Foothills County signs Water and Wastewater MOU and Management Agreement with Priddis Greens: On September 29, 2020, at a Signing Ceremony held at the Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, Foothills County and the Priddis Greens Services Co-op entered into a Memorandum of Understanding and a Management Agreement, whereby the County will now take over the assets and operation of the Potable Water and Waste Water systems serving the residents of the Hamlet of Priddis Greens, which also includes water services to Hawk’s Landing.
In a process requiring engagement and agreement of Co-op members/ residents, associated organizations and Foothills County Council, decisions were made to move forward with the proposed take-over of these systems from a list of options that Priddis Greens Services Co-op had investigated. The Co-op Board worked diligently to prepare the information for the County to consider and to communicate with residents.
The Golf Club and Priddis Creek Developments added their support to this effort, along with Hawk’s Landing Services Co-op undergoing their own processes with members/residents and investigations regarding their wastewater system and auxiliary services, alongside.
While maintaining the current level of services to the residents, the County has agreed to ensure that the quality of treated water and wastewater meets the Alberta Government requirements. This arrangement offers security around rates which are based on County-wide accounting of costs. Employees and billing go over to the County, and there’s greater access to disaster relief-funding under the County’s jurisdiction.
The County receives the assets in good order along with a recent capital asset plan to guide the years going forward. We’ll gain the expertise of employees who are trained and versed in all matters to support these facilities and will now also help with other facilities throughout the County as their jobs transfer over.
One change the residents will soon see is that water meters will be installed, hopefully in 2020. This will help keep a watch on the water accounting and make sure the system is operating with full integrity.
Our relationship does not end here at the signing of these agreements. Rather, this is the beginning of a new integration of the County and Priddis Greens. We hope that residents will find it easier to manage their new business with Foothills County, whether it’s viewing assessments or paying bills from home, with the launch of our new program called “Virtual County Hall”.
It has been my pleasure to work with the Priddis Greens Services Co-op Board, their Negotiation Committee and residents on the evolution of this project and the agreements. I would like to thank the Board, the Golf Club, Priddis Creek Developments and Carscallen LLP for their hard work on pressing forward with all matters to make this happen in 2020. Further, I would like to thank Foothills County Council for their support of this arrangement and for the hard work of our Municipal Manager and Infrastructure Manager.
Next up! Hawk’s Landing: At their AGM on October 14, 2020, Hawks Landing Services Co-op members also agreed to move forward with working with the County on Water and Wastewater services and some auxiliary services. We look forward to continuing along the path towards a full agreement and providing the best, cost-effective services to our residents. It has been great working with you and thank you to all on your team as well!
Celebrating 40 years with the County: In October, we celebrated the auspicious occasion of our Municipal Manager, Mr. Harry Riva Cambrin’s 40th Anniversary of Service to Foothills County. It’s not very often that we get a chance to recognize 40 years of contributions and loyalty, so that makes this a truly noteworthy affair and takes the cake on the exact day of his start of work with the MD, which was on October 14, back in 1980!
As we acknowledge this milestone in the County’s history, it is a time of pleasant reflection on the strengths and qualities that Mr. Riva Cambrin has brought to our organization and our community. He puts his best foot forward by treating all with respect and care, being calm and creative under pressure, is a resource of knowledge and experience, is a mentor to many people, and looks for solutions that are best for the County and Residents while respecting other interests.
Along with our Council, Admin and all our Staff… we celebrate Harry achieving this 40th Anniversary of Service! We appreciate that with his insights and encouragement, his vision and drive, he makes the County a great place to work and live!
Best Regards, Councillor Suzanne Oel
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