Barb Castell – Division 3
As I am writing this, it is a beautiful sunny winter day and +6C! Unfortunately, we still need a lot of moisture in the fields. There was another fire in a farmer’s field on February 12th, just north of Turner Valley. A few more snow falls would sure help.
On January 27th, I attended the Crescent Point Energy Community Foundation where the last of the two million dollars was given away, to many deserving groups. This money came from a water licence that Crescent Point Energy sold to the Town of Okotoks several years ago. Crescent Point Energy decided to give all that money back to the community organizations where they currently operate. I want to thank Crescent Point Energy for supporting so many groups as I know they are all truly grateful.
I recently attended a virtual Marigold Library System Board meeting. Do you wonder where all those books come
from at your local library? The Millarville Community Library is part of the Marigold Library System that is based in Strathmore and distributes books to 35 member libraries. A new building was recently built there as it was much needed because the Marigold service population has tripled since 2017. With 320,000 Albertans in its service area, Marigold is the third largest library system in Alberta based on population, after Calgary and Edmonton. The Board is hoping the Grand Opening will happen this June.
If you go to the Marigold website, you will not believe all the materials you can access if you are a member of the
Millarville Community Library: www.marigold.ab.ca/eResources
Councillor Oel and I went to a meeting at Square Butte Hall on February 2nd to discuss issues on Highway 762 and Plummers Road by Brown-Lowrey Provincial Park. MLA Miranda Rosin, the Turner Valley RCMP, the Friends of Highway 762, and Square Butte Community Hall directors were in attendance. We had an excellent discussion on speeding, noise, and parking. I felt the conversation was productive, everyone was heard, and many solutions were suggested.
There was a KeepAlbertaRCMP Community Engagement Tour virtual meeting on February 3rd. PricewaterhouseCoopers did a $2 million study which was released November 2021; 84 % of responders DO NOT support replacing the RCMP and 9% do support it. I wanted to know the reasons that the 9% gave for replacing the RCMP and whether the remaining 7% just did not respond or there were other reasons, but there was not much time for Q&A other than submit your question. 92% of Albertans want detailed accounting of costs and impacts.
My biggest concerns are the Costs to municipalities, which is at risk without the yearly Federal contribution of $185 million; the proposed Transition study timeline with the 4 year planning and preparation period; and then the 2 year transitional period. There are too many unanswered questions.
You can visit KeepAlbertaRCMP website to participate and express your thoughts and concerns about policing satisfactions with the Alberta RCMP, and the transition. www.keepalbertarcmp.ca
On February 6th I was privileged to judge my favourite age group, The Cleavers and Juniors, at the Millarville Stockland 4-H Public Speaking at the Millarville Race Track. I laughed, was educated, entertained, and had my emotions turned upside down by a little girl giving a speech about her Dad. The lessons learned by these children from this programme are immeasurable. Most of the intermediate and seniors that we listened to I had previously judged when they were Cleavers and Juniors. They have grown up so much, are so confident, respectful, and are ready to enter adulthood.
It was interesting that several of the participants were from Calgary. They purchased some livestock and they board them in Foothills County just so their children can learn about farm life and be part of 4H.
There was a day long virtual presentation on Emerging Trends in Municipal Law in February. Some members of Council were in attendance and were made aware of our obligations, confidentiality, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP), Municipal taxation powers, and management of legal budgets. I found the proactive vs. reactive legal assistance presentation the most informative course.
There was no better way to spend Valentine’s Day than listening to the many deserving organizations that applied for Foothills Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) funding. FCSS is a legal partnership between the Province of Alberta and municipalities. This is an agreement under which locally driven preventative initiatives can be developed to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
To find out more about how your organization can apply, go to: www.mdfoothills.com/residents/community_services/fcss.html
With Spring around the corner, I have started more plants with my new full spectrum LED grow lights. Soon they will be moving to my greenhouse. I can hardly wait to get into the greenhouse and start transplanting!
Barb Castell
Phone: 403-931-3690
E-Mail: barb.castell@foothillscountyab.ca Website: www.barbcastell.com
FaceBook: facebook.com/barbcastell.ca
