Suzanne Oel – Division 4
Greetings! Sharing my News Update…
West Foothills Fires on November 13, 2025: Around 3:40 p.m., blasting wind conditions led to two fires igniting, near Plummers Road and 304 St W, and power outages throughout the Highway 762 area. Foothills Fire De-partment and mutual aid partners responded immediately and worked to fight the fires. With multiple ground apparatus and aerial support supplied by helicopter, loads of water were poured on the active fire. Burning smells and smoke were experienced miles away as the wind raged for hours. Foothills County crews, apparatus and water supplies were in full force on scene until the fires were under control around 8:00 pm. Crews stayed over night to keep an eye on the sites and attended to hot spots later. A welcome snowfall came in on the 14th to dampen the area. Thank you to Foothills Fire Department and all who responded to the fires, for helping us on this day and every day you serve us!
9-1-1 Calls on November 13, 2025: What a day! This is a summary of events related to the high winds: Traffic collisions: 4 day shift, 1 night shift. Alarms: 2 day shift, 1 night shift. Outside fire: 1, night. Gas leak: 1, day. Vegetation fires: 6 Foothills County/Diamond Valley Fire Departments, day. Vegetation fires: 4 MD Willow Creek Fire Department, day. Vegetation fires: 5 Vulcan County Fire Departments, night. A big thank you to Foothills Regional 9-1-1 for your efforts on this day and every day you serve us!
Wildfire Reporting: You could be the FIRST to see a FIRE! If you see an active fire flame, and you are concerned that the fire has not been reported, please call it in to 9-1-1 and report it to 310-FIRE (3473) if it appears to be coming from Kananaskis. 9-1-1 dispatches our local fire departments. Reporting the fire to 310-FIRE gets Alberta Forestry involved. They are responsible for wildland fire response in neighbouring Kananaskis and coordinate re-sponse along the Foothills County/Kananaskis boundary with Foothills Fire Department and our partners. View the active wildfire map here: www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status
Be Prepared for Wildfire: Consider planning for yourself, your family, animals and property. Learn more here: firesmartalberta.ca + firesmartcanada.ca
Balanced Development: On another topic… Foothills County residents value the benefits of country living, so a balance must be achieved in protecting agricultural land and maintaining our rural character, watershed integri-ty, wildlife habitat, and valued assets, while accommodating development and providing housing choices. Foot-hills planning documents, which were written in consultation with residents, indicate a tolerance for minimal to moderate development in Division 4. First parcels-out, in-filling of Country Residential parcels where appropri-ate, with resident input, and the currently- approved Secondary Suites development option, fit within this plan-ning/resident direction. Secondary Suites provide a solution for increasing the housing density within all land-use zones, and allows for affordable living, aging in place and income options.
Checking in: Regarding larger-scale developments, it is essential that Foothills residents be included in the deci-sion-making, whether it be County plans or through the public hearing process. Upcoming, you will be invited to the review of the County’s Municipal Development Plan to present your perspectives. I look forward to hear-ing from you about the level of development and density you would like to see in Division 4 and the County. I believe the timing is right to also initiate a deep dive into the growth strategy of the central corridor where there’s the most pressure for development, and to re-examine the Northwest area of the County. A check-in with residents and stakeholders will keep these decision-making resources relevant and current.
Participation: In addition to planning, of course, residents are always invited to participate in the public hearing processes regarding developments. As your local councillor, I am happy to provide information on municipal re-sources and practices to help residents with proposed projects and guide impacted neighbours on participating in the public processes regarding development.
Christmas Greetings! Sending you best wishes for your celebrations with family and friends!
For Other News & Updates:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncillorSuzanneOel/
Email: Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca
Visit High Country News online for my previous articles.
With Best Regards,
Suzanne
Free Classifieds