AGENDA BIRCH HILLS COUNTY REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE WANHAM BIRCH HILLS COUNTY OFFICE August 24, 2017
9:00 A.M. 1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES a. July 27, 2017 Regular Council Meeting Minutes (Page 3) b. July 27, 2017 Governance Meeting Minutes (Page12)
8. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 2017-06, the Municipal Development Plan Bylaw (Page 36)
9:05 A.M. (Approximately) 4. PUBLIC HEARING(S) a. Public Hearing re Bylaw 2017-06, the Municipal Development Plan Bylaw (Page 14)
5. DELEGATIONS - None
6. COUNCILLOR REPORTS a. Reeve Doran (Ward 1) b. Deputy Reeve Manzulenko (Ward 4) c. Councillor Macauley (Ward 2) d. Councillor Reum (Ward 3) e. Councillor Bogdanek (Ward 5) f. Councillor Langlois (Ward 6) g. Councillor Carbone (Ward 7)
7. CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT a. CAO Report (Page 21) b. CAO Action Log (Page 30)
8. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 2017-06, the Municipal Development Plan Bylaw (continued)(Page 36)
9. BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES (UNFINISHED BUSINESS) a. Road Construction Request from Mr. Larry Smith (to be distributed) b. Potential Alberta Transportation Projects (to be distributed)
10. NEW BUSINESS a. Request for Letter of Support for Lakeside Golf and Country Club Community Initiatives Program (CIP) Grant Application (Page 121) b. Request to Support County of Stettler No. 6 Action re Issue of Uncollectable School Tax and Seniors Housing Requisitions (Page 125) c. Remuneration for Election Officials (Page 130) d. Adjournment of Public Auction (Tax Sale) (Page 132) e. Terms and Conditions for Tax Sale (Page 134)
f. Reserve Bids for 2017 Tax Sale (Page 135) g. Request to Purchase Properties in Belloy (Page 142) h. Amended 2017 Capital Budget (Page 152) i. ATB Business Account Transfer (Page 157) j. ATB Notice Demand Account (Page 158) k. Notice Demand Account Withdrawals (Page 159)
11. FOR INFORMATION a. Bank Reconciliation for period ended (Page 161)
12. CORRESPONDENCE a. Acceptance of MSI Operating Spending Plan (Page 165) b. Flyer re Candidate Training Sessions (Page 166)
13. IN-CAMERA a.
NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DATE – September 14, 2017 MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FOR BIRCH HILLS COUNTY HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS Page 1 of 9 JULY 27, 2017
Present: Reeve Marvin Doran Deputy Reeve Gerald Manzulenko Councillor Jack Macauley Councillor Kathrin Langlois Councillor Cheryl Bogdanek
Acting CAO Shelley Braun Recording Secretary Beverly Howard
Absent: Councillor Terry Carbone Councillor Paul Reum
CALL TO ORDER: Reeve Doran called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Larry Smith, Danny Zahara entered the meeting at 9:00 am
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA RC17-262 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that Council adopt the agenda as presented. CARRIED ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES Regular Council Meeting June 22, 2017 RC17-263 Moved by Deputy Reeve Manzulenko that Council approve the minutes of the June 22, 2017 Regular Council Meeting as presented. CARRIED Governance Committee Meeting June 22, 2017 RC17-264 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that Council approve the minutes of the June 22, 2017 Governance Committee Meeting as presented. CARRIED DELEGATIONS Larry Smith – Request for Mr. Smith provided Council with a presentation related to a Road request he had submitted for Birch Hills County to construct a road on an undeveloped road allowance (in brush) to gain access to the S.W.1/4 Sec.28-77-3-6 for cattle lease operations. Reeve Doran thanked Mr. Smith for his presentation, and advised him that Council would take the information he provided into consideration when addressing his request later in the Agenda. INITIALS: Reeve:
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Larry Smith exited the meeting at 9:10am
COUNCILLOR REPORTS Reeve Doran Reeve Doran reported on the AAMDC District 4 Reeves & CAO's Meeting that he and CAO Minderlein attended in High Prairie on July 7th, 2017, and the G5 Medical Clinic Committee Meeting and Central Peace Medical Services Corporation meeting he attended in Spirit River on July 19th, 2017. Nick Manzulenko entered the meeting at 9:28 am
Gerald Manzulenko exited the meeting at 9:32 am
DELEGATIONS (Cont’d) Nick Manzulenko– Drainage Concerns Mr. Nick Manzulenko provided Council with a presentation and clarification related to a request he had submitted to obtain clay from County sources to fill a low spot on property owned by Mr. Manzulenko adjacent to the County’s waste transfer station located north of Wanham.
Reeve Doran thanked Mr. Manzulenko for his presentation, and advised him that Council would take the information he provided into consideration when addressing his request later in the Agenda.
Nick Manzulenko exited the meeting at 9:38 am
Gerald Manzulenko re-entered the meeting at 9:39 am
COUNCILLOR REPORTS (Cont’d) Deputy Reeve Manzulenko No Report
Councillor Macauley No Report Councillor Reum Absent- No Report
Councillor Bogdanek No Report INITIALS: Reeve:
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Councillor Langlois Councillor Langlois reported on the Peace Valley Conservation, Recreation and Tourism Society Meeting she attended on July 13, 2017. Councillor Langlois also reported that the Tangent library has been unsuccessful in its attempt to fill the librarian vacancy, and will be extending its advertising in order to find a librarian.
Councillor Carbone Absent – No Report
RC17-265 Moved by Deputy Reeve Manzulenko that Council accept Councillor Reports for Information. CARRIED CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S REPORTS CAO Report Acting CAO Braun provided verbal updates to the written report that had been distributed to Council.
RC17-266 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that Council receive the CAO’s written report and updates for information. CARRIED
CAO Action Log Council reviewed the CAO Action Log provided in the Agenda Package which had been updated to July 14, 2017.
RC17-267 Moved by Councillor Langlois that Council receive the CAO Action Log for information. CARRIED BYLAWS Municipal Development Plan Bylaw 2017-06 Council was presented with Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw, prepared for Birch Hills County by Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency, for first reading.
RC17-268 Moved by Deputy Reeve Manzulenko that Council provide 1st reading to Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw and that Council provide direction to Administration to make the appropriate arrangements for a Public Hearing for Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw, and if appropriate, Second and Third Reading of the MDP Bylaw, on August 24, 2017. CARRIED INITIALS: Reeve:
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Council discussed the need for corrections to Bylaw No. 2017- 06, and directed Administration to include a recommendation for amendment to the bylaw for the following corrections:
On Page 12, under the heading “DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS” and the sub-heading “Railway”, replace the words “A spur line does exist on the east side of the County” with the words “A spur line does exist on the west side of the County”;
On the bottom of page 13 under the heading “TRANSPORTATION” and the sub-heading “Railway”, amend “a spur line located on the east side of the County” by replacing the word “east” with the word “west”; and
On Page 14, under the heading “UTILITIES” and the sub- heading “Water”, replace the words “The hamlets of Peoria and Watino along with rural properties gather water primarily through dugouts and cisterns” with the words “The hamlets of Peoria and Watino, along with rural properties, utilize dugouts, cisterns, and/or wells for their fresh water supply”
Dion Hynes entered the meeting at 10:02 am
UNFINISHED BUSINESS Road Construction Request from Mr. Larry Smith Council was provided with a request that had been submitted by Mr. Larry Smith for the construction of a road on an undeveloped road allowance in order to determine its viability and priority in order to provide Administration with direction on how to proceed.
RC17-269 Moved by Deputy Reeve Manzulenko that Council decline the request submitted by Mr. Smith for construction of a road on an undeveloped road allowance and direct that administration research other options that could provide Mr. Smith with access to his lease, to discuss these options with Mr. Smith, and to bring back the results of their research, along with any input provided by Mr. Smith, to a future Regular Council Meeting. CARRIED INITIALS: Reeve:
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Gerald Manzulenko exited the meeting at 10:16 am
Wanham Transfer Site Drainage Administration provided Council with information related to water control at the Wanham Waste Transfer Site and the request received from Mr. Nick Manzulenko to permit him to remove clay material from the transfer site to use to address the accumulation of water in a low spot on his property that is directly adjacent to the transfer site.
RC17-270 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that Council decline the request for Mr. Manzulenko to access clay material from the Wanham Waste Transfer Station to fill in the low spot on his land. CARRIED Gerald Manzulenko re-entered the meeting at 10:43 am
AG for Life Council was provided with information related to a letter received from AG for Life requesting a donation that had been included in the Council Agenda Package at its June 22, 2017 Regular Council Meeting.
RC17-271 Moved by Councillor Langlois that Council direct Administration to contact AG for Life, provide them with a copy of Birch Hills County General Grants Policy 11-03-17, and advise them that they should submit a completed application for a grant if they wish Council to consider providing their organization with a donation. CARRIED NEW BUSINESS The Investment Policy #12-02-17 Council was provided with Policy No 12/02/17, the Investment Policy, that had been drafted by Administration to simplify the investment process and that could be utilized for future
Requests for Proposals for Investment Services for the County by outside service companies.
RC17- 272 Moved by Councillor Langlois that Council adopt Policy No 12/02/17, the Investment Policy as presented and that the Policy become effective immediately. CARRIED INITIALS: Reeve:
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Royal Canadian Legion Military Service Recognition Book Council was provided with a request received by CAO Minderlein from the Alberta-Northwest Territories Command of The Royal Canadian Legion for Birch Hills County to purchase a 1/10th page full color advertisement in their annual Military Service Recognition Book.
RC17- 273 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that Council approve Council authorize the expenditure of $323.00 (excluding GST) from Council Expense Account 2-11-10-00- 221, Advertising for the purchase of a 1/10th page (business card size) full color advertisement in the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Military Service Recognition Book. CARRIED Advance Vote for Municipal Election Council was presented with a request to consider authorizing an advance vote for the Municipal Election set for October 16, 2017, and if authorized, to set a date or dates for the advance vote to be held.
RC17- 274 Moved by Deputy Reeve Manzulenko that Council approve an Advance Vote for the 2017 Municipal Advance Vote and direct the Returning Officer to hold the Advance Vote on Monday, October 2, 2017 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Council Chambers located in the Birch Hills County Administration Building. CARRIED
Upcoming Meetings Council was requested to confirm attendance and travel arrangements related to several out of County meetings and/or events being attended by Council.
RC17-275 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that with regards to the AAMDC District 4 meeting being held in Fort Vermillion
on August 10, 2017, Council authorizes that Councillor Macauley travel on his own and receive reimbursement for mileage plus Councillor Macauley and any other member of Council that may wish to travel with him would be eligible to payment of travel costs (1 breakfast and 1 supper) and 1 day of honorarium, and authorizes travel costs for the remainder of the attendees to attend the event in 1 vehicle for which the INITIALS: Reeve:
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driver of that vehicle would be authorized to receive reimbursement for mileage, and for which those travelling in that vehicle would be eligible to be paid for their costs including 2 suppers and 1 night’s hotel accommodation plus 2 days honorariums would be payable for each member of Council.
CARRIED
RC17-276 Moved by Councillor Langlois that Council authorize the attendance of Deputy Reeve Manzulenko to the Central Peace Health Centre Grande Opening in Spirit River on August 12, 2017 as the “official” representative from Birch Hills County, and authorize the payment of mileage and honorarium to Deputy Reeve Manzulenko for this event. CARRIED
MSI Capital Planning Additional funding is available in the amount of $581,442 which needs to be allocated to a project and submitted in order for the County to receive 100% of its MSI 2017 funding.
Dion Hynes entered the meeting at 11:07am
Gas Tax Funding Additional funding is available in the amount of $103,181which needs to be allocated to a project and submitted in order for the County to receive its Gas Tax 2017 funding.
RC17-277 Moved by Deputy Reeve Manzulenko that Council direct Administration to advise Municipal Affairs that the balance of the 2017 MSI Capital Funding is to be allocated to the 2018 and 2019 grader purchases and the 2018 gravel crushing and that additional research be completed regarding Gas Tax Funding eligible funding projects and brought back to the August 24, 2017 Regular Council Meeting. CARRIED
Dion Hynes, Danny Zahara exited the meeting at 11:36 am
Offer to Purchase Land Council was presented with a request received from Audrey Evenson to purchase Lot 1 Block 2 Plan 2573HW in Belloy.
INITIALS: Reeve:
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RC17-278 Moved by Councillor Langlois that Council accept the Offer to Purchase submitted from Audrey Evenson to purchase Lot 1 Block 2 Plan 2573HW in Belloy for $500.00. CARRIED
FOR INFORMATION Council was provided with the following documents: 1. The Bank Reconciliation for June 30, 2017 and the Cheque Registry for July 18, 2017 2. 2017 YTD Budget Variance 3. Website Statistics – April 1 to June 30
RC17- 279 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that Council accept the June 30, 2017 Bank Reconciliation and July 18, 2017 Register Report for cheques issued for information. CARRIED
RC17-280 Moved by Deputy Reeve Manzulenko that Council accept the 2017 YTD Budget Variance and the Website Statistics for information. CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE Council was provided with a copy of the following correspondence that had been received by the County:
1. Email from Al Kemmere President AAMDC 2. PVCRTS Notice 3. Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards 4. Thank You from COCO Plowing Match 5. Connect to Innovate Program - Shaw Communication Thank You 6. Town of Wembley Electoral Boundary Realignment Denial Letter 7. Confined Feeding Operation Letter
RC17- 281 Moved by Councillor Langlois that Council accepts the correspondence provided for information. CARRIED
INITIALS: Reeve:
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IN-CAMERA RC17- 282 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that Council move in-camera at 11:50 a.m. CARRIED
RC17-283 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that Council reconvene the regular meeting at 12:13 p.m. CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT Being that there were no other items for discussion, Reeve Doran adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m.
Original Signed Original Signed REEVE ACTING CAO MARVIN DORAN SHELLEY BRAUN
INITIALS: Reeve:
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Present: Reeve Marvin Doran Deputy Reeve Gerald Manzulenko Councillor Jack Macauley Councillor Kathrin Langlois
Acting CAO Shelley Braun Recording Secretary Beverly Howard
Absent: Councillor Cheryl Bogdanek Councillor Terry Carbone Councillor Paul Reum
CALL TO ORDER: Deputy Reeve Manzulenko called the meeting to order at 12:46 p.m.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA GC17-21 Moved by Councillor Langlois that Council adopt the agenda as presented. CARRIED
DELEGATIONS There were no delegations.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no Unfinished Business.
POLICIES There were no Policies.
NEW BUSINESS There was no New Business items presented.
Dion Hynes entered the meeting at 12:53pm
BYLAWS Bylaw 2017-02 Water and Wastewater Bylaw 2017-02, the “Water and Wastewater Bylaw” returned to Council for review and clarification as to the direction previously requested.
GC17-22 Moved by Reeve Doran that Council direct Administration to forward the Water/Wastewater Bylaw 2017-02 with amendments provided by Councillor Carbone to the Regular Council Meeting on August 24, 2017. CARRIED
INITIALS: Reeve: ______
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IN-CAMERA There were no in-camera items presented.
Dion Hynes exited the meeting at 1:10 pm
ADJOURNMENT Being that there were no other items for discussion, Deputy Reeve Manzulenko adjourned the meeting at 1:10 p.m.
Original to be Signed by Original to be Signed by ______DEPUTY REEVE ACTING CAO MANZULENKO SHELLEY BRAUN
INITIALS: Reeve: ______
Page 13 of 166 CAO: ______Agenda Item No: 4.a
Request for Decision (RFD) Meeting: Regular Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: Hermann Minderlein, CAO Manager: Item Title: Public Hearing re Bylaw 2017-06 Presenter: CAO The Municipal Development Plan Bylaw
DESCRIPTION:
Birch Hills County is required to hold a Public Hearing regarding Bylaw 2017-06, the Municipal Development Plan Bylaw. Bylaw 2017-06 was provided first reading at the Regular Council Meeting on July 27, 2017. As a point of order, Administration is reminding Council that as per Section 4.16 of Bylaw 2014-06, the Procedural Bylaw, “Recording of Public Hearings or quasi- judicial meetings (e.g. Subdivision Appeal Board) will not be permitted” and advising Council that the recorder will be turned off until the Public Hearing has been completed.
BACKGROUND:
Administration had reminded Council in May of 2016 that Municipalities are required to update their Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) every 5 years, that Birch Hills versions of these documents had been last approved by Council in 2008, and were past due. Council passed the following Resolutions:
RC16-215 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that Council authorize Administration to enter into an agreement with Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency (MMSA) to complete reviews and updates of the Birch Hills County Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) for a sum of $70,215.00, with up to $30,000 to come from the 2016 operating and maintenance budget for work completed in 2016, and the balance of the funds to come from the 2017 operating and maintenance budget.
RC16-216 Moved by Councillor Bogdanek that Council appoint the Birch Hills County Municipal Planning Commission, Development Officer/CAO, and Development Clerk to serve as a Steering Committee for the Birch Hills County Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) project.
In June of 2016 a memorandum of agreement was signed with Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency.
Since being appointed on May 12, 2016 the Steering Committee has had a total of 7 meetings here at the County, and the believe that the draft MDP is ready for circulation.
At its July meeting, the Committee reviewed the plans for the future and searched for any relevant documents such as Area Structure Plans.
In August, Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency provided a power point presentation surrounding County data statistics and the survey questionnaire was circulated with the Page 14 of 166 Agenda Item No: 4.a
committee suggesting any changes. After the survey was launched meetings were suspended until the results were in and ready to be presented. Although no meetings were scheduled during this time, correspondence continued between Birch Hills County and Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency and by Mid-December a draft of Part 1 (Overview Section) of the MDP was complete.
The meetings resumed monthly, and coincided with other draft sections being completed.
Council was provided with the survey results and the draft MDP for review at its Governance Meeting on May 25, 2017, and passed the following resolution:
GC17-16 Moved by Councillor Reum that Council receive the Municipal Development Plan as presented for information, and request that any changes to the draft be provided for Council’s review prior to the June 27, 2017 Eaglesham Open House
There were some minor amendments required to the draft prior to the Open House, and Council was provided with this information and the reasoning behind the changes at the end of June.
The date of the Open House was required to be changed to July 6th due to a conflict with the G5 meeting on June 27th. There was a total of 20 people in attendance to the Open House, and this included MMSA staff, the steering committee, and Deputy Reeve Manzulenko. There were no major points brought up by anyone related to the MDP, but there were a few errors pointed out that were corrected in the document Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw, that was presented to Council for first reading on July 27, 2017.
Council passed the following Resolution at the July 27, 2017 regular Council Meeting:
RC17-268 Moved by Deputy Reeve Manzulenko that Council provide 1st reading to Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw; and that Council provides direction to Administration to make the appropriate arrangements for a Public Hearing for Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw, and if appropriate, Second and Third Reading of the MDP Bylaw, on August 24, 2017.
Although there was no resolution made, Council did discuss the need for corrections to Bylaw No. 2017-06, and Administration has taken the liberty of including those corrections in the version of the Bylaw now before Council for the Public Hearing. The suggested wording required in a Resolution to include these changes in the Bylaw is as follows:
RC17-___ Moved by ______that Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw, be amended as follows:
On Page 12, under the heading “DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS” and the sub-heading “Railway”, replace the words “A spurline does exist on the east side of the County” with the words “A spur line does exist on the west side of the County”;
Page 15 of 166 Agenda Item No: 4.a
On the bottom of page 13 under the heading “TRANSPORTATION” and the sub-heading “Railway”, amend “a spur line located on the east side of the County” by replacing the word “east” with the word “west”; and
On Page 14, under the heading “UTILITIES” and the sub-heading “Water”, replace the words “The hamlets of Peoria and Watino along with rural properties gather water primarily through dugouts and cisterns” with the words “The hamlets of Peoria and Watino, along with rural properties, utilize dugouts, cisterns, and/or wells for their fresh water supply”
It is Administration’s intent to have this Resolution made under item 8.a, prior to the resolution for second reading.
COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING:
O&M Budget 2-61-40-00-249 OPS Planning/Development & Legal
RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite):
In accordance with MGA, Section 692(1)(e) - before giving second reading to a proposed planning bylaw, a council must hold a public hearing with respect to the proposed planning bylaw in accordance with section 230 after giving notice of it in accordance with MGA, Section 606 - the bylaw is required to be advertised for two consecutive weeks before second reading takes place.
Legislation related to Public Hearings may be found in Section 230 of the Municipal Government Act, and a copy of that Legislation is included in this package.
Additional legislation regarding Public Hearings is included in Section 5 of Birch Hills County Bylaw 2014-06, the Procedural Bylaw, and a copy of that section has also been included in this package.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Section 230 of the Municipal Government Act
Section 5 of Birch Hills County Bylaw 2014-06, the Procedural Bylaw
Agenda/schedule for Public Hearing re Bylaw 2017-06
Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw including the corrections requested by Council and referred to above (Please note that electronic copy with Agenda Package may be missing some detail as document was “shrunk” to make file easier to distribute. Clearer printed copy will be provided to members of Council prior to meeting.)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is Administration’s recommendation that Council proceed with the Public Hearing as per the Agenda/schedule included with this RFD.
Page 16 of 166 Excerpt from Municipal Government Act (MGA)
Public Hearings When to hold public hearing 230(1) When this or another enactment requires council to hold a public hearing on a proposed bylaw or resolution, the public hearing must be held, unless another enactment specifies otherwise,
(a) before second reading of the bylaw, or
(b) before council votes on the resolution.
(2) If a public hearing is held on a proposed bylaw or resolution, council must conduct the public hearing during a regular or special council meeting.
(3) A council may by bylaw establish procedures for public hearings.
(4) In the public hearing, council
(a) must hear any person, group of persons, or person representing them, who claims to be affected by the proposed bylaw or resolution and who has complied with the procedures outlined by the council, and
(b) may hear any other person who wishes to make representations and whom the council agrees to hear.
(5) After considering the representations made to it about a proposed bylaw or resolution at a public hearing and after considering any other matter it considers appropriate, the council may
(a) pass the bylaw or resolution,
(b) make any amendment to the bylaw or resolution it considers necessary and proceed to pass it without further advertisement or hearing, or
(c) defeat the bylaw or resolution.
(6) The minutes of the council meeting during which a public hearing is held must record the public hearing to the extent directed by the council.
1994 cM-26.1 s230
Page 17 of 166 Excerpt from Procedural Bylaw No. 2014-06
5.0 PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.1 Public Hearings will be held in conjunction with a Regular Council meeting. However, a special Council meeting for the purpose of holding a Public Hearing may be called.
5.2 The procedure for a Public Hearing is as follows:
a) The Chair will call for a motion to go into Public Hearing;
b) The Chair will introduce members of Council and staff, outline the purpose of the Public Hearing, the process to be followed in the Public Hearing and any preliminary matters;
c) If applicable,
i. Birch Hills County staff will present their report followed by questions for clarification by Council; or
ii. The proponent or their agent will be requested to present his/her application within a reasonable time period followed by questions for clarification by Council;
d) After identifying themselves, members of the public will be invited to make a verbal presentation followed by questions for clarification by Council;
e) Depending on the number of written submissions, Birch Hills County staff may provide a report on the number of written submissions received and if appropriate a general overview of the contents of the written submissions;
f) Verbal or written representation from the federal governments or federal agencies will be invited to make a verbal presentation followed by questions for clarification by Council;
g) Verbal or written representation, representatives from the provincial government or provincial agencies will be invited to make a verbal presentation followed by questions for clarification by Council;
h) After identifying themselves, representatives from municipal governments or municipal agencies will be invited to make a verbal presentation followed by questions for clarification by Council;
i) If applicable
i. Birch Hills County planning staff will present a closing summary and
Page 18 of 166 Excerpt from Procedural Bylaw No. 2014-06
respond to any questions that may have been raised in the presentations; and
ii. The proponent or their agent will present a closing summary and respond to any questions that may have been raised in the presentations.
