ANNUAL REPORT #GOBIGLAKES

2016 BIGLAKESCOUNTY.CA 2

CONTENTS

Council: Message from The Reeve ...... 3 Public Works ...... 40 Elected Representatives ...... 4 Waste Management ...... 44 Boards & Committees ...... 5 Utilities ...... 45 Message from The Chief Administrative Officer . . . . . 6 Planning & Development ...... 46 Welcome to ...... 7 Community Services ...... 50 Annual Events ...... 8 Fire Services ...... 58 Big Lakes Library Board ...... 9 Family & Community Services ...... 60 Audited Financial Statement ...... 10 – 33 Mission & Vision ...... 62 Corporate Services ...... 34 Directors ...... 63

BIG LAKES COUNTY OFFICE OFFICE Ph: (780) 776-3811 5305-56 Street, Box 239 Fax: (780) 776-3821 High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0 Ph: (780) 523-5955 OFFICE Fax: (780) 523-4227 Ph: (780)775-3570 biglakescounty.ca Fax: (780) 775-3571 3

COUNCIL INFORMATION

MESSAGE FROM THE REEVE & COUNCIL

The Council of Big Lakes County is pleased to present you with Council worked diligently to complete the Municipal the 2016 Annual Report . This past year has been a busy but Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw, which was completed positive one for Big Lakes County! As you flip through this in early 2017 . report you will see that the County is in a good financial state In addition to improving these services, the County continues and well positioned to move into the future . You will also find the to improve our economic development . The establishment Financial Statements and the Department Highlights, which will of an Economic Development Authority (EDA) in 2016 provide you with detailed information on what Big Lakes County means that we now have expertise and leadership to put us has achieved and what we are working towards for 2017 . on the right path forward . The County is home to many Council looks forward to continuing our positive relationship traditional resource industries that drive our community such with the Provincial Government and Hon . Danielle Larivee . as agriculture, forestry, and oil and gas . Big Lakes County Council also values its relationship with Mr . Arnold Viersen continues to support these activities and will always look for who represents our region in the Federal Government as a ways to develop additional economic opportunities for our Member of Parliament . Furthermore, we will continue to work region . The County fully supported the reopening of the High cooperatively with the Town of High Prairie and the Town of Prairie Tolko Industries, the upgrades to West Fraser mill, and in addition to strengthening our regional partnerships the major project to upgrade the road from Kinuso south to with neighbouring and Métis Settlements . House Mountain . Big Lakes County continues to improve our services, which Furthermore, in November of 2016 Council hired Mr . Roy helps to expand our business and recreational opportunities . Brideau as the Chief Administration Officer (CAO) . Mr . Through continued lobbying efforts made by Council and staff, Brideau brings many years of experience with him to the the County has received several provincial and federal grants to County, and Council is very pleased to have him on board . repair and upgrade our bridges, water and wastewater facilities . Council along with our new CAO is confident that we will be This continued level of lobbying may provide up to $10 million in able to transform this organization that will better serve you, our grant funding in 2017 to assist the County in delivering on these ratepayers . much needed upgrades . Council would like to thank the staff for all their hard work and It’s been one year since Big Lakes County took over dedication throughout the year . Lastly, to you, our ratepayers, management and control of the High Prairie Aerodrome, thank you for continuing to provide us with feedback on how we located 2km south of the Town of High Prairie . Building can make the County better . Big Lakes County is where we call upgrades were made to our facilities in 2016 with more to follow home and we cannot be more excited for 2017! in 2017 . Plans for 2018 are to lengthen and upgrade our airstrip . Thank you, On April 30, 2016 the County took ownership of the Riverbend Water Co-op . The Utilities Department also extended water and sewer lines in the east end of Joussard and installed 10 generators at all water treatment plants . Reeve Ken Matthews 4

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES

DAVID MARX KEN KILLEEN RON MATULA Ward 1: Heart River/Salt Prairie Ward 4: Kinuso Ward 7: /Big Meadow 780-523-2498 780-775-2234 780-523-2953 ward1@biglakescounty .ca ward4@biglakescounty .ca ward7@biglakescounty .ca

FRANK SUTHERLAND ROBERT NYGAARD DON CHARROIS Ward 2: Ward 5: Faust Ward 8: Banana Belt/HP East 780-291-1444 780-355-2735 780-523-4037 ward2@biglakescounty .ca ward5@biglakescounty .ca ward8@biglakescounty .ca

KEN MATTHEWS EDWARD PODOLLAN ANN STEWART Ward 3: Gilwood North/Triangle Ward 6: Joussard Ward 9: Sunset House/Gilwood South 780-523-4073 780-776-2401 780-523-2590 ward3@biglakescounty .ca ward6@biglakescounty .ca ward9@biglakescounty .ca 5

BOARDS & COMMITTEES

External Boards/Committees Lesser Slave Watershed Council Internal Boards/Committees CARE Elected Leaders Agricultural Service Board Barrhead Social Housing (NLC) Assessment Review Board Community Education Committee Big Lakes Library Board Economic Development Committee Peace Region Economic Development Community Futures Lesser Emergency Management Committee Alliance Region Finance Committee Peace Air Shed Zone Association Community Partnership Committee High Prairie Airport Committee (CHWC) Peace Library System Inter-Governmental Relations F C. .S .S . Advisory Committee Smoky Applied Research & Committee Demonstration Assoc . Golden Triangle Consortia Municipal Planning Commission Swan Hills Special Waste Liaison Grouard/Peace River Trail Committee Committee Peavine Métis Settlement Agreement Heart River Housing Committee Tolko Forest Resource Advisory High Prairie Chamber of Commerce Committee Subdivision & Development Appeal Board High Prairie & District Children’s Veterinary Services Incorporated Resource Council (VSI) Weed & Pest Control Appeal Board High Prairie & District Recreation Board Inter-Municipal Committees High Prairie Health Facility Ad Hoc Town of High Prairie Committee Town of Swan Hills High Prairie Library Board High Prairie Regional Landfill Authority High Prairie Seed Cleaning Co-op Economic Alliance (LSLEA) Lesser Slave Lake Forest Resource Advisory Committee 6

