at its regular meeting to be held Lorenz and Massier being opposed. A motion to TUESDAY, November 22, 2016, in the Council approve a contribution of $500,000 to be allocated Chambers of the County Office, 38106 Rge Rd over the two-year period of 2016 and 2017 was OCTOBER 18, 2016 275, Red Deer County, Alberta. approved on a 5 to 2 vote with Mayor Wood, Councillors Church, Huelsman, Lorenz and Massier The meeting was called to order at 10:09 AM with Fee Bylaw No. 2016/35 – a bylaw that sets the being in favor and Councillors Bota and Moore being Mayor J.J. Wood, Deputy Mayor C. Moore, Councillors fees that Red Deer County charges for services, opposed. J.M. Bota, D.B. Church, C.R. Huelsman, R.R. Lorenz information, applications and appeals that are and P.J.R. Massier in attendance. provided to the public. This bylaw is reviewed on Fee Bylaw – 2017 Amendments – unanimous an annual basis, and this year’s bylaw that was approval was given to first reading to Bylaw No. APPOINTMENTS given first reading on October 18, 2016, proposes 2016/35, a bylaw to set various fees for services, At the annual organizational meeting of Council, amendments to some of the fees currently charged. information application or appeals for 2017. This bylaw appointments to both internal Council and external to be included on the November 22, 2016, Council Committees, Boards and Commissions are made. One notable revision being proposed is as follows: meeting agenda for further consideration. Council member appointments are noted on pages 10 and 11 of this edition of the County News. Schedule ‘F’ Utility Fees and Charges – Year 2 of Amendment to Bylaw No. 2014/23 Gasoline Alley Public member appointments are as follows: the transition to the new rate structure method of Offsite Levies Bylaw – unanimous approval was determining the monthly fixed fee that was initiated given to first reading to Bylaw No. 2016/36, a bylaw to Subdivision and Development Appeal Board – in 2016. In order to have a fixed fee that is more amend this offsite levies bylaw to include information Tony Skorjanc (Chair), Wendee Pitt (Vice Chair), Don representative of the “user pay” philosophy, similar from the 2016 project review and cost adjustments. Scott, Wendell Stenvig and William Young. to the usage rate, the monthly fixed fee (for both This bylaw to be included on the November 22, 2016, water and sewer) is now determined by the size of Council meeting agenda for further consideration. Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development water meter used on the property, rather than Appeal Board – Don Sibbald (Chair), Susanne simply a fee based on residential or commercial/ DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS Widdecke, Wendell Stenvig and Tony Skorjanc industrial. Lot 17, Block 7, Plan 094-1444, SE 29-37-27-4 (Alternates – Wendee Pitt, Don Scott and William The bigger the water meter, the higher the monthly (Division 2) – unanimous approval was given to Young). The City of Red Deer appoints three members fixed fee. Smaller water meters for both residential approve a one-year extension to October 6, 2017, for to this appeal board as well. and commercial customers were not affected by this the conditionally approved subdivision of a structure change, other than a normal inflationary 0.43-hectare (1.05 acre) parcel to create one new lot. Agricultural Services Board – Rod Bradshaw, Kevin increase. If adopted, these fees will come into Ziola, Stan Bell and Mabel Hamilton. effect with the May 2017 billings. Lot 2, Block 11, Plan 012-5562, SE 13-37-28-4 (Division 3) – unanimous approval was given to Alternative Land Use Services Partnership With the exception of Schedule ‘F’, if the bylaw is approve a one-year extension to October 20, 2017, for Advisory Committee - ASB member Rod Bradshaw adopted, all other fees will come into effect on the conditionally approved subdivision of a and ASB member Kevin Ziola as alternate; Farmers / January 1, 2017. 5.91-hectare (14.6-acre) parcel into 35 residential lots Ranchers at Large Tyler Goertzen, Edward Lawrence, and one municipal reserve lot (Hamlet of Springbrook). and D. Ian Stuart; Local Ag / Environmental Bylaw No. 2016/36 – a bylaw to amend Bylaw No. Government or Non Government Agency, Darwin 2014/23, Gasoline Alley Offsite Levies, by updating PUBLIC HEARINGS Chamber (Ducks Unlimited), Ginette Boucher (Grey the levies to reflect the costs as noted in the Bylaw No. 2016/31 – unanimous approval was given Wooded Forage Association) and Carolyn Ross (Cows recently completed Infrastructure Study. The levies to this bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2009/6, Gleniffer and Fish); and Farmer Liaisons Stephen Smith and range for $27,560 per acre to $60,828 per acre Reservoir Shorelands Area Structure Plan, to provide a Tom Towers. depending on the location of the property within lesser setback distance from the reservoir take line to Gasoline Alley. This represents an annual increase facilitate the replacement of an existing home on Pt SE Red Deer Regional Airport Authority – Dave Minhas, of 3.1% since 2014. 28-35-2-5. Robert Kelham, Glenn Tobin, Ben Antifaiff, Tim Creedon and Al Tait. Copies of these two bylaws are available on the Bylaw No. 2016/2.04 – unanimous approval was given County’s website at www.rdcounty.ca to this bylaw to redesignate Lot 19, Block 2, Plan 152- RCMP Detachment Police Advisory 3251, SE 25 38 28-4 from Business Service Industrial Committee - Irv Heide, Dawn Detarando, Jenaya More information is also available by calling “BSI” to Medium Industrial District “MI” to facilitate the Moore, Brenda Neufeld, Adrian Pidherny, Les Waite 403.350.2152. development of an oilfield service company and and Willa Wanke. oilfield-related outdoor storage of equipment (Burnt * * * Lake Business Park). The meeting adjourned at 11:01 AM.

