Electronic Speed Signs a Reminder: Foothills Protective Services arranges for our electronic-message speed sign to rotate through our communities. One of our greatest complaints is speeding. In summer, of course, we’re all outdoors hoping to enjoy our surroundings and there’s lots of competition for use of our roads. Just a friendly reminder, to us all, to follow the speed limit and drive safely.
Highway 762 Racing: Residents who live along Highway 762 and 22 experience a lot of noise and speeding motorists, who visit the area in the nice weather months. This year is no exception. Foothills County and RCMP officers are making this area a priority for enforcement. On June 13, 2019, RCMP forces were able to stop a motorcyclist from Calgary, who was racing at 224 km/hr in a 90 km/hr zone. She is now be facing charges and a mandatory court appearance as a result of her actions. Thankfully no one was injured, but such behaviour is a concern for people who may be collateral damage or may want some enjoyment out of their summer.
Bow River Working Group (BRWG) Update: The Alberta Government is reconvening the BRWG for the purpose of investigating large-scale storage options on the Bow River to mitigate both flood and drought (water security). I am pleased to represent Foothills County, along with Julie McLean, to participate in this second stage of input into this exciting project. At present, a number of options are being evaluated by consultants, engaged by the Province. The BRWG consists of numerous stakeholders who will provide input throughout this process as options go through a high-level screening. So much work is yet to be done that none of the options will be considered viable until full investigations and consultations occur, a process that will be many years in duration. More information will be provided by the Province as they determine timing.
Priddis Stampede Breakfast: Summer fun in the neighbourhood takes place on Sunday morning July 7, 2019, at the Priddis Community Centre from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Check the PCA article in this HCN issue for details and cost. Your support will help build our community projects.
Apollo 11 Moon Landing – 50th Anniversary Event at RAO: On July 20, 2019, the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO) is hosting a special daytime event featuring presentations and activities that will commemorate this great achievement. Speakers will focus on the exploration of the moon and this lunar mission. Family fun activities will include moon music, an exhibit of images from Apollo 11, rockets, solar observing, lunar science fiction, and much more. For more info: www.ucalgary.ca/rao. Gates open at 11:30 am. Programs at 12 pm and again at 3 pm. Tickets are $10/person. Purchase them at: www.eventbrite.ca/e/50th-anniversary-of-lunar-landing-tickets-62743571712
Check out FireSmart information: www.firesmartcanada.ca to see what you can do on your own property. Contact our Foothills Fire Department if you want them to visit you to provide some specific FireSmart advice about your home, yard, etc. call 403.603.3576 to discuss with Foothills Fire Department – Inspector Cody Zebedee.
Air Quality: We are pleased to have the Calgary Region Airshed Zone (CRAZ) Portable Air Monitoring Lab (PAML) operating in Foothills County for six months to monitor Air Quality. Our thanks go to CRAZ for organizing the Clean Air Day Fair on June 5, 2019, and locating the PAML in the County at the Crescent Point Field House. Air Quality is everyone’s business! As we know, AIR knows NO boundaries, which we have experienced significantly with the wildfire smoke last summer and in May/June 2019. Having PAML at this highly visible location will bring conversation here, create awareness and opportunity for education and give us some data. Foothills County actively considers Air Quality with initiatives to reduce dust, odour and other emissions in the areas of transportation, agriculture, planning & development, efficient municipal buildings, policies and implementing a new burn-permit process. Also, we participate in provincial South Saskatchewan Regional Plan reporting and continue as a member of CRAZ. For air quality in the region and info on how to respond to wildfire smoke, check out the CRAZ website: craz.ca; For the smoke forecast: firesmoke.ca/forecast/current; For the current wildfires map: wildfire.alberta.ca; For the Air Quality Health Index App: airquality.alberta.ca.
Spray Lakes Forest Management Plan (FMP) 2020: For those who are neighbouring the public lands of Kananaskis Country, you may be interested in this on-going engagement with the public, as Spray Lakes Sawmill develops their FMP 2020. If you are interested in learning more about their plan, please see the information package, Public Participation Program document and opportunities to comment, at: www.spraylakesawmills.com/forest-management-plan-update-want-input-2/
For Other News & Updates: Please visit my website: suzanneoel.com
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Best Regards,
Councillor Suzanne Oel
