Suzanne Oel – Division 4
Greetings! Sharing my News Update…
Observatory invites neighbours to a BBQ Event: Do you live around the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory? Ever wondered what’s going on up there? Wondered about the Dark Sky initiative? Neighbouring residents are invited to attend a free and family-friendly BBQ at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory! Join in for a bite to eat and enjoy a tour of the site. The event runs from 5 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, September 17th, 2026. Please RSVP by noon on September 14th, 2026.
Link to RSVP: https://forms.gle/cA75TEGzcehPcR4A9
Accidents and EMS: Following recent, serious, fatal accidents at the intersection of Highway 22 and Priddis Greens Drive, I have asked for an evaluation of this intersection through Alberta Transportation and for a review of the EMS responses through Emergency Health Services. Many of us are concerned about these accidents and about the current practice of flexing the Priddis Ambulance to cover other communities when the Priddis Ambulance is well-justified to remain in the location serving Foothills County NW and adjoining areas. Division 4 experiences a high population surge and increased risk especially during the many months as a recreation destination including motorist touring, golfing, cycling, community and charity events, and travelers en-route, mixed in with ongoing agricultural operations, industry, and resident activities throughout this area. With recent and ongoing incidents occurring along Highway 762, Highway 22, and within the Foothills NW, we are asking for the Priddis Ambulance to stay in Priddis and be ready to cover us here, instead of us receiving a response to our medical emergencies from distant ambulances. Foothills County Council has also asked to meet with Emergency Health Services representatives within the next month. We are asking for the Province to solve this situation as they have elsewhere: keep the Priddis Ambulance at its home station to serve the residents and visitors here. When I hear back about these inquiries, I will write about this topic again.
Next Generation 9-1-1 Announcement: Foothills County is a partner in the Commission that owns and operates Foothills Regional 9-1-1. A “milestone” has been achieved in providing state-of-the- art service to our residents. As of August 17, 2026, our 9-1-1 Centre has connected with the “Next Generation 9-1-1 Network” ahead of the March 2027 transition deadline mandated by the CRTC. This upgrades a system that is over 30 years old. Public safety will be enhanced with the addition of modern features including more accurate data about each 9-1-1 call, improved location tracking, greater system resiliency with backup capability, and readiness for future communication options such as live video calls, and real time text to 9-1-1. We thank all those on our team and our technical partners who have who have been a part of this successful advancement. NG9-1-1 info: www.alberta.ca/next-generation-911
Priddis Bridge Upgrade Project: During a meeting with Alberta Transportation on June 17, 2026, Foothills County was informed that the Priddis Bridge upgrade, on Highway 22 and Priddis Valley Road, will be tendered in the Fall. If all goes according to schedule, the construction will go ahead in 2027. Here’s hoping that it will proceed and will improve safety at this intersection!
How to Save 5% or 6% on your Property Taxes: In Foothills County, property taxes are due by October 1. As I am sure you know, there are virtually no reasons that the County will accept for late payment, which then imposes the penalty of 6% the day after October 1 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 Instalment Payment Program (TIPP) and save 5%. On the County’s website, view the instalment payment plan terms, the TIPP application, school support info, discounts/penalties info, tax search/certificate options, enter “Virtual County Hall” to setup/access your account (link at top of page), and see payment details: www.foothillscountyab.ca/services/taxes
For Other News & Updates:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncillorSuzanneOel/
Email: Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca
Please visit High Country News online for my previous articles.
With Best Regards,
Suzanne
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