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

On behalf of Big Lakes County, I am pleased to present to you we have reserves that assist us in balancing our budgets so we our 2016 Annual Report . can continue to provide essential services . Council and staff have been successful in securing provincial and federal grants I joined Big Lakes County in November of 2016 and was that will allow us to start new construction for our water and welcomed into this organization by the wonderful public, wastewater facilities and complete bridge upgrades . Council, and staff . There is such a strong sense of community here and it has everything to do with you, the hardworking, This fall, Council and staff will be developing a three year dedicated, and passionate people of Big Lakes County . operational budget and a five year capital budget . This strategic process will enable us to establish how we finance and develop The County strives to be accountable, to have strong sustainable planning cycles . We encourage you to participate communication, and maintain quality service all while providing in this process . a more efficient, fiscally responsible, and business friendly culture . With recent changes to our organizational chart we As Chief Administrative Officer of this vibrant community, have positioned the County with the appropriate resources in I am very proud to work with such a dedicated, knowledgeable, order to accomplish these goals . Furthermore, we will continue and proactive group of staff and Council . to work closely with our Council, staff, committees, and you, Thank you, our ratepayers, in order to establish the most effective and efficient operational and financial programs and services . The County, as with other municipalities, continue to face a reduction in revenues from taxation . The downturn in the oil industry has reduced our total revenue by 8% over the past two years . As our expenses continue to grow we’ve made J . Roy Brideau, CLGM adjustments to our business plans in order to maintain our Chief Administrative Officer tax rates . Thanks to the foresight from our Council and staff, 7

WELCOME TO BIG LAKES COUNTY

Big Lakes County is made up of 5 Hamlets that neighbour the Town of High Prairie, Town of Swan Hills, as well as First Nations and Métis Settlements . With 1,213,056 hectares of land there is a lot to explore! Just take a look: 8

ANNUAL EVENTS

SPRING North Country Fair Pioneer Thresherman’s Annual Driftpile Hoedown Jamboree MARCH Triangle (Hwy 2/ 2A) Swan River Annual Rodeo Zabava Celebration Kinuso AUGUST (Ukrainian Cultural Society) East Prairie Métis Settlement Quad Rally High Prairie Bash’n at the Beach Demolition Derby East Prairie Métis Spruce Point Park APRIL Driftpile Cree Nation Pow Wow Gun & Sportsman Show Driftpile FALL/WINTER (HP Fish & Game Association) Children’s Fishing Derby SEPTEMBER High Prairie Golden Walleye Classic Spring Amateur Rodeo JULY Fishing Tournament (HP Agricultural Society) Shaw’s Point Resort High Prairie Astral Harvest Driftpile High Prairie Tradeshow SUMMER Pioneer Thresherman’s Day High Prairie Celebration NOVEMBER MAY Triangle (Hwy 2/ 2A) High Prairie & District Children’s Resource High Prairie Traditional Pow Wow Canada Day Festivities High Prairie Council Live Auction In Big Lakes County local community High Prairie JUNE groups run annual Canada Day festivities — check out what’s happening in your area! DECEMBER Aboriginal Day (High Prairie Native Friendship) Elks Pro Rodeo Christmas Santa Claus Parade High Prairie High Prairie & Light Up High Prairie Pioneer Thresherman’s Demolition Derby & Mud Bog Racing Triangle (Hwy 2/ 2A) 9

BIG LAKES LIBRARY BOARD

READ, LEARN, GROW KINUSO MUNICIPAL LIBRARY Do you want to find reliable information on a topic The Library continues to be a vital part of the community . or even learn a new language? Some of the attractions have been: legos & crafts, Medicine Bag Project with indigenous instructors, the Odysseys Art All you need is a computer, your library barcode Exhibit, adult book club, and puppets! and pin (last four digits of your phone number) . ›› In September we featured ‘Theatre in a Dome’ from the Visit www.tracpac.ab.ca or your library’s website and select Space & Science Centre . The movie is about the Great “e-Resources” to find current information on a variety of Barrier Reef . topics including: business, health, literature and auto repair . ›› Young library patrons participated in the Global Weather Click on “Mango” to practice English or start learning a new Watch . They created posters that were sent to Global TV language . Select the option for Peace, set up your account, in . and start learning . ›› WP Puppet Theatre presented a program for the Swan Join ME libraries and take your local library card on the River Band School Kindergarten to Grade 4 . road . Visit your library’s website and click on the ME libraries banner or link . Sign up for the libraries or library ›› The Book Club read ‘Hidden Figures’ systems you want to visit . Takes about 2 minutes! ›› In honour of Canada’s 150 Birthday all library fees Your own library (TRAC) card is good at almost every were waved! public library in the province without the need to get a new barcode everywhere you go . Simply take your card to the library, sign out the items you need and when you’re done, drop the items off at your local library and they will be returned to the lending library at no cost . ME libraries is a service of Alberta’s Public Library Network .