5.3 The use of slides, maps, videos and other similar materials is permitted and these along with written submissions become the property of Birch Hills County as exhibits to the hearing.
5.4 Persons addressing Council shall give their name, location of residence, an indication as to whether they are speaking on their own behalf or for another person or a group, and address the Chair when responding to questions or providing information.
5.5 Individuals may speak for a maximum of five (5) minutes.
5.6 One spokesperson per petition or group may speak for a maximum of ten (10) minutes.
5. 7 At the discretion of the Chair, the time limits for speaking and presentations may be extended to ensure that all interested parties have had a fair and equitable opportunity to express their views.
5.8 At the discretion of the Chair, after everyone has had an opportunity to speak once, those interested in speaking a further time and providing new information, may be granted further opportunity to speak.
5.9 The Chair is hereby authorized to make any other decisions or determinations with respect to the process or rules of order for the Public Hearing.
5.10 The minutes of a Council meeting during which a Public Hearing is held must contain the names of the speakers and a summary of the nature of representations made at the Public Hearing.
Page 19 of 166 BIRCH HILLS COUNTY PUBLIC HEARING RE BYLAW 2017-06
1. The Chair to call for a motion to go into a Public Hearing
RC17-___ Moved by ______that Council go into Public Hearing related to Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw.
2. The Chair will introduce members of Council and staff including Thomas Deming, an Associate Planner with Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency, the firm employed by Birch Hills County to assist Birch Hills County with the preparation and adoption of an Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw.
3. The Chair will outline the purpose of the Public Hearing, that being Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw. The chair will outline the process to be followed, that being:
a. Thomas Dening of Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency will present a report on behalf of staff followed by questions for clarification by Council to Thomas or staff:
b. After identifying themselves, members of the public will be invited to make a verbal presentation followed by questions for clarification by Council. Persons addressing Council shall give their name, location of residence, an indication as to whether they are speaking on their own behalf or for another person or a group, and address the Chair when responding to questions or providing information.
i. Individuals may speak for a maximum of five (5) minutes;
ii. One spokesperson per group may speak for a maximum of ten (10) minutes;
iii. At the discretion of the Chair, the time limits for speaking and presentations may be extended to ensure that all interested parties have had a fair and equitable opportunity to express their views; and
iv. At the discretion of the Chair, after everyone has had an opportunity to speak once, those interested in speaking a further time and providing new information, may be granted further opportunity to speak. 4. Depending on the number of written submissions, Birch Hills County staff may provide a report on the number of written submissions received and if appropriate a general overview of the contents of the written submissions .
5. If applicable, Birch Hills County staff and/or Mr. Thomas Dening will present a closing summary and respond to any questions that may have been raised in the presentations.
6. The Chair is authorized to make any other decisions or determinations with respect to the process or rules of order for the Public Hearing.
7. The Chair to call for a motion to adjourn the Public Hearing
RC17-___ Moved by ______that Council adjourn the Public Hearing related to Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw.
Page 20 of 166 Agenda Item No: 7.a.
TO: Members of Council
FROM: Hermann Minderlein, CAO
RE: Report to Council – August 24, 2017 Regular Meeting of Council
SUBJECT: CAO Report
RECOMMENDATION: That the CAO’s written reports with verbal updates be received for information.
REPORT:
Original
My apologies, but I have not been able to prepare my update to Council on activity since the July 27, 2017 Regular Council Meeting to include in the Council Agenda Package. I will prepare a final report and distribute it to Council prior to the meeting.
I did receive reports from the Directors of Corporate Services. Public Works, and Ag Services as well as the Birch Hills County Fire Chief. I am attaching them to this report.
Page 21 of 166
MEMORANDUM August 24, 2017 TO: CAO, Birch Hills County Director of Corporate Services – Administrative Update as of August 17, 2017
Provincial Municipal Nomination Day & Election Day September 14 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Municipal Affairs is offering Alberta Leaders Training – preparing candidates for the local authority elections at the Best Western Grande Prairie Hotels & Suites. Training is free to all interested parties. Register on-line at albertaleaders.ca or call 780- 796-3839. An information bulletin has been published on BHC’s website.
Monday, September 18 is Alberta Municipal Nomination Day.
Monday, October 2 is BHC’s Municipal Election Advance Voting Day – the advance voting station will be located in Council chambers at the BHC administration office from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Monday, October 16 is Alberta Municipal Election Day. The 2017 Election – Information for Potential Candidates package is available for pickup at the County office and on the BHC website. Please call the BHC office if you have any questions.
The Province of Alberta provides the structure for local governments by statute with the Municipal Government Act (MGA) being the primary set of rules under which municipalities operate. The main purposes of a municipality are a) to provide good government; b) to provide services, facilities or other things that, in the opinion of council, are necessary or desirable for all or a part of the municipality; and c) to develop and maintain safe and viable communities.
A Council is responsible for a) developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality; b) making sure that the powers, duties and functions of the municipality are appropriately carried out; c) carrying out the powers, duties and functions expressly given to it under this or any other enactment. A Council must not exercise a power or function or perform a duty that is by this or another enactment or bylaw specifically assigned to the Chief Administrative Officer or a designated officer.
Page 1 of 3 Page 22 of 166
I attended the Municipal Affairs Returning Officer (RO) training June 23 in Grande Prairie. This was a very exciting and full day of valuable election information with MA staff very engaged in the election process. Several key points as follows; • federal, provincial and municipal gov’ts – each have very different Election Acts, • review BHC election bylaws and resolutions, review previous election cycles, • joint election agreements (school boards), rental agreements – access is important, • advertise two weeks prior to nomination day, ensure election supplies are ordered, • nomination papers are publicly viewable and can be challenged, 24 hours to withdraw under certain conditions, • insufficient nominations, Nomination Day process continues for six days including Nomination Day, • notify the Minister once Nomination Day deadline has passed, form LGS1332, • voters must declare a single primary residence, Rules of Residence LAEA Section 48, • Council may, by resolution, provide approval to hold an Advance Vote, RO sets date, time and location, • on Nomination, Advance Vote & Election Day have an emergency plan – plan for “What if”, • on election day, first voter verifies ballot box is empty, secrecy of the vote is of utmost importance, voting register must be signed and ID must be provided, must be 18 years of age, • if in line when the voting station closes you are allowed to vote, no voter is allowed to reenter the voting station, once closed no new voters allowed to enter, • post Vote Procedure, be prepared – make a plan, always work in twos, • separate ballots, ensure ballots are correctly filled out (spoiled or rejected), • recount, recount, recount and recount the next morning, election material is to be shredded six weeks following the election with two witnesses.
Finance Update The authorized ATB Notice Demand Account (NDA) transfer to our ATB Business account was not initialized July 20.
BHC had an Alberta Transportation National Safety Codes audit July 25, 2017. In the near future, we will receive documentation regarding what is being done well and recommendations for improvement with a deadline for future compliance.
At the August 24 Council meeting, Council will see an approval request to change the 60 Day NDA to a 90 day NDA in order to earn a slightly higher interest rate. We are also requesting ladder withdrawal approvals for several months once the 90 day NDA is setup. NDA approved withdrawal/transfers are only initialized if necessary for cash flow requirements.
The Municipal Development Plan Bylaw No. 2017-06 received 1st reading at the July 27 Council meeting. The MDP Bylaw Public Hearing and the 2nd & 3rd readings are scheduled for the August 24th Council meeting.
The 1st Property Tax deadline was August 15. A 2% penalty will be added to tax rolls that remain outstanding with the 2nd tax deadline being Friday, September 25, 2017.
Page 2 of 3 Page 23 of 166
The Alberta School Foundation quarterly requisition information as follows: 1st Quarter Requisition $232,407.43 paid March 31, 2017 2nd Quarter Requisition $232,407.43 paid June 30, 2017 3rd Quarter Requisition $232,407.42 due September 30, 2017 4th Quarter Requisition $232,407.43 due December 31, 2017 Total $929,629.71 $465,000 has been transferred to our CIBC Consolidated Cash Investment Trust Fund account to accommodate the final two automatic withdrawals for September & December payments.
Emergency Management Planning Keep your family, friends and neighbors safe. Make an emergency plan. Do you have a 72 hour emergency kit? Visit www.aema.alberta.ca In a crisis, you don’t rise to the occasion; you sink to your training.
Dion & I attended the following AEMA All Hazards Type 3 Incident Management Team training: • Block 1 – May 24 & 25 – Grande Prairie, Evergreen Park • Block 2 – June 27 & 28 – High Level Emergency Operations Centre • Block 3 – training is planned for fall 2017, location to be announced. This will be a three day continuous emergency event which will require an additional skill level from team members.
The Province of Alberta recognizes the need for additional trained staff to respond when emergencies and disasters occur. As a result, training costs are being paid by the Province. Once team members are fully trained, this team will be available and provincially dispatched to assist at type 3 emergency incidents.
Statistics Canada is conducting Canada’s 2016 Core Public Infrastructure Survey on behalf of Infrastructure Canada. The purpose of this survey is to collect statistical information on the stock, condition, performance and asset management strategies of Canada’s core public infrastructure assets owned or leased by various levels of government. BHC received nine surveys; public social housing, culture facilities, public transit, solid waste, wastewater, bridges & tunnels, potable water, roads, and storm water.
The Central Peace Health Centre in Spirit River held its grand opening August 12. The Grande Spirit Lakeview Seniors Complex located in Clairmont is holding its grand opening August 24. September 22 is the deadline to comment on new MGA Regulations posted on the Municipal Affairs website. Lucy will be attending Municipal Affairs regional training in Peace River August 29 & 30. Lucy & I will be attending the Jubilee Risk Pro seminar in Grande Prairie September 25 & 26.
The very essence of leadership is that you have a vision. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.
Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.
Shelley Braun Director of Corporate Services Page 3 of 3 Page 24 of 166
MEMORANDUM
August 17th, 2017
TO: CAO, Birch Hills County
Public Works Report (As of August 19th, 2017)
Ag Incinerator was picked up and installed in the County yard. Some thought was put into having the incinerator at the transfer site in Wanham for security reasons it was installed in the yard.
The gravel re-claimer grader operator is continuing to reclaim gravel as council visited on the end of the council meeting on May 11th. Things are going well with this process, there is enormous amounts of gravel material in some of the ditches that have been done so far. The amount of gravel and other material that are in the ditches is too much to grade/pack and shape so we are making on pass on the road shoulder and working with that material for this year. The plan is to continue with this procedure and hit the areas again in a year or two and reclaim the remaining material in the ditch and use it to shape the roads as needed.
New culvert installs, replacements and ditch cleans continue throughout the County to aid in water management. Efforts are being made to clean out culverts that over time have become more prone to impeding water flow then moving water, this however is a never-ending job.
Gravel haul is well under way with progress being made slower than what we would like due largely to the amount of trucks available each day. Averaging about 6 trucks a day it is anticipated that the haul will go on until the end of August to the first week of September. From what I hear there were some minor truck and driver issues at the start but the outlook is much brighter, we hope the issues are behind us now.
Shop staff are continuing both maintenance and preventative maintenance on all equipment to ensure we are ready as we can be for whatever arises. Inspections, repairs and modifications are being conducted as needed.
Work continues to be done on dispositions that are currently under the Counties name and responsibility. The conservation business and reclamation plan along with the legal survey plan for SML 970004 (Shaftesbury Pit) was submitted to Alberta Environment. The plan was done in house by staff which was very time consuming, challenging and rewarding. It provided staff a means to learn a great deal more about this disposition and general information regarding all dispositions.
Alberta Environment and Parks conducted inspections on the Counties wastewater lagoons in Wanham, Peoria, Eaglesham and Tangent on June 29th and 30th. Referring to the Standards & Guidelines for Municipal Waterworks, Wastewater and Storm
Page 25 of 166
Drainage Systems April 2012 they provided us with some needed changes and maintenance requirements. Their report highlights access, setback, fencing, signage, general, berm, seepage conditions, and vegetation to name a some of the sections they have focused on. The County did okay with some minor work needed to meet the requirements of the approval, staff have started the action needed items as of July 19th. Most of the items have been completed or plan to be completed before the end of August.
The 3 capital item grader packers were delivered on June 30th to the yard in Wanham. Staff installed the packers as planned. Grader operators have provided valuable feed- back on usefulness and nothing but words of praise so far.
Contract mowing as started as of June 3rd with considerable progress being done and what looks to be good quality work. The County mower has started cutting grass as well in areas where double cuts are warranted, railway line right of way and in conjunction with the re-claimer.
On July 25, 2017 McStrong Safety Services out of Hinton conducted a Carrier Safety Fitness Rating Audit on the applicable County fleet of vehicles. Hired by the Alberta Government McStrong Safety Services performed the audit on all vehicles licensed over 11,594kg, policy relating to safety of vehicles, log books, record keeping of work reported and completed, personal time sheets for valid drivers, trip log inspections to name a few. From the Agricultural, Fire Services and Public works the County would have trailers, dump trucks, fire trucks, water trucks and spray units. The report identified we need to do some work on policy, record keeping, time sheets, driver abstracts and trip inspections. Most of these items we are doing to some degree yet improvement is needed. We are awaiting a letter from the Carrier Services of Alberta outlining the recommended actions needed for the County to achieve better success in the upcoming audit. The next audit which needs to be conducted at the Counties expense will be much the same as this audit. Once the letter is received I will have a clearer direction to follow to improve the audit scores.
The contractor installing the natural gas generator plans to commission the generator by ????. Staff and the contractor will go through the protocols to ensure everything is working as it should.
The Eaglesham grader contract expires at the end of 2017 so we need to be talking about contract extension, a tendered contract or possibly buying another grader for the County fleet. A new grader to purchase would be an estimated $500,000.00 plus the operator salary, fuel. service agreement etc.… The current contract has no extension or automatic renewal clause in it therefore we would need to go to tender for such a service. Each of the past 3 years we budgeted an average of $214,000.00 for contract grading for which wearable items (tips and blades etc..) and fuel are part of the contract.
Page 26 of 166
There are pros and cons to both contract and in-house County run grader scenarios. Council should be thinking of how they want to proceed with this opportunity. I would recommend and insist on the grader being equipped with a wobbly packer regardless if it’s a contract or a County grader. If council has a firm line on how they would like the Eaglesham grader situation resolved I would like to know before the budget, once I know I can proceed with providing council with the needed information.
On the topic of graders, G30 the Tangent grader is experiencing some major engine issue(s). At this time staff is waiting for an update from Brandt on if the fix is somewhat minor engine work or a total engine replacement. Covered under warranty this means that Brandt had to supply the County with a replacement grader until the issue is resolved. I will update my CAO on the situation once I receive the news from Brandt.
With budget approaching I am starting to compile a list of items that I see would benefit the County and of course a wish list. One of the items that has come up in the past is the construction of a filtered bulk water station in Eaglesham to aid agricultural users. Filtered non-treated water would be supplied to end users for a fee thus lowering the demand of treated water for agricultural use. Early estimated cost would be around the $75,000.00 range. Again, many pros and cons with this project so I would need direction from Council on how they would like to proceed.
I like to end my reports on a high upbeat note so here it goes. Staff and been blessed with the task of completing 10 or more Canada 2016 Core Public Infrastructure Surveys, each some 16 pages of technical questions relating to asset management, bridge and tunnel asset, roads asset, storm water asset and solid waste asset to name a few. At a glance, they look exciting as they sound so if anyone is interested in helping please see me.
Dion Hynes, CET PMP Director of Public Works
Page 27 of 166
TO: CAO Minderlein FROM: Amelia Gies, Acting Agriculture Fieldman RE: Report to Agricultural Service Board – August 17, 2017
SUBJECT: Director Report
REPORT:
I would like to start off this report mentioning that Amanda Ouellet will be away from work due to health reasons for the next month or so I (Amelia Gies) will be in charge of the ASB department. With Amanda away spraying has come to a complete stop as I do not hold a Pesticide applicator certificate.
Spraying update before Amanda took leave. The ASB crew has been putting in some early mornings and some later days to beat this nice hot weather we have had for July and beginning of August. All BHC stock piles and landfills have been sprayed along with roughly 140 miles of roadside spraying. Once Amanda is healthy enough to come back we will continue spraying small brush at intersections also continue with roadside spraying and possibly touch ups at any stock piles and landfills that might have some weeds that were missed when we sprayed that location.
While Amanda is away the ASB team is busy enough with weed inspecting, grasshopper survey and soon an in-house county Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) survey will be done on one or two per township throughout the county. On August 14 the Weed Inspectors completed weed inspecting all of our county roads, with new locations of prohibited Noxious and Noxious weeds found in the County, Weed Inspectors have been picking as they find new locations they are put on our “Hot Spot” map those locations will be visited again in the near future and possibly picked if there is new growth to stop further spread of the seeds.
With no rain for the past couple weeks our roadside mowers have been able to be out every day with minimal break downs. As of August 12, we have 2 in-house roadside mowers, both girls are doing very well and every day they get more confident about operating the mower on slopes and wetlands areas.
Town Maintenance has also been going hard through this hot weather almost completing a full rotation of hamlets, cemeteries, water plants and lagoons. They have also been removing some branches in the hamlets making road signs more visible and safe.
Amelia Gies Acting Agricultural Fieldman
Page 28 of 166 Memorandum
Aug 01,2017
July: it’s been a busy month with haying here but mostly done now
I missed filing a June report so as follows:
June 10 BHCFD responded to assist with water rescue of a missing canoer on the Smokey River, the victim had been out with friends when their water craft was swept into fast flowing water full of debris, his two friends were able to get off the canoe and swim to shore, he was not. BHCFD crews set up on the Watino bridge to aid with the rescue if he was spotted. Crews returned the next morning to spot on the river but the search was called just before noon.
June 16 BHCFD responded to a late-night camper fire at the Eaglesham golf course, interestingly I didn’t respond as that very night our page out system crashed in GP and I was not made aware of the call, luck has it only a minor incident yet a wakeup call about our call out system which has since been repaired. Until it was repaired, for over two weeks, the counties primary emergency callout system was myself as all 911 calls were sent straight to myself to alert whichever dept. was needed.
June 17 BHCFD responded to an outdoor fire on Belloy road caused by a burning garbage pile being blown away by sudden winds and igniting dead grass next to some out buildings.
June 25 BHCFD responded to downed powerlines north of Tangent
June 27 BHCFD responded to an outdoor fire at the Tangent dump after a burning barrel was dumped into the pit JULY
July 10 BHCFD responded to a late-night call to an outdoor fire to find an entire windrow of breaking fully involved in flames. BHC had a fire restriction on at that time and crews spent several hours combating the fire until it was knocked down and turned over to the landowner to fully extinguish
July 20 BHCFD responded to a bale fire in the Tangent district
July 28 BHCFD responded to a water rescue again to the Watino bridge with both Eaglesham and Tangent responding. 15-year-old male lost in water at Smokey and rr14. The youth had been swimming with friends at the river that afternoon and had gone under water and swept away, he could not swim. The RCMP set up their Incident Command at the scene upstream and I set up Incident command at Watino (unified command) The RCMP organized efforts upstream with search and rescue and I organized efforts on the Watino side as well as organize requests from the RCMP which included calling in search helicopters as well as activating Tech Rescue out of GP as well as activating Peace River Search and Rescue as well as calling in several private jet boats to aid in search operations. All in all, I ended up there for three days until it turned into a recovery operation and all command was turned over to Search and Rescue.
Tom Morgan Birch Hills County Fire Chief
Page 29 of 166 CAO Action Log - Regular Council- Updated August 18, 2017 Agenda Item 7.b. Motion # Motion By Action Status
MEETING JUNE 25 2015 REGULAR COUNCIL
RC14-225 Research a solution and add the Burnt River Crossing to the 2016 ON GOING being Budget. Need to start process over due to new Government researched by Shahid Gill and Darcy Beach from AB Govt.
MEETING APRIL 14, 2016 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
RC16-169 Trinus Technologies Inc. for $5,764.50 and proceed with the IT HERMANN Site visit June ON GOING - preliminary Security and PIPA/FOIP privacy Assessment and the FOIP Payment report received July 12/16 Compliance Executive and Management Training. CAO to respond to draft
MEETING DECEMBER 8, 2016 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
RC16-495 that Council direct administration to Contact Alberta Culture and LUCY/ Email Muni. Affairs to ON GOING Tourism to initiate action to have Birch Hills County take title of lots 16, DION point us in the right 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 Plan 1309KS, NW 35-77-24 W5 in Watino and to HERMANN direction research liability implications and flood zone setbacks, and bring the matter back to a future Council meeting.
MEETING JANUARY 12, 2017
RC17-017 that Council direct administration to investigate the possibility of HERMANN 2-23-00-00-249 ON GOING utilizing of the Alberta First Responder Radio Communications System SHELLEY 50% $3,250 Budget Approved (AFRRAC) for future years, and to include $6,450 (15% of $43,000) in DION 2-32-10-01-249 the 2017 operating budget if required to join the Saddle Hills area 50% $3,250 Survey ongoing survey for that purpose.
MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2017 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
RC17-085 that Council authorize the name change of Railway Avenue in the DION Letter sent to Mrs. ON GOING Hamlet of Watino to Maplewood Avenue. Pucci March 14, 2017
Signs are in awaiting installation and photo op. with Reeve and Mrs. Pucci
MEETING MARCH 30, 2017 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Page 30 of 166 Page 1 of 6 CAO Action Log - Regular Council- Updated August 18, 2017 Agenda Item 7.b. Motion # Motion By Action Status
RC17-125 that Council authorize the construction of an agricultural incinerator by DION 2017 Capital Budget COMPLETE Hell and Back Welding Ltd. for the quoted cost of $19,250.00 plus GST SHELLEY revised/added and direct Administration to include this project in an updated 2017 LISA $20,000 Capital Budget under expense code 4-63-10-00-630 with revenues to 2017 MSI application come from the MSI Capital Funding Program. o/s Installed Aug.17/17
MEETING APRIL 13, 2017 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
RC17-154 that Council direct Administration to accept the quote from Blackrock DION Agreement signed - COMPLETE Automation Ltd for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system changed over services with total costs of $24,435.00 over three years, with the charges to be expensed to each appropriate fiscal period.
RC17-165 that Council direct Administration to accept the quote from W-3 DION Awaiting connection to ON GOING Electrical Ltd. for the provision and installation of a Natural Gas SHELLEY plant. Generator at the Eaglesham Water Plant for $106,830.00 plus GST with expenses to be coded to the 2017 Capital Budget account 4-41-10-45-630. Revenue to come from either MSI Capital or from capital reserves if ineligible.
MEETING APRIL 27, 2017 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
RC17-182 that Council direct Administration to continue to work on the list of DION RFD to August 24 ON GOING priorities for potential Alberta Transportation projects related to HERMANN Regular Council highways and secondary highways based on the discussions from Meeting this meeting and additional updates from Provincial staff and Need to discuss County records; to possibly include photographic evidence that following presentation would support the County’s requests, and to bring the updated at AAMDC District 4 listing along with a first draft of a letter to the Province to a future by Ryan Koronowski Council Meeting. Item 9.b Aug 24 RCM
RC17-185 that Council direct Administration to draft a policy spelling out the HERMANN ON GOING purpose, composition, appointments and procedures related to the Birch Hills County Recreation Board, and bring the Policy back to Council for review at the future Governance Meeting.
MEETING JUNE 22, 2017 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Page 31 of 166 Page 2 of 6 CAO Action Log - Regular Council- Updated August 18, 2017 Agenda Item 7.b. Motion # Motion By Action Status
RC17-247 that Council approve a one time increase in funding in the amount of SHELLEY 8/17/2017 check was COMPLETE LISA processed up to $1,500.00 required to cover unforeseen maintenance costs incurred by the Peace Valley Conservation, Recreation, and Tourism Society, and authorizes this funding to be charged to expense account 2-69-10-00 735 with funding to come from the unspent portion of the allocation of $5,000.00 funding budgeted for Community Beautification, and direct Administration to advise Council prior to year end if this unallocated funding is no longer available.
