Barb Castell – Division 3
As I write this newsletter, Foothills County is in the deep freeze. It has been -37C or colder for the past few nights.
Foothills County – Public Works
A huge thank you goes to our Public Works crew for their fast and efficient clearing of our County Roads in the last cold spell. Special care was given to sharp corners and sand was applied in many places.
Public Works has been looking for ways to save money and utilize older equipment longer as delays in the supply chain seem to still exist and the cost of equipment is always increasing. In 2023, the County utilised the Finning Canada’s Governmental rebuild programme for two of its other motor graders, which saved the County roughly $670,000 and cut delivery time by more than six months.
Just recently Council approved the rebuild of one of the graders with a major engine issue. It needed to be dealt and was an ideal candidate for a rebuild. Public Works had a full machine assessment completed. The rebuild is not to exceed $575,000 which is 62.2% of a full machine replacement. It would provide 5 years of warranty or 6000 hours of warranty exclusive to the Finning Canada’s Governmental rebuild programme.
Foothills County – Transfer Stations
I have been asked why there are cement blocks near the garbage disposal containers at the transfer stations. Short answer: Safety. Users have fallen between the containers and the area around the containers.
Millarville Horticultural Club
I think all of us who attended the meeting and talks on January 9 will agree it was one of the very best. There were so many new members sharing their gardening successes and failures from last year’s hot summer. Those who wanted some onion seeds got to plant them right there and take them home to sit in a sunny south window until Spring planting.
Thank you to our new president, Louise Patterson-Bruns, for supplying the seeds and making the evening so much fun.
Lyn Dean gave us a great overview of what is to come this year with the Hort Club.
If you want to join, just contact the Horticultural Club by email: millarvillehorticulturalclub@gmail.com
Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society (MRAS)
If you are new to the area, check out the February 2024 Calendar on the MRAS website. If you are interested in attending some of the equine presentations and activities, this is your chance. www.millarvilleracetrack.com/calendar
Millarville Stockland 4H Public Speaking
I always look forward to judging the Junior 4H Public Speaking, which will be held on Sunday, February 4. The Juniors are my favourite group and provide great entertainment for all. If you are new to the area and want your child to join this wonderful organisation. Contact them at: millarvillestockland@gmail.com
Dark Sky Working Initiatives Stakeholders Working Group
Good news! We now have a website: www.darkskycountry.ca
We also have a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DarkSkyCountry Thank you to Councillor Suzanne Oel for all her work on the website.
The Dark Sky Initiative aids the efforts of Foothills County in becoming more aware of the night- time environment and how it can be adversely affected by human activities. The initiative will minimize the impacts of lighting yards and streets, as well as commercial and industrial developments.
Right now, the group consists of area stakeholders, representatives from various groups, and residents of Foothills County. New members are always welcome to join.
Ask your children why you think we chose an Owl for the Dark Sky Mascot? Winter is a perfect time to look at the night sky in Foothills County. Go out and have a look tonight.
Northwest Foothills Recreation Board (NWFRB)
New benches and bear proof garbage disposal containers were installed at the Seaman Sports Park. These are for dog pick up and picnic garbage only. Watch for new updates in the Spring. Updates from NWFRB can be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NWFoothillsRec
Or look on the Foothills County website: www.foothillscountyab.ca/community/recreation-boards/north-west-foothills-recreation-board
Leighton Art Centre
Due to financial and infrastructure constraints, Leighton Art Centre has extended their annual winter break and will remain closed to in-person visits from now through to April 5. The centre will reopen on April 6 with new exhibitions in the gallery and museum!
Art and Nature Summer Camps are now registering for children aged 6-14. These camps offer children a hands-on connection to art, nature, and Alberta’s heritage. Each week during July and August, summer campers are inspired to create in a wide variety of art forms while exploring Leighton Art Centre’s natural setting through nature hikes and outdoor games and activities.
More information: www.leightoncentre.org/parents/summer-camp
Important Dates
Family Day: Monday, February 19
AlbertaTeachers’ Association Convention and Non-instructions days: Tuesday, February 20 to Friday, February 23.
I started my plants in January, and I am really looking forward to Spring.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Barb Castell
Phone: 403-931-3690
E-Mail: barb.castell@foothillscountyab.ca
Website: www.barbcastell.com
FaceBook: facebook.com/barbcastell.ca