Visit: www.peacelibrarysytems.ab.ca to learn more! 10

2016 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

ASSESSMENT, TAXATION & MILL RATE

2016 TAX RATES Municipal School Seniors Total HOW DO YOU CALCULATE Residential & Farmland 4 .25 2 .4133 0 1444 . 6 .8077 A MILL RATE? Non-residential 14 .5 3 9753. 0 1444 . 18 .6197 Good question! Each year, Machinery & Equipment 14 .5 N/A 0 1444 . 14 .6444 council during its budgetary process, approves the amount of revenue required to operate MILL RATE the municipality . From this 2016 2015 2014 amount they subtract the ■ Residential & Farmland 6 .8077 6 .7674 6 .3229 known revenues such as grants, licenses, permits, etc . ■ Non-residential 18 6197 . 18 2084. 17 6408. and the remainder represents ■ Machinery & Equipment 14 .6444 14 .6364 14 1295. the amount of money to be raised by property taxes . This amount is divided by the 20 total value of all the property 18 in the municipality and 16 multiplied by 1,000 to decide 14 the tax rate also known as the 12 “Mill Rate .” 10 Amount to be raised 8 x 1,000 6 = Mill Rate 4 total taxable assessment 2 0 2016 2015 2014 35

HISTORY OF ASSESSMENT This graph shows the total assessed value of all property within Big Lakes County .

2016 2015 2014 ■ Farmland Property $35,615,610 $35,678,430 $35,804,610 ■ Residential Property $447,061,490 $420,656,660 $386,617,250 ■ Machinery & Equipment $374,070,230 $380,868,730 $377,145,550 ■ Non-residential $186,652,330 $184,537,960 $152,726,080 ■ Linear — Regular Property $979,573,050 $ 1,060,251,970 $1,063,034,580 ■ Linear — Power Generation $11,011,910 $8,893,390 $1,830,900 ■ Total $2,033,984,620 $2,090,887,140 $2,017,158,970

2B

$1 .5B

$1B $900M $800M $700M $600M $500M $400M $300M $200M $100M 0 2016 2015 2014 36

2016 ASSESSMENT & TAX REVENUE

2016 2016 ASSESSMENT TAX REVENUE

■ Farmland Property ...... 2% ■ Farmland Property ...... 1% ■ Residential Property ...... 22% ■ Residential Property ...... 10% ■ Non-residential ...... 58% ■ Non-residential ...... 66% ■ Machinery & Equipment ...... 18% ■ Machinery & Equipment ...... 23%

2017 TAX REVENUE PROJECTIONS

Municipal Tax School Tax Senior Lodges $21,088,802 $5,366,605 $295,801 37

YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, WE HAVE ANSWERS

Here are just a few answers to some of the questions we get asked throughout the year.

How does the province collect the education property tax? and seniors’ lodge facilities) . People who rent or lease property may also contribute indirectly through their Every year the province calculates, based on assessment monthly rent or lease payments . As the education system value, the amount each municipality must contribute benefits all Albertans, people without children in school towards the public education system . also pay the education property tax . Municipalities collect the education property tax from Every Albertan benefits from a quality education system . ratepayers and then forward it to the province for deposit The education property tax supports an education system into the ASFF . that is producing the workforce of tomorrow . Where does the education property tax go? Do seniors have to pay the education property tax? The money collected from the education property tax goes The education tax is a tax on property assessment; to fund Albertans’ priorities in education . The education therefore, seniors who own property must pay the education property tax is pooled into the ASFF and then distributed property tax . The Government of Alberta has implemented among Alberta’s public and separate school boards on an the Senior Property Tax Deferral Program to assist seniors . equal per-student basis .

All separate school boards in the province have opted-out of What is the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program? the ASFF, which means they requisition and collect property The Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program allows eligible tax money from the municipalities directly . Any difference senior homeowners to defer all or part of their property between what an opted-out board collects and what they are taxes through a low-interest home equity loan with the entitled to receive is adjusted for so there is no financial gain Alberta government . The government then pays the to a school jurisdiction that opts out of the ASFF . property taxes on behalf of the eligible homeowner . The loan does not have to be repaid until the property Does everyone pay the education property tax? is sold or sooner if they so choose . All property owners pay the education property tax (with some exceptions, such as non-profit organization

* Alberta School Foundation Fund. Government, Alberta. “Education Property Tax — Facts and Information 2017.” Municipal Affairs: Education Property Tax — Facts and Information 2017. 38

LONG TERM DEBT & RESERVES

$4,702,421 2016 $38,044,136

$5,403,275 2015 $32,371,266

$6,078,608 2014 $33,886,652

$6,729,363 2013 $29,971,812

40m 35m 30m 25m 20m 15m 10m 5m 0 0 5m 10m 15m 20m 25m 30m 35m 40m

LONG-TERM DEBT RESERVES* The Municipal Government Act and Alberta Establishing reserves and setting aside a specified Regulation 255/00 define limits for municipalities . As amount of funds annually assists in long-term financial of December 31, 2016 the County will be at 11% of its planning and in maintaining a stable taxation structure . allowable debt under the MGA and its regulation . Note: Reserves exclude the High Prairie & District Regional Solid Waste Management Authority. 39

■ Net municipal property taxes . . . . . 84 .3% ■ User fees & sales of goods ...... 9. 0%. ■ Government transfers for operating . . . 3 0%. 2016 ■ Interest & investment income . . . . . 1 .9% OPERATING ■ Oil well drilling taxes ...... 0 .8% REVENUES ■ Penalties & costs on taxes ...... 0 .6% ■ Rentals ...... 0 .2% ■ Other ...... 0 .1% ■ Fees, licenses & permits ...... 0 .1%

■ Transportation services ...... 43 .1% ■ Water & wastewater ...... 14 0%. ■ Administration services ...... 12. 0%. ■ Inter-municipal cost sharing ...... 9 .6% 2016 ■ Recreation & culture ...... 6 .8% OPERATING ■ Protective services ...... 4 .5% EXPENSES ■ Agriculture & development services . . . 4 .4% ■ FCSS ...... 2 0%. ■ Waste management & disposal services . 1 .9% ■ Council & other legislative services . . . 1 .7% 40

PUBLIC WORKS

Big Lakes County provides a variety of operational services year round. The following information is intended to provide a glimpse into the daily operations of our municipal services. 41

PRIVATE DRIVEWAY SNOWPLOWING & GRADING AGREEMENTS Private driveway snowplowing and private driveway grading is provided to residents who have entered into an agreement for these services . In 2016 grading and snowplowing services were provided on a cost recovery basis for a minimum charge $68 00. plus GST .