RC17-252 that Council table the Road Request from Mr. Larry Smith to the July DION July 27 Reg Meeting COMPLETE 27, 2017 Regular Council Meeting and direct Administration to request Mr. Smith appear on that date as a delegation to provide Council with additional information regarding his request to assist Council in reaching a decision.
RC17-256 that Council receive the discussion regarding the Central Peace HERMANN Going to CP-REM ON GOING Emergency Management Partnership Agreement renewal for committee meeting in information, and direct Administration to bring this item back to Council the fall at a future meeting once the renewal terms have been announced.
MEETING JUNE 22, 2017 GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
GC17-18 that Council direct staff to revise the draft “Roads Policy” #32-01-17 HERMANN Governance Meeting ON GOING with the changes discussed and bring it back to a future governance DION August 24 meeting for additional review.
MEETING JULY 27, 2017 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
RC17-268 that Council provide 1st reading to Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal HERMANN Regular Council COMPLETE Meeting August 24 Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw and that Council provide direction to Administration to make the appropriate arrangements for a Public Hearing for Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw, and if appropriate, Second and Third Reading of the MDP Bylaw, on August 24, 2017.
Council discussed the need for corrections to Bylaw No. 2017-06, and directed Administration to include a recommendation for amendment to Page 32 of 166 Page 3 of 6 CAO Action Log - Regular Council- Updated August 18, 2017 Agenda Item 7.b. Motion # Motion By Action Status
the bylaw for the following corrections: On Page 12, under the heading “DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS” and the sub-heading “Railway”, replace the words “A spur line does exist on the east side of the County” with the words “A spur line does exist on the west side of the County”; On the bottom of page 13 under the heading “TRANSPORTATION” and the sub-heading “Railway”, amend “a spur line located on the east side of the County” by replacing the word “east” with the word “west”; and On Page 14, under the heading “UTILITIES” and the subheading “Water”, replace the words “The hamlets of Peoria and Watino along with rural properties gather water primarily through dugouts and cisterns” with the words “The hamlets of Peoria and Watino, along with rural properties, utilize dugouts, cisterns, and/or wells for their fresh water supply”
RC17-269 DION August 24 Regular ON GOING that Council decline the request submitted by Mr. Smith for construction of a road on an undeveloped road allowance and direct Council Meeting In Public Report that administration research other options that could provide Mr. Smith with access to his lease, to discuss these options with Mr. Smith, and to bring back the results of their research, along with with any input provided by Mr. Smith, to a future Regular Council Meeting.
RC17-270 that Council decline the request for Mr. Manzulenko to access clay DION Letter sent. COMPLETE material from the Wanham Waste Transfer Station to fill in the low spot PW to research on his land. additional solutions
RC17-271 that Council direct Administration to contact AG for Life, provide them HERMANN Letter sent COMPLETE with a copy of Birch Hills County General Grants Policy 11-03-17, and advise them that they should submit a completed application for a grant if they wish Council to consider providing their organization with a donation.
RC17-272 that Council adopt Policy No 12/02/17, the Investment Policy as COMPLETE presented and that the Policy become effective immediately.
Page 33 of 166 Page 4 of 6 CAO Action Log - Regular Council- Updated August 18, 2017 Agenda Item 7.b. Motion # Motion By Action Status
RC17-273 that Council approve Council authorize the expenditure of $323.00 HERMANN COMPLETE (excluding GST) from Council Expense Account 2-11-10-00-221, Advertising for the purchase of a 1/10th page (business card size) full color advertisement in the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Military Service Recognition Book.
RC17-274 that Council approve an Advance Vote for the 2017 Municipal Advance SHELLEY Advertise if necessary COMPLETE Vote and direct the Returning Officer to hold the Advance Vote on Monday, October 2, 2017 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Council Chambers located in the Birch Hills County Administration Building.
RC17-275 that with regards to the AAMDC District 4 meeting being held in Fort HERMANN COMPLETE Vermillion on August 10, 2017, Council authorizes that Councillor Macauley travel on his own and receive reimbursement for mileage plus Councillor Macauley and any other member of Council that may wish to travel with him would be eligible to payment of travel costs (1 breakfast and 1 supper) and 1 day of honorarium, and authorizes travel costs for the remainder of the attendees to attend the event in 1 vehicle for which the driver of that vehicle would be authorized to receive reimbursement for mileage, and for which those travelling in that vehicle would be eligible to be paid for their costs including 2 suppers and 1 night’s hotel accommodation plus 2 days honorariums would be payable for each member of Council.
RC17-276 that Council authorize the attendance of Deputy Reeve Manzulenko to COMPLETE the Central Peace Health Centre Grand Opening in Spirit River on August 12, 2017 as the “official” representative from Birch Hills County, and authorize the payment of mileage and honorarium to Deputy Reeve Manzulenko for this event.
RC17-277 that Council direct Administration to advise Municipal Affairs that the SHELLEY COMPLETE balance of the 2017 MSI Capital Funding is to be allocated to the 2018 and 2019 grader purchases and the 2018 gravel crushing and that additional research be completed regarding Gas Tax Funding eligible funding projects and brought back to the August 24, 2017 Regular Council Meeting.
Page 34 of 166 Page 5 of 6 CAO Action Log - Regular Council- Updated August 18, 2017 Agenda Item 7.b. Motion # Motion By Action Status
RC17-278 that Council accept the Offer to Purchase submitted from Audrey LUCY COMPLETE Evenson to purchase Lot 1 Block 2 Plan 2573HW in Belloy for $500.00.
MEETING JULY 27, 2017 GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
GC17-22 that Council direct Administration to forward the Water/Wastewater HERMANN Bringing back to ON GOING Bylaw 2017-02 with amendments provided by Councillor Carbone to DION August 24 the Regular Council Meeting on August 24, 2017. Governance meeting
Page 35 of 166 Page 6 of 6
Agenda Item No: 8.a
Request for Decision (RFD) Meeting: Regular Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: Hermann Minderlein Manager: Item Title: Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Presenter: CAO Minderlein Municipal Development Plan Bylaw
DESCRIPTION: Council is being presented with Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw that was prepared for Birch Hills County by Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency in order to formalize the amendments requested by Council on July 27, 2017 subsequent to the first reading, and to proceed with second and third readings of the bylaw. BACKGROUND / PROPOSAL: Administration is preparing this RFD based on an assumption that no changes will be required to the MDP Bylaw as a result of the Public Hearing. This will of course be dependent on any presentations at the Public Hearing, and Council’s decision as to how best to proceed. The background related to this request was provided to Council with the RFD prepared for the Public Hearing under item 4.a. of this Agenda, and rather than duplicate it, you are requested to refer back to it. As detailed in the RFD for the Public Hearing, Council did discuss the need for corrections to Bylaw No. 2017-06, and Administration has taken the liberty of including those corrections in the version of the Bylaw now before Council for second reading. Council is required to pass a resolution formalizing those the amendments prior to second reading. DISCUSSION / BENEFITS / DISDVANTAGES: Administration has presented this item to Council on several occasions, and unless specifically requested, does not believe there is any need to repeat that information. COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING: O&M Budget 2-61-40-00-249 OPS Planning/Development & Legal RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite): In accordance with MGA, Section 692(1)(e) - before giving second reading to a proposed planning bylaw, a council must hold a public hearing with respect to the proposed planning bylaw and that hearing was held as part of this meeting. Bylaw 2017-06 was advertised for two consecutive weeks before second reading as per Section 606 of the MGA
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Agenda Item No: 8.a
ATTACHMENT(s): Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw was distributed to Council as part of the RFD for the Public Hearing. (Please note that electronic copy with Agenda Package may be missing some detail as document was “shrunk” to make file easier to distribute. Clearer printed copy will be provided to members of Council prior to meeting) OPTIONS: Council May choose to: 1. Pass a resolution to formalize the corrections identified as being required to Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw by Council subsequent to first reading on July 27,2017; and
2. provide 2nd and 3rd readings to Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw; or
3. receive this item for information and direct Administration to bring the bylaw back to a future Council meeting if there are additional changes deemed necessary prior to proceeding with second reading. RECOMMENDED ACTION: It is Administrations recommendation that Council 1. authorize the following amendments to Birch Hills County Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw: a. On Page 12, under the heading “DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS” and the sub-heading “Railway”, replace the words “A spurline does exist on the east side of the County” with the words “A spur line does exist on the west side of the County”;
b. On the bottom of page 13 under the heading “TRANSPORTATION” and the sub-heading “Railway”, amend “a spur line located on the east side of the County” by replacing the word “east” with the word “west”; and
c. On Page 14, under the heading “UTILITIES” and the sub-heading “Water”, replace the words “The hamlets of Peoria and Watino along with rural properties gather water primarily through dugouts and cisterns” with the words “The hamlets of Peoria and Watino, along with rural properties, utilize dugouts, cisterns, and/or wells for their fresh water supply” 2. provide second reading to Birch Hills County Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw; 3. provide third reading to Birch Hills County Bylaw No. 2017-06, The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw.
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MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Prepared by: Bylaw No. 2017-06 August 2017
Page 39 of 166 Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ...... 1 Part 1 Overview ...... 2 Introduction ...... 2 County Context ...... 3 Planning Context ...... 7 Community Profile ...... 9 Economy ...... 15 Lifestyle ...... 15 Planning Process ...... 16 Part 2 Direction ...... 17 Community Vision ...... 17 Part 3 Goals, Objectives & Policies ...... 19 3.1 Agriculture ...... 19 3.1.1 Subdivision of Agricultural Land ...... 19 3.1.2 Development of Agricultural Land ...... 20 3.1.3 Confined Feeding Operations ...... 21 3.2 Country Residential ...... 23 3.2.1 General Policies ...... 23 3.2.2 Multiple Parcel Country Residential ...... 24 3.3 Hamlets ...... 26 3.3.1 General Policies ...... 26 3.3.2 Development & Subdivision...... 27 3.3.3 Industrial Uses...... 27 3.4 Commercial & Industrial ...... 28 3.4.1 General Policies ...... 28 3.4.2 Commercial Policies ...... 29 3.4.3 Industrial Policies ...... 29 3.4.4 Resource Extraction Policies ...... 31 3.5 Infrastructure ...... 32 3.5.1 Transportation ...... 32 3.5.2 Municipal Services ...... 33
Birch Hills County Bylaw No. 2017-06 Municipal Development Plan Page 40 of 166 3.6 Recreation, Open Space & Heritage ...... 34 3.6.1 Recreation & Open Space Policies ...... 34 3.6.2 Heritage Policies ...... 35 3.7 Environment ...... 36 3.7.1 General Policies ...... 36 3.8 Crown Land ...... 39 3.8.1 General Policies ...... 39 3.9 Intermunicipal Relations ...... 40 3.9.1 General Policies ...... 40 Part 4 Implementation ...... 41 4.1.1 Monitoring & Review ...... 41 4.1.2 Plan Consistency ...... 41 4.1.3 Subdivision & Development...... 41 Part 5 Schedules ...... 43 Map 1 Municipal Context ...... 44 Map 2 Soil Classification ...... 45 Map 3 Confined Feeding Operations (CFO) Siting Restrictions ...... 46 Map 4 Environmental Features ...... 47 Map 5 Eaglesham Current Land Use ...... 48 Map 6 Peoria & Watino Current Land Use ...... 49 Map 7 Tangent Current Land Use ...... 50 Map 8 Wanham Current Land Use ...... 51 Map 9 Future Land Use ...... 52 Part 6 Appendices ...... 53 Glossary ...... 54 Community Survey Report ...... 58 Community Survey ...... 74
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Acknowledgements
Birch Hills County would like to thank the members of the Steering Committee for their commitment and enthusiasm during the development of this plan, as well as their consideration of and direction on the many varied and controversial topics that may affect the future of the County.
Committee Members:
· Lorraine Frape, Municipal Planning Commission · Maurice Lemay, Municipal Planning Commission · Fiona Sanocki, Municipal Planning Commission
The Steering Committee was supported by staff from the County and Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency.
Birch Hills County:
· Hermann Minderlein, Chief Administrative Officer · Lucy Stevensen, Tax Administrator
Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency:
· Havan Surat, Planning Manager · Thomas Deming, Associate Planner
The development of the Municipal Development Plan could only be undertaken with the direction of Council. Thank you to the members of the Birch Hills County Council for your foresight and for providing the impetus for preparing and completing this plan.
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Part 1 Overview
Introduction
The Municipal Development Plan is the primary policy document for land use planning for municipal governments in Alberta. The Plan provides direction for future change, growth and development within Birch Hills County.
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN AND ENABLING LEGISLATION A Municipal Development Plan (MDP) provides clear direction for future change, growth, and development for the County’s Council and Administration. The Plan is intended to guide growth and development in the County by defining the vision, principles, goals, and policies of Birch Hills County regarding planning matters; by minimizing the occurrence of incompatible land uses; and by providing support and direction for the administration of the Land Use Bylaw, and the preparation of other statutory planning documents.
The Municipal Development Plan, in addition to applicable Provincial legislation, will provide the necessary direction to assist Council, the Development Authority, Municipal Planning Commission and the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board in making land use decisions. The MDP provides a foundation for the preparation of more detailed land use plans; is intended to be used in conjunction with the County’s Land Use Bylaw to implement the policies of this Plan, and to inform residents and developers of the County’s future land use strategy. The MDP provides a community vision for the residents and property owners of Birch Hills County. It outlines the anticipated form and character of the hamlets and rural areas of the entire County. Furthermore, the MDP informs residents, developers, and investors with respect to what type of development is desired and identifies the preferred locations.
This Municipal Development Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 632 of the Municipal Government Act and upon adoption will become a statutory document. The legal framework and process for Council to adopt an MDP is established in the Municipal Government Act. As MDPs are municipal bylaws, they are legislative documents. If Council wishes to allow development that contravenes with the MDP, Council must first amend the Plan, through a process that will provide opportunities for public input.
In accordance with the Municipal Government Act, the MDP will address:
Ø Future land use; Ø Proposals for future development; Ø Coordination with adjacent municipalities; Ø Transportation;
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Ø Municipal services and facilities; Ø Schools and municipal reserves; Ø Protection of agricultural operations; Ø Land uses adjacent to sour gas facilities; and Ø Resource Extraction.
In addition, the Municipal Government Act allows the MDP to address a number of other considerations, which this Plan will consider as necessary for Birch Hills County. These include:
Ø Coordination of physical, social and economic development; Ø Environmental matters; Ø Development constraints; Ø Economic development; Ø Financing and programming of municipal infrastructure; and Ø Financial resources.
INTERPRETATION When interpreting the policy statements within this MDP document, the document should be read in its entirety to provide context. Policies are written using “shall”, “should” or “may” statements. The interpretations of “shall”, “should”, and “may” that follow may provide the reader with a greater understanding of the intent of each policy statement:
Ø Shall/Will/Must – denotes compliance or adherence to a preferred course of action. Ø Should – denotes compliance is desired or advised but may be impractical or premature because of valid planning principles or unique/extenuating circumstances. Ø May – denotes discretionary compliance or a choice in applying policy.
Moreover, terms emphasized in “italics” in Part 3 Goals, Objectives, and Policies are further defined in Section 6.1 Glossary.
County Context
COMMUNITY HISTORY The County derives its name from the glaciers that formed the hills 70 million years ago and the Birch trees which early inhabitants used for canoes. Although the area was first explored by Alexander MacKenzie in 1792, settlers did not make the County home until the arrival of the railroad in 1916 and the end of the First World War.1
In 1995, the Municipal District of Birch Hills was formed from the previous Improvement District. During the next year, the Village of Eaglesham dissolved to become part of the Municipal District. In 1998, the Municipal District was renamed Birch Hills County. The next year, the Village of Wanham dissolved to become part of the County. The County now encompasses five hamlets: Eaglesham, Peoria, Tangent, Wanham, and Watino (See Map 1 – Municipal Context).
1 Birch Hills Historical Society, Grooming The Grizzly: A History of Wanham and Area, 1982
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REGIONAL CONTEXT Birch Hills County is located in the Central Peace District of Alberta. The County is bordered by the Peace River to the north; the Smoky River to the east and south; the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 to the south; and Saddle Hills County and Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133 to the west. The County office, located in Wanham, is approximately 90 km northeast of Grande Prairie, 480 km northwest of Edmonton, and 740 km northwest of Calgary. Highways 2, 49, 677, 733, 739, and 740 travel through the County providing links to neighbouring communities (See the Regional Context Map on the right side of this page).
The County consists primarily of agricultural lands but also includes:
Ø hamlets; Ø industrial lands; Ø forested areas; Ø two major river systems and their tributaries; Ø lakes; and Ø wetlands.
The majority of land within the County is classified under the Dry Mixedwood Natural Subregion by Alberta Parks, which characterizes the land as gently rolling plains and aspen-dominated forests. This subregion enjoys the warmest summers and the highest number of growing degree days of all the boreal subregions. About 70% of the annual precipitation occurs from April to August.
Regional Context Map Hamlet of Eaglesham Located along Highway 739 the hamlet is one the larger population nodes in the County. The hamlet was established along the former railway line. It was previously an incorporated village until it dissolved in 1996. The hamlet contains a library, senior centre, post office, arena, and a few local businesses. A golf course is located southeast of the hamlet and a local airstrip is located to the north. The Eaglesham and District Agricultural Society produces a newsletter titled the Birch Bark News containing news, events, and information on Eaglesham and the County. See Map 5 for the current land use of the hamlet.
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Hamlet of Peoria Situated in the southwest portion of the County, Peoria is found at the junction of Township Road 765 and Range Road 30 just east of Highway 733. Peoria is the smallest hamlet in the County and does not feature the same amenities as some of the other larger hamlets. See Map 6 for the current land use of the hamlet.
Hamlet of Tangent Located along Highway 740 and the former CN Rail line, Tangent is the heart of the County’s French population and culture. The hamlet is known for the nearby campground Tangent Park located to the north alongside the Peace River. Tangent features a community hall, a cultural centre, post office, and a bank agency. See Map 7 for the current land use of the hamlet.
Hamlet of Wanham The County’s westernmost hamlet is located along Highway 49. Traditionally, the hamlet is an agricultural service centre for the surrounding area as well as the location of the County Office. The hamlet is one of the larger population centres in the county as it was previously an incorporated village until it dissolved into the County in 1999. Wanham is home to the County’s museum, a senior centre, recreation centre, and a few local businesses. The Community of Cooperating Organization (COCO) produces a newsletter titled the COCO Newsletter containing news, events and information in Wanham and the County. See Map 8 for the current land use of the hamlet.
Hamlet of Watino Situated along Highway 49, Watino is located next to the Smoky River. Due to its location next to the river, occasionally the hamlet is at risk of flooding. Refer to Map 4: Environmental Features to see the floodway and flood fringe areas as per the Watino Flood Risk Mapping Study from 1996.2 Being one of the smaller hamlets in the County it is primarily residential. The hamlet also features a large park near the entrance to the community. See Map 6 for the current land use of the hamlet.
2 Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Watino Flood Risk Mapping Study, 1996
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Hutterite Colonies These are religiously based communities within the County. They practice a traditional, communal way of life primarily centred on agriculture and German custom.3 Often, these communities operate independently from the municipality in which they are located but are restricted by municipal standards in regards to development and use of land. Although, Hutterite Colonies in Birch Hills County are very active in the community. There are currently four Hutterite communities throughout the County.
ENVIRONMENT Forest Cover The Peace Region is one of the top two Alberta regions for the production of forest products including the leading producer of pulp, paper, and panel board. The region is also the highest employer in the forestry industry.4 According to the Birch Hills County Economic Assessment Report, forestry is one of the primary industries in the County. Native vegetation consists of Aspen forests with mixed understories of rose, low-bush cranberry, beaked hazelnut, and buffaloberry.5 Treed, shrubby or sedge- dominated fens are found in low-lying areas of the County.
Watercourses – Rivers and Creeks The County is bounded by two major watercourses, the Peace River and the Smoky River. The Smoky River headwaters originate from the Rocky Mountains north of Jasper at Adolphus Lake and flows northeast through several municipalities to where it flows into the Peace River at the northeast tip of the County. The Peace River headwaters originate at Finlay River in the Rocky Mountains and flows east into Alberta. Both rivers are within the Peace
River and Slave River Water Basin which is the largest basin in the Province of Alberta. Both rivers have carved fertile valleys abundant in vegetation. Though, the steep slopes are generally unsuitable for development; they do provide ideal habitat and wintering ground for wildlife.6 There are several minor watercourses intersecting the County including Bad Heart River, Saddle (Burnt) River, Fox Creek, Kakut Creek, and Vixen Creek. (PICTURES ARE OF THE SMOKY RIVER NEAR WATINO)
3 Hutterites.org, Day To Day, 2016 4 County of Grande Prairie No. 1, Middle of Everywhere: Forestry Sector Overview, 2014 5 AB ESRD, Regional Forest Landscape Assessment, Upper Peace Region, 2012 6 Smoky River Land Use Survey, Peace River Regional Planning Commission, 1980 and mightpeacewatershedalliance.org
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Water Bodies - Lakes There are three named lakes in the County: Kakut Lake, Dreamer’s Lake, and Coote Lake. The former two are both located in the western half of the municipality and the latter is located south of Eaglesham. Kakut Lake is the largest, nearly 385 hectares; and Dreamer’s Lake the smallest, approximately 17 hectares.
DREAMER’S LAKE Planning Context
ALBERTA LAND USE POLICIES In 1996, the Alberta Government released its Land Use Policies. All municipalities must implement these policies while undertaking their planning responsibilities. These policies provide direction for the municipality to address general and specific land use planning issues. Birch Hills County will ensure that the vision, goals, and policies of the MDP are consistent with the Land Use Policies.
LAND USE FRAMEWORK The Province of Alberta is currently in the process of developing seven regional plans with two completed thus far (Lower Athabasca Regional Plan and the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan). The seven regions are congruent with the province’s major watersheds and are aligned with municipal boundaries. The development of the Upper Peace Regional Plan, which will include Birch Hills County, has not yet begun.
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2008 This Municipal Development Plan will build upon the goals outlined in the previous MDP. The goals of the 2008 MDP were to:
Ø Provide a framework for the future growth and development of the County; Ø Maintain the long-term viability of the County’s agricultural land base; Ø Identify appropriate non-agricultural development in the rural area to facilitate diversification of the County’s economic base; Ø Minimize the possibility of conflicts between potentially incompatible land uses; Ø Facilitate inter-municipal and inter-jurisdictional cooperation in matters affecting development in the region; and Ø Ensure that the natural environment is protected and that significant environmental features are preserved.
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INTERMUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN The County does not currently have an intermunicipal development plan (IDP). While there are no longer any incorporated urban centres within the County, it is necessary for the County to recognize its relationship with neighbouring rural municipalities.
Birch Hills County is a member of the Central Peace G5 with regional partners: Saddle Hills County, Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133, Town of Spirit River, and Town of Rycroft. The G5 is eligible to receive Provincial grants and support. Together they work on regional initiatives such as the Central Peace Health Center, G5 Waste Management Commission, and Recreational Facilities Financial Commission. The G5 is not an IDP.
At the time of this MDP rewrite, the Municipal Government Act is also being amended by the Provincial Government. This amendment will include the requirement for each municipality with common boundaries to establish an intermunicipal collaboration framework (ICF). In addition, the ICF could include an IDP.7
LAND USE BYLAW NO. 02-08 As required by the Municipal Government Act, Birch Hills County has adopted a Land Use Bylaw that regulates the use and development of all lands within the municipality. Birch Hills County’s Land Use Bylaw was updated in 2008. The Land Use Bylaw should be updated subsequent to the completion of this MDP to reflect the policy direction therein. The Land Use Bylaw is a key implementation tool of the Municipal Development Plan.
