Foothills County PETITION:
As of July 14, we have started an online Petition, www.change.org/say-no-to-cmrb, to add to the options you have available to express your concerns about the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board and the Regional Growth Plan, if you choose to do so. Our PETITION message reads: “Remove Foothills County as a member of the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (CMRB).” To explain further: “After careful review of the Calgary Metropolitan Regional Plan, Foothills County has voted against the Regional Plan. We are concerned about the Board’s voting structure giving advantage to the Urban members due to the unfair proportion
of 7 Urbans vs. 3 Rural municipalities, a fourth layer of government adding more red tape, and with the protectionist Urban bias in this Regional Plan that results in a loss of Rural opportunity and increased development and business costs. We ask that you join us in sending a strong message to the Minister of Municipal Affairs that we, the residents of Foothills County, do not support this Board or the Regional Plan. Please allow us to design our future using existing inter municipal processes and remove us from the CMRB and this devastating Regional Plan.”
We would be grateful if you could visit our Foothills County website to see the PETITION link and background information: www.foothillscountyab.ca/services/planning-and-development/calgary-metropolitan-region-board-.html You will see the petition Link, a detailed report about the CMRB Regional Growth Plan, a list of mandated future work and commitments, a link to the “What We Heard” report from the CMRB public consultation #3 re the draft Growth Plan (many residents expressed concerns), other info, draft letters and articles – all in one location. Thank you to all who have taken the time to consider or respond to our Call-To-Action!
Municipal Agricultural Disaster: Please be advised that Foothills County Council has declared a Municipal Agricultural Disaster for the entire County as of July 15, 2021. Drought conditions are impacting 50-90% of cereal and oilseed yields as well as 50-90% of hay, pasture and range yields in Foothills County depending on location due to lack of spring and in-season moisture combined with long duration periods of high temperatures and desiccating winds. Provincial and federal departments are in the process of arranging agriculture industry relief programs.
Spruce Budworm Infestation: After hearing from concerned Division 4 residents about a growing infestation, I attended the Bragg Creek meeting on July 6th and brought the discussion to Foothills County Council the following day. I asked for our Agricultural Services Department to assess, work with our Provincial experts and provide recommendations. Council agreed to that. Having looked into Btk,
a specialized bacteria which was sprayed aerially to treat Redwood Meadows trees and is being considered by Bragg Creek residents, I know that there are other issues, costs and side-effects around using this bio agent pesticide. The current stage of the budworm’s life cycle is past being able to be treated with Btk for this year, but some residents have shared that they are using other insecticides. All intervention products have associated cautions. Foothills County is gathering information now, pooling resources with the Province and Rocky View County and will get back in touch with residents to share information. Throughout the County, our Agricultural Services Department assists residents by providing information about issues related to animals, bugs, disease, crops, environment, land, water, weather, weeds, wildlife and more.
Fire Restriction: As of July 15, 2021, a Fire Restriction is in effect. This Fire Restriction applies to all open fires that require a permit in Foothills County. All open fires that require a permit are to be extinguished and any open burning permits canceled. This Restriction will be in effect until all areas in Foothills County receive substantial changes to the current dry conditions and approval is received to lift this Restriction. Earlier in July, we had activated a Fire Ban and then downgraded to this restriction. Please check our website for more details and the latest status, in case it has changed since the writing of this article. We are cautious, concerned about the risks and vigilant because our neighbouring provinces are experiencing significant wildfires. You can find more wildfire information here: wildfire.alberta.ca/ plus there is a wildfire app now for your phone.
2021 Municipal Election: As noted earlier this year, I am running as a candidate for the October 2021 municipal election for Foothills County Division 4. I will share more election-related information on my website and next article. Please contact me for any discussion you may wish to have regarding election or municipal topics.
For Other News & Updates: Please visit my website: suzanneoel.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncillorSuzanneOel/ Email: Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca
With Best Regards,
Suzanne