2014 369 22

2015 361 16

2016 289 23

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

NUMBER OF DRIVEWAYS SERVICED SNOWPLOWING GRADING

GRADER BEAT HOURS The County has eight grader beats including two contract graders . Their hours of operation are indicated on the graph below . The variances in unit hours are due to weather, number of dust controlled areas and km of roadway in each area .

CONTRACT – BANANA BELT/SNIPE LAKE 2114 HOURS

KENZIE/GILWOOD 1489 HOURS

HP SOUTHWEST GILWOOD 1013 HOURS

WINAGAMI/SALT PRAIRIE 1414 HOURS

CONTRACT – BIG MEADOWS/GROUARD 1775 HOURS

HP SOUTHEAST/ENILDA 1280 HOURS

JOUSSARD/FAUST 3366 HOURS

KINUSO 2698 HOURS

0 500h 1000h 1500h 2000h 2500h 3000h 3500h 4000h 42

DUST CONTROL APPLICATIONS The County applies calcium chloride dust control at its own cost along gravel roads within the Hamlets as per the Dust Control Policy . Rural residents within the County may also apply to have 150m of dust control applied in front of their residence . This service is provided twice a year at a subsidized cost of $225 00. for the first application of the year and $112 .50 for the second application of the year . The graph below indicates the number of applications received from rural residents in the last five years . In 2016 the County applied 33 .4 km of dust control for rural residents . 157 150 142 127 126

100 92

61 57 45 50 23 29

0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

NUMBER OF REQUESTS RECEIVED 1ST APPLICATION 2ND APPLICATION

QUANTITY OF GRAVEL PLACED ON COUNTY ROADS The County is continually working on securing aggregate resources (i e. . sand & gravel) for future road maintenance . The graph below shows the tonnes of gravel placed on county roads in 2016 and the gravel pit that the gravel was hauled from .

DRIFTPILE PIT 24,159 TONNES

GILWOOD PIT 8,689 TONNES

LITTLE SMOKEY PIT 24,639 TONNES

NEMADAR PIT 35,525 TONNES

0 5K 10K 15K 20K 25K 30K 35K 40K 43

NUMBER OF FLIGHTS RECORDED AT THE SWAN HILLS AERODROME The Swan Hills Aerodrome, located approximately 4km south of the Town of Swan Hills, is under the management and control of Big Lakes County . This Aerodrome is a Self-Register Aerodrome as this is an unmanned facility . Pilots are asked to record their flight details on the Airport Register . The chart below shows the number of recorded flights for each year from 2012 – 2016 .

150

100 156 134 50 113 65 66

0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

NUMBER AND TYPE OF FLIGHTS RECORDED AT THE HIGH PRAIRIE AERODROME (2015 & 2016) On January 1, 2015 Big Lakes County took over management and control of the High Prairie Aerodrome located 2km south of the Town of High Prairie . Input is provided from the High Prairie Airport Advisory Committee with members from the Town of High Prairie, Big Lakes County and Members at Large from both municipalities . This Aerodrome is also a Self-Register Aerodrome .

150 123 2015 FLIGHTS 2016 FLIGHTS

100 72 57 45 50 25 14 12 9 0 Medivac Business Pleasure Other 44

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Public Works also administers Waste Management, which includes seven waste transfer stations with one full time landfill manager . If you have trash in Big Lakes County we’d like to put it in one of the several transfer stations!

TOTAL WASTE TONNAGE ■ 2015 Total Tonnage ■ 2016 Total Tonnage

350

300 250

200

150

100

50

0 BANANA ENILDA GILWOOD GROUARD HEART JOUSSARD KINUSO BELT RIVER & FAUST

2016 TOTAL RECYCLING (KG) ■ Paper ■ Tin/Plastic

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0 ENILDA FAUST JOUSSARD KINUSO GROUARD 45

UTILITIES

The Utilities department administers water and wastewater services to five hamlets, seven rural areas, three water co-ops, and two reserves . On April 30, 2016 REVIEW 2016 the County assumed ownership of the Riverbend Water Co-op . ›› 4 curb value repairs The department has nine full time staff consisting of the: Director of Utilities, ›› 2 water mainline repairs Utilities Foreman, Utilities Coordinator, and six full time Utilities Operators . ›› 1 sewer line repairs ›› 1 flush points installed ›› Force mains flushed in Enilda and Faust ›› 224 meter installations / replacements ›› 3 rural installations ›› 3 installation from cc / main line ›› 14kms of sewer mains flushed ›› 9 lift stations cleaned ›› 500+ water samples taken from 11 systems ›› 10 generators at all hamlet stations installed over 2015/2016 ›› 110 fire hydrants flushed and inspected twice ›› Extended water and sewer lines in the east end of Joussard 46

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

2016 ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS In 2016 the Planning and Development Department consisted of three full-time staff — the Director of Planning & Development, the Assistant Development Officer, and the GIS/Mapping Technician . The Planning and Development Department administers the County’s statutory planning documents, such as the Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw, and Area Structure Plans, by providing recommendations to the subdivision & development authority (Municipal Planning Commission) and Council on applications such as development permits, subdivision approvals, and Land Use Bylaw amendments . When you are seeking subdivision or development approval, our department must ensure that you have a suitable building site, adequate water and mechanisms to dispose of waste . The Municipal Government Act (MGA) provides direction on many aspects of planning and development and all of our policies, bylaws and procedures must comply with the legislation within the MGA . As our development permit statistics show, the County has seen steady growth in the residential category . Indicative of 2016’s slowdown in the oil and gas industry, the County saw a major decrease in commercial and industrial development .