HAMLET OF TANGENT AREA STRUCTURE PLAN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 19 This area structure plan (ASP) applies to land within the hamlet boundary. The objectives of the ASP for the hamlet include:
Ø To accommodate existing land uses and provide for future residential, commercial, industrial and community development; Ø To coordinate a land use pattern to minimize incompatible development; Ø To ensure that development of land adjacent to Secondary Road 740 will occur in a manner compatible with the safe movement of traffic; Ø To ensure that municipal services are provided to new and existing development in an appropriate manner; Ø To establish a central commercial area for the hamlet in conjunction with a highway commercial area within the hamlet; Ø To ensure that the development of community facilities are accessible to the residents of the Improvement Districts.
This is the only ASP in the County. The ASP does not supersede, repeal, replace or relegate any other statutory plan for the County including this MDP.
7 AUMA, What We Heard – Proposed 2016 Amendments to the MGA, 2016
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Community Profile
LAND BASE Birch Hills County has a land area of 289,297.79 hectares (approximately 714,870.42 acres). There are ten land use districts in the Land Use Bylaw but only seven districts are in use. Over half of the County is designated agricultural with 74.37% of County land being classified as better agricultural land. More than a third of the County land is Crown Land, including the Peace River Wildland Provincial Park. The County’s Hamlet General District accounts for less than one percent of the total land area.
Land Use Net Area Percent of County Agriculture (A) 160,020.34 ha 55.31% Agriculture Restricted (AR) 6,547.42 ha 2.26% Hamlet General (HG) 312.67 ha 0.11% Hamlet Watino (HW) 6.13 ha <0.01% Highway Development (HD) 4.39 ha <0.01% Airport Vicinity 844.27 ha 0.29% Crown Land 111,910.75 ha 38.68% Non-Designated Land (i.e. Road Rights of Way, Water Bodies, etc.) 9,658.99 ha 3.34%
TABLE 1: BIRCH HILLS COUNTY LAND USE DISTRICT AREAS
POPULATION As shown in Table 2, Birch Hills County has experienced a steady decline in population since 1957, beginning with the incorporation of the Village of Wanham. The County experienced the greatest amount of growth since 1951 between 1996 and 2000 when the Villages of Wanham and Eaglesham both dissolved back into the County, while the steepest decline occurred in 1976 as seen in Table 2 and Table 3. Recent population growth shows the County’s population is still declining but at a slower rate. Overall, the County consists of 0.04% of the total population of Alberta.
3400 Village of Wanham Incorporation Village of Eaglesham Incorporation 3200 3000 2800 2600 Village of Eaglesham Dissolves Village of Wanham 2400 Dissolves 2200 2000 High: 3133 residents 1800 Total Population Population Total 1600 1400 1200 Low: 1378 residents 1000 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 Year Birch Hills County* Former Village of Wanham Former Village of Eaglesham
TABLE 2: BIRCH HILLS COUNTY HISTORIC POPULATION TREND *Note – The County was formally known as Improvement District No. 132 from 1945 to 1969, Improvement District No. 19 from 1969 to 1995 and as the Municipal District of Birch Hills No. 19 until 1998. These are included in reference to the County.
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TABLE 3: HISTORIC POPULATION GROWTH FOR BIRCH HILLS COUNTY
TABLE 4: PERCENT OF SENIORS IN BIRCH HILLS COUNTY COMPARED TO ALBERTA AND CANADA
Table 4 indicates the County has a higher percentage of seniors than the provincial average and a more relative percentage of seniors compared to the national average.8 This may be in relation to the low Youth (15-24) population, as seen in Table 5.9 This is a common population trend demonstrating the increasing gap between growing urban centres with high youth populations and aging rural areas with declining populations.
The information from Table 5 indicates that over half (52%) of the County’s population is in the adult age group. Moreover, it indicates that 22% of the County’s population are children while 78% of the County’s population is 15 and over. The median age of the County is 40.9 years.
8 Stats Canada, Community Profile, 2011 9 Stats Canada, Community Profile, 2011
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The average number of people per family within Birch Hills County is 2.4 people, comparatively below the provincial average of three people. The population density of the County is 0.6 persons per square kilometre.10
Birch Hills County has no First Nation reserves within its boundaries but its Aboriginal population accounts for 3.21% of the entire County.11 This accounts for only 0.02% of the Aboriginal population within the Province.
TABLE 5: BIRCH HILLS COUNTY POPULATION FIGURES PER AGE GROUP
DEVELOPMENT CLIMATE Over the last six years, development in the County has largely consisted of residential development activities (Table 6). Developments have also included communication towers, cabins, and accessory buildings.
Recent growth in the County has increased the value of developments as seen in Table 7. While 2016 development permit values were low, the number of development permits was on par with the previous two years. In 2015, the value of development permits within the County increased significantly compared to previous years due to the development of a pump station by Pembina Pipeline Corporation.
TABLES 6: TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT 2010 TO 2016
10 Stats Canada, Community Profile, 2011 11 Stats Canada, Community Profile, 1981-2006 and Stats Canada, National Household Survey, 2011
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TABLE 7: NUMBER OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS 2010 TO 2016 AND VALUE
DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS Railway Rail lines in the County are decommissioned and have been removed. A spurline does exist on the west side of the County, beside the Smoky River but no longer operates. Therefore, Birch Hills County cannot capitalize on the need for shipment of crude oil from the Peace Oil Sands despite its central location in the region.
Wetlands Wetlands comprise 30% of the landscape in the Peace River region impacting the ability to undertake certain land use activities.12 While wetlands and accompanying riparian areas provide many benefits such as recreation opportunities, reducing the impact of flooding and drought, they present challenges to farmers and developers.
Wetlands are regulated by the Province under the Water Act and the Public Lands Act. Any activities or diversions on or near wetlands may require an approval granted by the Province. The Alberta Wetland Policy identifies the strategic direction and tools required to make informed management decisions.
Slopes The County includes two major river systems, the Peace River and the Smoky River, as well as smaller creeks and tributaries. Rivers, lakes, and development adjacent to these areas may be impacted by unstable slopes. Development within lands identified as environmentally sensitive areas (See Map 4) may require additional assessments, reports, and studies. Specific standards are identified in Section 3.7 and within the Birch Hills County Land Use Bylaw Section 9.3 Environmental Standards.
TRANSPORTATION The County is serviced through a variety of transportation systems; including six provincial highways, a well-developed network of local roads, a ferry, and a community airstrip. However, there are no commercial bus carriers providing service in the County.
12 Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance, State of the Watershed Report, 2015
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Roads The local road network, approximately 1,368 km in length, provides efficient traffic movement throughout most of the County. There are six provincial highways which connect residents, businesses, and tourists to major service centres and recreational points of interest throughout the region.
Ø Highway 2 Ø Highway 49 Ø Highway 677 Ø Highway 733 Ø Highway 739 Ø Highway 740 HIGHWAY 740 ………………………………..
Airstrip Birch Hills County contains one municipally maintained airstrip located near Eaglesham. However, no commercial flights operate within the County.
Ferry The Shaftesbury Ferry Crossing extends over the Peace River connecting Birch Hills County to the Municipal District of Peace No. 135. The crossing is free of charge, takes approximately five minutes to cross the river, and extends Highway 740. The ferry is available during warmer months, when the river is free of ice and may carry multiple vehicles, including large recreational vehicles and tractor trailers within certain dimension and weight restrictions. During the winter months, if the river is suitably frozen, an ice bridge is created in place of the ferry.
Bridges There are 86 municipally maintained bridge structures within the County. In addition, there are various structures maintained by the provincial government as part of the provincial highway network. These range from small culvert bridges to larger bridges spanning major watercourses; including one which spans the Smoky River near Watino and one crossing the Peace River near Dunvegan.
BRIDGE CROSSING TO M.D. OF SMOKY RIVER NO. 130 . Railway As stated under the Development Constraints section, there is no longer any rail line servicing the County. CN Rail previously had a rail line travelling through the County but it has since been removed. There is a spur line located on the west side of the County but it is no longer in use.
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UTILITIES Water A water treatment plant is located in Eaglesham which contributes to a regional water utility system for the hamlet, as well as Wanham and Tangent. The hamlets of Peoria and Watino, along with rural properties, utilize dugouts, cisterns and/or wells for their fresh water supply.
Sewer The County uses sewage lagoons for all five hamlets. The hamlets of Peoria, Tangent and Watino use low pressure sewer systems which utilize their own septic tanks and pumps which then discharge into the County’s infrastructure. The remainder of the County use a variety of other private sewer systems including holding tanks, septic tanks, open discharge, and absorption fields.
Stormwater Stormwater management in the County consists of registered drainage ditches. Drainage patterns within the County are influenced by local topography and alterations made to the landscape. The County maintains twenty drainage projects throughout the municipality (See Map 4: Environmental Features) to assist with flood control, erosion control, and drainage.
Additional Services The County has one landfill located near the hamlet of Tangent as well as two waste transfer sites in Wanham and Peoria. Recycling bins are currently available in all of the hamlets, but the County does not provide recycling to the rest of the municipality. Rural residents are permitted to drop off their recyclables in the hamlets.
Fire protection services are provided by the three fire departments in the County: Eaglesham, Tangent, and Wanham. Each is headed by a Fire Chief that reports to the County Fire Chief, and combined, have over thirty volunteer firefighters from each of the communities.
HOUSING The County predominantly contains single-detached houses and moveable dwellings with few options for multi-family units. Table 8 indicates the current number of actual residential units by type.13
Dwelling Type # of units Single-detached house 395 Apartment; building that has fewer than five storeys 5 Movable dwelling 105 Other single-attached house 10 Total 515
TABLE 8: TOTAL NUMBER OF OCCUPIED DWELLINGS BY STRUCTURAL TYPE (2011 CENSUS)
13 Stats Canada, Community Profile, 2011
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Economy
In 2013, Peace Region Economic Development Alliance (PREDA) prepared an Economic Assessment Report for the County. The County is primarily an agricultural community. The report indicated wheat, canola, and alfalfa are the predominant crops grown while cattle and horses are the most common livestock raised. Conversely, the oil and gas industry provides the largest sector of employment in the county. The County currently has one fuel service within its limits located in Eaglesham. The County features many home-based businesses within the hamlets.14
Lifestyle
Birch Hills County presents an alluring mix of agricultural and small community life. The County’s five hamlets exhibit unique qualities that add to the character of the County while providing essential services to the rest of the County. The countryside reveals natural landscapes full of trees, rolling hills, and wildlife capable of supporting many recreational opportunities.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Birch Hills County has a number of recreational resources available to its residents. The West Smoky Arena in Eaglesham, Wanham and Area Recreational Centre and the Joe Lebeuf Memorial Ball Park, both in Wanham, offer a variety of recreational options for residents. The County also features the Lakeside Golf and Country Club near Eaglesham, the Grizzly Bear Prairie Museum in Wanham, and multiple campgrounds throughout the County.
The County contains the Peace River Wildland Provincial Park which offers backcountry camping, trails, hunting and many other outdoor activities. The park protects forest and grassland around the junction of the Peace and Smoky rivers. The park is an important area for deer, elk, bears, and a variety of birds. Currently, road access to the park is limited and there are no developed camping facilities.
THE WANHAM PLOWING MATCH
14 PREDA, Economic Assessment Report, 2013
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The Community of Cooperating Organization (C.O.C.O) hosts the annual Wanham Plowing Match which features events such as barrel racing, professional bull riding, and a slo-pitch tournament. The event was created in 1971 and is hosted annually in Wanham.
The Tangent Community Library and Eaglesham Public Library operate as part of the Peace Library System, a regional branch that provides library services to residents in the County and the region.
TANGENT COMMUNITY HALL WEST SMOKY ARENA (located in Eaglesham)
Planning Process
STEERING COMMITTEE The County’s Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) acted as the Steering Committee for the Municipal Development Plan.
The Steering Committee led the development of the MDP by providing direction and feedback on:
Ø community principles and values; Ø survey questionnaire; Ø a vision and goals; Ø community consultation event(s); Ø municipal policies; and Ø implementation strategies.
The Steering Committee met periodically throughout the MDP process.
Information about the review and rewrite of the MDP was also available on the Birch Hills County website.
COMMUNITY SURVEY A community survey was developed consisting of a series of questions to gather public opinion on the County’s functionality and resources. The questionnaire was made available to the public in both paper and an online format. An online link to complete the survey was placed on the County’s website. In total, 75 responses were gathered from households and businesses in the County.
Public responses were carefully analyzed and collected for future planning purposes and led to the formation of eight guiding principles and the County’s vision statement for the Municipal Development Plan.
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Part 2 Direction
COMMUNITY VISION
Birch Hills County aims to protect and enhance the value of agricultural land and improve the quality of life for County residents.
GUIDING PRINCIPALS
Through the MDP Steering Committee meetings, the community survey and a public open house, key themes and ideals important to the residents of Birch Hills County emerged. The following 8 principals are the basis for the direction of policy in this MDP.
Principal 1: Preserve Agricultural Areas
Maintain the viability of the agricultural land base through prioritization and protection in land use policies. This includes encouraging activities and facilities which support the agricultural industry and enhance the rural character of the County.
Principal 2: Support Community Service Centres
Support the development of the County’s hamlets which act as service centres to the whole community. This includes support for residents at different life stages and providing the necessary services for them.
Principal 3: Intermunicipal Cooperation
Facilitate intermunicipal cooperation regarding development in order to achieve long-term balanced growth between adjacent municipalities. This will improve consistency in land development and enhance efficiency and communication between the County and its neighbours.
Principal 4: Expand Economic Development Opportunities
Support commercial and industrial development to expand the economic base while maintaining a productive agricultural industry.
Principal 5: Efficient Provision and Utilization of Municipal Infrastructure
Support the County’s residents and industries by providing efficient infrastructure throughout the County, including roads, water, and sanitary sewer utilities.
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Principal 6: Support the Development of an Efficient Transportation System
Maintain and develop a strong network of roads within the County that can be relied upon by residents as well as agricultural, commercial, and industrial users.
Principal 7: Responsible Growth Management
Provide a framework for future growth and development within the County by efficient use of the County’s resources while minimizing the negative impacts of growth and development including supporting the development of the County’s hamlets which act as service centres to the County.
Principal 8: Protection of Natural Areas and the Environment
Encourage the protection and enhancement of environmentally sensitive areas within the County including natural areas such as rivers, lakes and wetlands that contribute to the rural character of the County and by providing a range of recreational opportunities.
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Part 3 Goals, Objectives and Policies
3.1 Agriculture
The predominant land use in Birch Hills County is agriculture. The County has approximately 160,020 hectares (395,418 acres) of agricultural land, contributing to over 55% of the land base. While agricultural operations have shifted from small, traditional family farms to more large-scale operations, they remain a cornerstone of the County’s culture and shall remain an important part of the economy. Therefore, preservation and protection of agricultural land uses from fragmentation, premature conversion, and poorly planned development is a high priority. This includes protecting agricultural operations from incompatible land uses and directing non-agricultural land uses away from better agricultural land.
The County will find a balance between protection and growth of agricultural operations and emerging non-agricultural uses in the County. This may impact municipal policy decisions regarding home-based businesses in agricultural areas as more farmers are seeking secondary employment to supplement their income.
GOAL
Birch Hills County aims to preserve and enhance the County’s agricultural land, agriculturally based activities and rural lifestyle, while still accommodating appropriate non-agricultural land uses.
OBJECTIVES
1. Preserve better agricultural lands and protect current agricultural operations. 2. Ensure new development is compatible with existing surrounding agricultural activities. 3. Direct non-agricultural development to lower quality agricultural lands, preferably closer to areas where services and infrastructure currently exist or are planned. 4. Encourage development that is targeted to enhance the value of agricultural land. 5. Consider potential environmental impacts during the review of all land use applications. 6. Provide guidance on the development of confined feeding operations (CFO). 7. Promote the preservation of the County’s agricultural heritage by regulating non-agricultural uses on agricultural land.
POLICIES
3.1.1 Subdivision a) The County may not approve the subdivision of better agricultural land of Agricultural unless the proposed subdivision is for: Land i. extensive agriculture; ii. a farmstead separation; iii. a first parcel out for residential development; iv. a fragmented parcel of land that cannot be reasonably used for
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agriculture; v. a CFO or other intensive agricultural use in accordance with policy 3.1.1(b); and vi. a public use and/or public utility.
b) The subdivision of better agricultural land for an intensive agricultural use may be permitted at the discretion of the County upon consideration of the parcel size, site characteristics, surrounding land uses, environmental impact and any other matters as required.
c) Further to 3.1.1(a)(iv), the subdivision of a fragmented parcel may be approved if the following criteria are met:
i. the proposed parcel is inaccessible from the balance or, in the opinion of the County, is difficult to farm for agricultural operations; ii. legal and physical access is available; iii. the applicant is able to demonstrate that the intended use would not interfere with the continued agricultural use of the remaining lands and adjacent lands; and iv. the proposed parcel is not subject to erosion, flooding or sinking.
d) The County may require an approved area structure plan (ASP) for a proposed multiple parcel subdivision on better agricultural land.
e) The County shall encourage the retention and/or development of windbreaks and shelterbelts.
3.1.2 Development a) The County shall encourage development of hobby farms, dude ranches, of Agricultural agricultural home-based businesses and agricultural-based tourism to Land enhance the social, environmental and economic viability of the County.
b) The County shall discourage the development of non-agricultural uses on better agricultural land unless no suitable alternative location is available.
c) The development of non-agricultural uses in agricultural districts shall not negatively affect existing agricultural operations.
d) The County shall support home-based businesses, but requires businesses to address any potential land use conflicts with adjacent uses.
e) The development of land for an intensive agricultural use may be permitted at the discretion of the County upon consideration of the parcel size, site characteristics, surrounding land uses, environmental impact(s) and any other matters as required.
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f) With the exception of a CFO, the development of intensive agricultural uses may be permitted within environmentally sensitive areas.
3.1.3 Confined a) In addition to the policies contained within this section, a proposed CFO Feeding shall also comply with the relevant policies and guidelines of all other land Operations uses contained within this Plan, and all relevant provincial policies and (CFO) regulations. Refer to Map 3 for siting restrictions.
b) All applications for CFO that are referred to the County shall be reviewed by Council and the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC).
c) The County will not support applications to the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) to establish or expand a CFO unless they are compatible with adjacent land uses and do not cause adverse health or environmental impacts.
d) Existing CFO shall be protected by the County by refusing development permits for new residential proposals located within the minimum distance separation as defined by the Agricultural Operations Practices Act (AOPA).
i. The County will respect the CFO owner’s right to waive this policy to develop a residential use.
e) All setbacks must be measured from the outer boundaries of the subjects outlined within this Plan, meaning:
i. the top of bank for watercourses; ii. the high water mark for waterbodies; iii. the incorporated boundaries for hamlet boundaries; iv. road rights-of-way boundaries; and v. the outer boundary of identified recreation sites.
f) Notwithstanding the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), the expansion or establishment of a CFO will not be supported:
i. within 300 m of an existing principal residence; ii. within 3.2 km of the boundaries of a hamlet within the County boundaries; iii. within 1.6 km of the County boundaries unless supported by the affected municipality; iv. within 1.6 km of a community facility or recreation area; v. within 0.8 km of Crown-owned wetlands and environmentally sensitive land; vi. within 1.6 km of the Peace River and Smoky River; vii. within 200 m of minor watercourses; viii. within 30 m of streams and creeks; ix. within 30 m of all registered drainage projects; x. within 0.8 km of key waterbodies including Kakut Lake, Dreamer’s
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Lake and Coote Lake; xi. within 0.8 km of a highway; and xii. within 150 m of a municipal roadway g) Due to climatic constraints that may inhibit timely and effective manure injection, all liquid manure tanks/lagoons should be designed to retain 18 months of storage. h) To reduce the odour emissions of a CFO, the County shall strongly encourage all liquid manure storage lagoons, reservoirs, and open tanks to be covered with synthetic liners and to install biofilters. i) A CFO should not be established or expanded where there is any risk that runoff will contaminate water supplies. j) Notwithstanding this section and other relevant policies contained within this Plan regarding a CFO, Council may consider supporting an application in the setback areas, if the applicant can prove the proposed operation will have reduced cumulative impacts on existing and future adjacent residences, based on advanced operating systems such as a digester or a biofiltration system.
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3.2 Country Residential
Country residential development is a common land use in rural areas; however, Birch Hills County has not experienced a high demand for residential development in comparison to other types of land uses. Historically, residential development has been limited to hamlets, rural farmsteads and a first parcel out on a quarter section. The demand for multiple parcel residential development has been comparatively low. This section provides direction to the development standards and the siting of country residential subdivisions and multiple parcel country residential developments. The County is willing to support a variety of residential development; provided the development does not conflict with priority agricultural uses, can be serviced efficiently, and does not needlessly fragment land.
GOAL
Birch Hills County shall support appropriately located and serviced country residential subdivisions and developments while continuing to protect better agricultural land.
OBJECTIVES
1. To accommodate country residential development that is compatible with other uses in the rural area. 2. To minimize conflicts with agricultural uses and ensure agricultural uses take priority over proposed residential uses. 3. To concentrate country residential development in rural areas to ensure future servicing is economically viable for the County. 4. Ensure new residential development does not fragment contiguous natural areas, or have a negative impact on adjacent environmentally sensitive areas, including important water-related features.
POLICIES
3.2.1 General a) All new rural residential developments/subdivisions shall be required to Policies apply for and obtain appropriate land use designations and approvals.
b) A first parcel out from an unsubdivided quarter section shall be permitted subject to the provisions of Section 3.1 of this Plan.
c) New country residential development shall be given greater preference when:
i. located adjacent to a hamlet; and ii. located in an area with or near existing municipal services.
d) All residential development applications should demonstrate that they will cause no adverse impacts on the natural environment, including but not limited to:
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i. ground and surface water; ii. soil quality; iii. air quality; iv. wildlife; and v. vegetation.
e) All new country residential developments and subdivisions shall provide and pay for infrastructure and municipal services as required.
f) All new country residential developments and subdivisions shall provide proof that municipal water service or on-site servicing meets provincial regulations.
g) The County shall encourage the retention and/or development of shelterbelts around country residential parcels.
h) The County shall support home-based businesses, but requires businesses to address any potential land use conflicts with adjacent uses.
3.2.2 Multiple a) A multiple parcel country residential subdivision may be permitted under Parcel Country the following conditions: Residential i. it is not located on better agricultural land; ii. the proposed development does not negatively impact existing agricultural operations; iii. the parcel of land is not subject to flooding, erosion, sinking, excessive groundwater inundation, or other hazards; iv. the development is compatible with adjacent uses and environmentally sensitive areas; v. the applicant has demonstrated the means of providing adequate water supply, and has made provision for sewage disposal in accordance with the requirements of the Safety Codes Act; vi. access to existing roads or new roads required to service the development shall be constructed to municipal standards; vii. potential impacts on the existing transportation network in the area are identified with measures to upgrade the existing network as necessary; viii. the development is not within the minimum setback distances of a confined feeding operation; ix. the development will not fragment agricultural land or any environmentally sensitive areas; and x. any other considerations as determined by the County.
b) The County shall encourage developers to recognize FireSmart: Protecting Your Community from Wildfire design principals when preparing area structure plans and multiple parcel subdivisions.
