MRB Public Consultation: This is your invitation to check up on us, learn about the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (also know as CMRB) and to chime in on some of the Growth Plan work we have under way. Foothills County believes there is value to regional collaboration and have undertaken many joint-planning processes, including work with the CMRB. The benefits and challenges of growth extend beyond municipal boundaries, so the Board’s role is to coordinate planning for regionally- significant growth, as mandated by Provincial Regulation. The CMRB Board, Committees, Admin and our own Municipal Admin Teams have been meeting frequently for reviews of the many studies in advance of reaching the goal of producing a Regional Growth and Servicing Plan early in 2021. With Public Consultation up next in the process, that’s where you come in! We are bringing this work to you for your review and to have a say. We encourage residents to visit www.calgarymetroregion.ca before September 4th to learn more and share your views in the survey.
Announcing our New CAO: Mr. Ryan Payne has been appointed to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective July 1, 2020. Ryan will share responsibilities with Foothills County’s Municipal Manager, Mr. Harry Riva Cambrin. Having worked with Foothills County for 14 years, Ryan has held the position of Director of Community Services and also, since July 1, 2017, has served the County as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. Foothills County has a history of utilizing shared or co- title positions as a method of succession planning within the organization. As the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Payne will be responsible for the Community Services and Corporate Services business units. Municipal Manager Harry Riva Cambrin will continue to manage Public Works and Planning. We confirm our confidence in Ryan’s leadership and managerial skills as he brings both experience and aptitude to the benefit of our administrative team. We look forward to working with him in his new role!
Getting our office ready: In a staged approach, we will be opening up our office once new safety considerations are in place. At the end of July, more of our staff will begin working in the office building. Then, in August, residents will be able to make in-person service appointments. In the next stage, we hope to open up entry a bit further. All staff are working regular hours and will continue to provide services, whether remotely or from the office. Please continue to call or email first before attending the physical office location. We will keep you posted on our website and other social media. Main office phone number: 403.652.2341
Pathway coming to the Seaman Sports Park, near Millarville: This year, a new project is under way to enhance this recreation property, which is located off Highway 549 just north of the Millarville Race Track. The pathway will bring an important element to the sports park for mobility and esthetics. A crushed asphalt surface will be used as the pathway surface. The County has had success with this in other developments because it is resilient and cheaper than some other options that were considered, such as shale or crushed rundle rock. The estimated $45,000 project is being covered by grants – $22,500 from the Calgary Foundation and the balance from Crescent Point Energy. Funds have been secured by the Northwest Foothills Recreation Board, which has been working for months to acquire grants for the pathway. There will be no cost to the County, other than maintenance going forward.
Light Reading Suggestion: I would like to recommend a little gem that takes us on a trip to the “pioneer” past with some colourful, real-life characters on the landscape in the Priddis area of the early 1900’s. Letters from a Lady Rancher shares the memorable events and incidents that open up a view to the challenges, encounters and excitement of the rugged rural life at the time, especially surprising and adventurous to the author, a newcomer young bride, Monica Hopkins (1884-1974). The homestead cabin featured in her letters was located near Coal Mine Road by Fish Creek in Foothills County, west of Highway 22. You’ll read about attending the Millarville Races, community events, travelling to Priddis by horseback to collect the mail, winter chinooks, building the little St. James Chapel in Priddis, traveling to the mountains, ranching, survival, who lived in the area, a day’s trip to Calgary on a special occasion and more… This book, first published by the Glenbow Museum in 1982, can still be sourced through the public library system.
Best Regards, Councillor Suzanne Oel
For Other News & Updates:
Please visit my website: suzanneoel.com
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