Bylaw No. 2016/34 – unanimous approval was given Upcoming mpc and to the bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 9/93, the Divide Hills * * * Area Structure Plan (ASP), to update the Plan’s Council Meetings policies and figures (maps) in order to ensure November 22 consistency with current County Planning documents December 6 (i.e. MDP and IDP). December 20

Red Deer County News - November 2016 7 planning & development DEVELOPMENT PERMITS Permit Number Applicant Name Parcel Permit Type Valuation D-16-209 OSZLI, JACK SE7-35-2-W5M AG CAMPGROUND - MINOR $0.00 D-16-220 ROBBLEE, ROBERT S & REBECCA A SW8-35-2-W5M R6 ACCESSORY BLDG UNDER 2150 $1,000.00 D-16-232 KELLY, WADE NW21-34-2-W5M AG HOME BUSINESS - MAJOR $0.00 D-16-242 SPADY, DARCY & LAURIE N12-36-25-W4M R7 COVERED DECK/ADDITION/SOLAR $25,000.00 D-16-249 TORKELSON, KARL & JUDY NW34-36-3-W5M AG SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING $250,000.00 D-16-252 CLASSIC GRANITE WORKS SW28-37-27-W4M C3 APPROVAL OF USE - PERMITTED $0.00 D-16-256 WERKEMA, STEVEN & KAREN NE16-36-28-W4M AG ADDITION/COV DECK/SOLARIUM $30,000.00 D-16-260 ANTONSEN, DALE EDWARD & DEBORAH JOAN SW16-39-27-W4M AG ADDITION/COV DECK/SOLARIUM $80,000.00 D-16-266 MANNERFELDT, JAMES ELMER & MOIRA SE25-37-2-W5M AG HOME BUSINESS - MINOR $0.00 D-16-268 PERMIT SOLUTIONS INC. NE24-38-28-W4M BS SIGNS $15,000.00 D-16-275 OXTOBY, GLINYS M SE25-35-3-W5M R7 RECREATION VEHICLE PARK MOD $161,873.00 D-16-276 7-ELEVEN CANADA INC. SW33-37-27-W4M BS APPROVAL OF USE - PERMITTED $0.00 D-16-277 7-ELEVEN CANADA INC. SE29-37-27-W4M BS APPROVAL OF USE - PERMITTED $0.00 D-16-279 NORDBY, DARRELL & BRENDA FFRASER SE6-39-27-W4M R1 ADDITION/COV DECK/SOLARIUM $25,000.00 D-16-282 MACKAY'S CONTRACTING LTD. SW13-36-25-W4M R7 COTTAGE $315,000.00 D-16-286 TAKS, NATHANIEL DAVID & JOANNE NE31-34-2-W5M AG SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING $200,000.00 D-16-287 TWIDALE, PATRICK, BRIGITTE & SE2-35-23-W4M AG SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING $225,000.00 D-16-288 ROGERS, DOUGLAS SW16-38-23-W4M R3 ACCESSORY BLDG UNDER 2150 $5,500.00 D-16-290 BRAUN, EWALD JOHN SW28-38-28-W4M AG ACCESSORY BUILDING $20,000.00 D-16-292 VERBEEK, DALE HENRY & DONNA LEE NW14-38-26-W4M R1 ACCESSORY BLDG UNDER 2150 $2,300.00 D-16-293 GASOLINE ALLEY INVESTMENTS LTD PT29-37-27-W4M BL OTHER DEVELOPMENT REQUIREME $0.00 D-16-296 HADDOW, BARRETT SW6-36-25-W4M AG SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING $720,000.00 D-16-299 JOHNSTON, RICHARD & SHARON SE2-34-28-W4M AG SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING $400,000.00 NEW SIX-STOREY MIXED USE BUILDING COMING TO GASOLINE ALLEY At the October 4 Municipal Planning Commission (MPC), Council approved the construction of an 80,000 square foot, 6 storey building. The building will be unique thus far for the County, as it will feature a grocery store, doctor’s office, and small pharmacy on the bottom floor, as well as five residential storeys, with a total of 60 units above.

The building will be located along Laura Avenue in Gasoline Alley, and will be accessed from an internal subdivision road, known as Memorial Parkway. The Applicant is already constructing a 4-storey extended stay hotel across the street from the site, and plans to immediately begin construction of this new building in order to make more efficient use of trades, etc.

As part of The Red Deer County and City of Red Deer Intermunicipal Development Plan, there is a limit of 4 buildings that are allowed to exceed a height of 4 storeys. This will be the third building over four storeys approved in Gasoline Alley. The first such building was the Holliday Inn hotel in Gasoline Alley East. Then on November 25, 2015, MPC approved another 6-storey building on Lake Street; however the developer has put that project on hold and construction will not begin until 2017 at the earliest.

Councillor Jean Bota commented, “I really like this style of development for Gasoline Alley. Having the residential and commercial together in one building is an efficient use of space, and will allow for convenient amenities within walking distance for people living and working in Gasoline Alley.”

The building follows a recent trend of more residential space in Gasoline Alley. Planning Director Dave Dittrick said, “This area is becoming much more of a community, and not just a place to get gas and a quick meal. We have several office buildings, large commercial spaces, as well as a good mix of residential coming on line. It is great to see large projects going ahead during these tough economic times.”

