Suzanne Oel – Division 4
Greetings! Sharing my News Update…
How to Save 5% or 6% on your Property Taxes: In Foothills County, property taxes are due by September 30 each year. As I am sure you know, there are virtually no reasons that the County will accept for late payment, which then includes the penalty of 6% the day after September 30 and 12% the day after Dec. 31. However, there are two options for you to save money, plus alleviate any worry about forgetting to pay on time before any late penalties apply. You can pay the full amount of property taxes by Jan 31 and save 6%. Or you can pay monthly through the Tax Installment Payment Program (TIPP) and save 5%. On the County’s website, you can view the installment payment plan terms, TIPP application, school support info, discounts/penalties info, tax search/ certificate options, Virtual County Hall to setup/access your account (link at top of page), plus payment details. Visit: foothillscountyab.ca/government/taxes
Find out What’s Happening at the County: Priority topics are posted on the County’s website homepage: foothillscountyab.ca Use the search feature to find answers to your questions, or contact the office by phone: 403.652.2341.
Building Projects: If you are ready to plan your building project or make repairs, your first point of research is the County’s website regarding Building and Development Permits. Our staff is also ready to assist you on your planning journey. While summer is the County’s busy time of year for building and inspections, the County’s Building and Safety Codes Department aims to review and approve building permits within 2 weeks of the submission of a complete application along with fees.
As your project proceeds, you will be required to have the appropriate inspections done as requested by the Building Officer / Safety Codes Officer. The County asks that you give at least 3 days notice for needed inspections. Call between 8:30 am and 9:30 am to provide the inspector the opportunity to plan the inspection schedule effectively. Find all the details on this topic on the County’s website: foothillscountyab.ca/development/building-permits-inspections
Rural Foothills Policing Committee Update: During our June meeting, we heard from our 3 RCMP detachments. On behalf of residents, I put forward a renewed complaint and request for our RCMP partners to patrol the popular touring areas of Highways 762, 549, 22 and Priddis. Also, attention was brought to suspicious activities occurring in the area, including Hawk’s Landing and Priddis Greens. Foothills County is in the process of assessing protective services and policing within our County, with a report back to Council expected by the end of 2024. We are also looking into enhanced policing again, a service which has previously been successful in making a strong police presence. The Committee also reviewed the RCMP Management Advisory Board Report, recent Provincial statements, Bill 11 and Public Safety Act amendments.
Air Quality in Summer: The Calgary Region Airshed Zone (CRAZ) recently shared news about Heat Waves and Air Pollution. As the ambient temperatures are rising during the weeks of summer, some people may have trouble breathing due to poor air quality. Increase in ambient temperature results in higher pollution levels. Ground level ozone (O3) is created from the photochemical reaction between the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. As such, hot sunny days promote the formation of O3 creating smog that lingers around for extended periods. In addition, temperature is directly proportional to the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5); therefore, higher the temperature higher the photochemical reaction between the PM2.5 precursors. An Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is calculated from nitrogen dioxide (NO2), PM2.5, and O3. As these pollutants’ levels go up, AQHI readings go up. Higher the AQHI number, higher the risk to health!
CRAZ has stationed passive air monitoring equipment throughout Foothills County. Also, their Portable Air Monitoring Lab has been deployed mid-county for measuring, monitoring and recording 12 months of baseline data. Foothills County worked with CRAZ stakeholders to produce their Community Guide to Wildfire Smoke and Health. This Guide, Passive Monitoring and AQHI data can be viewed on their website: https://craz.ca/monitoring/what-we-monitor/
For Other News & Updates:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncillorSuzanneOel/
Email: Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca
With Best Regards,
Suzanne