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c) Multiple parcel country residential subdivisions shall be clustered and contiguous to allow the remaining parcel for agricultural use.
d) Any application for a multiple parcel country residential development that results in a density of five or more lots per quarter section that proposes to utilize wells or groundwater dugouts for water supply; shall be required to submit to the County a hydrogeological assessment prepared by a qualified professional engineer in accordance with Alberta Environment guidelines.
e) The County may direct the development of multiple country residential subdivisions away from:
i. active sanitary landfills and waste transfer stations; ii. environmentally sensitive areas; iii. existing confined feeding operations and other major agricultural operations; iv. highways, unless accommodated in an approved area structure plan; v. existing sand and gravel extraction sites; and vi. sour gas facilities or other potentially hazardous industrial operations.
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3.3 Hamlets
This section provides direction to standards of development for the hamlets within Birch Hills County. There are five hamlets within the County: Eaglesham, Peoria, Tangent, Wanham, and Watino. The hamlets are primarily residential, although some of these provide limited commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities and services to all residents in the County. As mentioned in Section 3.1 of this Plan, protection of agricultural land is of the utmost importance and therefore the hamlets should be targeted as areas for future growth. While the hamlets have seen reductions in population and services, these policies aim to maintain the viability and role of the hamlets within Birch Hills County.
GOAL
Birch Hills County aims to promote sustainable development within the hamlets in order to maintain and improve the quality of life for residents.
OBJECTIVES
1. To ensure that future hamlet development occurs in an orderly and efficient manner and direct modest growth to the hamlets as municipal services permit. 2. Facilitate growth of commercial, industrial and institutional areas while minimizing the impact on residential areas. 3. Utilize existing municipal services and infrastructure when considering new developments both inside and outside hamlet boundaries. 4. Reduce potential for hamlet-rural land use conflicts. 5. Improve the aesthetics of the hamlets.
POLICIES
3.3.1 General a) The County shall encourage the following types of development within the Policies hamlets:
i. residential uses; ii. local and convenience commercial uses; iii. institutional uses such as churches, community halls, and schools; iv. light industrial uses; and v. recreational uses.
b) The removal of abandoned buildings, or renovation of dilapidated structures, is encouraged to improve the aesthetic character of the hamlets.
c) The County shall encourage the grouping of major community facilities in order to provide a focal point for the community and allow for easy access by residents.
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3.3.2 Development a) Development and subdivision within hamlets should occur by infilling and within the existing hamlet rather than the expansion of existing boundaries Subdivision into agricultural land.
b) The County supports contiguous development that is adjacent to existing development in order to accommodate growth in an orderly and economical manner.
c) Applications for development within a hamlet may be required to provide an adequate plan for servicing to the satisfaction of the County.
d) Developments that will not be connected to municipal services are required to provide adequate private water and sewer systems in accordance with Provincial Regulations.
e) The County shall ensure that adequate distance separations or buffers are provided, between residential and non-residential use.
f) The County may recommend the preparation of an area structure plan for hamlets experiencing an increase in growth or highway redevelopment.
g) The County shall encourage developers to recognize FireSmart: Protecting Your Community from Wildfire design principals when preparing area structure plans.
3.3.3 Industrial Uses a) The types of industrial uses permitted in hamlets shall be limited to light industrial uses which are compatible with adjacent or nearby residential areas.
b) Industrial development within hamlets may require additional landscaping or screening in order to improve the aesthetic appearance of the use.
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3.4 Commercial & Industrial
This section provides policy direction intended for the development of commercial and industrial land uses within Birch Hills County. Commercial development is primarily located within the County’s hamlets and adjacent to Highway 49. Home-based businesses are common within the County. Industrial development is predominantly related to agriculture and the petroleum industry.
GOALS
Birch Hills County aims to direct commercial and industrial development to land most suitable for development that will not adversely impact adjacent land uses, better agricultural land, and existing natural features.
Promote growth of commercial uses that supports the local residents’ needs.
OBJECTIVES
1. Promote development that supports agriculture and resource extraction industries while also encouraging development which diversifies the County’s economy. 2. Encourage development in strategic locations including utilizing the hamlets as key service nodes within the County. 3. Ensure new development is compatible with adjacent land uses and the environment. 4. Support the growth and development of home-based businesses in appropriate locations. 5. Promote a high standard of aesthetics for commercial and industrial land uses within the hamlets and along highways.
POLICIES
3.4.1 General a) The County may require an area structure plan for any large-scale Policies development.
b) Commercial and industrial development should not be permitted to locate on better agricultural land, unless no suitable alternative location is available or the proposal is part of an approved area structure plan.
c) Development within hamlets should not adversely impact residential, recreational, historical and/or tourism land uses including nuisances such as noise, odour or other pollution.
d) Commercial and industrial development not dependent on highway access should be encouraged to locate in existing hamlets in areas with access to existing municipal services.
e) All new developments and subdivisions shall provide and pay for infrastructure and municipal services as required.
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f) Development should be aesthetically pleasing to the satisfaction of the County in appearance, design, and style.
LOCAL COMMERCIAL USE WITHIN COUNTY
3.4.2 Commercial a) Commercial development proposals may be considered if they are: Policies i. adjacent to, or near, major transportation routes; ii. next to compatible land uses; iii. within a hamlet; iv. near existing municipal services; and v. in areas that would not negatively impact environmentally sensitive areas.
b) The County should discourage the siting of small-scale commercial uses outside the hamlets.
c) The County may allow joint residential and commercial uses.
d) The County should support home-based businesses, but requires businesses to address any potential land use conflicts with adjacent land uses.
3.4.3 Industrial a) All industrial development proposals will be evaluated based on the Policies following:
i. impact on ground and surface water; ii. soil suitability; iii. proximity to other uses and environmentally sensitive areas; iv. proximity to transportation routes and traffic generation; and v. sufficiency of on-site water storage for fire protection purposes.
b) Industrial developments within hamlets should be in accordance with policy 3.3.3 of this Plan.
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c) Industrial developments in rural areas may be considered if they are:
i. supporting an agricultural, forestry, or resource extraction industry; ii. requiring a large parcel of land; iii. not suitable in a hamlet; iv. not conflicting with adjacent land uses in regards to appearance, emissions, noise, or traffic generation; and/or v. requiring minimal servicing. d) The County shall ensure that adequate separation distances and buffers are maintained between industrial uses and adjacent land uses that may not be compatible. e) Setbacks from industrial uses should be measured from the outside boundary of the parcel on which the facility is located. f) The County shall discourage the location of industrial uses that may result in odours, smoke, and other pollution being carried by prevailing winds into adjacent and nearby residential areas.
LOCAL INDUSTRIAL USE WITHIN COUNTY
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3.4.4 Resource a) Support for resource extraction operations shall be contingent on the Extraction mitigation and minimization of impacts on the following: Policies i. adjacent land uses; ii. ground and surface water; iii. soil quality; and iv. agricultural operations.
b) The County may discourage resource extraction operations in close proximity to:
i. hamlets; ii. historical resources; iii. recreational uses; and/or iv. environmentally sensitive areas.
c) The County may direct new development and subdivision away from active or potential resource extraction areas so as not to conflict, or constrain the extraction of the resource.
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3.5 Infrastructure
This section provides direction to the County’s infrastructure systems. This includes roads and bridges, water and sanitary sewer, stormwater management, utility and pipeline corridors, the airstrip and ferry, waste management, and alternative energy systems. The transportation network within the County consists of both paved and unpaved municipal roads, maintained by the County, as well as provincially maintained highways.
The County provides municipal water services to Eaglesham, Tangent, and Wanham, while municipal sanitary sewer services are provided in all five hamlets.
GOAL
Birch Hills County seeks to develop and maintain an effective and reliable infrastructure system throughout the County.
OBJECTIVES
1. To provide an efficient, connected and safe transportation network throughout the County. 2. Ensure that all development is serviced to approved standards.
POLICIES
3.5.1 Transportation a) All subdivision, development and area structure plan applications located within Alberta Transportation’s development control zone shall be referred to Alberta Transportation for review and permit.
b) All subdivision and development proposals shall have access to developed roads.
c) Multiple parcel residential, commercial and industrial development may be required to prepare a traffic impact assessment.
d) Developers are responsible for the development of roads:
i. within a proposed subdivision; ii. when approaches to individual developments are needed; iii. when upgrades to existing municipal roads are required; and iv. when highway improvements are needed for highway intersections as indicated in a traffic impact assessment for the development.
e) All improvements to local roads that may result from a proposed subdivision or development shall be constructed to the satisfaction of the County. This includes taking into consideration the natural topography and adjacent land uses.
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f) Developments that are expected to generate relatively large traffic volumes will be encouraged to locate near highways and be referred to Alberta Transportation.
g) The County may require a road use agreement for industrial operations.
3.5.2 Municipal a) Unless serviced by the County, all developments are required to provide Services private water and sewer services in accordance with existing provincial standards.
b) The County may require any new development to connect with existing municipal services where available.
c) The County will encourage the location of utility lines and facilities in accordance with the following criteria:
i. integrate utility lines within shared corridors and, where possible, in government road allowances; ii. discourage the creation of fragmented parcels of land between rights-of-way; and iii. minimize impacts on recreational, historical or environmentally sensitive areas.
d) Commercial, industrial and multiple parcel country residential subdivisions may be required to prepare a stormwater management plan prepared and/or certified by a qualified professional engineer registered in Alberta and approved by the County.
e) The County shall, in cooperation with other local authorities, continue to establish and encourage the use of solid waste disposal sites and transfer sites.
f) The County shall ensure that all development and subdivision applications in the vicinity of active or reclaimed landfill sites, sewage treatment facilities or transfer stations shall comply with provincial regulations.
g) All development shall be required to provide for fire routes that meet the fire code for fire suppression purposes.
h) The County supports the development of renewable energy such as wind, solar, geothermal, and waste energy and similar types of developments at appropriate locations and scales and in accordance with the Land Use Bylaw.
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3.6 Recreation, Open Space & Heritage
Birch Hills County provides a variety of recreational amenities, open spaces and contains a rich history of rural life in Alberta. While Birch Hills County consists primarily of agricultural lands, it also includes natural areas essential for outdoor recreation activities including canoeing, camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, and sightseeing. Open spaces and recreation form a significant component of the overall quality of life enjoyed by residents. The importance of preserving and enhancing heritage resources within the County was identified in the Community Survey by residents as these provide a sense of place.
GOAL
Birch Hills County seeks to protect and enhance its recreational amenities, open spaces and heritage resources to improve the quality of life of residents.
OBJECTIVES
1. Provide a variety of recreational and open space opportunities while protecting the natural environment. 2. Identify and preserve areas in the County with significant recreational potential. 3. Encourage the development of a system of recreational trails to interconnect the County. 4. Encourage private sector investments and partnerships in the development of recreational facilities for public use. 5. Identify, conserve and promote heritage resources and sites.
POLICIES
3.6.1 Recreation & a) Recreational development should not be located on better agricultural Open Space land. Policies b) The County supports the development of areas with high recreational potential. Some of these important recreational resources include:
i. the Peace, Smoky, and Saddle (Burnt) River valleys; ii. the confluence of the Peace and Smoky Rivers; iii. Kakut Lake and Dreamer’s Lake; iv. Eaglesham Lakeside Golf & Country Club; and v. Tangent Park.
c) The County shall:
i. locate parks so that open space is easily accessible and the site maximizes opportunities for pedestrian access and connectivity to other amenities and uses; ii. provide an appropriate mix of small, medium, and large parks/open spaces to meet the varied needs of the County’s residents; and
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iii. design parks to ensure visibility and safety, according to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principals.
d) Through the subdivision process, public access to shoreline areas shall be accommodated through the dedication of environmental and/or municipal reserve.
e) The County supports the use of lake shores, river corridors, and other environmentally sensitive areas for passive recreational purposes.
f) Encourage a system of recreational trails with consideration for impacts on the natural environment.
g) Trails may be located within utility corridors.
h) Encourage private sector investments and partnerships in providing open space and recreational facilities for public use.
i) The County may work in partnership with adjacent municipalities to develop regional recreational facilities or open space amenities.
j) All recreational development shall be required to meet the fire code for fire suppression purposes, including but not limited to campgrounds.
i. The County shall encourage developers to recognize FireSmart: Protecting Your Community from Wildfire design principals.
3.6.2 Heritage a) Areas with unique heritage significance should be considered for Policies preservation and potentially developed as recreational facilities.
b) The County will encourage the preservation of buildings and sites it considers to have heritage values.
c) The County should support actions by community groups, organizations and individuals that assist with the preservation of heritage resources.
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3.7 Environment
Birch Hills County contains a wide variety of environmental features which contribute to the overall quality of life of residents. From river valleys, small lakes, and creeks to rolling hills, woodlands, and an array of wildlife, the County contains significant land that requires protection and responsible stewardship.
GOAL
The County shall strive for effective environmental stewardship of land and water within the municipality.
OBJECTIVES
1. Identify and protect environmentally sensitive areas. 2. Minimize negative impacts of development on water resources while recognizing the Peace, Smoky, and Saddle (Burnt) River valleys as important natural features. 3. Protect residents and properties from developments on hazardous lands. 4. Promote public awareness of environmental stewardship and the impacts of development on the environment.
POLICIES
3.7.1 General a) The policies contained in this section apply to those lands identified as Policies environmentally sensitive areas (See Map 4) as well as any other lands that the County deems appropriate.
b) All uses within environmentally sensitive areas shall be considered discretionary and may require:
i. a geotechnical report, biophysical assessment, and/or a hydrogeological study by a qualified professional with regard to potential impact on water resources; ii. a review by Alberta Environment and other appropriate agencies; and/or iii. special design considerations with regard to landscaping, size of building, and other factors as determined by the County.
c) The County will not approve any development that will cause damage to environmentally sensitive areas. Development must follow land management practices that include:
i. stripping vegetation, grading or other soil disturbance shall be done in a manner which will minimize soil erosion; ii. wherever feasible, natural vegetation shall be retained and protected;
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iii. the extent of the disturbed area and the duration of its exposure shall be kept within practical limits. Suitable stabilization measures should be used to protect exposed areas during construction and these areas should be re-vegetated as soon as possible; iv. all grading work should be designed to blend with the natural contours of the land; and v. natural drainage patterns should not be disturbed and changes to watercourses shall be avoided except where controlled improvements are warranted.
d) With the exception of lands within the hamlet of Watino, no permanent development shall be permitted without a geotechnical study on lands within a 1:100 year flood plain or otherwise known to be flood-prone.
e) Permanent development shall not be permitted within 32 metres of an escarpment bank or any slope exceeding 15 percent or on land that is subject to erosion. Development on such lands may only be considered after sufficient geo-technical study has demonstrated that the site in question is suitable for development.
f) New residential development or subdivision, or the expansion of existing residential development or subdivision, shall not be permitted on lands which are contained within a flood plain area or lands which may be flood- prone, unless buildings and structures are protected from flood damage by flood proofing. This shall require that the application include certification from a registered professional engineer or architect licensed to practice in Alberta, indicating that preventative engineering and construction measurers can be instituted to flood proof the buildings and/or structures.
g) Any subdivision application proposed for an area which may be flood- prone shall be prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor and is required to include delineation of the 1:100 year flood elevation.
h) The protection of the Fox Creek Watershed, as illustrated on the Environmental Features Map (Map 4), is a priority to protect. Except as provided in this Plan, no development including agricultural or other industries, oil or natural gas exploration, confined feeding operations and sand or gravel extraction operations, shall be supported in this area as they may generate negative impacts on the creek. Such developments may be permitted if mitigation measures are employed to the satisfaction of the County. Depending on the nature of the development, such measures may include:
i. the provision of fencing or vegetated buffers; ii. berming; iii. the enforcement of development setbacks; iv. the enforcement from nutrient loading; and v. the prevention of runoff diversion.
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i) As a condition of subdivision approval, the County may require that hazard and environmentally sensitive areas be dedicated as environmental reserve, either in parcel or easement form, as provided in the Municipal Government Act. j) The County shall encourage environmental reserves to be linked with municipal reserves to create continuous green spaces with enhanced public access. k) The County shall encourage and promote the use of conservation easements as a means of protecting environmentally sensitive areas on private lands. l) The County shall encourage developers to recognize FireSmart: Protecting Your Community from Wildfire design principals when preparing area structure plans and multiple parcel subdivisions. m) Subject to Section 3.4, the development of a resource extraction operation may be permitted subject to the site being reclaimed to the satisfaction of the County and the Province. n) The County should promote opportunities to raise awareness about environmental issues in an effort to encourage environmental responsibility in the community.
DREAMER’S LAKE
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3.8 Crown Land
Although Birch Hills County has limited planning jurisdiction over Crown land, the County continues to promote a cooperative relationship with the Province as these lands amount to a large portion of the County’s land base. Furthermore, these lands contain major economic activities, including oil and gas, forestry, sand and gravel extraction, and agricultural operations. Moreover, key environmental features are located within the Crown land including the Peace, Smoky, and Saddle (Burnt) River valleys.
GOAL
Birch Hills County will strive for clear and sufficient communication with the Province while supporting development on Crown lands.
OBJECTIVES
1. Cooperate with the Province in planning and development on Crown lands. 2. Promote public access to key environmental features within these areas.
POLICIES
3.8.1 General a) The County’s involvement and cooperation in Provincial approval processes Policies for land leases and other dispositions is encouraged to ensure that the interests of the County are recognized in the development of Crown land.
b) The County supports the use of Crown land for agricultural production, resource development, grazing, conservation, and recreational use.
c) The County will support the development of Crown lands, subject to the following considerations:
i. the impact on the existing transportation network and the cost of constructing new roads, if any; and ii. the potential loss of alternative resource development opportunities, recreational opportunities, or environmentally sensitive areas.
d) The County does not support the sale of Crown lands adjacent to waterbodies, hazard lands or environmentally sensitive areas.
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3.9 Intermunicipal Relations
Birch Hills County has a long history of intermunicipal relations with neighbouring municipalities. Although, currently the County does not have any intermunicipal development plans (IDP), this will soon change with updates to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) requiring municipalities to develop intermunicipal development plans with all bordering municipalities. The County is presently a member of the Central Peace G5 which has developed a number of regional initiatives and supports strong intermunicipal relations. Neighbouring municipalities are identified in Map 1.
GOAL
Birch Hills County shall continue to develop and maintain strong relations with other municipalities to establish a regional network for sustainable development.
OBJECTIVES
1. Promote the use and upkeep of intermunicipal development plans as outlined by the Municipal Government Act. 2. Establish clear and efficient means of communication with other municipalities regarding development. 3. Encourage mutually beneficial development.
POLICIES
3.9.1 General a) The County will establish and maintain intermunicipal development plans Policies with municipalities sharing common boundaries as stipulated by the MGA.
b) Further to 3.9.1(a) the County shall establish a 3.2 km fringe zone adjacent to its boundaries with neighbouring rural municipalities. In this zone, the County shall circulate the following to the affected municipality for review and comment:
i. subdivision applications, with the exception of applications for farmstead separations, and boundary adjustments; ii. development permit applications for discretionary uses under the Land Use Bylaw; and iii. statutory plan and Land Use Bylaw amendments.
c) The County supports a coordinated approach to transportation and infrastructure planning with neighbouring municipalities.
d) The County supports the continuing use of intermunicipal agreements as a means of delivering services in a cooperative manner and maximizing available resources.
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Part 4 Implementation
The purpose of this Section is to outline the mechanisms to be used in the implementation of policies contained in this Municipal Development Plan. Most of the policies contained in this MDP will be implemented through the application of the Birch Hills County Land Use Bylaw.
Monitoring & Review
4.1.1 a) The County should undertake a major review and update of the MDP every 5 to 10 years.
b) Council and County Administration must be prepared to consider proposed amendments to the MDP.
c) If amendments are required, they shall be carried out through a transparent public consultation process in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.
d) The County will continually monitor the administration and implementation of this MDP to ensure that the Plan remains an effective policy document.
Plan Consistency
4.1.2 a) Any updates to statutory documents such as the Land Use Bylaw or Area Structure Plans, or physical development shall be consistent with the MDP.
b) If an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw is conflicting to the MDP, Council shall consider an amendment to this MDP at the same time as the Land Use Bylaw Amendment to ensure that consistency is maintained.
c) As Birch Hills County undertakes new initiatives, this MDP shall be consulted and will act as a guide for decision-making and actions.
Subdivision & Development
4.1.3 a) If an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw is required to accommodate a proposed subdivision, the amendment shall receive third reading from Council prior to subdivision approval taking place. Such amendments will not be considered unless accompanied by a subdivision application.
b) All applications for Land Use Bylaw Amendments, subdivision or development permits shall be evaluated by the County according to the following criteria:
i. compliance with this MDP, the County’s Land Use Bylaw, and any other Statutory Plan that may be in effect; ii. adequacy of road access; iii. proposed methods of water supply and sewage disposal; iv. compatibility with adjacent land uses;
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v. site suitability in terms of soils, topography, and size; vi. environmental factors, including the potential for erosion, flooding, loss of fish and wildlife habitat, water contamination, and wildfires; and vii. the quality of agricultural land.
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Part 5
Birch Hills County
Municipal Development Plan
SCHEDULES
Page 86 of 166 Page 87 of 166 Page 88 of 166 Page 89 of 166 Page 90 of 166 Page 91 of 166
Part 6
Birch Hills County
Municipal Development Plan
APPENDICES
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Appendix A – Glossary
Area Structure Plan means a long range land use and servicing plan adopted by bylaw and prepared in accordance with the MGA.
Better Agricultural Land means those lands in the rural area which are rated in excess of 28% by the Rural Farmland Assessment (RFA) or, where no RFA is available, Canada Land Inventory (CLI) for Agriculture Class 1 to 3 inclusive.
Buffer means a row of trees, shrubs, a berm, or fencing to provide visual screening and separation and/or sound dampening between sites, districts or incompatible land uses.
Confined Feeding Operation (CFO) means an operation as defined by the Agricultural Operations Practices Act (AOPA), as amended. The standards and administration regulation of the AOPA shall define the minimum size and minimum distance separation of a CFO.
Conservation Easement means a voluntary legal agreement defined in the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act between a landowner and government or conservation agency. The easement agreement is intended to protect the natural values of the land by giving up all or some of the rights to develop the land.
Council means Birch Hills County Council.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behaviour through environmental design. CPTED strategies rely upon the ability to influence offender decisions that precede criminal acts by affecting the built, social, and administrative environment.
Development Control Zone is an area requiring a permit from Alberta Transportation for development within 300 metres of a provincial right-of-way or within 800 metres of the centreline of a highway and public road intersection.
Dude Ranch is a tourist facility/resort offering hands-on ranch activities such as horseback riding and camping.
Environmental Reserve means land that is considered, in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, to be undevelopable because of its natural features or location (e.g. unstable slopes or flood prone); or, a strip of land abutting the bed and shore of a body of water or watercourse, that a developer may be required to dedicate at the time of subdivision. Environmental Reserve must be maintained in its natural state or used as park. Environmental Reserve may be dedicated to the County or secured by easement agreement satisfactory to the County.
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Environmentally Sensitive Area means all those areas identified within this plan as areas appropriate for long term protection. The boundaries of such shall be identified by the policies and guidelines contained within this Plan or by the criteria and discretion contained within the Land Use Bylaw.
Extensive Agriculture means a system of tillage or animal husbandry through which one may gain livelihood from large areas of land by the raising of crops or the rearing of livestock, and may include buildings and other structures incidental to the operation.
Farmstead means an existing habitable residence and associated buildings and improvements, including water and sewer servicing, utilities and access, on an unsubdivided quarter section in a rural municipality.
Farmstead Separation means a subdivided lot located in a rural area containing an existing dwelling unit and associated buildings.
FireSmart: Protecting Your Community from Wildfire refers to Alberta's Community Wildland/Interface Planner developed in accordance with the recommendations of Partners in Protection against wildfires. This interactive manual provides tools for planning and mitigating the risk of fire. It recommends that a subdivision authority require information to help assess and reduce wildfire risk.