Red Deer County News - November 2016 8 planning & development continued TOWN OF PENHOLD INTERMUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW Wednesday November 23, 2016 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Mezzanine Level of the Penhold Multiplex (#1 Waskasoo Avenue, Penhold) The Town of Penhold and Red Deer County invite you to a joint open house to discuss the following items: 1.The Town of Penhold’s proposed annexation of land from Red Deer County;

2.The Town of Penhold and Red Deer County Inter- Municipal Development Plan (IDP).

The annexation process will provide the Town the opportu- nity to expand its boundaries and acquire more land to accommodate future growth and to ensure an adequate supply of land for long-term residential, com- mercial and industrial development. The lands proposed for annexation would provide for an additional 30 years of growth.

It has also been recognized by both municipalities that there is a need for an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) that recognizes mutual future growth areas to provide direction for future land development within the area immediately surrounding the Town of Penhold.

The Open House will be a drop-in format and both the Town and County staff and representatives will be on hand to answer your questions. For more information and to provide your comments, visit www.townofpenhold.ca or www.rdcounty.ca or contact:

Town of Penhold Red Deer County Kristina Schmidt Ron Barr Planning & Development Officer Long Range Planning Manager 403.886.4567 403.350.2170 BUSINESS LICENSING OPEN HOUSE MULTI-LOT COUNTRY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY REVIEW THURSDAY, NOVEMEBER 17, 2016 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Red Deer County invites you to a series of open houses being held across the Red Deer County Centre County to obtain public input on the future direction of multi-lot country residential development within the County. Four years have passed since the adoption of Many business operators have expressed their desire to have a business license the Municipal Development Plan and the County is in the process of reviewing issued by Red Deer County. They believe that a business license is a good policies pertaining to multi-lot country residential development. These policies investment. could have an impact on those who may be proposing a mulit-lot country residential development in the future or those who may be impacted by this form Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact: of development. Tara March Development Officer Open houses are scheduled for the following locations and dates: Red Deer County 403.350.2170 Lousana Community Hall [email protected] November 24, 2016 GASOLINE ALLEY OFFSITE LEVY 5:00 – 7:30 PM OPEN HOUSE Spruce View Community Hall THURSDAY, NOVEMEBER 17, 2016 November 28, 2016 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM 5:00 – 7:30 PM Red Deer County Centre Red Deer County Centre This session is to provide information to potential developers and land owners November 30, 2016 about the Gasoline Alley Offsite Levy Bylaw. The bylaw relates to what charges 5:00 – 7:30 PM will be applied to future developments and subdivisions to fund County constructed municipal infrastructure. The Open Houses will be a drop-in format with County staff on hand to answer your questions. The open house will be running in conjunction with the Business License Open House. For more information contact: For more information contact: Ron Barr Len Solberg Long Range Planning Manager Development Engineer Red Deer County 403.350.2150 403.350.2170 [email protected] [email protected]

Red Deer County News - November 2016 9 BOARD AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS 2016/2017

Jim Wood, Mayor 403.773.2215 [email protected]

Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) Audit Committee - Chair Emergency Management Committee – Chair Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) Director, CAAMDC Bowden, Innisfail and Penhold Intermunicipal Development Plan Committees Central Waste Management Commission (CWMC) – Alternate Watershed Alliance (RDRWA) - Alternate South Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission – Alternate Sylvan Lake Regional Wastewater and Water Commissions – Alternate

Richard Lorenz Councillor Division 5 403.728.3285 [email protected]

Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) Audit Committee Emergency Management Committee Innisfail Municipal Seed Cleaning Plant Sylvan Lake Management Committee Sylvan Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan Committee Sylvan Lake Regional Wastewater and Water Commissions (SLRWC) Sylvan Lake Urgent Care Facility Committee Town of Sylvan Lake Multiplex Redevelopment Task Force Westerner Park

Connie Huelsman Councillor Division 4 403.224.3037 [email protected]

Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) - Vice-Chair Audit Committee Emergency Management Committee Bowden and Innisfail Intermunicipal Development Plan Committees Central Waste Management Commission (CWMC) Parkland Foundation Board South Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission (SRDRWC)

Red Deer County News - November 2016 10 BOARD AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS 2016/2017

Christine Moore, Jean Bota Councillor Councillor Division 6 403.314.4084 Division 2 403.396.4408 [email protected] [email protected] Deputy Mayor, July 2016 to February 2017 Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) Audit Committee Audit Committee Emergency Management Committee Emergency Management Committee Agricultural Services Board (ASB) - Chair Agricultural Services Board (ASB) Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Central Alberta Regional Waste Management Commission Partnership Advisory Committee (CARWMC) Penhold Intermunicipal Development Plan RCMP Blackfalds Detachment Police Advisory Committee - Committee Alternate RCMP Blackfalds Detachment Police Advisory Red Deer Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Committee Sylvan Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan Committee Red Deer & District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Red Deer River Municipal Users Group (RDRMUG) Red Deer River Watershed Alliance (RDRWA)

Philip Massier Councillor Division 1 403.749.2956 [email protected]

Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) - Chair Audit Committee Emergency Management Committee Agricultural Services Board (ASB) - Vice Chair Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Partnership Advisory Committee - Alternate Central Alberta Regional Trails Society Don Church (CARTS) Central Alberta Regional Waste Management Councillor Commission (CARWMC) Innisfail Municipal Seed Clean Plant Division 3 Lacombe County – CN Rail Community 403.340.2092 Advisory Committee [email protected] RCMP Detachment Community Action Committee Deputy Mayor - March 2017 to October 2017 Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) Audit Committee Emergency Management Committee Bowden, Innisfail and Penhold Intermunicipal Development Plan Committees Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce Please see page 7, October 18, 2016 Organizational Meeting minutes for the listing of Parkland Regional Library Board public member appointments. Red Deer & District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS)

Red Deer County News - November 2016 11 agriculture services COUNTY SAYS GOODBYE TO ASB MEMBERS

Councillor Philip Massier (Div 1) thanks long-serving Agricultural Service Board (ASB) members Derek Mathon and Stephen Smith with a print for their dedicated service. Red Deer County will be welcoming two new members at its next meeting in December. Stephen Smith has graciously decided to remain a part of the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Partnership Advisory Committee as an ALUS Farmer Liaison. The duties of Red Deer County’s Agricultural Services Board (ASB) include: acting as an advisory body to council, advise and help organize weed, pest, soil and water conservation programs, assist in the control of livestock diseases, promote and develop agricultural policies, undertake projects referred to them by County Council and assist with the preparation of the County’s Agricultural Services Budget. RED DEER COUNTY OFFERING PRIVATE WASTEWATER WORKSHOP

Red Deer County is hosting a workshop designed for people that want to learn more about managing private wastewater (septic) systems. This workshop will be held on November 23, 2016 at 5:30 PM at the Spruce View Community Hall.

Dean Morin with Alberta Municipal Affairs will be presenting this Private Wastewater Workshop which is geared towards giving homeowners more knowledge of what septic systems are available in the Alberta code and how to operate and maintain them so the septic system lasts. The workshop covers everything from common problems, maintenance, setbacks, signs of septic system failure and the choices available to homeowners.

This event will be free of charge with a light dinner and coffee provided. This workshop will take place at the Spruce View Community Hall. As space is limited, it is required to reserve a spot – the deadline to register is November 16, 2016. Priority will be given to residents of Red Deer County living on farms, acreages or in hamlets.

For more information on this workshop or to register, please contact Chantelle Scott at [email protected] or 403.350.2163.

Red Deer County News - November 2016 12 agriculture services continued COME CHECK OUT AGRI-TRADE 2016 NOVEMBER 9 - 12, 2016 WESTERNER PARK

Safe Water Well Initiative UP TO $1000 AVAILABLE

To help you plug unused and abandoned wells. Help protect our aquifers and water supply by plugging old wells. For more information, please contact: Jordon Smith 403.596.6084 [email protected] Join us at the Red Deer County booth and learn about our Agricultural

Incentive Program for County Residents. You can attend Agricultural You’ll be keeping your water supply safe! Programs offered by other organizations and receive 50% of the registration fee back, up to $200 per course. Courses could include St. Through the Safe Water Wells Initiative, up to $1,000 per well is available to John’s first aid, quad training, other safety courses, and agricultural purchase bentonite AND pay for hired driller costs up to $1,000 per well for you related workshops and conferences. Also, pick up a Safety Colouring Book to plug your wells. for the kids! Red Deer County has 11,600 water wells on record plus an unknown number of wells that are off record. We estimate that 20% of these wells may need to be reclaimed.

Your Agricultural Service Board (ASB) & Council recognizes the need and importance of addressing this issue and they want to provide assistance in the form of reclamation information & procedures, help with the growing forward program, & financial compensation through our new Safe Water Wells Initiative.

LEST WE FORGET

Remembrance Day - Friday, November 11, 2016

Honouring the brave men and women who have given everything in the defence of their country; fighting tyranny around the world.

Remember with your local Royal Canadian Legion.

www.legion.ca

Red Deer County News - November 2016 13 community services COUNTY HOSTS SENIOR TRANSPORTATION WORKSHOP

On September 28, Red Deer County hosted a large group of community members for an important look at senior’s transportation. The leader of the event was Dr. Bonnie Dobbs from the University of Alberta. Dr. Dobbs has put together a transportation toolkit, which gives interested groups a “how to” guide for organizing alternate types of transportation for those who are unable to drive their own vehicles.

According to her research, Dr. Dobbs writes that 20% of Alberta’s population will be seniors within the next 30 years. As a result of this ‘greying’ of the population, not all people living in rural locations will be able to drive themselves on a regular basis. This sparks the need for conversations on how to best address the issue.

Lack of transportation has a major impact on the quality of one’s life. Access to medical services, friends, and daily activities are greatly reduced for those who cannot drive in rural communities. Dr. Dobbs advocates for, “Age-friendly communities where all individuals can be full participants…”. She encourages stakeholders to come up with policies and structures which encourage active aging and enhance quality of life.

According to Community Services Facilitator Dawn Campbell, “This is a very important topic for Red Deer County. The solutions will not be created in one day, but we thought it was important to gather members of various community groups and start the conversation”.

Great neighbours program

Wanted - Great Neighbours on urban and rural blocks!

It may have just gotten a bit easier to get to know your neighbours.

Great Neighbours is a new initiative designed to help neighbours connect where they live. Volunteers are being recruited as block connectors – people who live on an urban or rural block and are interested in meeting the 10-20 households nearest them for a chat. Block connectors will also take part in training, receive tools to make connections and help coordinate a neighbourhood activity at least once a year.

