Barb Castell – Division 3
With the exception of a few very snowy days, the winter has been tolerable.
Again, a huge thank you to Foothills County Public Works for keeping the roads clear as fast as possible over the Christmas holidays, nights, and weekends. Division 3 has winding, steep terrain in places which makes it harder to plough than roads out in the East country. I have had many calls saying how happy residents are and to pass along their thanks to those who plough all night long on some treacherous roads.
Foothills County – Budget Book
Foothills County Council approved the 2025 Budget at its December 14, 2024 meeting. The Budget Book outlines both Capital and Operating budgets by department and provides an overview of 2025 as well as the 2025-2028 Capital plan for Foothills County.
The 2025 Foothills County Budget Book is now available here: www.foothillscountyab.ca/government/taxes/budget
Foothills County – New Residents Information
Are you new to the community? In the past few weeks, I have met many new residents to Foothills County. The link below provides useful information from “Where can I take my garbage?” and “Do I need a burning permit?” and “What are the rules about dogs running at large?” It also has tips on winter road clearing.
www.foothillscountyab.ca/community/new-residents-information
Orphan Well Association – Well Decommissioning Work
The Orphan Well Association works with industry, government and public stakeholders to manage the safety and environmental risks of oil and gas sites that do not have a legally or financially responsible party. These properties are known as “orphans”.
On January 8 they made a presentation to Foothills County Council regarding an upcoming project in Division 3.
If you see bright lights and trucks moving in and out of the north side of Diamond Valley on Dunham Lane at all hours of the day and night, it is the Orphan Well Association at work decommissioning the area west of Diamond Valley (Turner Valley side). The well was drilled in 1930 and now abandoned with no viable partners.
This will mainly impact the immediate area, but you might notice more traffic coming and going from the area so drive with caution.
For more information: www.orphanwell.ca
Town of Diamond Valley Library Board (Sheep River Library)
The Town of Diamond Valley and Foothills County representatives for the Intermunicipal Collaborative Framework (ICF) met back in November 2024 to discuss Shared Services and Recreation. It was determined it would be beneficial to appoint a Board member from Foothills County council to the Town of Diamond Valley Library Board (Sheep River Library). Some residents of Foothills County use this library, so Foothills County has a cost sharing agreement.
I was appointed to the Board and attended the first meeting on January 9, 2025. Board Secretary Nadine Russell gave an extremely interesting presentation to the Board on Archives and the rules and ramifications of managing Archives.
For more information about the resources and events at the Sheep River Library: sheepriverlibrary.ca
Millarville Sports Association
Thank you to Director Mike Robley for the invite to the Grand Opening of the Millarville Hockey Rink Upgrades on January 10. Luckily, it was a beautiful evening, and everyone got to enjoy the very impressive viewing deck and new players’ boxes. Plus, the added bonus of the U18 hockey game.
Mike acknowledged the Calgary Foundation through the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund represented by Bob and Patricia Seaman and Foothills County for their financial contribution to the upgrades. Many hard-working community members volunteered their time from the beginning of the project in 2023 right up to the special celebration where community members were still volunteering. He also acknowledged the companies and trades people who actually constructed this upgrade.
Congratulations to everyone involved.
For more information go to their website: www.millarvillesports.ca
The Priddis & Millarville Fair
Planning has already started for the 2025 Priddis & Millarville Fair. The first meeting of the new year was on January 9.
If you would like to be involved in this amazing event you can go to the website for more information: www.millarvilleracetrack.com/priddis-millarville-fair
Or send an email to: fair@millarvilleracetrack.com
Millarville Stockland 4H Public Speaking
I always look forward to judging the Junior 4H Public Speaking, which will be held on Sunday, February 2. 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
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