First Parcel Out means a single residential parcel created from a previously unsubdivided quarter section.
Flood Fringe means the portion of the flood hazard area outside of the floodway. Water in the flood fringe is generally shallower and flows more slowly than in the floodway.
Flood Plain is the area of low-lying ground adjacent to a watercourse and subject to flooding.
Floodway is the portion of the flood hazard area where flows are deepest, fastest and most destructive. The floodway typically includes the main channel of a stream and a portion of the adjacent overbank area. New development is discouraged in the floodway.
Hamlet means:
a) an area of land subdivided into lots and blocks as a town site, a plan of which is registered in a land titles office; or, b) an area designated by Council to be a hamlet.
Hazard Land is land that consists of a swamp, gully, ravine, coulee or natural drainage course, or land that is subject to flooding or is, in the opinion of the subdivision authority, unstable.
High Water Mark means the upper boundary of a waterbody. A high water mark shall be determined on a site-specific basis considering such factors as vegetation patterns, geomorphologic indicators, and/or air photos.
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Hobby Farm means a small agricultural holding that is maintained without expectation of being a primary source of income. It may be utilized for private recreational purposes or managed as working farms for supplementary income, or are run at an ongoing loss as a rural lifestyle residential use.
Home-based Business is a business operated by a resident in accordance with the Land Use Bylaw. Defined under the LUB as either a “Home Occupation (Major)” or “Home Occupation (Minor).”
Intensive Agriculture means a commercial agricultural operation other than CFO that, due to the nature of the operation, requires smaller tracts of land. Without restricting the generality of the foregoing, this shall include nurseries, greenhouses, market gardens, kennels, sod farms, bee keeping, and tree farms.
Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) means a statutory plan that is jointly prepared by neighbouring municipalities, and includes areas of land situated within the boundaries of the municipalities as they consider necessary. Intermunicipal Development Plans are further defined in the Municipal Government Act.
Land Use Bylaw (LUB) is a regulatory document that regulates development within the municipality.
Minimum Distance Separation is the method for siting all new or expanding confined feeding operations.
Municipal Development Plan (MDP) or Plan means the Birch Hills County Municipal Development Plan.
Municipal Government Act means the Municipal Government Act, Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000, Chapter M-26, as amended.
Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) is an administrative committee involved in the development process by administering the County’s Land Use Bylaw through the issuance of development permits. The MPC considers and makes decisions on development permit applications for discretionary uses and variance requests.
Municipal Reserve means land that is required in accordance with the Municipal Government Act at the time of subdivision for park and/or school purposes.
Municipal Service refers to a water distribution system, sewage collection system or any other utility services that may develop in the future that conform to municipal standards.
Open Space means all land and water areas either publicly owned or offering public access, that are not covered by structures. Open space includes current and potential parks, natural areas, pathways, roadway greens, lands for parks and recreation facilities, golf courses, cemeteries, and other types of alternative open space.
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Shelterbelt is a form of shelter or protection from the wind provided by a row of trees or a fence, wall or screen. Typically found surrounding a country residential parcel.
Statutory means a plan as referred to within the Municipal Government Act.
Top of Bank means the upper topographical break that signifies the upper edge of a valley or watercourse.
Waterbody means:
a) The bed and shore of a lake, lagoon, swamp, marsh, or any other natural body of water; or b) A reservoir or other human made surface feature, whether it contains water continuously or intermittently.
Watercourse means:
a) The bed and shore of a river, stream, creek or other natural body of water; or b) A canal, ditch or other human made surface feature whether it contains or conveys water continuously or intermittently.
Wetland means land saturated with water long enough to promote wetland or aquatic processes as indicated by the poorly drained soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and various kinds of biological activity that are adapted to a wet environment.
Windbreak is a form of shelter or protection from the wind provided by a row of trees or a fence, wall or screen. Typically found along roads and between agricultural parcels.
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Birch Hills County
Municipal Development Plan
COMMUNITY SURVEY REPORT
Prepared by Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency
Page 98 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey Report February 2017 SURVEY OBJECTIVE
Birch Hills County is developing a Municipal Development Plan (MDP), which is a long-range strategic document intended to guide the growth and development of a municipality into the future. The objective of the community survey is to understand the attitudes and feelings of the residents about the present and future of the County.
SURVEY PROCESS AND COMPONENTS Consultation Reach
The survey was developed in the fall of 2016 and launched to the public on October 27, 2016, via a general mail out to residences. Information about the survey was posted on the County’s webpage, Facebook page, and Twitter feed. Responses were accepted from October 27 to December 15, 2016.
The survey was managed by the Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency through Survey Monkey, an online survey development company.
Public Survey Results
A total of 75 surveys were completed, which represents 4.7% of the County’s total population or 6.5% of the County’s adult population, based on the most recent population count of 1,5821. Surveys were available both online and via hard copies received in the mail; 35 surveys were completed online and 40 hard copies were submitted to the County.
1 Statistics Canada. Community Profile. 2011. *Note the total population numbers differed within the Stats Canada data and are inconsistent.
Page 99 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey Report February 2017 SURVEY RESULTS AND ANALYSIS Who Responded
The demographic questions in the survey allow staff to determine if the responses are representative of the County’s population. As Figure 1 shows, the survey attracted responses from primarily County residents along with some property owners who were not actual residents in the County. The majority of responses were from senior members of households (76.7%) while only 12.3% of respondents were property owners but non-residents. The Question 1 also asked business owners how many employees they had. Answers ranged from one to twenty, and on average employers had 4.6 employees. 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 76.7% 30.0% 49.3% 20.0% 10.0% 21.9% 12.3% 0.0% Resident of the County Resident of the County Property Owner (Not A Business Owner (Including None of the above (Senior Member of (Multiple Family Resident) Agriculture) Family) Members) Figure 1 – Response to “Are you a (check all that apply):” (73 responses, 2 skipped)
Figure 2 shows that the overwhelming majority of respondents had lived in Birch Hills County for 21+ years ( 63.9%) while only 2.8% had lived in the County for 1 year or less. Indicating a high percent of longtime residents opposed to a low number of new residents.
1 year or less 2.8%
1-5 years 11.1%
6-10 years 11.1%
11-20 years 11.1%
21+ years 63.9%
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0%
Figure 2 – Response to “How long have you lived in Birch Hills County?” (72 responses, 3 skipped)
Question 3 asked respondents where in the County they lived. The majority of respondents lived on a farmstead in the County (39.4%). The hamlets of Wanham and Eaglesham had the next highest number of respondents with 14 and 13 responses each respectively. Unfortunately, no responses were received from the hamlet of Watino. Two respondents wrote in they were from the Woking area. See Figure 3 for the full results.
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Farmstead in the County 28
Acreage in the County 4
Eaglesham 13
Peoria 6
Tangent 6
Wanham 14
Watino
0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% 45.0%
Figure 3 – Response to “Where do you live?” (71 responses, 4 skipped)
Question 4 asked respondents to mark all the ages of the members of their household. Figure 4 shows how the survey results correlate to the 2011 Census Report for the County. As seen in Figure 4, the majority of respondents indicated that members of their household were between 50 and 69 years old. This reflects the 2011 Census Report as the majority age range in the County, besides Children aged 0-9 years old.2 Moreover, these results reflect an aging community with few young families. 30.0%
25.0%
20.0%
15.0% Survey Results 10.0% 2011 Census Report 5.0%
0.0%
Figure 4 – Response to “What are the ages of members of your household? (Check all that apply)” (73 responses, 2 skipped)
Question 5 asked respondents to indicate their gender. The results were very similar to the results of the 2011 Census Report for the County.3 The survey indicated 51.4% of respondents identified as a male which is slightly lower than the 2011 Census Report which indicated 53.2% of County residents were males. Alternatively, 48.6% of survey respondents indicated they were female compared to 47.2% from the 2011 Census Report.4 Figure 5 shows the full results from the survey.
2 Statistics Canada. Community Profile. 2011. 3 Statistics Canada. Community Profile. 2011. 4 Statistics Canada. Community Profile. 2011.
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French Female Male 1.4% English 48.6% 51.4% 97.2%
German 1.4%
Figure 5 – Response to “What is your gender?” Figure 6 – Response to “What is your primary language?” (72 responses, 3 skipped) (73 responses, 2 skipped)
The majority of survey respondents (97.2%) identified themselves as English speakers (Figure 6). These results varied greatly from the 2011 Census Report which indicated the County included a larger German population (21.6%) and a French-speaking population of 7.6%.5 The absence of these groups could be explained by the fact that the survey was only released in English. Moreover, there was no option to choose multiple languages; therefore, bilingual speakers were not necessarily captured in responses to this question.
Question 7 asked respondents to indicate how many adults, seniors (65 and over) and children (17 and under) lived in their household. Results showed that 79.5% of households in the County had at least one resident aged 18-64 with an average of 1.8 adults. The results revealed 37% of respondents’ households had at least one senior with an average of 1.4 per household. Finally, 16.4% of respondents indicated there were children living in their household and on average there were 2.7 children per household. See Figure 7 for the full results.
Answer Options Responses Average Number Percent of Households Adults (18-64) 58 18 79.5% Seniors (65 and over) 27 1.4 37.0% Children (17 and under) 12 2.7 16.4%
Figure 7 – “How many people live in your household? (please respond with a number)” (73 responses, 2 skipped)
Respondents were asked why they decided to live in the County (Question 8) and the top 3 answers were employment, family, and cost of living. Alternatively, recreational opportunities and land availability were less popular reasons. “Lifestyle” was also written in a significant number of times as a reason for choosing Birch Hills County. Schools were considerably a lesser concern among respondents and this is evident in Figure 8.
5 Statistics Canada. Community Profile. 2011.
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35
30
25
20
15 30 28 28
10 18 14 5 6 0 Employment Recreation Schools Cost of living Family Land Availability
opportunities Figure 8 – “Why do you choose to live in the County? (Check all that apply)” (61 responses, 14 skipped)
Responses to Question 9 indicated that single-detached housing was the most common housing type (60.6%) in the County. This is also reflective in the 2011 Census Report which indicated 77% of residents lived in single-detached housing. The next most common housing types were manufactured/mobile homes (36.6%). While being separate and distinct uses, the difference is not common knowledge and therefore they were combined into one category. There was one write-in answer for a senior’s apartment. See Figure 9 for full details.
Single-Detached
Duplex/ Semi-Detached
60.6% Manufactured/Mobile Home 36.6%
Row House
Senior's Apartment 1.4% 1.4%
Figure 9 – “What type of home do you live in today?” (70 responses, 5 skipped)
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Home ownership responses to Question 10 revealed that the majority of respondents owned their home (89%) in the County opposed to renting. See the results in Figure 10. The eight residents who responded they were renters all lived in the County’s hamlets including three in Eaglesham, two in both Wanham and Peoria and one in Tangent.
No Rent 7% 11%
Own Yes 89% 93%
Figure 10 – “Do you own or rent your home?” (73 responses, 2 skipped) Figure 11 – “Does your home currently meet your housing needs?” (73 responses, 2 skipped) As seen in Figure 11, most respondents’ felt their homes were currently meeting their housing needs. Written in answers as to why respondents’ homes were not meeting their needs included the need for upgrades to their home and physical size of their home not being large enough. Considering Questions 9 and Question 11, the majority of respondents (68.3%) predictably answered in Question 12, that a single-detached home would meet their housing needs in five years. Manufactured and mobile homes were the next most common answers (27%), possibly an implication of residents wanting to downsize their home as they get older. There was one answer written in stating they believe a senior’s apartment would best meet their needs. See Figure 12 for the full results.
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0% 68.3% 30.0% 20.0%
27.0% 10.0%
1.6% 1.6% 1.6% 0.0%
Single Detached Duplex/ Semi- Manufactured Row House Senior's Apartment Detached Home/Mobile Home
Figure 12 – “What type of home do you believe will meet your housing needs in 5 years?” (62 responses, 13 skipped)
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Question 13 dealt with overland flooding. This can be defined as a type of flooding that typically results from high water levels in rivers caused by rain, extensive amounts of melted snow or overflow of dams and channels.6 As seen in Figure 13, most respondents (93.2%) answered that their home had not been impacted by overland flooding. However, there were no responses from the hamlet of Watino which is within the Smoky River water basin, see Figure 3. In 1996, a Watino Flood Risk Mapping Study was released as a part of the Canada-Alberta Flood Damage Reduction Program (Figure 30).7 This study revealed that most flooding occurred due to excessive rainfall and snowmelt, while the potential for ice 8 jams was minor.
Yes 6.8%
No 93.2%
Figure 13 – “Has your home been impacted by overland flooding?” Figure 30 – Watino Flood Risk Mapping Study – Canada-Alberta Flood (73 responses, 2 skipped) Damage Reduction Program (prepared by Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, 1996)
Figure 14 displays where respondents’ place of occupation is located. Almost half (47.5%), indicated they work within the County (e.g. agricultural operations), not including the hamlets. Nearly a quarter (23.7%) of respondents work outside of the County, however, these respondents did not specify where they worked beyond one who mentioned the Town of Beaverlodge. A little more than a fifth of respondents (20.3%) replied that they work in a hamlet; Eaglesham being the most common (10.2%). Other respondents indicated they operated a home-based business or were retired, while only one respondent answered they were unemployed. The Canadian Business Patterns statistics released by Statistics Canada for Birch Hills County, show that the majority of businesses are agriculture, forestry, fishing or hunting based.9 Responses to this question were reflective of this as most respondents work in the rural parts of the County.
6 insureye.com. Overland Flooding. 2017 7 Northwest Hydraulic Consultants. Watino Flood Risk Mapping Study. July 1996 8 Northwest Hydraulic Consultants. Watino Flood Risk Mapping Study. July 1996 9 Statistics Canada. Canadian Business Patterns. 2011
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Outside of the Eaglesham County 10.2% 23.7% Peoria 5.1%
Tangent 1.7%
Within the County Wanham 47.5% 3.4% Home-based
business in the Unemployed County 1.7% 6.8%
Figure 14 – “Where is your work mostly based?” (59 responses, 16 skipped)
Almost three-quarters of respondents answered that they expected to be living in the County five years from now (71.2%). While no one answered that they did not expect to be living in the County, over a quarter (28.8%) of respondents were unsure. Unsure respondents communicated concern regarding long commutes, high utility rates/taxes, lack of employment availability, and age concerns including mobility. Moreover, warmer weather and amenities in the Town of Spirit River may draw them away. See Figure 15 for the full results.
Yes
No
Unsure
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0%
Figure 15 – “Do you expect to be living in the County 5 years from now?” (73 responses, 2 skipped)
Question 16 asked residents what they enjoyed about the County in both the summer and winter seasons. Respondents identified recreation, community buildings, scenery, neighbours/the people, low traffic volumes, privacy and local events as things they enjoy in the summertime. During the winter, respondents indicated they enjoy winter recreation, such as snowmobiling; children activities at the West Smoky Recreation Centre and views of the Northern Lights. Figure 16 shows a word cloud displaying prominent words that appeared frequently in the respondents’ answers. It is important to note that the word cloud displays words from answers to both the winter and summer portion of Question 16, with the top portion containing words related to the winter (blue) and the bottom portion related to the summer (green).
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Figure 16 – “What do you enjoy about living in the County?” (62 responses, 13 skipped)
Subsequent to Question 16, Question 17 asked residents what they disliked about living in the County. A recurring theme was poor road conditions, specifically the state of Highway 677; mud-covered roads, flooded roads due to frozen culverts, poor plowing of rural roads and sanding/salting issues in the hamlets. Other comments expressing discontent mentioned the smell of manure from confined feeding operations, bylaw enforcement (e.g. pet control, unsightly properties) and excessive tree removal resulting in loss of windbreaks. Figure 17 shows the prominent, frequently used words by respondents for this question.
Figure 17 – “What do you dislike about living in the County?” (63 responses, 12 skipped)
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Thoughts on the County
Next, Question 18 asked respondents if the County has all the basic services they felt a community should provide. This question resulted in a divided outcome with 52.2% answering the County did provide the basic services while 47.8% replied that it did not. Comments revealed that respondents believed the County could improve basic services by improving internet/cell service, road conditions, access to potable No water, access to fuel and bylaw enforcement. Other Yes 47.8% comments mentioned the importance of health services 52.2% and home support for those leaving the hospital after an extended stay. Figure 18 displays the split in the respondents’ answers.
The next 4 questions in the survey asked respondents to rate different aspects of administration, development, Figure 18 – “Does the County have the basic services you believe your community should provide you?” services, recreation and environment based on a rating (69 responses, 6 skipped) system with 5 options: Excellent, Good, Average, Poor, and No Opinion. If respondents rated a service as “Poor”, they were asked to elaborate on their opinion. All “No Opinion” responses were removed from the graphs.
Question 19 asked respondents what their opinion was of County administration, planning and development services, access to local government and communications from the County. Most respondents were generally satisfied with the County’s performance in this area; see Figure 19 for the full results. Respondents commented that better communication of local events and better advertising for the County is needed. Furthermore, respondents mentioned the lack of bylaw enforcement and the need for better communication in regards to complaints, specifically towards road conditions (i.e. Highway 677).
Birch Hills County Communications 4.8% 37.1% 40.3% 17.7%
Excellent Access to Local Government 10.5% 40.4% 40.4% 8.8% Good
Average Planning and Development Services 8.8% 31.6% 38.6% 21.1% Poor
Birch Hills County Administration 14.0% 49.1% 26.3% 10.5%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Figure 19 – “What is your opinion of the following aspects of Municipal Administration in the County?” (67 responses, 8 skipped)
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Question 20 asks respondents about services within the County from access to telecommunications to garbage pick-up. Services that scored the best ratings from respondents included: recycling services, landfill service, protection services, municipal utility systems and garbage pick-up. Alternatively, access to telecommunications, road management/maintenance, and bylaw enforcement scored poorly. See Figure 20 for full details regarding respondents’ opinions of the County’s services. The most common complaint among the responses was a lack of bylaw enforcement in the County. These complaints generally were concerned with barking dogs and unsightly properties. Poor cell service and water quality were also mentioned. One respondent stated they were not aware of any recycling within the County. Another respondent cited that there was no light at the Wanham landfill which has created an unsafe environment. Access to telecommunications and broadband 6.1% 19.7% 30.3% 43.9%
Recycling Service 15.9% 47.8% 26.1% 10.1%
Landfill Service/Landfill Transfer Station 14.5% 49.3% 26.1% 10.1% Excellent Protection Services (Fire, Police, EMS) 6.3% 48.4% 35.9% 9.4% 3.8% Good Bylaw Enforcement 17.0% 24.5% 54.7% Average Municipal Utility Systems (Water, Sewer, etc) 10.0% 52.0% 26.0% 12.0% 1.5% Poor Road Management/Maintenance 16.4% 35.8% 46.3%
Garbage Pick Up (If Applicable) 18.8% 62.5% 18.8%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Figure 20 – “What is your opinion of the following services in the County?” (72 responses, 3 skipped)
Question 21 asked respondents about their opinion regarding aspects of development within the County. This question produced the highest percent of “Poor” ratings, specifically in the County’s ability to meet the everyday needs with goods and services. This was reflected in the comments which mentioned the lack of commercial buildings, grocery stores, and fuel service. Respondents commented on the lack of development as well, however, the location of new development and housing options received fewer “Poor” ratings. See Figure 21 for the full ratings.
3.2% Ability to meet your everyday needs with the goods and services 15.9% 36.5% 44.4% available in the County
2.2% Location of new development 22.2% 37.8% 37.8%
2.4% Housing Options 14.3% 45.2% 38.1%
Excellent Good Average Poor 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Figure 21 – “What is your opinion about the following aspects of development in the County?” (71 responses, 4 skipped)
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Overall, respondents were satisfied with recreation options and parks/open spaces within the County. See Figure 22 for the full details. Comments regarding how to improve in this area were geared towards improving existing assets such as the West Smoky Recreation Centre and smaller parks such in the County including Kieyho Park. Other comments mentioned the need for more playgrounds for children in the hamlets.
Recreation Options 11.5% 34.4% 39.3% 14.8% Excellent Good
Parks/Open Spaces 12.7% 33.3% 36.5% 17.5% Average Poor
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Figure 22 – “What is your opinion about recreation in the County?” (70 responses, 5 skipped)
Questions 23 and 24 asked respondents to indicate their level of agreement with statements about the environment and other aspects of the County and were given the options Strongly Agree, Agree, No Opinion, Disagree or Strongly Disagree. All “No Opinion” responses were removed from the graphs.
Respondents were overwhelmingly in agreement in regards to environmental protection in the County. Question 23 revealed that respondents felt the water quality of the rivers is acceptable, access is adequate and more forest protection is needed. Full results can be found below in Figure 23. Specific concerns regarding the environment included:
· the need to limit clear cutting of trees; · the need to limit chemical spraying; · improving access to rivers (e.g. Little Burnt River); and, · stopping farmers from driving over ditches.
2.3% More protection is needed of forested areas in the 36.4% 45.5% 15.9% County
Strongly Agree
Public access to rivers and streams is adequate 10.2% 74.6% 15.3% Agree Disagree 1.6% Strongly Disagree The quality of our rivers and streams is good 12.9% 79.0% 6.5%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Figure 23 – “Please indicate your level of agreement for the following statements:” (72 responses, 3 skipped)
The statements in Question 24 addressed five aspects of the municipality: rural character, agriculture, housing, recreation, and heritage. Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that visual aesthetics, preservation of agricultural land and protection of local heritage is important to them. Comments mentioned the importance of improving community spirit. Respondents also agreed that recreational opportunities are accessible but comments suggest more access is better.
Page 110 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey Report February 2017
Other comments mentioned the lack of housing choices within the County. This is echoed in the responses as many respondents disagreed that there is a sufficient range of housing types available. The only housing type that respondents agreed to have a sufficient supply of was mobile homes. Every other housing choice was viewed as deficient. See Figure 24 for the full results of this question.
4.2% The character of the rural areas could be improved 20.8% 47.9% 27.1%
2.0% The character of the hamlets could be improved 49.0% 49.0%
1.9% Preservation of agricultural land should be prioritized 33.3% 40.7% 24.1%
There is a sufficient range of housing types available:
i. single-detached 40.0% 46.7% 13.3%
ii. manufactured 50.0% 39.3% 10.7%
iii. mobile home 10.0% 53.3% 30.0% 6.7%
iv. duplex 29.6% 55.6% 14.8%
v. semi-detached 33.3% 54.2% 12.5%
vi. row house 9.1% 18.2% 59.1% 13.6%
vii. apartment 25.9% 63.0% 11.1%
viii. other 20.0% 66.7% 13.3%
Recreation opportunities are accessible 5.9% 78.4% 9.8% 5.9%
3.3%
Protection of our local heritage is important to me 38.3% 58.3%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
Figure 24 – “Please indicate your level of agreement for the following statements:” (72 responses, 3 skipped)
Page 111 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey Report February 2017
Themes In The Feedback
The final five questions in the survey invited additional feedback from the respondents. Question 25 asked “What do you think could be improved in our community?” (61 responses, 14 skipped), Question 26 read “Given the information you’ve provided, please describe how you would like your community to look in 10-20 years.” (56 responses, 19 skipped), Question 27 asked “What are the specific challenges your community experiences (if any)?” (49 responses, 26 skipped), Question 28 asked “What specific changes would you like to see in the area and/or your community?” (49 responses, 26 skipped) and Question 29, “Please provide any additional feedback you have:” (24 responses, 51 skipped). Five themes emerged from these responses that highlight the concerns and desires of the respondents regarding the County.