“We are often too busy to get to know our neighbours, too shy or think people can’t be bothered,” said Bobby-Jo Stannard, with The City of Red Deer. “But we know that social connection is important to us, and being neighbourly has all kinds of benefits, including enhanced safety and mental and physical health.”

Research suggests the advantages to neighbourliness are many: 1) neighbourhoods that are safe, clean, welcoming and supportive boost health and quality of life; 2) personal safety and neighbourhood security are enhanced when people watch out for each other; 3) you can save money and time when people pool resources or share and swap skills and tools; 4) it’s environmentally friendly to carpool or shop local; 5) you can share produce from your gardens; 6) children and youth thrive as they grow up among friends and caring neighbours; 7) reduces social isolation and increases our feeling of belonging and caring.

Funded by Red Deer & District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), this initiative is meant to be owned and advanced by the citizens of FCSS areas – including Red Deer County, Bowden, , Elnora, Penhold, and The City of Red Deer.

A community mobilizer has been hired to recruit and train block connectors and guide the initiative.

“Knowing your neighbours doesn’t have to be a thing of the past. We know that people are happier when they can share some coffee with their neighbours on the driveway, take turns mowing each other’s lawns or shovelling snow, and rely on one another in times of crisis,” said Nora Smith, Community Mobilizer.

Block connectors will start visiting their immediate neighbours in late September. They’ll carry ID and provide some information for households. If you meet a block connector in your community, whether on the street or at your door, please take the time to connect.

People interested in volunteering as a block connector or want to know more information about the initiative can visit www.reddeer.ca/greatneighbours.

Red Deer County News - November 2016 14 community services continued ELNORA HOSTS COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER On Saturday August 27, 2016 Elnora and surrounding community members came together for a fun-filled evening. The evening started with supper consisting of pulled pork, coleslaw and fruit pies for dessert.

For entertainment, Rosco the Clown was twisting balloons and making all sorts of animals, Guns of the Golden West snuck in a short gun show before the rain started and Still-n-Tact entertained us until about 10:00 PM.

This fundraising event brings awareness TRANSIT NOTICE to the needs of others because all the monies are put back into the community. 2016 REMEMBRANCE DAY This year we raised over $4600 and the profits have been given to the Food AND WEEKEND HOURS Bank, Christmas Hamper children’s gifts, Playschool, Meals on Wheels which subsidized the cost for the customer, Forgotten Lunches and Breakfast Cupboard at the school where nutritious food is provided for those who may come to school without a lunch. Friday, November 11

This fundraising event was a huge success and there will be another one in 2017. For more information • Transit Administration Offices and Transit about the fundraising event or Elnora FCSS please email at: [email protected] or call information phone lines will be closed 403.773.3920. • Transit Services will operate on a regular Holiday schedule ASSESSMENT/LAND MANAGEMENT • First departure from the City Centre Terminal will be at 8:45 AM • Last departure from the City Centre Terminal PUBLIC NOTICE: ASSESSMENT INSPECTION NOTICE will be at 6:45 PM • Action Bus phone lines will Notice is hereby given as per section 294 of the Municipal Government be closed Act that the Assessment Department is starting its annual inspection of • Pre-Booked County Action Bus service properties for the 2017 tax year. available

In accordance with Provincial regulations, all properties within Red Deer Saturday, November 12 County are reviewed on a five year cycle to ensure that assessment information remains current. The Red Deer County Assessment • Transit Administration Offices and Transit information phone lines will be closed Department strives to value property as fairly as possible in relation to • Transit information is available on-line at similar property, and in accordance with Provincial regulations and • www.reddeer.ca/transit guidelines. By doing so, our goal is to distribute the annual property tax • Transit Services will operate on a regular burden fairly amongst accurately assessed properties. Saturday schedule • Regular Action Bus services will be in place Our Assessors will be working throughout Red Deer County reviewing today property assessments from now to the end of the year. They will have Sunday, November 13 identification and they will be driving a Red Deer County marked vehicle, identifying them as employees of Red Deer County. • Transit Administration Offices and Transit information phone lines will be closed • Transit information is available on-line at Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please do • www.reddeer.ca/transit not hesitate to contact our office at 403.350.2166, during regular • Transit Services will operate on a regular business hours. Sunday schedule. • First departure from the City Centre Terminal will be at 8:45 AM • Last departure from the City Centre Terminal will be at 6:45 PM • Regular Action Bus services will be in place today

