Suzanne Oel – Division 4
Greetings! Sharing my News Update…
Recent Cougar Encounters: According to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, the highest population of cougars in our province thrives in Southwest Alberta. That’s in our backyard! In recent weeks, residents have been posting their many bear and cougar sightings, videos and encounters. With all this activity, it’s a good time to refresh our awareness about living with wildlife.
Message from Foothills Agricultural Services: With cooler temperatures approaching, predator activity can increase. Residents and visitors are reminded to be cognizant of wildlife and the potential for predators becoming more active. Several recent reports indicate an increase in cougar activity in Foothills County.
Residents are Encouraged to:
- Be cautious during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.
- Make noise to alert a cougar or other potentially dangerous wildlife of your presence.
- Keep children close. Never let them play outside unsupervised or at dawn and dusk.
- Keep pets close and supervise them when outside.
- Leave an area if you see or smell a dead animal.
- Carry bear spray when out and about.
If You see a Cougar:
- Do not approach the animal.
- Face the cougar and retreat slowly – do not run or play dead.
- Immediately pick up small children or pets.
- Try to appear bigger by holding your arms or an object above your head.
- Be aggressive, shout, wave a stick or throw rocks to deter an attack.
- Report your sighting or interaction to Fish and Wildlife at 403.932.2385.
For more Info, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/cougars
Proper Disposal of Hazardous Materials: In response to a fire at the Foothills Landfill this summer, Foothills County asks residents to consider the importance of proper disposal of household hazardous waste. Improper disposal can cause pollution, health impacts for plant and animal life, and fire risk due to flammability of ignitable and/ or reactive items. The Landfill’s hazardous waste sorting site is intended for residential customers with quantities of hazardous waste less than 20L, to handle these items properly and keep everyone safe. For details, visit: https://foothillslrrc.com/service/hazardous-waste-paint/
Foothills Regional Landfill & Resource Recovery Centre: is owned and operated by the Foothills Regional Services Commission, which services and accepts waste from the following communities: Foothills County, Town of High River, Town of Okotoks, Diamond Valley, Town of Nanton. Regular landfill hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday- Saturday. Closed on Sunday and all Statutory Holidays. Located in Foothills County on Highway 783 (16 Street E.), 5.5 Km south of Highway 7, 5 km north of Highway 543. For details, contact info, map, rates, FAQs and services, visit: https://foothillslrrc.com/ or phone 403.938.5224
Priddis Transfer Station: is open Tuesday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phone: 403.931.3266. Located at SE-29- 22-3- W5M (264 St. W. & 178 Ave). Bags can be purchased at the Priddis Transfer Station for $2 per bag. The cost of this garbage service is 75% subsidized for Foothills County residents.
Fire Advisory since September 12, 2024: As of the writing of this article, Foothills County remains in the state of a Fire Advisory. Moisture levels and fire risk will continue to be monitored throughout the County and the status updated as needed. The County asks residents to use extra caution and be extra vigilant when burning. If the conditions change, the County may impose a fire ban or restriction at any time. Check the current status and view more details about what is permitted under a Fire Advisory on our website: www.foothillscountyab.ca
Forestry Fire Risk: Wildfire danger across the Calgary Forest Area, located west of Foothills County, remains very high as of a mid-October report. Although cooler overnight conditions have set in, there has been a lack of precipitation which contributes to maintaining very dry conditions. For updates, visit: https://srd.web.alberta.ca/calgary-area-update
Div. 4 Local Road Construction: The corner of 210 Ave W and 256 St W is currently under construction. Our Public Works Department has been undertaking this realignment over the past few weeks. While the project is under way in 2024, it will likely be concluded in the spring of 2025. Throughout the winter months, materials will be stockpiled for the continued work on this project.
For Other News & Updates:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncillorSuzanneOel/
Email: Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca
With Best Regards,
Suzanne
