Updates from Division One
Welcome to May. It seems we’ve finally escaped winter. I don’t know about you but my back, more accurately, my sciatica, is certainly welcoming the warmth, the sun and ability to spend more time outdoors moving about albeit with restrictions.
Speaking of restrictions, I want to thank everyone who has diligently adhered to our provincial government’s health department calls to maintain social/physical distancing. It’s a true test of one’s mental and physical stamina to be isolated for so long, and it seems the efforts are paying off. Yes we need to get not only ourselves moving but our economy as well.
As far as the county is concerned, we are trying our best to keep things operating despite the pandemic. Our CAO, Al Hoggan and his Senior Leadership Team have been doing an outstanding job maintaining core services such as road safety and maintenance, enforcement and fire services, utilities to name a few despite so many of us having to work remotely and given a reduced staff. Council and Administration has continued to deal with budgeting and planning through virtual meetings. For me, like many who live in Division 1, weak internet and cellular connectivity, now more than ever, require attention if we are to stay connected with Alberta and the rest of the world.
Many residents have contacted me about relief, deferrals and recovery issues pertaining to taxes. RVC will keep an eye on provincial plans from which we will consider or act on our own. More immediate to me is our ability to look after and service our seniors, those who struggle with mental and physical health issues and having the ability to get help. If you or anyone you know are in need of assistance, please visit the provincial government/Alberta Health Services websites. Links can also be found on the RVC website.
SAFE & SOUND
I want to make sure as we continue living through this pandemic that everyone is signed up to Rocky View County’s Safe & Sound system. It is designed to provide information to residents in times of emergency and allows us to stay in contact with you during a crisis. It will allow RVC to send you official and reliable information in times of crisis. This system is also a great tool for RVC to communicate important information to you such as fire bans, road closures, bylaw changes and more. Please sign up at www.rockyview.ca/safesound for all the details.
As you may have heard, Tsuut’ina have withdrawn their opposition to the SR1 Dam proposal in Springbank. How that affects us, we’ll have to wait and see. As far as our own flood mitigation/ berm project goes, we are still forging ahead but have to wait until July once Fisheries & Oceans allows us into the river after fish have had a chance to move on. Work outside the scope of the river will start as soon as possible. We are currrently in talks with the province to discuss the $9M shortfall.
Details regarding our recent survey to potentially seek Specialized Municipality status which would allow RVC to provide more geographically targeted services to residents and businesses, both now and in the future, is ongoing. The same can be said for RVC’s review of our Electoral Boundaries. Council will be seeing reports shortly for both issues but in the meantime all the information can be found on our website.
As your local representative, I’ve never been more inundated with emails, calls and conversations about all of the effects this pandemic has brought to disrupt our ‘normal’ lifestyles and livelihoods. What were considered simple missions such as taking garbage to the dump, going for a hike, dining at a local eatery, or picking up mail have now been curtailed with rules and regulations to the point where they have been deemed criminal. This is so unprecedented to most of us and from it we will all grow.
Please continue to reach out if you have questions or concerns and I will try my utmost to help you find answers. Everyone’s patience is surely being tested in these times and I want to personally thank those who have been contributing to keep everyone accountable and in step throughout Division 1 and the county. Continue to practice social/physical distancing, support local businesses, stay safe and keep your distance.
— Cheers, Mark
checkMarkk.ca