Red Deer County News - November 2016 15 community services continued FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES (FCSS) Red Deer County Council participates in a 10 year FCSS Multi-Municipal Agreement. For decades, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has been working as a provincial-municipal government initiative to enhance the social wellbeing of individuals, families and community in an effort to keep people resilient, well, and from falling into crisis. PENHOLD FCSS BOWDEN FCSS Contact Jennifer Blaylock, Phone: 403.886.4567. SPRUCE VIEW PROGRAMS Contact Jade Prefontaine, Phone, 403.224.2207, Email: [email protected] Spruce View Community Kitchen – Once a month email, [email protected] and Facebook, at the Spruce View School. Please contact FCSS for FCSS Bowden. Community Christmas – Friday, November 25th further information at 403.505.9091 or phetu@ Check Town of Bowden website at from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Penhold Multiplex. rdcounty.ca www.town.bowden.ab.ca to find all the current events. Pictures with Santa in the Library, Christmas Market and Cookie Walk in the gym, Silent Auction, face Spruce View Parent Link – Fridays in Dickson from A Parent Cafe - Parents of Children 0 to 6, painting, lighting of the Christmas tree, collection of 10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON. Contact www. Thursday, November 17 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in donations for the Food Bank, sleigh rides (weather mcmancentral.ca or Facebook at Red Deer County Bay 33, Bowden Place Mall, 2010 – 24A Crescent. permitting), free skate in the arena, scavenger hunt, Parent Link Centre, 403.505.2590, Let’s talk about “Things That Keep Us Up at Night and cookie decorating, and much more! [email protected] What to do About Them”. Presenter, Launa Clark, will lead conversation where you can share your concerns Playgroup – Wednesdays at Penhold Memorial Hall Spruce View Playgroup – Thursdays from 10:00 AM and ask those challenging questions that make so (1123 Fleming Avenue) 9:15 AM to 11:15 AM. Drop in to 11:30 AM, no charge. many parents anxious. A light supper will be provided. is $2 and $1 every additional child, babies are fee. Call Jade, 403.224.2207 to register and ask about Program is for ages 0-5, a safe, fun environment for Spruce View Boys and Girls Club – Mondays after child care on site or a child-care subsidy for you to your child to learn socialization through play. school at the Spruce View School. use for your own in-home sitter. November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. December 7, 14, 21. Spruce View Connect with the Seniors Program – Early Years Festival – Monday, November 21 at the Penhold Youth Club (PYC), New Location - Moved Starts in October at the Drop-In Centre. Bowden Lions Hall. Free for parents, grandparents, to Penhold Multiplex, 2nd Floor, across from Meeting caregivers and children from 0 to 6. Come discover Room 2. For more information, contact Youth Director, Spruce View Seniors Drop-In Centre – Wednesday different activity stations based on “learning through Amanda Lindgren, 403.886.3269 Coffee from 10:00AM to 12:00 NOON. Contact Ruth play” in all the different developmental areas. Kids Lemke, 403.728.3482. and adults will have fun, and adults will learn more about how play can develop children’s brains in the SPRINGBROOK FCSS Spruce View Community Welcomers Program – critical early years. For more information, call Jade, To register or for information on any Springbrook Contact FCSS if you are new to the community! 403.224.2207. FCSS program, call Adrian at 403.350.9533 or search Springbrook FCSS on Facebook. BENALTO PROGRAMS DELBURNE FCSS Benalto Boys and Girls Club – Benalto Kids Club Carol Kihn, Delburne FCSS Community Worker Springbrook Archery Club – Shoot times Thursday for ages 6-10 -- Tuesdays from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. [email protected] evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Fridays from 7:00 Benalto Torch Club for ages 11 to 14 – Tuesdays from Phone: 403.749.3654 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. PM. Club is available for private bookings and parties. Located downstairs through south entrance of the Benalto Playgroup – Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to ELNORA FCSS Springbrook Multiplex. New archers welcome! 11:30 AM. For information on any Elnora FCSS program, please Equipment available for use. call Sheila Gongaware or Janina Jewell at Benalto Seniors Leisure Centre – Contact Linda for 403.773.3920 or [email protected] Like us on Springbrook Healthy Living Team – Fall sports run further information at 403.746,2994. Facebook @ ‘Elnora and District FCSS’ to mid December. Friday night drop-in sports and In-Line Hockey Fridays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Benalto Community Welcomers Program – Ladies Evening Out – Wed. November 23 from 7:00 Sunday Soccer Clinics from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Contact FCSS if you are new to the community! PM to 8:30 PM at the Elnora Ag. Building. Doing every week at the Springbrook Multiplex. Call for stage 2 in making leather gloves and learning how to details. EARLY CHILDHOOLD (ECMap) ACTIVITIES. WEST attach the thumb. December will be learning how to RED DEER COUNTY EARLY YEARS COALITION make the fingers. Please call to register so that Springbrook Community SkatePark Committee – All events will be with the Red Deer County Parent enough leather is ordered. Fundraising is in full swing for the new park. We are Link Centre: looking for people with experience in grant writing and Creating a Vision for Non-Violence, 3rd Annual fundraising to help our team. Meetings are scheduled Friday, October 28 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON Regional Conference – Friday, November 4 from for first Wednesday of every month, 7:00 PM at – Music and Movement in the Early Years with Denise 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Elnora Community Hall. Springbrook Fire Hall. Gagne, at the Dickson Church. Registration is only $25. Please register online at Friday, November 18 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 http://visionfornonviolence.weebly.com Guest West County Early Years Coalition – Guest speaker NOON – Parent Café, “Things that Keep Us Up at speakers include Judi Beebe, Kellie Cummings, is Launa Clark – November 14 from 10 AM to 11:30 Night” with Kathy Crothers. For parents, Ralph Cervi, and Patricia Jones. AM, call for details and to register. grandparents, or other community members. At the Dickson Church. Things that Keep You Up at Night – by Launa Clark, Early Years Festival – Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 10:00 Friday, November 25 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Early Childhood Development Specialist, Wed. Nov. AM to 12:00 NOON in Penhold, free shuttle from NOON – Play Festivals – they are focused on 23 from 4:00 PM Tto 5:30 PM at Elnora Community Springbrook. No admission fee, lots of great activities meaningful play for children, ages from birth to 6 Hall. All preschoolers and their parents, grandparents for 0 to 6 years. years and their families. Must have a parent to attend. and caregivers are most welcome to come and enjoy At the Dickson Church. this FREE EVENT. WEST COUNTY FCSS Please register through FCSS for any of the above Pam Hetu, 403.505.9091 or [email protected] events. Pam Hetu at 403.505.9091 or [email protected]

Red Deer County News - November 2016 16 economic development NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN RED DEER COUNTY

Red Deer County is a diverse municipality with a centralized location and expanding economy. The County’s competitive advantages make it an excellent place to conduct business. Its commercial, public service and industrial sectors are growing to include many new developments that provide a wide range of services to residents, businesses and individuals residing in as well as visiting the Central Alberta area.

