Suzanne Oel – Division 4
Greetings! Sharing my News Update…
Where to find info on wildfires?
Although there is lots in the news about the wildfires in Alberta, there are some helpful resources that you may or may not be aware of. You can find the tally of wildfires, whether they are in control or out of control, and find their location. For those of us living in the West Foothills area, you may be interested in checking out the BC wildfire situation, since that also has a huge bearing on air quality for us. In case you are travelling, you can check road closures and conditions. As of the writing of this article, Foothills has upscaled to a “Fire Restriction”, which calls for the extinguishing of any burn permits. You can see the latest fire status on the County’s website homepage.
View these pages for the most up-to-date details:
https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx
https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status.aspx (see map)
https://511.alberta.ca/map#:MyRoutes
https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/
https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map
Community Guide to Wildfire Smoke and Health: Foothills County and other partners collaborated with the Calgary Region Airshed Zone to produce this recently-released guide, which has been created to support communities during smoke and poor air quality events. The aim of the guide is to provide consistent Alberta-specific messaging, resources, and information to help organizations and citizens plan for and prepare for wildfire smoke events. Topics include composition of wildfire smoke, monitoring, health effects, air quality health index, communication, air quality forecasts, at home, clean air spaces and resources. Find this guide and more air monitoring-related news and data, here: https://craz.ca/
RCMP & Highway 762 Update: Foothills County Council and Admin met with RCMP representatives on April 19, 2023. At this time, we were introduced to Don Racette, the new Staff Sergeant stationed at the Turner Valley RCMP Detachment. Barb and I had the opportunity to acquaint the new commanding officer with concerns about the continuing break-and-enters in the area, plus the increasing pressures and conflicts occurring on Highway 762. Since the public meetings and communications in 2022, there has been concerted effort of patrolling the highway. We look forward to the new commander continuing to make this a priority enforcement location. Since the April 2023 meeting, I have heard reports of the RCMP showing up on Hwy 762. Next, I hope to arrange a meeting with the new Staff Sergeant Racette and residents, over the summer. Will keep you posted about the meeting.
Please also note that “Mountie Moments”, with stats and tips, continue to be authored by the Turner Valley (now Diamond Valley) RCMP Office and are shared through Foothills County and the High Country Rural Crime Watch via email, Facebook and websites. Also, a reminder that residents can call in situations to 9-1-1 as they are happening, or afterwards to share concerns through the 24/7 RCMP complaints line: 403.933.4262.
Foothills County – West Foothills Water Treatment Plant (WFWTP) Update: Upon review (in 2023) of the previous engineering studies and areas (near the West Foothills Water Treatment Plant, where interest in piped-water service has been identified), we share the following comments regarding a public system extension. Cost estimates remain the same as previously calculated for the area directly north of the WFWTP, assuming there are two hook-ups per property, and all landowners are included in a local improvement project (tax). Due to the resident response regarding the price tag of approximately $62,500, the County recognizes that there is a preference for the option of having a GRANT to reduce the cost of this public system extension. The County continues to search for grants. Once we see that there is a possibility of applying for a grant, when one becomes available, we will send a mailout to residents to determine interest and potential route(s).
2023 Community Activities Nice to See!
May was the month of many community AGMs and meetings. It was such a pleasure to be present and enjoy the company of residents while they attended to their Community Association business in person. It is encouraging to see the work being done and events being planned, which makes our area a great place to live. Events this summer range from Stampede Breakfasts to July 1 Celebrations to Summer Camps for kids to sports and social gatherings. Check out all of our great Community Associations for more news. As we take part in these summer activities being held at our local parks, community grounds and sports fields, many volunteers and County Staff will be contributing their time and efforts behind the scenes to care for these places for us all to enjoy. Thank you to all of you!
For Other News & Updates:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncillorSuzanneOel/
Email: Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca
With Best Regards,
Suzanne