Development Application by Construction Value Development Applications

2013 2014 2015 2016 2013 2014 2015 2016

Industrial 11,806,000 659,230 2,515,000 220,000 Industrial 8 3 4 4

Commercial 6,883,000 276,000 1,190,250 673,410 Commercial 11 2 13 6

Residential** 9,172,815 9,069,645 11,683,500 14,245,365 Residential 81 93 114 100

Other* 14,847,910 365,000 171,000 490,000 Other 15 11 7 6

Total $42,709,725 $10,369,875 $15,559,750 $15,628,775 Total 115 109 138 116

** Residential includes dwellings, cabins, additions, garages, sheds, shops * Other — Public use/institutional facilities, shops, signs, wind turbines, hangar, propane storage (not for sale), family campground, RV Parking • 2013 other spike due to Triangle Hall, Joussard School & HP School Division Admin Office & Shop; 2015 HP Forest Products dry kiln equipment, aircraft fueling station 47

Residential Development by Number of Permit Applications extensive community consultation was carried out to ensure that our residents and stakeholders were heard . 2013 2014 2015 2016 The County’s consultant, Heritage Collaborate Inc ., Single Family Dwellings*32 33 34 48 continues to work on Phase 2 of the Oral History Project Manufactured Homes 11 9 13 15 — the new County history book . The draft is now with the

Cabins** 3 11 12 5 editor . Stay tuned for the final product!

Garages 11 18 19 12 During the summer months of 2016, the County was able to take advantage of the Summer Temporary Employment Other (Decks, Sheds) 24 22 36 24 Program and we hired a summer student to assist us with Total 81 93 114 104 bringing our Municipal Emergency Management Plan up to * Includes additions date . This was an intensive project but was completed on target . ** Cabin is a dwelling used as a temporary residence with a maximum square footage of 600 sq. ft

The Planning and Development Department is also Subdivisions by Number of Applications responsible for mapping, bylaw enforcement, compliance 2013 2014 2015 2016 certificates, and the municipal land inventory . Urban (Hamlet) 6 2 2 3 To ensure public safety, our department administers a contract Rural 19 22 6 12 agency, Superior Safety Codes, that is responsible for reviewing and processing building, electrical, gas, plumbing and Rural Multi-Lot 1 0 0 5 private sewage disposal permit applications, permit issuance and Bare Land Condominium 1 1 1 2 inspections of work completed . This agency also provides code advice and consultations, conducts investigations in conjunction Total 27 25 9 22 with various local and provincial regulatory agencies and Interestingly, subdivision applications for 3 lots or less in investigates safety codes related complaints . the rural areas increased by 100% in 2016 from 2015 . In late 2016, the County said farewell to Andrew Austin, There were 0 rural multi-lot subdivision applications in GIS Technician and we were fortunate to have Therese Morris 2014 and 2015 but in 2016 5 applications were received . from join our team . Ms . Morris Urban (hamlet) subdivisions had a 50% increase . ambitiously spent the remainder of 2016 familiarizing herself with the County’s GIS data, budget, and county business in Completed Subdivisions by Number of Lots general . She began the process of integrating the GIS data 2013 2014 2015 2016 into geodatabases, organized the GIS office, completed an Urban (Hamlet) 11 1 8 2 inventory of all rolled maps, developed training for staff in GIS, and researched a new plotter to replace existing one . Rural 0 17 12 4

In 2015 the County began the process of rewriting its Rural Multi-lot 9 3 Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw . In May of Bare Land Condominium 22 22 0 0 2017 both bylaws were approved by Council . Online versions can be found at biglakescounty .ca . This was a big project and Total 33 40 29 9 48

2016 ANIMAL CONTROL REPORT

Big Lakes County Animal Control serves the community Stray, feral and abandoned dogs make up the majority through the capture of stray, feral & abandoned dogs and of animal complaints and because living in close proximity addressing public complaints of nuisance or unsafe dogs . to humans means an almost guaranteed food supply, there Progress is being made in regards to controlling stray dog is no reason for strays to leave our hamlet communities . populations; however, there is a constant influx in population We encourage County residents to report any dog as puppies are being born and dogs are being abandoned or that is seen in distress or running at large . running away and living astray . We are confident that with Catching stray dogs can be a challenging task, requiring time and dedication we can get the number of stray dogs dedication and patience . Our staff employs different down even further .