1. Community Many responses to the five open-ended questions addressed the need for a greater sense of community in order to attract new residents. Respondents also commented that they would like to see the County attract a younger population and actively engage in retaining younger residents. Respondents commented that they would like to see more community engagement, existing community facilities maintained and greater accountability from their Council.
2. Bylaw Enforcement Concern regarding bylaw enforcement was raised numerous times. Respondents felt there is a tremendous need to clean up the hamlets, including unsightly and vacant properties. Comments cited a cleaner County would attract more residents and retain others. Others mentioned bylaw enforcement in regards to pet control, weed control, and beaver control.
3. Business Respondents were concerned that there is not enough incentive for new business to locate to Birch Hills County. Comments also mentioned the need for improved fuel service and employment-seeking services. Concern was raised over large-scale farming operations and lack of infrastructure to attract growth.
4. Services The need for basic services was a recurring theme from respondents. Many respondents mentioned the need for improved water services, specifically to the hamlet of Peoria. Various comments mentioned the challenge of having to haul water. Other responses cited the need for improved telecommunication services throughout the County.
5. Road Infrastructure Road maintenance was a major concern of respondents, especially gravel roads and Highways 677 and 740. The plowing and grading of these roads were also mentioned numerous times. Moreover, respondents mentioned improving the roads surrounding the ferry. Additional concerns were over heavily loaded industrial vehicles contributing to the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure.
Page 112 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey Report February 2017 REFERENCES
insureye.com. Overland Flooding. 2017.
Northwest Hydraulic Consultants. Watino Flood Risk Mapping Study. July 1996.
Statistics Canada. Canadian Business Patterns. 2011.
Statistics Canada. Community Profile. 2011.
Page 113 of 166 ABOUT YOU: SURVEY PARTICIPANT
1. Are you a (check all that apply): • Resident of Birch Hills County • Property Owner (Not A Resident) • Senior Member of Family • Business Owner (Including Agri.) • Multiple Family Members • Number of Employees____ • None of the above
2. How long have you lived in Birch Hills County? • 1 year or less • 11-20 years • 1-5 years • 21+ years • 6-10 years
3. Where do you live? • Farmstead in the County • Tangent • Acreage in the County • Wanham • Eaglesham • Watino • Peoria • Other ______
4. What are the ages of members of your household? (Check all that apply) • 0-9 • 35-39 • 65-69 • 10-14 • 40-44 • 70-74 • 15-19 • 45-49 • 75-79 • 20-24 • 50-54 • 80 + • 25-29 • 55-59 • 30-34 • 60-64
5. What is your gender? • Male • Female • Other______
6. What is your primary language? • English • German • French • Other______
7. How many people live in your household? (please respond with a number)
_____ Adults (18-64) _____ Seniors (65 and over) _____ Children (17 and under)
Page 114 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey November 2016
8. Why do you choose to live in the County? (Check all that apply) • Employment • Schools • Land Availability • Recreation • Cost of living • Lifestyle opportunities • Family • Other______
9. What type of home do you live in today? • Single Detached • Duplex/ Semi- • Other • Manufactured Home Detached
• Mobile Home • Row House 10. Do you own or rent your home?
• Own • Rent
11. Does your home currently meet your housing needs? • Yes • No a. If not, please explain:
12. What type of home do you believe will meet your housing needs in 5 years? • Single Detached • Duplex/ Semi- • Other • Manufactured Home Detached • Mobile Home • Row House
13. Has your home been impacted by overbank flooding? • Yes • No
14. Where is your work mostly based? • Within the County • Wanham • Outside of the County • Watino • Eaglesham • Home-based business in the County • Peoria • Unemployed • Tangent • Other______
15. Do you expect to be living in the County 5 years from now? • Yes • No • Unsure a. If no or unsure, what do you expect will prompt your move?
P a g e | 3 Page 115 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey November 2016
16. What do you enjoy about living in the County? a. In summer?
b. In winter?
17. What do you dislike about living in the County? a. In summer?
b. In winter?
P a g e | 4 Page 116 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey November 2016
YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE COUNTY:
18. Does the County have the basic services you believe your community should provide you? • Yes • No a. If no, what is lacking?
19. What is your opinion of the following aspects of Municipal Administration in the County?
Excellent Good Average Poor No Opinion a. Birch Hills County Administration b. Planning and Development Services c. Access to Local Government d. Birch Hills County Communications
If you rated any elements as Poor, please indicate why.
20. What is your opinion of the following services in the County? Excellent Good Average Poor No Opinion a. Access to telecommunications and broadband b. Recycling Service c. Landfill Service/Landfill Transfer Station d. Protection Services (Fire, Police, EMS) e. Bylaw Enforcement f. Municipal Utility Systems (Water, Sewer, etc) g. Road Management/Maintenance h. Garbage Pick Up (If Applicable)
If you rated any elements as Poor, please indicate why.
P a g e | 5 Page 117 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey November 2016
21. What is your opinion about the following aspects of development in the County?
Excellent Good Average Poor No Opinion a. Ability to meet your everyday needs with the goods and services available in the County b. Location of new development c. Housing Options
If you rated any elements as Poor, please indicate why.
22. What is your opinion about recreation in the County?
Excellent Good Average Poor No Opinion a. Recreation options b. Parks/Open Spaces
If you rated any elements as Poor, please indicate why.
23. Please indicate your level of agreement for the following statements:
ENVIRONMENT Strongly Agree No Disagree Strongly Agree Opinion Disagree a. The quality of our rivers and streams is good b. Public access to rivers and streams is adequate c. More protection is needed of forested areas in the County
What do you think could be improved in our rural environment?
P a g e | 6 Page 118 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey November 2016
24. Please indicate your level of agreement for the following statements:
COMMUNITY Strongly Agree No Disagree Strongly Agree Opinion Disagree a. The character (visual aesthetics and landscape) of the rural areas could be improved b. The character (visual aesthetics and landscape) of the hamlets could be improved c. Preservation of agricultural land should be prioritized over the approval of multi-parcel subdivision d. There is a sufficient range of housing types available: i. single-detached ii. manufactured iii. mobile home iv. duplex v. semi-detached vi. row house vii. apartment viii. other e. Recreation opportunities are accessible f. Protection of our local heritage is important to me
If you Disagreed with any of these statements, please indicate why.
P a g e | 7 Page 119 of 166 Municipal Development Plan Survey November 2016
THE FUTURE
25. What do you think could be improved in our community?
26. Given the information you’ve provided, please describe how you would like your community to look in 10-20 years.
27. What are the specific challenges your community experiences (if any)?
28. What specific changes would you like to see in the area and/or your community?
Please provide any additional feedback you have:
Thank you for your time and input.
Look for the survey results in the fall of 2017 and watch for further information about the Municipal Development Plan on the Birch Hills County webpage and in the Central Peace Signal (Rycroft Signal).
If you have any questions about the survey or the Municipal Development Plan, please contact Tom Deming, Planning Technician at the Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency 780-338-3862 or the Birch Hills County Office 780-694-3793.
P a g e | 8 Page 120 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.a
Request for Decision (RFD)
Meeting: Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: CAO Minderlein Manager: Item Title: Request for Letter of Support Presenter: CAO Minderlein Lakeside Golf & Country Club
DESCRIPTION: Council is being provided with a request received from Lakeside Golf and Country Club to obtain a letter of support from Birch Hills County to strengthen their application for a Community Initiative Program Grant for the purchase of a Rough Mower. BACKGROUND: Details related to the request have been attached for Council’s reference. COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING: No funding requested. RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite): Nil OPTIONS: Council may choose to: 1. direct Administration to draft a letter of support from Birch Hills County for Reeve Doran’s signature for Lakeside Golf and Country Club’s application for a Community Initiative Program Grant for the purchase of a Rough Mower; or 2. decline to provide a letter of support from Birch Hills County for Lakeside Golf and Country Club’s application for a Community Initiative Program Grant for the purchase of a Rough Mower. ATTACHMENT(s): Email dated July 31, 2017 from Reg Bouchard on behalf of Lakeside Golf and Country Club Draft Minutes of a Lakeside Golf and Country Club General Meeting held July 6, 2017 RECOMMENDED ACTION: It is recommended that Council direct Administration to draft a letter of support from Birch Hills County for Reeve Doran’s signature for Lakeside Golf and Country Club’s application for a Community Initiative Program Grant for the purchase of a Rough Mower.
Page 121 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.a.i.
Hermann Minderlein
From: [email protected] Sent: Monday, July 31, 2017 10:30 AM To: Hermann Minderlein Subject: CIP Grant Application Attachments: Lakeside Minutes July6 17.docx
Greetings Hermann First let me introduce myself: I am the Vice-President of Lakeside Golf and Country Club in Eaglesham. I am the member on the Board of Directors who does the Grant Applications from time to time.
This year we wish to apply for a C.I.P. Grant to upgrade a piece of equipment at our Golf Course. As you are aware, equipment must be upgraded from time to time, and this time its our rough mower. Although the previous one is still operational, we need to upgrade before it fails.
We would kindly request a letter from the County in support of our purchase and our operation. I am attaching a copy of the minutes of our July 6 meeting whereby a motion was passed to initiate the purchase, and the method of financing. The paragraph dealing with the matter is highlighted and underlined.
Reg. R. Bouchard email: [email protected] 780-837-0760
1 Page 122 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.a.ii.
Lakeside Golf & Country Club Box 182 Eaglesham, Alberta Minutes July 6, 2017 The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by President John Vandeligt with the following members present: John, Darcy V, Darcy, Duncan, Reg, Gerry, Leah, and Jim. Minutes from the previous meeting were read; adopted by Gerry and seconded by Darcy. CARRIED Financial report was presented by Darcy and was adopted by Reg and seconded by Leah Carried Clubhouse Report: Dan and Cecile have been busy. Canada Day and the Oilmens tournament went very well. Cecil suggested that we have an extra person for the evening during the Oilmens next year. They also suggested that we continue doing a Canada Day event. Dan ordered a charger for the beer cart. Grounds Report: Bill brought two quotes on rough mowers. Lots of watering has been going on. The fairways should be good till after the weekend. Greens number 1 and 6 will be dressed again this week.
Duncan has been in contact with several Electricity providers with most of them offering similar deals. He will look into it further but is leaning toward Atco. Three big tournaments coming up and we will be in need of volunteer help. Please sign up to help if you are able. John reported that some new floor joists need to be put in and he will get some volunteers in August to help him do it.
Page 123 of 166 Shawn and Clem Boivin asked about renting stall number 13 for the season. It will be rented for $700.00 for remainder of this year and will decide after the AGM on a price or if we will rent it out next season. Camping sign should be put up at the highway. Darcy will look after this. Moved by Reg, seconded by Gerry that Lakeside Golf & Country Club purchase a Rough Mower in the upcoming year. Two quotes have been received; one from Oak Creek Golf & Turf of Calgary AB, for the amount of $71,985.00 and another from Martin Deerline of Edmonton, AB, for the amount of $68,000. Both machines being of excellent quality, the choice will be made on which to purchase depending on the availability of a mower upon funding arrangements. The funding for the purchase will be derived by: Re-assignment of $15.000.00 from the casino fund Liquidation of 2010 Toro Groundmaster mower to the estimated amount of $12,000.00 $9000.00 from operations profit And a $36,000.00 Community Initiatives Program Grant. CARRIED Bill for the roof is to be paid from Casino account. Next meeting Monday July 24, at 7:00 PM Meeting adjourned by John at 8:40 PM
Page 124 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.b.
Request for Decision (RFD)
Meeting: Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: CAO Minderlein Manager: Item Title: Request for Letter of Support Presenter: CAO Minderlein County of Stettler # 6
DESCRIPTION: Council is being provided with a request received from County of Stettler # 6 to prepare and submit a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs regarding Payment of School Tax and Seniors’ Housing Requisitions on Delinquent (Accounts) Oil and Gas Companies. BACKGROUND: Details related to the request have been attached for Council’s reference. Staff have reviewed Birch Hills County records, and the figures for the timeframes referred to by County of Stettler # 6 are as follows: 2013 to 2016 2017 Estimate School Tax $ 22,465.20 $ 4,275.62 Seniors’ Housing Requisition 1,047.20 385.04 Total O/S Tax Debt $90,147.46 $14,616.00 COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING: No funding requested. RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite): Nil OPTIONS: Council may choose to: 1. direct Administration to draft a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs regarding Payment of School Tax and Seniors’ Housing Requisitions on Delinquent (Accounts) Oil and Gas Companies similar to the letter prepared by County of Stettler # 6; or 2. decline support to County of Stettler # 6 regarding Payment of School Tax and Seniors’ Housing Requisitions on Delinquent (Accounts) Oil and Gas Companies. ATTACHMENT(s): Letter dated July 25, 2017 County of Stettler # 6 regarding Payment of School Tax and Seniors’ Housing Requisitions on Delinquent (Accounts) Oil and Gas Companies. RECOMMENDED ACTION: It is recommended that Council direct Administration to draft a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs regarding Payment of School Tax and Seniors’ Housing Requisitions on Delinquent (Accounts) Oil and Gas Companies similar to the letter prepared by County of Stettler # 6.
Page 125 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.b.i.
Page 126 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.b.i.
Page 127 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.b.i.
Page 128 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.b.i.
Page 129 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.c
Request for Decision (RFD)
Meeting: Regular Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: Hermann Minderlein, CAO Manager: Item Title: Remuneration for Election Officials Prepared by: Hermann Minderlein
DESCRIPTION:
Council is being requested to authorize compensation for election officials for the 2017 Municipal Election.
BACKGROUND:
Section 14(1) of the Local Authorities Election Act allows the Returning Officer to appoint election officials to handle the responsibilities at voting stations during municipal elections.
In 2013, Birch Hills County provided Polling Station personnel with $120.00 for working the advance poll, $380.00 for working the regular poll, provided a noon meal on the date of the regular poll, and did not pay for mileage. This was done at that time on the direction of the CAO.
A review of neighbouring municipalities was completed and found the following information:
Presiding RO Deputy RO Municipality 2013 2017 2013 2017 Mileage
Saddle Hills $275 $300 $215 $240 $.50 per km
County of GP $270 $220 $.50 per km
MD of Fairview $20/hr $20/hr No mileage
MD of Spirit River In house utilizing existing staff
COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING:
2017 Election Budget (Operating)
RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite): NA
OPTIONS & BENEFITS:
Option 1: Council may choose to keep the compensation the same as in 2013, that being $120 for the advance poll, $380 for the regular poll, no reimbursement for mileage, and the provision of the noon meal on the date of the regular poll.
Page 130 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.c Option 2: Council may choose to increase or decrease the daily rates for the advance and regular polls;
Option 3: Council may choose to continue not paying for mileage, or authorize the payment of mileage for those working the advance and regular polls;
Option 4: Council may choose to cancel or continue the provision of the noon meal on the date of the regular poll;
Option 5: Council may choose a combination of the Options 1 to 4;
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is Administration’s recommendation that Council not authorize the payment of mileage to Polling Station personnel, and authorize:
1. the compensation (including training) provided to Polling Station personnel be set at $120.00 for those working the advance poll, $380.00 for those working the regular poll; and
2. the provision of a noon meal on the date of the regular poll.
ATTACHMENT(s): NA
Page 131 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.d
Request for Decision (RFD) Meeting: Regular Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: Lucy Stevenson Tax/Assessment Manager: Item Title: Adjournment of Public Auction Presenter: LS
DESCRIPTION:
Council is being advised that Tax Sale (Public Auction) at the Birch Hills Service Centre originally scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on October 2, 2017 has been adjourned to 1:00 p.m. on October 11, 2017.
BACKGROUND:
This adjournment date is later than the date set out in Bylaw 9-96 but is necessary to accommodate regulation surrounding advertising.
The publication deadline date for the Tax Sale in the Alberta Gazette August 15 but this year the deadline for submissions was missed. Administration contacted Municipal Affairs once this oversight was noticed, and were advised that the setting the date is an administrative duty, not set out in the MGA as a Council duty. We were also advised that adjourning the Tax Sale to October 11, 2017 would be an acceptable course of action. Municipal Affairs went on to advise us that Bylaw 9-96 was not required, and that it should be rescinded to avoid future date conflicts. As a bylaw is required for this purpose, Administration will bring a bylaw to rescind Bylaw 9-96 to a future Council meeting.
COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING: N/A
RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite):
Municipal Government Act Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000 Chapter M-26
Advertisement of public auction
421(1) The municipality must advertise the public auction
(a) in one issue of The Alberta Gazette, not less than 40 days and not more than 90 days before the date on which the public auction is to be held, and
(b) in one issue of a newspaper having general circulation in the municipality, not less than 10 days and not more than 20 days before the date on which the public auction is to be held.
(2) The advertisement must specify the date, time and location of the public auction, the conditions of sale and a description of each parcel of land to be offered for sale.
Page 132 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.d
(3) The advertisement must state that the municipality may, after the public auction, become the owner of any parcel of land not sold at the public auction.
(4) Not less than 4 weeks before the date of the public auction, the municipality must send a copy of the advertisement referred to in subsection (1)(a) to
(a) the owner of each parcel of land to be offered for sale,
(b) each person who has an interest in any parcel to be offered for sale that is evidenced by a caveat registered by the Registrar, and
(c) each encumbrancee shown on the certificate of title for each parcel to be offered for sale.
1994 cM-26.1 s421;1995 c24 s63
Adjournment of auction
422(1) The municipality may adjourn the holding of a public auction to any date within 2 months after the advertised date.
(2) If a public auction is adjourned, the municipality must post a notice in a place that is accessible to the public during regular business hours, showing the new date on which the public auction is to be held.
(3) If a public auction is cancelled as a result of the tax arrears being paid, the municipality must post a notice in a place that is accessible to the public during regular business hours stating that the auction is cancelled.
1994 cM-26.1 s422
ATTACHMENT(S):
Birch Hills County Bylaw 9-96
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is Administration’s recommendation that Council receive the presentation related to the change of the 2017 Tax Sale (Public Auction) to October 11, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Birch Hills Service Centre for information.
It is Administration’s recommendation that Council direct administration to prepare a Bylaw to rescind Birch Hills County Bylaw 9-96 and present that Bylaw for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading at the Regular Council Meeting on September 14, 2017.
Page 133 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.e
Request for Decision (RFD) Meeting: Regular Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: Lucy Stevenson Tax/Assessment Manager: Item Title: Terms and Conditions for Tax Sale Presenter: LS
DESCRIPTION:
Council is being requested to set the terms and conditions that will apply to the sale of parcels of land shown on the County’s 2016 Tax Arrears List.
BACKGROUND:
The date for the sale of parcels of land has been set for October 11, 2017. Council is required by Section 419 (b) of the Municipal Government Act, to set the terms and conditions that will apply to the sale.
COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING: N/A
RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite):
Municipal Government Act Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000 Chapter M-26
419 The council must set
(a) for each parcel of land to be offered for sale at a public auction, a reserve bid that is as close as reasonably possible to the market value of the parcel, and
(b) any conditions that apply to the sale.
ATTACHMENT(S): Nil
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is Administration’s recommendation that Council receive the presentation related to the change of the 2017 Tax Sale (Public Auction) to October 11, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Birch Hills Service Centre for information.
Page 134 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.f
Request for Decision (RFD) Meeting: Regular Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: Lucy Stevenson Tax/Assessment Manager: Item Title: Reserve Bids for 2017 Tax Sale Presenter: LS
DESCRIPTION:
Council is being requested to set to establish reserve selling prices for properties that may be up for sale by auction on the October 11, 2017 Public Auction.
BACKGROUND:
The date for the sale of parcels of land has been set for October 11, 2017. Council is required by Section 419 (a) of the Municipal Government Act, to establish reserve selling prices for properties that may be up for sale.
The reserve bid is set at a level that is as close as reasonably possible to the market value of the parcel. The municipality may utilize the services of an independent, professional appraiser to provide it with a written report that establishes market value for setting the reserve price. The Chief Assessor of Birch Hills County has been recommending the reserve price for properties being offered for tax sale since 2013, and has carried out the task at no additional cost to the County.
COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING: N/A
RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite):
Municipal Government Act Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000 Chapter M-26
419 The council must set
(a) for each parcel of land to be offered for sale at a public auction, a reserve bid that is as close as reasonably possible to the market value of the parcel, and
ATTACHMENT(S): Nil
Letter from our Chief Assessor Mike Gagnon
Recommendation for reserve bid roll 059147 (copy of assessment, title, and pictures not distributed in agenda package, but will be available for Council’s viewing)
Recommendation for reserve bid roll 061732 (copy of assessment, title, and pictures not distributed in agenda package, but will be available for Council’s viewing)
Page 135 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.f
Recommendation for reserve bid roll 061873 (copy of assessment, title, and pictures not distributed in agenda package, but will be available for Council’s viewing)
Recommendation for reserve bid roll 315653 (copy of assessment, title, and pictures not distributed in agenda package, but will be available for Council’s viewing)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is Administration’s recommendation that Council establish the reserve bids for properties that may be up for sale by auction on October 11, 2017 as follows; 1. The reserve bid for roll 059147 is to be set at $ 144,720; 2. The reserve bid for roll 061732 is to be set at $ 19,780; 3. The reserve bid for roll 061873 is to be set at $ 10,800; and 4. The reserve bid for roll 315653 is to be set at $ 8,790;
Page 136 of 166 Page 137 of 166 Page 138 of 166 Page 139 of 166 Page 140 of 166 Page 141 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.g
Request for Decision (RFD)
Meeting: Regular Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: Lucy Stevenson - Tax/Assessment Manager: Item Title: Request to Purchase Presenter: LS Properties in Belloy
DESCRIPTION:
Council is being presented with a request received by Birch Hills from Janice & Rod Peters of Ladysmith, BC to purchase Lots 4 & 11 Block 1 Plan 2967ET and part of the SW 15-78-2 W6 referred to as Lot 10 in Belloy for its assessed value..
BACKGROUND:
On August 16, 2017 administration received a request from Janice & Rod Peters to purchase Lots 4 & 11 Block 1 Plan 2967ET and part of the SW 15-78-2 W6 referred to as Lot 10 in Belloy for its assessed value. The Peters currently hold title to lots 5, 6, 7 and 9 in this same block; they obtained these titles through Council in October of 2016 RC16-410. These properties were part of Ministerial order # L:099/95 that was acquired by Birch Hills County in 1995 and it was assigned a Tax Notification at that time, and as such Council is obligated to ______
The 2017 assessed values for these properties are as follows:
Legal Description Assessed Value
Lot 4 Block 1 Plan 2967ET $460.00 SW 15-78-2 W6 $3,250.00 Lot 11 Block 1 Plan 2967ET $490.00 Total $4,200.00
COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING: N/A
RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite): NA
Municipal Government Act Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000 Chapter M-26
Right to dispose of parcel
425(1) A municipality that becomes the owner of a parcel of land pursuant to section 424 may dispose of the parcel
(a) by selling it at a price that is as close as reasonably possible to the market value of the parcel, or
Page 142 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.g
(b) by depositing in the account referred to in section 427(1)(a) an amount of money equal to the price at which the municipality would be willing to sell the parcel under clause (a).
(2) The municipality may grant a lease, licence or permit in respect of the parcel.
(3) Repealed 1995 c24 s65.
(4) If a parcel of land is disposed of under subsection (1), the municipality must request the Registrar to delete the words “Tax Forfeiture” from the certificate of title issued in the name of the municipality for the parcel.
OPTIONS & BENEFITS:
Option 1: Council may choose to accept the Offer to Purchase submitted by from Janice & Rod Peters of Ladysmith, BC to purchase Lots 4 & 11 Block 1 Plan 2967ET and part of the SW 15-78-2 W6 referred to as Lot 10 in Belloy for its combined assessed property value of $4,200.00.
