Don Kochan – Division 2
Hi everyone, the following Division 2 information is for your use:
Organization Change Update– Council has appointed Rick McDonald as the Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) effective October 1st, 2023. Mr. McDonald will serve as the CAO while Council is recruiting a permanent CAO. Mr. McDonald holds certification in Local Government Administration from the University of Alberta and has extensive experience at the executive level. He has provided interim Chief Administrative Officer services throughout his career in many municipalities in Alberta including at Rocky View County. As Mr. McDonald is familiar with the County and our operations, he will be able to easily step in to assist the Executive Leadership Team in maintaining stability in our organization during this period of transition. In addition to supporting the organization, Mr. McDonald will assist Council on some specific items to ensure that the County continues to move forward.
Budget Engagement – The County is planning on releasing the draft 2024 budget at the beginning of November. Look for newspaper advertizing and on the counties website around the beginning of October regarding the release details. After you have viewed the proposed budget you will have a chance to provide further input. Details of how and when will be provided in the advertisement. Learn more about the County’s budget process, and how your property tax dollars support County services, visit Budget & Finance | Rocky View County.
Annual Agricultural Tour – This year’s Annual Agriculture Tour was a great success! We extend our gratitude to Gatez Farm Ltd., Wray Ranch, Pioneer Acres, and the dedicated Agricultural team at Rocky View County for contributing to the event.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Master Farm Family Award – Tracy Hanson and Earl Munro, owners of Long Acre Ranch Ltd., fourth-generation cattle farmers from the Yankee Valley area of the County. This highly esteemed recognition is nominated by their peers in the community and evaluated by Rocky View County’s Agricultural Services Board. Since 1989, it has celebrated families like Tracy and Earl who exhibit excellence in community service, agricultural business, industry involvement, team farm management, and sustainable farming practices. Read more.
Springbank Area Structure Plan (ASP) – Much work has been done in engaging the community and obtaining their feedback on the draft ASP. Information that is still to be reviewed and considered is a report regarding the commercial market assessment needs study in the Springbank area. It will be available on the counties web-site soon, therefore check the website at your convenience. It is planned for the draft ASP considering all the recent feedback will be presented to the Governance Committee on November 21st.
Dog Licenses – Licensing your dog and keeping your contact information up to date helps us reunite you with your dog in the event it becomes lost and is found by someone else. To register for your dog license or to update your contact information, email dogs@rockyview.ca or call 403-230-1401.
Community Recreation Funding Grant – At Rocky View County, there is a grant to assist non-profit community organizations that provide recreational services to County residents, and with general operating and capital costs. The deadline is fast approaching, click here to apply.
Land Use Bylaw amendments – Rocky View County continues to work on key amendments to the Land Use Bylaw, scheduled to be presented at the October 31, 2023 Council Meeting. The main areas of focus are related to Business Live-Work, Special Function Business use, and Special Further Urban Development District. Looking for more information, go here.
Duke of Edinburgh Awards – On September 15th, it was my pleasure to present the Duke of Edinburgh bronze medal awards to 20 graduates. The recipients contributed over 250 hours of community service and undertook many hours of personal development. The program is continually expanding thanks to the Duke of Edinburgh coordinator Judi Hunter and other program leads.
Don Kochan – Division 2 Councillor
kochandiv2@gmail.com
