Kevin Hanson – Division 1
Quick Bits
Based on resident feedback, the Superior Tanker Shuttle Service accreditation I discussed in my previous column may not be recognized immediately by all insurers. Some insurers update coverage classifications only annually, so it may take time for the accreditation to work through the system. Fire Services is checking that the underlying database information is correct.
Reconstruction of portions of the regional pathway along Lott Creek Drive was underway through our asset lifecycle management program. I can confirm the “T” along West Meadows Estates Road was included. Its condition was borderline acceptable, but favourable contractor pricing made the additional work feasible, which I think was a good common sense outcome.
Several paving projects started late because wet conditions delayed the construction season. Crews and contractors will continue as long as weather permits before hard freeze-up. Hopefully, we get a decent stretch of autumn weather.
Earlier this summer, I asked senior administration whether Rocky View County could assume ownership of White Avenue / Highway 768 from the Province, as part of transportation planning for the new Area Structure Plan. Better local control of this important thoroughfare is the objective. I was informed the Province is willing to discuss it, so more information later as we build the business case and I work on selling it to my Council colleagues.
Bragg Creek Fireguard Study
Two related open houses were held at the Bragg Creek Community Centre in September. For those unable to attend, here is an update, with additional information available on the County website.
The 2026 FireSmart Bragg Creek Fireguard Study remains underway, involving County Fire Services, West Fraser, and provincial departments. Rocky View has also applied to the FRIAA Community Fireguard Program for funding for a proposed largescale fireguard west of Bragg Creek.
The fireguard would be on provincial Crown land, with the Province leading planning. Funding has not been approved, nor has any decision been made to proceed with construction. The public meetings gathered local knowledge, concerns, and ideas to help inform the next steps. Listening to staff’s and consultants’ post-event debriefing, I heard residents’ concerns being taken seriously, particularly regarding trails, recreational access, and the visual impact on the surrounding landscape. The important question is how much flexibility FRIAA guidelines and wildfire modelling allow mitigation of those impacts without compromising the intended goal – reduction in wildfire risk to the hamlet via fuel-load reduction. That balance deserves some careful consideration.
Wildfire Preparedness Update
Rocky View County Fire Services and Emergency Management have installed a Firesafe AI wildfire detection camera at Two Pine Hill. Installation is complete, with operational monitoring to begin after testing, staff familiarization, alert procedures, security, and privacy checks.
The three-year pilot is intended to improve early detection across the Greater Bragg Creek area, which includes 971 addresses and considerable forested terrain. Two Pine Hill’s elevation provides broad visibility over ridgelines and areas difficult to monitor consistently from the ground. Anyone living near the forest understands how quickly conditions can change.
Earlier identification of smoke or fire could give responders valuable time to confirm the location, deploy resources, and coordinate with Alberta Wildfire and mutual-aid partners.
The system uses a pan-tilt-zoom camera, automated alerts, and 24/7 human verification. Alerts are reviewed by people before being passed to County personnel. The camera supplements rather than replaces public reports, firefighter observations, Alberta Wildfire systems, and established emergency-response procedures. It is intended for wildfire detection, not monitoring residents, properties, or routine community activity.
The 2026 pilot cost is $5,250 plus GST, covered by the approved budget. Seasonal service costs are expected to be $14,000 plus GST annually in 2027 and 2028, subject to the County’s annual budget process.
The proposed fireguard and the camera are separate projects, but both contribute to better wildfire readiness. I have also asked staff to investigate whether the fireguard work might offer another benefit. Depending on final design, and how temporary access roads are built and reclaimed, could we retain improved emergency access or even a second egress route for the community? Nothing is settled, but it seems worth carefully exploring before decisions are made.
Contact: KRHanson@RockyView.ca or call 403.463.1166.
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