Option 2: Council may choose not to accept the Offer to Purchase submitted by from Janice & Rod Peters of Ladysmith, BC to purchase Lots 4 & 11 Block 1 Plan 2967ET and part of the SW 15- 78-2 W6 referred to as Lot 10 in Belloy for its assessed value;
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is Administration’s recommendation that Council accept the Offer to Purchase submitted by from Janice & Rod Peters of Ladysmith, BC to purchase Lots 4 & 11 Block 1 Plan 2967ET and part of the SW 15-78-2 W6 referred to as Lot 10 in Belloy for its combined assessed property value of $4,200.00.
ATTACHMENT(s):
Letter/Offer to Purchase Lots 4 & 11 Block 1 Plan 2967ET and part of the SW 15-78-2 W6 referred to as Lot 10 dated August 16, 2017,
Copy of 2017 Assessment Notice for Lots 4 & 11 Block 1 Plan 2967ET and part of the SW 15- 78-2 W6 referred to as Lot 10,
Belloy Maps showing placement of said properties.
Page 143 of 166 Page 144 of 166 Page 145 of 166 Page 146 of 166 Page 147 of 166 Page 148 of 166 Page 149 of 166 Page 150 of 166 Page 151 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.h
Request for Decision (RFD)
Meeting: Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: Shelley Braun, DCS Manager: SDB Item Title: 2017 Capital Budget Presenter:
BACKGROUND / PROPOSAL:
Council is being requested to approve an Amended Capital Budget for 2017.
DISCUSSION / BENEFITS / DISDVANTAGES:
Council originally approved a change to the 2017 Capital Budget by adding 78,000 for a motor for a grader in 2017.
At the meeting on July 27, 2017, Council authorized the purchase of 2 graders and $1,000,000 for the crushing of gravel, and these changes were for capital purchases or projects planned to be undertaken or completed in 2018 & 2019. These changes to the County’s plan were required to identify project funding from MSI.
Administration has subsequently been advised that plans for Gas Tax Funding (GTF) due to the County must be expanded to identify specific costs that are eligible for GTF in order to have funds released to the County.
Administration is proposing that we change the Grant Revenue for the Water Treatment Plant Generator from MSI to GTF, as this is one of the few items on our plan eligible for GTF, and the addition of a Backhoe and attachments which would be funded from MSI.
Note that although the 2 graders, gravel crushing, and backhoe will be reflected in the 2017 budget, this is for planning purposes only, and the procurement will not occur until 2018 or 2019, and that would be with Council approval of those budgets.
COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING:
The revised cost for all of the projects in 2017-2019, including the “2018 & 2019 grader purchase, 2018 gravel crushing & 2018 backhoe”, is $3,209,400. The source of the funding for these projects or purchases is as follows:
Public Health & Welfare Reserve 400,000.00 General Administration Reserve 20,000.00 420,000.00 Total Reserves
Page 152 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.h
Federal Gas Tax Fund (FGTF) 246,500.00 Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) Grant 2,207,900.00 2,454,400.00 Total Grants
335,000.00 Trade-in/Sale 3,209,400.00 Total Funding
RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite): NA
ATTACHMENT(s):
Current 2017 Capital Budget Worksheet (July 27, 2017)
Amended 2017 Capital Budget Worksheet (Change funding for Generator and add backhoe)
OPTIONS:
Council may choose to:
1. adopt the amended 2017 Capital Budget (with “2018 & 2019 grader purchase, 2018 gravel crushing & 2018 backhoe”) with: Total Revenues of $3,209,400 comprised of: Funding from Reserves totaling $420,000; Funding from FGTF Program totaling $246,500; and Funding from MSI Program totaling $2,207,900; and Funding received from the disposal of Fixed Assets totaling $335,000; and Total Expenses of $3,209,400 comprised of Departmental purchases and projects totaling: $25,000 in Administration; $2,411,500 in Public Works: $251,900 Regional Water Supply & Distribution; $121,000 in Agricultural Services; and $400,000 in Public Health & Welfare;
2. formalize the adoption of the amended 2017 Capital Budget (without “2018 backhoe”) approved at the July 27th meeting with: Total Revenues of $3,059,400 comprised of: Funding from Reserves totaling $420,000; Funding from MSI Program totaling $2,244,400; and Funding from FGTF Program totaling $80,000; and Funding received from the disposal of Fixed Assets totaling $315,000; and Total Expenses of $3,059,400 comprised of Departmental purchases and projects totaling: $25,000 in Administration; $2,261,500 in Public Works: $251,900 Regional Water Supply & Distribution; $121,000 in Agricultural Services; and $400,000 in Public Health & Welfare;
Page 153 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.h
3. direct Administration to make changes to the 2017 Capital Budget and bring it back to the September 14 Council meeting.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is Administration’s recommendation that Council adopt an amended 2017 Capital Budget with: Total Revenues of $3,209,400 comprised of: Funding from Reserves totaling $420,000; Funding from FGTF Grant totaling $246,500; and Funding from MSI Grant totaling $2,207,900; and Funding received from the disposal of Fixed Assets totaling $335,000; and Total Expenses of $3,209,400 comprised of Departmental purchases and projects totaling: $25,000 in Administration; $2,411,500 in Public Works; $251,900 Regional Water Supply & Distribution; $121,000 in Agricultural Services; and $400,000 in Public Health & Welfare.
Page 154 of 166 Birch Hills County 2017 Capital Budget Grant (If Description Cost Price Trade In Sales Net Cost applicable) Administration Photocopier 25,000.00 5,000.00 20,000.00 Sub-Total 25,000.00 5,000.00 20,000.00
Public Works BF79327 Culvert Replacement 80,000.00 - 80,000.00 GTF Grader Attachment - 3 Wobbly Packers 100,000.00 - 100,000.00 MSI Backhoe Attachment - Chuck Blade 8,500.00 - 8,500.00 MSI Tractor Attachment - Angle Blade 16,000.00 - 16,000.00 MSI Loader Attachment - Pallet Fork 9,000.00 - 9,000.00 MSI Grader Motor 78,000.00 - 78,000.00 MSI Grader Purchase 485,000.00 150,000.00 335,000.00 MSI Grader Purchase 485,000.00 150,000.00 335,000.00 MSI Gravel Crushing 1,000,000.00 - 1,000,000.00 MSI Sub-Total 2,261,500.00 300,000.00 1,961,500.00
Regional Water Supply & Distribution Wanham Fire Hydrants 65,000.00 - 65,000.00 MSI Wanham Water - Pump Rebuild 10,000.00 - 10,000.00 MSI Service Pump Eaglesham 5,000.00 - 5,000.00 MSI Wanham Booster Stn - Backup Pump 5,400.00 - 5,400.00 MSI Water Treatment Plant Generator 166,500.00 - 166,500.00 MSI Sub-Total 251,900.00 - 251,900.00
Agriculture Services Board Roadside Mowers (2) 58,000.00 10,000.00 48,000.00 MSI Spray Truck Attachment 43,000.00 - 43,000.00 MSI Incinerator 20,000.00 - 20,000.00 MSI Sub-Total 121,000.00 10,000.00 111,000.00
Public Health & Welfare Spirit River Health Centre 400,000.00 - 400,000.00 Sub-Total 400,000.00 - 400,000.00
Total Expenditures 3,059,400.00 315,000.00 2,744,400.00
Source of Funding: General Administration Reserve 20,000.00 Public Health & Welfare Reserve 400,000.00 420,000.00 Total Reserves
Federal Gas Tax Fund (FGTF) Grant 80,000.00 Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) Grant 2,244,400.00 2,324,400.00 Total Grants
315,000.00 Trade-in/Sale
3,059,400.00 Total Funding
Printed 8/17/2017 3:52 PM Page 155 of 166 Birch Hills County 2017 Capital Budget Grant (If Description Cost Price Trade In Sales Net Cost applicable) Administration Photocopier 25,000.00 5,000.00 20,000.00 Sub-Total 25,000.00 5,000.00 20,000.00
Public Works BF79327 Culvert Replacement 80,000.00 - 80,000.00 GTF Grader Attachment - 3 Wobbly Packers 100,000.00 - 100,000.00 MSI Backhoe Attachment - Chuck Blade 8,500.00 - 8,500.00 MSI Tractor Attachment - Angle Blade 16,000.00 - 16,000.00 MSI Loader Attachment - Pallet Fork 9,000.00 - 9,000.00 MSI Grader Motor 78,000.00 - 78,000.00 MSI Grader Purchase 485,000.00 150,000.00 335,000.00 MSI Grader Purchase 485,000.00 150,000.00 335,000.00 MSI Gravel Crushing 1,000,000.00 - 1,000,000.00 MSI Backhoe 150,000.00 20,000.00 130,000.00 MSI Sub-Total 2,411,500.00 320,000.00 2,091,500.00
Regional Water Supply & Distribution Wanham Fire Hydrants 65,000.00 - 65,000.00 MSI Wanham Water - Pump Rebuild 10,000.00 - 10,000.00 MSI Service Pump Eaglesham 5,000.00 - 5,000.00 MSI Wanham Booster Stn - Backup Pump 5,400.00 - 5,400.00 MSI Water Treatment Plant Generator 166,500.00 - 166,500.00 GTF Sub-Total 251,900.00 - 251,900.00
Agriculture Services Board Roadside Mowers (2) 58,000.00 10,000.00 48,000.00 MSI Spray Truck Attachment 43,000.00 - 43,000.00 MSI Incinerator 20,000.00 - 20,000.00 MSI Sub-Total 121,000.00 10,000.00 111,000.00
Public Health & Welfare Spirit River Health Centre 400,000.00 - 400,000.00 Sub-Total 400,000.00 - 400,000.00
Total Expenditures 3,209,400.00 335,000.00 2,874,400.00
Source of Funding: General Administration Reserve 20,000.00 Public Health & Welfare Reserve 400,000.00 420,000.00 Total Reserves
Federal Gas Tax Fund (FGTF) Grant 246,500.00 Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) Grant 2,207,900.00 2,454,400.00 Total Grants
335,000.00 Trade-in/Sale
3,209,400.00 Total Funding
Printed 8/18/2017 11:42 AM Page 156 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.i
Request for Decision (RFD)
Meeting: Regular Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO Originated By: Shelley Braun, DCS Director SDB Item Title: ATB Business Account Transfer DESCRIPTION:
Council is being requested to authorize a transfer of $4,000,000.00 from the main ATB Business Account to the ATB Notice Demand Account.
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION / OPTIONS / BENEFITS / DISADVANTAGES:
RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite):
Section 250 (2) of the Municipal Government Act, 1994, Chapter M-26.1 as amended states how a Municipality may invest its money.
RC12-289 September 25, 2012 – Investment Policy
GUIDELINES: 1. Authorized Investments All short-term investments must be in agreement with Schedule A
All long-term investments must be in compliance with Schedule A. Investments with a maturity date that is greater than 10 years from the date of purchase and any single investments over $1,000,000 requires approval by Council. Birch Hills County defines maturity date as the actual stated maturity date on an investment certificate and does not consider a redeemable date or a callable date as an acceptable maturity date.
COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING:
No cost associated - Transfer of funds only
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is recommended that Council authorize the transfer of $4,000,000 from the ATB Business Account 5-00-00-00-122 to the 90 day Notice Demand Account 5-00-00-00-354.
Page 157 of 166 Item 10.j
Request for Decision (RFD)
Meeting: Regular Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO Originated By: Shelley Braun, DCS Director Item Title: ATB Notice Demand Account Presenter
DESCRIPTION Council is being requested to close the ATB 60 day Notice Demand Account (NDA) and open a 90 day Notice Demand Account. The current ladder withdrawal process is working very well; therefore, administration feels it would be a positive to move to a 90 day NDA.
BACKGROUND Section 250 (2) of the Municipal Government Act, 1994, Chapter M-26.1 as amended states how a Municipality may invest its money.
RC12-289 September 25, 2012 – Investment Policy
GUIDELINES: 1. Authorized Investments All short-term investments must be in agreement with schedule A
All long-term investments must be in compliance with Schedule A. Investments with a maturity date that is greater than 10 years from the date of purchase and any single investments over $1,000,000 requires approval by Council. Birch Hills County defines maturity date as the actual stated maturity date on an investment certificate and does not consider a redeemable date or a callable date as an acceptable maturity date.
DISCUSSION / OPTIONS / BENEFITS / DISDVANTAGES: The NDA account is a sub-account of our main ATB account. Currently Administration has online access to transfer into this account at any time. Withdrawal forms require 2 approved signing authority signatures resulting in funds available in 60 day. The current interest rate for the 60 Day NDA is 1.60%. The 90 Day NDA is currently at 1.65%
RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite): Provincial: Section 250 MGA
Municipal: RC12-289 September 25, 2012 – Investment Policy
COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING:
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is recommended that Council authorize Administration to close the 60 day Notice Demand Account (Account Number EMO-0508-A) and open a 90 day Notice Demand Account to realize the 0.05% increase in interest earned. Page 158 of 166 Agenda Item No: 10.k
Request for Decision (RFD)
Meeting: Regular Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO Originated By: Shelley Braun, DCS Director SDB Item Title: ATB Notice Demand Account Presenter
DESCRIPTION:
Council is being requested to approve four $1,000,000.00 90 day Notice Demand Account withdrawals.
BACKGROUND:
Previously approved 60 day NDA withdrawal of $1,000,000.00 on July 20 was not completed. Current requested online fund transfers to be available November 30, 2017, December 20, 2017, January 20, 2018 and February 20, 2018. ATB activates access to funds requested for seven (7) business days. Administration reviews our monthly cash flow and only transfers funds if required. Account balances as at August 18, 2017 are as follows:
ATB Main Account 5-00-00-00-121 $5,723,219.33 ATB Notice Demand Account 5-00-00-00-354 $2,914,991.37 ATB Revolving Cash Account 5-00-00-00-352 (June 30) $1,129,134,60 $9,767,345.30
RELEVANT LEGISLATION (Cite): Section 250 (2) of the Municipal Government Act, 1994, Chapter M-26.1 as amended states how a Municipality may invest its money.
RC12-289 September 25, 2012 – Investment Policy
GUIDELINES: 1. Authorized Investments All short-term investments must be in agreement with Schedule A All long-term investments must be in compliance with Schedule A. Investments with a maturity date that is greater than 10 years from the date of purchase and any single investments over $1,000,000 requires approval by Council. Birch Hills County defines maturity date as the actual stated maturity date on an investment certificate and does not consider a redeemable date or a callable date as an acceptable maturity date.
COST / SOURCE OF FUNDING: No cost associated - Transfer of funds only
ATTACHMENT(S): nil
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is recommended that Council provide approval for 90 day NDA ladder withdrawals of $1,000,000.00 for November 30, 2017, December 20, 2017, January 20, 2018 and February 20, 2018 for funds access if required.
Page 159 of 166 Page 160 of 166 Agenda Item No: 11.a
Request for Decision (RFD)
Meeting: Council Meeting Reviewed/ Approved For Submission Meeting Date: August 24, 2017 CAO: Originated By: Shelley Braun, DCS Director: SDB Item Title: Bank Reconciliation, Cheque Register Presenter:
BACKGROUND / PROPOSAL: Council is being provided with the July 31, 2017 Bank Reconciliation and August 17, 2017 Register Report for cheques issued.
DISCUSSION / BENEFITS / DISADVANTAGES: July 31, 2017 Bank Reconciliation adjustment details are as follows:
31-07-17 Interest 1130.98 01-07-17 GST (1.89) 01-07-17 March Service Charges (109.96) 1019.13 Originator: Marlene McLaughlin
July & August 2017 Pre-authorized Payments were as follows:
20-Jul-17 Altagas (power) buildings $5,812.73 20-Jul-17 Altagas (power) streetlights $3,867.35 25-Jul-17 Access Gas $294.56 1-Aug-17 I Want Wireless $62.85 8-Aug-17 Worker's Compensation Board $4,401.60 9-Aug-17 Local Authorities Pension Plan $35,153.12 9-Aug-17 Receiver General $48,486.34 10-Aug-17 Manulife $10,223.90 14-Aug-17 Telus $1,245.54 $109,547.99 Originator: L Price
ATTACHMENT(s): Bank Reconciliation (Posting Journal) for Bank Statement ending July 31, 2017 July 24 – Aug 17, 2017 Vendor Cheque Register – Total cheques issued $ 791,826.82 Note: * cheques have been voided
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Council accepts the July 31, 2017 Bank Reconciliation and August 17, 2017 Register of Cheques documentation for information.
Page 161 of 166 System: 8/2/2017 9:09:00 AM Birch Hills County Page: 1 User Date: 8/2/2017 RECONCILIATION POSTING JOURNAL User ID: MARLENE Bank Reconciliation
Audit Trail Code: CMADJ00000241 Bank Statement Ending Balance: $1,422,874.87 Chequebook ID: ATB PRIMARY Bank Statement Ending Date: 7/31/2017 Description: ALBERTA TREASURY BRANCH Cutoff Date: 7/31/2017
Statement Ending Balance $1,422,874.87 Outstanding Cheques (-) $233,873.63 Deposits in Transit (+) $17,595.95 ------Adjusted Bank Balance $1,206,597.19 ------Chequebook Balance as of Cutoff $1,205,578.06 Adjustments $1,019.13 ------Adjusted Book Balance $1,206,597.19 ------Difference $0.00 ======
Page 162 of 166 System: 8/17/17 1:30:19 PM Birch Hills County Page: 1 User Date: 8/17/17 VENDOR CHEQUE REGISTER REPORT User ID: LISA Payables Management
Ranges: From: To: From: To: Cheque Number 0029213 0029280 Cheque Date First Last Vendor ID First Last Chequebook ID First Last Vendor Name First Last
Sorted By: Chequebook ID
* Voided Cheques
Cheque Number Vendor ID Vendor Cheque Name Cheque Date Chequebook ID Audit Trail Code Amount ------0029213 SHCOUNTY01 SADDLE HILLS COUNTY 7/24/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001149 $15,247.71 0029214 TOMCAT01 TOMCAT SALES & RENTALS 7/24/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001149 $84,851.55 0029215 AAMDC01 ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $23,829.86 0029216 ABHSERV01 ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $140.00 0029217 AEOEPC01 AB ELECTED OFFICIALS EDUCATION 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $1,680.00 0029218 BLACKROCK01 BLACKROCK AUTOMATION LTD. 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $16,896.89 0029219 CODESACONST01 CODESA CONSTRUCTION LTD 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $11,859.75 0029220 CPS01 CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $192.51 * 0029221 DAYSCOTT01 VANESSA DAY 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $1,497.98 0029222 DLEQUIPMENT01 DOUGLAS LAKE EQUIPMENT 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $441.08 0029223 EFROC01 EFROC INDUSTRIES LTD 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $1,679.46 0029224 HITECH01 HITECH BUSINESS SYSTEMS LTD 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $530.23 0029225 JDFINANCIAL01 JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $840.84 0029226 LEMAYM01 LEMAY, MAURICE 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $175.00 0029227 LINDE01 LINDE CANADA LIMITED 15687 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $86.21 0029228 LOVE01 LOVE, FIONA 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $120.00 0029229 MACCLURE01 MACCLURE, KEN 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $224.97 0029230 NEWHARVEST01 NEW HARVEST MEDIA INC 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $105.00 0029231 OUELLETA01 OUELLET, AMANDA 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $389.03 0029232 PARADISD01 PARADIS, DANNY 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $71.50 0029233 PETROTANK01 PETROLEUM TANK MANAGEMENT ASSO 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $520.00 0029234 REUMP01 REUM, PAUL 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $347.00 0029235 ROCKY01 ROCKY MOUNTAIN PHOENIX 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $1,974.85 0029236 SRHMHW01 SPIRIT RIVER HARDWARE 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $252.70 0029237 TRINUS01 TRINUS TECHNOLOGIES INC. 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $453.60 0029238 VICSCAR01 VIC'S CAR CARE (FALHER) LTD. 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $483.00 0029239 WORKMAN01 WORKMAN, FAYE 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $500.00 0029240 WSP01 WSP CANADA 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001150 $1,800.75 0029241 DAYSCOTT01 SCOTT DAY 7/27/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001151 $1,497.98 0029242 AAMDC01 ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $9,283.08 0029243 ACEINILIFE01 CHUBB LIFE INSURANCE OF CANADA 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $251.98 0029244 ADVANTAGEVM01 ADVANTAGE VM CORP 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $22,275.82 0029245 ALSLAB01 ALS CANADA LTD 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $3,145.94 0029246 ATCOELEC02 ATCO ELECTRIC 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $333.90 0029247 CANADAREVENUE01 RECEIVER GENERAL 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $321.72 0029248 CIBCVISA01 CIBC Credit Card Services 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $3,243.33 0029249 DORANM01 DORAN, MARVIN 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $190.00 0029250 GREGG01 GREGG DISTRIBUTORS S.R. LTD. 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $1,686.80 0029251 JDFINANCIAL01 JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $87.79 0029252 MACAULEY J01 MACAULEY, JACK 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $41.25 0029253 MANBEN01 MANULIFE FINANCIAL GROUP BENEF 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $47.25 0029254 MANZULG01 MANZULENKO, GERALD 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $100.00 0029255 MORGAN01 MORGAN, TOM 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $110.00 0029256 NEWHARVEST01 NEW HARVEST MEDIA INC 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $892.50 0029257 NMETALIC01 NORTHERN METALIC SALES (GP) L 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $912.98 0029258 REYMI01 REYNOLDS MIRTH RICHARDS 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $113.25 0029259 RYCBLDG01 RYCROFT BUILDING SUPPLIES 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $163.74 * 0029260 SRINSURANCE01 SPIRIT RIVER INSURANCE 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $22.45 0029261 W-3 ELECTRIC01 W-3 ELECTRICAL LTD. 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001152 $9,534.58 0029262 CDROULEAU01 CD ROULEAU CONSTRUCTION LTD 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001153 $4,506.07 0029263 COTTON01 COTTON TRUCKING 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001153 $6,573.23 0029264 JMACAULEY01 JACK MACAULEY 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001153 $5,339.80 0029265 TRIPLET01 TRIPLE T TRUCKING 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001153 $14,883.53 0029266 WANTRUK01 WANHAM TRUCKING LTD 8/04/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001153 $4,442.04 0029267 AAMDC01 ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $7,393.15 0029268 ADAIR01 MARIE PAULE ADAIR 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $710.00 0029269 BHCOUNTY01 BIRCH HILLS COUNTY 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154Page 163 of 166$465,000.00 System: 8/17/17 1:30:19 PM Birch Hills County Page: 2 User Date: 8/17/17 VENDOR CHEQUE REGISTER REPORT User ID: LISA Payables Management
* Voided Cheques
Cheque Number Vendor ID Vendor Cheque Name Cheque Date Chequebook ID Audit Trail Code Amount ------0029270 BHILLGAS01 BIRCH HILLS GAS CO-OP LTD. 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $354.73 0029271 CO-OPGIROUX01 GIROUXVILLE GENERAL CO-OP 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $15,595.84 0029272 COLLIE01 MIKE & JANET COLLIE 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $100.00 0029273 EAGLEPARTS01 EAGLESHAM PARTS & SERVICE CORP 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $1,474.30 0029274 LANDTIT01 THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $100.00 0029275 PVCTS01 PEACE VALLEY CONSERVATION AND 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $1,500.00 0029276 QUEENS01 GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $21.00 0029277 SARGEANT01 SARGEANT, DELBERT 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $32,634.00 0029278 SMKEXP01 SMOKY RIVER EXPRESS 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $52.50 0029279 SSEMENIUK01 STEVE SEMENIUK CONSULTING 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $3,969.00 0029280 YAREMK01 YAREMKO, PAUL & VICKY 8/17/17 ATB PRIMARY PMCHQ00001154 $7,250.25 ------Total Cheques: 68 Total Amount of Cheques: $791,826.82 ======
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