2016 RETURN TO DOGS CLAIMED (9) DOGS NOT CLAIMED (94) OWNER RATE BY AREA

Kinuso & area

Faust & area

Joussard & area

Grouard & area

Enilda & area

Big Meadow

Hwy 2 East

South of High Prairie

North of High Prairie

Gilwood & West of HP 49

approaches and techniques required for each individual dog Following the three day holding period, unclaimed animals and situation . The dogs we handle can range from being are brought to In The Woods Animal Rescue near Nampa, healthy and friendly to frightened, protective, having high to continue being cared for, brought back to health and hormone levels, being sick, and possibly injured . Many of behaviour standards when required, spayed/neutered, given these situations can result in dogs acting aggressively, which all of their vaccines and finally, adopted out to an approved puts staff, the public, and other animals in danger . home . This rescue organization greatly assists the County Animal Control Program and we are very thankful to have Once captured, the dogs spend three days in our kennel the Rescue accept so many dogs from our area . facility to allow time for owners to claim them . In the kennel facility the kennels are cleaned daily, the dogs have an abundance of food and water, a bed to sleep on, and medical care when required . Because many of the dogs have lived Donations for In The Woods Animal Rescue can be most, if not all of their lives astray, this is often their first dropped off at the County office in High Prairie or positive experience with people where they have been fully contact Sheryl Woods at 780-322-2652 cared for, brushed, petted, comforted, and talked to . 50

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Community Services facilitates the development of community initiatives, which aim to foster a positive image, stewardship, and sustainable growth. Community Services serves our county residents through a combination of services that includes: Agricultural Services, Animal Control, Safety, Economic Development, Community Coordinator and Grants. 51

MESSAGE FROM THE AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD CHAIRMAN

It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone . Then onto the ASB Conference in January and again, Seems like just yesterday I was reminiscing about 2015! it was an exceptional experience . What to say about 2016 . A new chapter for the ASB is the hiring of a new Agricultural Fieldman, Sheila Kaus . Sheila added new knowledge and is up First of all, we had a super dry spring so producers and to new challenges in life . county’s alike were ready for a routine year . Think again! The rain gods decided to give us a taste of Mother Nature Lastly, thanks to Roy and Council and the ASB for pushing and kept everyone scrambling to try and complete their forward in such a demanding year . summer programs . May 2017 will be back to normal and give everyone a chance From field to roadside spraying and mowing, haying, and to look to the future and not dwell in the past . silaging; getting the crops off the fields was a definite “TO THE FUTURE!” challenge! Secondly, some changes to the county . CAO Bill Kostiw retired and Roy Brideau took his place . Suzanne Allan and Jordan Panasiuk did a great job with a nerve wracking Doug Meneice summer and fall . Agricultural Service Board Chairman 52

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

Big Lakes County Agricultural Services aims to improve ›› Mr . Grant Gaschnitz and support the economic viability and vibrancy of ›› Mr . Lorne Pratt the agricultural industry within our municipality . This is done through implementation of the Agricultural ›› Mr . Alvin Billings Service Board programs and priorities, participation in ›› Reeve Ken Matthews provincial agricultural surveys, support of sustainable › agriculture education and collaboration through extension › Deputy Reeve David Marx organizations, and meeting the municipal responsibilities ›› Councillor Ann Stewart - of the following provincial acts: ›› Councillor Ed Podollan ›› Weed Control Act ›› Councillor Ken Killeen ›› Agricultural Pest Act Big Lakes County Agricultural Service Board is focused on ›› Soil Conservation Act providing quality services and assistance to our ratepayers . Agricultural Services administered the following programs Big Lakes County conducts provincially reported in 2016: Agricultural Pest surveys annually for Fusarium, Clubroot, Virulent Blackleg and Grasshopper . All surveys were ›› Roadside Mowing completed in 2016 . Under the Weed Act, 651 weed ›› Vegetative Control inspections and 1500 km of municipal ditch vegetative control was completed in Big Lakes County . ›› Spray Exemption Program The Agricultural Service Board in Big Lakes County is a ›› Pest Management mixture of County Councillors and agricultural producers ›› Agricultural Equipment Rental Program within the municipality . In 2016, the Agricultural Service › Board Members were as follows: › Agricultural Disaster ›› Mr . Doug Meneice; Chairperson In December of 2016, an Agricultural Disaster was declared for Big Lakes County . The entire province experienced › › Mr . Duane Nichols; Vice Chairperson unseasonably wet weather conditions during harvest, leaving ›› Mr . George Blackhurst many with crop on the field when winter set in . 53

GRANTS UPDATE

Big Lakes County would like to thank the dedicated volunteers that EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP contribute countless hours for cultural, health & wellness, and heritage based IN 2016 activities throughout the region . Your work in our County allows for our A glimpse at funding under the thriving communities . 2016 Events and Sponsorship: Big Lakes County has supported and continues to support local community ›› The Ski Hill and organizations through funding and funding acquisition advice . In 2016, Snipe Lake Campsite received Council awarded a total of $1,295,536 toward: grants towards maintenance of their family oriented recreational facilities . ›› Roadside/Hamlet Cleanup Sponsorship totaling $2,960 for community organizations . Call the Grants Officer & sign up for roadside cleanup . CAPITAL PROJECTS IN 2016 ›› Facility improvements to the Banana Belt, Faust, and Kinuso Community Halls; as well as the High Prairie Golden Age Club, the High Prairie & District Golf Club, and the High Prairie Elks Lodge . ›› Grouard-Peace River Trail ■ 10 Capital Projects | $280,910 ■ 5 Operating Recreation & Culture | $749,616 Net Society completed the

■ 18 Events & Sponsorships | $55,010 ■ 5 Operating Seniors Transportation | $25,000 construction of a bridge along its

■ 16 Operating Community Hall | $125,000 ■ 4 Operating Museum Grants | $60,000 historical, and recreational, trail .

Please contact the Grants Officer if you would like to stay up-to-date on Grants related news or if you have any questions about the Capital, Operational, and Events and Sponsorship Grant streams. 54

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

We are pleased about the milestone Tolko Industries deal that Council worked hard over years to make happen . Municipal economic development is about working with community, existing and future business, and government to facilitate sustainable business and investment activity . It is about setting the conditions for business attraction, retention and growth of existing companies, and start-up activity . It involves strategic thinking, planning, and communications; credible data and information; building relationships of trust; and working with industry and government to move ideas to action . In 2016, Big Lakes County established an Economic Development Authority (EDA) . The goal was to create a progressive, visionary, and coordinated approach to economic development . In its first year, the EDA focused on laying the foundation for the EDA and building for the future .