New Major Area Structure Plans have been adopted for key areas within the County to encourage growth and stimulate development that adheres to its Municipal Development Plan. In 2016, new plans were adopted for Gasoline Alley East, Gasoline Alley West and Highway 2 and 42. Gasoline Alley West is an up and coming community that will promote a healthy environment, job growth and business diversity. Ground has broken on a new 184 unit seniors/dementia care facility and an extended stay hotel this year – both of which were previously unavailable in the central Alberta region. Gasoline Alley West will also be home to Liberty Landing, a new residential community. This subdivision, along with a recently approved mixed use commercial/residential multi-storey building will complement the current existing service industry facilities available within the area.

The Highway 2 and 42 area is now slated for commercial, industrial and agri-business development which will encompass 10 quarter sections surrounding the Highway 2 and Highway 42 interchange. Located just east of Penhold, this area will supplement the current industrial and commercial parks surrounding Red Deer that are approaching full build out. With a servicing study expected to be completed by 2017, the area will soon be available for future development.

For further information regarding these developments, please contact: Sandra Badry Economic Development Coordinator Red Deer County 403.357.2395 [email protected] RED DEER AIRPORT UDPATE The Red Deer Airport is pleased to announce that the construction on their newly extended runway is now officially complete and will become fully operational upon final inspection and approval.

“We are certainly happy that the construction on the new runway is complete. We had excellent weather in the early spring which allowed us to make great progress. We did experience some challenging weather later in the summer due to rain, however the construction crews worked extremely hard to get this project back on track and complete within the original set timeline” says George Friesen, acting CEO of the Red Deer Airport.

The airport embarked upon a 2000 ft. extension of their primary runway and some additional rehabilitation and extension work on Apron 7 after the announcement came in October 2015 that the airport would recieve funding from the Provinicial Government through the Alberta Community Partnership Grant. The remaining project costs were provided jointly by the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County.

George Friesen stated that, “this project is a true representation of the joint collaboration between the Alberta Government, the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County coming together to support economic development activity within the region, including the creation of new jobs, and the diversification of our economy. Red Deer County News - November 2016 17 protective services EVENTS IN RED DEER COUNTY: 2016 AT A GLANCE

Red Deer County plays host to many different events put on by different organizations each year. The busiest event season of the year is the summer, specifically the month of June.

Local community halls also host many events throughout the year. If you are interested in having an event in Red Deer County, please contact the County Emergency Management department at 403.318.0269 to discuss permits and to ensure a safe event for everyone. LONGEST DURATION (PUBLIC): 72 GIRL GUIDES EVENT 16 DAYS & OVER 2500 GUESTS PERMITTED EVENTS LARGEST EVENT: MUD HERO 8,000 PARTICIPANTS + VOLUNTEERS 2 CANCELLATIONS LONGEST DURATION (PRIVATE): SDA FOOTHILLS FAMILY CAMP RETREAT 4 DENIED 7 DAYS & OVER 5000 GUESTS

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR 30 YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING Reprinted with permission from the Red Deer Advocate

Thirty years ago, Dick Foesier heard three gun shots fired at the end of his driveway. When he went to investigate he found two dead elk and a red half-ton truck driving away. It was Foesier’s first year being part of the area’s rural crime watch.

“I phoned the game warden in Red Deer and they come out and sat in my driveway all night until about 4 a.m. Sure enough the guys who shot the elk came back down the road real slow and drove into the field. With their headlights out, the game wardens went after them and caught them,” said Foesier, of Raven located west of Innisfail on Hwy 54.

Though being with the rural crime watch for many years, that incident early on still brings a smile to the 72-year-old’s face. Thirty years later, he was honoured by the Innisfail RCMP for his three decades of fighting crime. He was awarded a certificate of appreciation for volunteer services for his involvement in rural crime watch.

“It caught me by surprise,” laughed Foesier. “I didn’t know anything about it and didn’t realize it had been 30 years. It brought a tear to my eye.” red deer county Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk has built a strong relationship with Foesier over the years and was Land Ownership Maps honoured to hand out the award. “It seems like he’s been doing it forever. He’s the founder of County maps are rural crime watch in the area and has been doing it without any need for recognition. He cares available at the County only about helping people and supporting the community and police.” Office for $15.00. Pay by cash, cheque or Foesier got involved with rural crime watch due in large part of the problems they had with debit. Choose from a hunters in the area. “People were hunting on everybody’s land and shooting across roads not wall-mounted rolled or giving a hoot about anybody. A few of us in the area got together to see if we could to folded map. something about it and we did,” said Foesier. Visit us at These days it’s no longer the hunters who are causing the problems in the area. “Now there’s 38106 Rge Rd 275 so much other crimes happening around here. With all the break and enters and vehicle thefts (Highway 2 and 32 around here it feels like crime has multiplied and it’s kept us busier than ever,” said Foesier. Street, across from the Cross Roads Church). Matechuk is a firm believer that policing is only as effective as the support they get from the community and will continue to work with Foesier and the rural crime watch team to ensure the Call 403.350.2150 for public’s safety. more information.

