Don Kochan – Division 2

RVC Division 2 news items for your information:

Budget 2026 – Rocky View County Council has approved the 2026 Operating and Capital Base Budget reflecting a municipal tax rate that remains unchanged from last year. Between January and April 2026, Council will review other major capital project requests, and the final 2026 tax rate will be set in April once those decisions are made. This budget makes significant investments in the roads, fire services, utilities, and infrastructure that residents count on every day.
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Rocky View County has also adopted a new Fiscal Management Strategy to guide how we budget, invest, and manage your tax dollars. This helps ensure services and infrastructure remains reliable and sustainable. The Fiscal Management Strategy helps us:

Align spending with what residents actually need and value
Ensure all departments budget transparently and consistently
Balance competing priorities like road maintenance, emergency services, and preparing for growth
Plan ahead to manage debt, repair assets, and fund future projects
Invest wisely today, without passing on unnecessary costs to future generations

Alternate Land Use Services (ALUS)-Now’s a good time to start planning your 2026 ALUS project and make the most of those trickier-to-farm spots on your land. The ALUS program supports local producers with funding to enhance areas like wetlands, riparian zones, native grasslands, and more, all while helping nature do what it does best. Over the winter, consider what’s working on your land and where small improvements could bring long-term gains. Reach out to questions@rockyview.ca or call 403- 520-6280 to book a time with our ALUS Coordinator to talk ideas, walk your land, and get ahead before funding fills up. Every farm and ranch is different, and ALUS projects are designed to fit your unique operation.
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RR33 Interchange – Construction of the interchange is underway and information on the Construction Management Plan and the Traffic Accommodation Plan for Stage I improvements are now available on RVC’s website. These plans outline how the community will be impacted and how traffic disruptions will be managed during construction. You can access the information at the following link: Highway 1 & Range Road 33 Interchange Project.

Updates will be posted online, so residents and stakeholders have the latest information as the project progresses. For Stage II, because of the ongoing Bingham Crossing construction, the County has split the contract into two tenders. The first, for the new bridge, has been awarded to EllisDon. The second, covering new road connections, roundabout expansion, road widening, and bridge demolition, is expected to be posted early next year, depending on coordination with Stage I activities.

I was planning on having an open house in Q1 regarding the transportation needs in the area and to clarify any concerns that the community has regarding the interchanges construction progress. To help us plan, could you please share any specific goals or outcomes you have in mind for the event? This will help us identify the most suitable timing and content.

Dog License renewal – Dog owners in Rocky View County, your 2025 dog license is set to expire on December 31, 2025. To keep things up to date, you can renew it easily online at this QR code. The annual fee is $15 if your dog is spayed or neutered, or $20 if not. If you have any questions or need a hand, Enforcement Services is happy to help at 403-230-1401 or pets@rockyview.ca.

Dark Sky Lighting Principles – Harmony has adopted dark sky guidelines to preserve the beauty of the night sky for all in the community to enjoy. These guidelines may be of interest to other communities in an effort to reduce light usage.

Use timers and motion detectors: Reduce unnecessary energy use and light pollution.
Opt for multiple low-powered lights: These placed strategically are better than one overly bright light.
Holiday lights: Please schedule lights and decorations to be turned off by 10pm.
Use fully shielded fixtures that direct light only downward.
Select amber and warm-colored light sources (e.g., amber LEDs) to minimize skyglow.
Refer to the BUG (Backlight, Uplight, Glare) rating to choose lighting options with minimal environmental impact.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Don Kochan
Division 2 Councillor
kochandiv2@gmail.com

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