STEP 1 . . and then we rate the ideas, with industry input, according to three things: strategic fit, feasibility, and economic was to get everyone on the same page by establishing a impact . Every decision is thus based on information and is common definition of economic development and a clear made objectively and transparently . We can tell you why plan forward . This was done to remove inefficiencies and focus is on one idea over another at any given time . (See to create a “to do list” so that we can check off progress Image 1 “Prioritization Matrix ”). . Priorities set for 2017 are: and track outcomes every month . broadband internet, Agriculture, Tourism, Energy, STEP 2 . . and continued image and outreach work . included coming up with a process for making informed Image 1: Prioritization Matrix This image shows how different ideas are rated and placed according to strategic fit (x axis), decisions about where to focus our efforts . You might feasibility (y axis), and economic impact (size of the bubble). hear people say that: “A pellet plant would work here ”. “We need to market tourism ”. “Could we get oil rigs or commercial fishing going again?” or “The top priority should be broadband infrastructure ”. These are all examples of ideas . We needed to determine which ideas at any given moment have merit and will produce the best return for our investment of time and money . So, we developed a simple but effective tool for weighing the pros and cons of every idea . We first do the research 55

STEP 3 . . was to gather and share up-to-date and relevant information with anyone who would like to do business in Big Lakes . In 2016, we completed sector profiles on Agriculture, Energy, and Forestry . There are 7 more sectors underway . We also began hosting sector tours that brought together experts from within and from outside of the County to discuss challenges and opportunities, thereby providing qualitative information to complement the information that we get from research and databases . This information, in addition or general information about the county, helps Council, local businesses, future investors, and others make informed decisions about their investments . All information is available online (new website and Townfolio), as well as at the Big Lakes County Office . The EDA also created a Big Lakes Business Support Team that will help companies with tailored research and other supports . We want you and others to start, continue, and grow your business here . So, we are providing this information service to not just say “we are open for business,” but prove it with top-notch information and customer service . Please contact us if you require information to help you be successful in Big Lakes.

STEP 4 . . entailed the EDA taking the initiative to improve communications and marketing so that Big Lakes County would have a professional, fresh, and welcoming image . This is critical for economic development success in any municipality as we only have one first impression online and offline . To get this big job done and done well, we built a team of award-winning, global communications and marketing talent, all of whom offered their services at dramatically reduced rates . The result was a single, coherent strategy because trying to be all things to all people results in scattered messaging that fails to connect with anyone . We developed a communications and marketing plan and recommended that the County hire a qualified coordinator to implement it, which it did in May 2017 . We did a website strategy to create a modern website that is both a better resource for residents and an outstanding marketing tool . We then got to work organizing all information, designing the website, and updating content for a

Version 1 launch in summer 2017, to be followed by a Version 2 in fall 2017 . REDEFINE YOUR WORKSPACE GO BIGLAKESCOUNTY.CA We created a core message: GO BIG . The beauty of this positioning is that it is clear, concise, catchy, brief and to the point . Most importantly, because it is

Image 2: Snap shot of new Big Lakes County website | Image 3: Ad sample 56

a play on Big Lakes County, it can’t be replicated with the We did all these steps in record time and under our allocated same authenticity by anyone else in the region . “Go Big” is $200,000 budget . We even added over $260,000 to the relevant to our four main audiences: residents, businesses, budget by successfully getting two grants with our grants officer: visitors, and investors . It can be used in many ways for one for information gathering and local business support, future campaigns targeted to each of these audiences . and another to build a business case for rural broadband . Everything that we produced, from sector profiles and We are making waves . Already in its first year, the Big Lakes powerpoint templates, to the new website, and even this County EDA has garnered attention for innovative and annual report, was done based on the new strategies and best practices in municipal economic development . Not to message . Everything is now coherent . We’ve been told time mention, we got four articles in the Western Producer about and time again that the quality of the work rivals that done Agriculture businesses in Big Lakes that boosted marketing by economic associations in Alberta and Canada’s major and sales for some of those businesses . cities . Go Big Lakes! ABOUT THE EDA STEP 5 . . Economic development is not in the hands of Big Lakes was to expand and strengthen our networks . The point in alone . It is the combined efforts of all stakeholders — economic development is to be “out there ”. Getting new companies, organizations, governments, and community . ideas, learning, promoting the County, and making sure that It takes collaboration, time, and great vision and effort . we are on senior decision makers radars, whether they be The EDA provides leadership, information, coordination, provincial and federal governments, or corporate executives contacts, and facilitation. We connect the dots. and investors . That’s how we get things done . We are one The EDA committee members are Councillors Ken Kileen of 64 municipalities in Alberta, and one of hundreds in (Chair), Robert Nygaard, Donald Charrois, and a team of Canada . They are not going to come to us . Big Lakes staff members, contractors, and advisors . Lead by In 2016, we told the world that we are serious about Executive Director Lisa Baroldi, the EDA merges county economic development through our actions . We lobbied and outside expertise to produce concrete results in timely governments on issues such as broadband with great and cost effective manner . Each quarter Council measures success . We established regular bi-monthly meetings progress to determine if the EDA activities are contributing with senior government officials, and we networked with to making Big Lakes County a better place to do business corporate leaders, at home and away, in oil and gas, forestry, and invest, and to live, visit, and work . agriculture, and other sectors to let them know that we are Contact Big Lakes Economic Development Authority on top of things and have dedicated resources to work with (EDA) Executive Director Lisa Baroldi at them to improve our local economy . The positive responses ecdev@biglakescounty .ca / lbaroldi@progressunltd .com that we received exceeded our expectations and opened or 778-928-3706 for more information or with inquiries several new doors for Big Lakes County . Indeed, many are regarding your business and investment decisions . looking to us as leaders in rural economic development . 57 58