Red Deer County News - November 2016 18 protective services continued COUNTY PEACE OFFICER WINS AWARD

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW When used correctly, child safety seats and booster seats save lives and reduce injuries. Children can get hurt if their safety seats or booster seats are installed or used incorrectly. Without a booster seat, a child is three-and-a-half times more likely to suffer a significant injury. During 2014, 64 unbelted vehicle occupants were killed and On October 16, 2016, at the 2016 SARSCENE National SAR Conference in Edmonton, Irv Heide 508 were injured. received his Alberta Emergency Services Medal from Alberta Acting Fire Commissioner Spence Sample Seatbelt users had a much lower injury rate (7.0 percent) for years of service as a search and rescue volunteer. than those not using seatbelts (30.6 percent). Research and collision investigations show that seatbelts About SARscene: increase the chances of survival in a collision by 50 percent. A 2014 Driver Attitude Survey found 79 percent of Albertans SARscene is the largest annual gathering of the search and rescue community in Canada and brings agree children whom have outgrown car seats should be together search and rescue responders and emergency services, public educators, policy makers and required to be in a booster seat. stakeholders from across Canada and the world. SARscene provides an opportunity for participants to The fine for not using a seatbelt or child safety seat is $155. share knowledge; improve skills and abilities; learn about the latest technologies and services; and to Seatbelts save about 1000 lives each year in Canada. foster continued cooperation and interoperability across all levels of search and rescue and emergency Also, a reminder that the Alberta Traffic Safety Fund is open management in Canada. and we are currently accepting grant applications. Go to www.saferoads.com/ATSF/traffic-safety-fund.html to learn In addition to conference sessions, SARscene provides a venue for national search and rescue more. organizations to host their annual meetings as well as training courses for conference delegates. PATROL: BY THE NUMBERS For the month of September 2016 Uninsured Motor Vehicles: 4 Distracted Driving: 13

Occupant Restraints: 12

Speeding: 209 For more information on Red Deer County Intersection Patrol, visit: Violations: 18 www.rdcounty.ca or call 403.343.6301

Red Deer County News - November 2016 19 conservation ALUS FARMER SHOWCASE: DIRT RICH FARM

AWES used a mounder to reduce soil compaction and vegetation for Four months later, this spruce, planted in a divot made by the mounder, tree planting on Dirt Rich Farm (photo courtesy of AWES) is doing very well

By Tyler and Chrystal Goertzen grazing of these areas, forage yield remains high while the Farmers, Dirt Rich Farm trees provide both shelter for the animals and firewood for us My wife and I purchased our farm in the fall of 2014 with a through selective thinning. vision and passion for sustainable organic agriculture Tyler and Chrystal have practices. Many years prior we realized that if we wanted to Our goal of restoring these areas began before we were enrolled their acres see changes in the food industry we needed to be part of that aware of any programs that assist farmers in doing so. change, and so we are extremely excited to finally be doing When we found out about the Growing Forward 2 program producing increased just that. Right from the get go we knew that we would have we eagerly started our environmental farm plan together with ecosystem services in to be somewhat unconventional if we were going to be Ken Lewis from Red Deer County. He suggested we contact successful in farming 154 acres with these goals in mind. AWES (Agroforestry Woodlot Extension Society) with our the Alternative Land Use With no prior farming experience, and coming from restoration plans to see if they would be able to help. Jeff respectable careers that were unrelated to agriculture, we Renton and Gary Bank from AWES came to meet with us and Services (ALUS) had quite a bit of learning to do! provided us with invaluable information regarding site and program. species selection and were also able to answer many other Sustainable organic agriculture blended with permaculture questions we had about future fruit tree orchards and principles are the foundation on which Dirt Rich Farm was beneficial pollinators. born. Intensive management and the utilization of every diverse acre of our land continue to be paramount in our Before meeting with AWES, we had intended on completing To learn about ALUS, ability to succeed. Part of our utilization strategy is to create all of the tree planting and organizational work ourselves. multifunctional areas that, not only optimize productivity on However, after starting the process, we welcomed twins into visit our farm, but equally and symbiotically work to increase the our family, initiated our market garden/greenhouse operation, www.alus.ca biodiversity of the natural environment our farm is situated and started work on a pastured egg and meat operation. As on. For example, on our farm, we have approximately 29 such, our goal of restoring these environmentally sensitive or call acres of riparian area, which was in very poor condition with areas on our farm simply would have not happened if it Ken Lewis at no prior management. Our goal has been to restore these weren’t for the valuable help of AWES. The team at AWES natural areas and manage them carefully into the future while was incredibly professional and knowledgeable and we can’t 403.505.9038. at the same time maximizing their financial benefit to our thank them enough for their contribution to our farm and the farming operation. environment.

The long-term value that these areas provide to our farm (Reprinted with permission. Originally published as “A Word along with the immediate surrounding farms and, in a broader from a Happy Customer” by the Agroforestry Woodlot sense, to our planet and future generations, is immeasurable. Extension Society). To learn more about Providing beneficial habitat to pollinator insects and native birds can have an immediate financial return in terms of Dirt Rich Farm, visit increased production and control of unwanted insects without the use of costly and ecologically damaging chemicals. An www.dirtrich.ca example of this can be seen on our farm where the local swallows keep the airspace above our farm protected from predatory birds and, thanks to this maintenance free system, we haven’t lost a single free range pastured chicken to aerial predators. With carefully planned and managed seasonal Red Deer County News - November 2016 20