Barb Castell – Division 3
Greetings from Foothills County, Division 3 and a huge welcome to Spring!!!
It has been a busy month both in Council and in committee meetings.
Something new has been brought forward by staff. Foothills County has required most businesses operating in the County to obtain a business licence since 1981. However, the current bylaw that provides for licences and outlines requirements, fees etc. is outdated and too complicated. Council has given municipal staff direction to undertake a review of business licences. As part of this project, we would like to hear from County landowners and from businesses operating in the County to understand their opinions on business licences and the licensing process.
Here is the link to the survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZ29X7H
Council met with Foothills School Division at the beginning of March to discuss CMRB, Joint Agreements, COVID, the Blackie School modernization, plus priorities for other school modernizations, and Emergency Response Planning.
We also discussed school playgrounds and the opportunities to access Provincial Grants for revitalization of some of the older playgrounds.
Council had a very productive meeting with MLA RJ Sigurdson who brought us up to speed on Provincial matters regarding first responders, CMRB, and the Provincial budget. It is always beneficial to have discussions with our Provincial and Federal elected officials whenever we have the opportunity.
In early March the Joint Steering Committee met for the first time since the election. It was a chance to get to know the Councillors and staff from Turner Valley and Black Diamond who have been appointed to the committee. The main topic was the development of the Terms of Reference for the proposed Intermunicipal Committee (IMC).
The Dark Sky Stakeholders Working Group (AKA Dark Sky Committee) met via ZOOM at the end of February. The meeting was attended by 10 very enthusiastic people. Lots of excellent discussion, input from experts, and go forward ideas. Light pollution in Foothills County was the Number 2 complaint while I was campaigning. The committee came up with a very lengthy Action List. The main thrust of the evening dealt with how to get the word out to newcomers to Foothills County and to work with neighbours to make our Dark Skies a reality.
Many people do not know about the Dark Sky bylaws in Foothills County, and maybe do not even know they are projecting light out into the sky or the neighbours’ yards. Be mindful where the light on your property is directed. Be a kind, thoughtful neighbour. Remember light should be directed down, not up and out from your property.
You can learn about Dark Skies on the Rothney Astronomical Observatory website. We are so fortunate to have this facility in Foothills County. Not only is it a research facility, but an educational centre for the public. Watch for upcoming events that you and your family and friends can participate in. science.ucalgary.ca/rothney-observatory/community/dark-sky-country
Sheila Hildebrandt, a Foothills County resident, contacted me to send this information for all residents:
The Rural Mental Health Project (RMHP) has arrived in Millarville!!! The RMHP has been designed by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to further our community’s mental wellness.
- What things do you currently do to keep mentally healthy?
- What types of services or groups would you like to see to help your mental wellbeing?
- What groups are being served well and what groups need some more help? Are the seniors’ needs being met? Can more be done for the youth in our community?
- This project is for you and your family. What do YOU want to see?
Sheila is more than happy to meet with established groups for presentations on the Project and will also be set up in the coming months at various places in and around the Hamlet of Millarville for drop in coffee time chats. Stay tuned to the Facebook page for when and where these meet ups will occur.
Please feel free to reach out to the newly trained animator for Millarville, Sheila Hildebrandt. She can be reached at: 403-554-0318 samhil55@gmail.com
Facebook – Millarville Rural Mental Health Project
If you have anything to add to my Newsletter, please contact me.
My flowers and veggies are growing like weeds and ready to go into the greenhouse. Happy planting!!!
Barb Castell
Phone: 403-931-3690
E-Mail: barb.castell@foothillscountyab.ca
Website: www.barbcastell.com
FaceBook: facebook.com/barbcastell.ca