FIRE SERVICES

Big Lakes County has 84 volunteer firefighters who are the scene of an emergency . This program has improved our dedicated to keeping you safe by providing efficient, response times as well as alerting the public of our presence . effective, and responsive fire and emergency services . “Bylaw No . 22-2007 of the County of Big Lakes /Section: Providing our firefighters with the proper equipment to help 14, Recovery of Costs” was updated to better suit the you in emergency situations is always a top priority . This past desires of our community and its residents . Additionally, year, a Utility Terrain Rescue Vehicle (UTV) was purchased 2016 had multiple inspections and occupancy loads that will be used in ice rescues or in inaccessible/remote completed throughout the County . forested locations . Throughout our year the fire halls in each hamlet were In 2016, we fully instituted the Green Light Program . This utilized by multiple departments within our County and means when an emergency happens our volunteers are as such we are still in the process of starting our addition notified and can activate a green light on their personal to the Joussard fire hall . This addition will benefit multiple vehicle, which allows them to get to either the fire hall or departments that support our Joussard community . 59

2016 EMERGENCY RESPONSE CALLS

As you can see, it has been a busy year! Big Lakes County responded to 107 emergency response calls in 2016 . The chart below provides a breakdown of emergency response calls attended:

Mutual Aid

Monitored Alarm

Power Lines Down

Hazmat (small)

MVC (vehicle)

Rescue

MCR (medical)

Outdoor Fire

Lift Assist

Structure Fire

Electrical Hazard

Landing Zone

Vehicle Fire

Fire Investigation

Service Call 60

FAMILY & COMMUNIT Y SERVICES

2016 DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS Big Lakes FCS is a partnership between the Province of ›› Assistance for seniors with Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Alberta, Big Lakes County and the Town of High Prairie . Security, Guaranteed Income Supports, Alberta Seniors Benefit, Alberta Blue Cross and Alberta Special Needs . Provincially, FCSS is mandated to provide preventative social services under the Alberta FCSS legislation . ›› Assistance for residents with disability income supports Some of the supports that were provided by Big Lakes ›› Assistance for residents who had a death in their family FCSS in the past year: including assistance with necessary paperwork

›› Free, confidential services for individuals through our extensive ›› Local hamlet newsletters to five hamlets and unique outreach program ›› Home Support Program › › Information and referral to appropriate agencies ›› Public transportation program was set up and approved by ›› Emergency/disaster preparedness Council ! › ›› Youth programs › Co-ordinated County BBQ for ratepayers › ›› Red Silhouette (domestic violence awareness) program › Co-ordinates annual Wall of Fame program ›› Big Lakes FCS provided events that are a part of the provincial ›› Christmas hamper program—76 families in 2016 and local directives: 3 Seniors Week events, 6 Volunteer ›› Community volunteer income tax program (400+ in 2016) Appreciative events and 6 Family Day events .

NEW IN 2016! FIRST ANNUAL FORT MCMURRAY FINANCIAL FAIR! RESPONSE This event brought all ends of personal finance Big Lakes FCSS was a part of the Alberta wide together in one place for our residents: FCSS response to the Fort McMurray evacuation . ›› Budgeting ›› Banking They collected donations, assisted evacuees with services and referrals and reported to the Province ›› Scam awareness ›› Housing agreements of Alberta on their services . ›› Insurance ›› Utilities savings 61

CALLS ON FCSS CONTINUE TO CLIMB: 180% INCREASE SEEN SINCE 2012 Percent increase in outreach services provided (over the previous year): 2013 (+ 12%), 2014 (+ 23%), 2015 (+ 62%), 2016 (+ 24%)

6000

5000

4000 5572 for 2016 3000

2000

1000

0 2013 2014 2015 2016

SENIORS UNDER 65 TOTAL 62

OUR MISSION VISION Building a Sustainable & VISION Municipality BUILDING ›› Through Council’s leadership, building, and diversifying Big Lakes County economy and strengthening Big Lakes County’s role as a leader of rural municipalities .

SUSTAINABLE ›› Striving for sustainability in Big Lakes County by setting the stage for continued innovation, education, BIG LAKES COUNTY MISSION STATEMENT diversification, and good government . Big Lakes County will endeavor to enhance our overall community by encouraging responsible development that MUNICIPALITY supports our resource based industries, our agriculture ›› Maintaining the rural base and the overall education of our people. This landscape in Big Lakes means investing in core services like infrastructure, County by protecting communities, and other municipal services. Through agricultural resources Council policy and resolutions we will promote and significant natural environments for future responsible development, environmental security, positive generations . Inter-Municipal relations safety and work with the private, public and governmental partners. 63

DIRECTORS

TED LASZCZAK JORDAN PANASIUK VIC ABEL Director of Utilities Director of Community Services Director of Public Works 780-523-5955 780-523-5955 780-523-5955 TLaszczak@BigLakesCounty .ca JPanasiuk@BigLakesCounty .ca VAbel@BigLakesCounty .ca

PAT OLANSKY MARK SCHONKEN Director of Planning & Development Director of Corporate Services 780-523-5955 780-523-5955 POlansky@BigLakesCounty .ca MSchonken@BigLakesCounty .ca BIG LAKES COUNTY — HIGH PRAIRIE OFFICE BIGLAKESCOUNTY.CA 5305-56 Street, Box 239, High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0 Ph: (780) 523-5955 | Fax: (780) 523-4227