Suzanne Oel – Division 4
Greetings! Sharing my News Update…
Water and the Necessities of Life: We face a variety of situations in this beautiful place we call home in the Foothills of Alberta. Water is one of our most precious resources, next to air, then food. Not forgetting the other reality check we just recently had at the -40C temps, where heat reached the top of the list. These essentials of survival are the subjects of some important studies and planning. As we anticipate the coming spring, we wonder which way it will go? Will we be out of the drought, or continue? In response to these relevant unknowns, we are preparing, holding conversations and taking action at the provincial and local municipal levels of government. Join us in this quest to respond to Mother Nature’s drama, by learning about these topics and participating in preparations.
Provincial Flood Mapping Engagement: The Province is currently undertaking a public engagement to gather feedback on new draft flood hazard maps. If you are a landowner along one of the affected waterways, providing your opinion and feedback is important to ensure accuracy of these flood hazard maps. You are encouraged to thoroughly review the area(s) that directly impact your land and provide feedback to the Province through their engagement pages. You do not need to be an engineer or flood expert to view or provide feedback. All feedback will be carefully considered with revisions made to the draft flood hazard maps to address technical errors, as appropriate. These maps will provide a valuable resource that will aid Foothills County in planning decisions that may affect future development on your land and that of your neighbours. Within Foothills County, draft flood hazard mapping includes: Priddis Creek (+ Fish Creek), Elbow River, Sheep River (includes Three Point Creek), Highwood River, Bow River, and more. Review and respond by February 12, 2024: https://www.alberta.ca/flood-study-engagements
Drought Awareness:
The Province is sitting at 4/5 of their drought management response, taking action before 5/5, which would be the implementing of emergency measures.
You may recall that Foothills County declared an agricultural disaster in 2023, so we are all keenly watching the precipitation levels, our wells and water supplies. The County is participating in collaborative discussions and strategizing access to local water supplies should assistance to residents be needed.
Find drought management info, here: https://brbc.ab.ca/drought
Find more history and resources here: https://www.alberta.ca/drought
Spruce Budworm & Mountain Pine Beetle 2023 Aerial Maps: Reports about a reduction in Spruce Budworm infestation were welcomed over the past year. Great news was shared in December about a steep 98% decline in the Mountain Pine Beetle throughout Alberta, since the peak expansion in 2019. However, upon review of the recent 2023 provincial aerial survey information, a bit of a re-emergence of Spruce Budworm is showing up along the eastern edge of the Kananaskis forestry area. This may affect landowners along the Highway 762 area.
Find the aerial maps here: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/aerial-overview-survey-spruce-budworm-map
Find County information on Spruce Budworm here: https://www.foothillscountyab.ca/services/agriculture/spruce-budworm
Alberta experienced drought in many parts of the province due to a below average snowpack in winter 2022-23, which meant less runoff, and below average precipitation in most areas during the spring and summer. This is contributing to water shortage especially in southern Alberta.
Be Prepared for Wildfire: Consider planning for yourself, your family, animals and property. Wildfire risk could be affected by a number of elements present in our area, including damage from forest insect pests, tree age, variety of trees, lack of recent fires, proximity to provincial forestry areas, potential dry conditions, and more site-specific situations. Learn more here: https://firesmartalberta.ca/
West Foothills Water Project awaits Grant Funding: In 2023, Foothills County reviewed previous engineering studies and areas, near the West Foothills Water Treatment Plant, where interest in piped-water service has been identified. Cost estimates for a public system extension, large-scale project, remain the same as previously calculated for the area directly north of the West Foothills Water Treatment Plant, assuming there are two hook-ups per property, and all landowners on an agreed-upon route are included in a local improvement project. Due to the resident response regarding the price tag of approximately $62,500 per potential water service connection, the County recognizes that there is a preference for the option of obtaining a grant to reduce the cost. The County continues to search for grants. Once the County sees that there is a possibility of applying for a grant, when one becomes available, a mailout will be sent out to residents to determine interest and potential route(s). As of the end of 2023, the County has checked into grants and found that no grants were available for this purpose. In 2024, the grant search will continue.
For Other News & Updates:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CouncillorSuzanneOel/
Email: Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca
With Best Regards,
Suzanne
