The Community
th
Press 115 Years of Telling YOUR Story
Volume 116 Issue 05
www.thecommunitypress.com
Large drug and weapon seizure - P26
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 s
Forestburg Council develops Community Housing Incentive policy Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Forestburg Council recently passed a new Community Housing Incentive Program policy. The policy “recognizes the need of additional housing to further enable community growth, both residential and non-residential, and that given the current economic climate and costs associated with building new and renovating existing housing, Village participation in this endeavour is necessary.” CAO Dwight Dibben says, “Housing sales have been brisk in the community for the past few years and existing housing that had previously been rentals are being purchased by families who are relocating to live in Forestburg. “We have seen a decrease in rental inventory to the point where currently there is little if any on the market. “With new developments announced and coming to the community we anticipate that housing inventory, for rental and purchase will only become a more prevalent need.” Dibben says Council has heard from builders/renovators and home seekers that the costs of building new are prohibitive. “The Council Housing Committee has had discussions with a number of builders, local and in the broader region, and given prices there is little appetite to put up spec housing, whether for purchase or rental, at current costs. “This, combined with rising interest rates and continued inflationary pressure, has led Council to the view that public participation in housing construction or elements of it may be necessary to address the housing inventory issue.” To that end, Council revised the first draft of the new policy to provide for the ability for Council to participate financially in projects as a permissive ability (rather than a defined participatory requirement for the municipality.) Council also added a preference for multi-unit projects to the policy before passing the new policy this July. Any Builder or Renovator with an interest in participating with the Municipality in the Forestburg Housing Incentive Program must make an initial expression of interest to Village Council identifying this interest, outlining their proposal for housing construction or renovation See FORESTBURG P17
Youth Leadership Camp a hit SUPPLIED PHOTO
Flagstaff County’s Youth Leadership one-day camp last Tuesday, July 25, gave the region’s youth an opportunity to visit the United Church Hardisty Lake Camp and take in many of their amenities, including archery, canoeing, along with leadership and team building activities for a fun, free, day. More photos on Page 4.
Mobile mammography service to visit Killam Women ages 45 to 74 - the group most at risk of developing breast cancer - will have local access to mammography services later this month when Alberta Health Services’ Screen Test program visits Killam. A mobile mammography trailer will be stationed at the Killam Health Care Centre from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, and Sept. 6, 2023. Appointments are required. Residents can book an appointment or learn more about the program by calling 1-800-667-0604. Screen Test is improving access to cancer
screening for thousands of women in Alberta communities where mammography is not readily available. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and has proven to be the most effective way to detect breast cancer. Early detection allows for a greater number of options for treatment and a better chance of survival. To book online, visit screeningforlife.ca/breast/screen-test-mobile-clinics/ for more information and a complete listing of Screen Test mobile sites.
Page 12 - The Community Press, Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Area 53 Continued from Page 2 we had a much better way of helping out.” So Area 53 put a call out to their racers and fans for help. “We asked for donations of non-perishable food items, and also donated the 50/50 raffle proceeds to her, as well as other cash donations. In two days, the group raised over $1,800 to help Jessica Clements, of Forestburg, along with food donations.” Kozey says that Area 53 will continue to accept non-perishable items for the remainder of the season, adding, “Anything that she doesn’t need will go to the Flagstaff Food Bank.” One thing that hasn’t changed since
the first race at Area 53 is the entrance fee for spectators. It’s always been by donation only. Kozey says he doesn’t see that changing anytime soon. “Not with the times we’re living in. I would sooner see people in the stands watching and joining in, maybe buying a hamburger or a t-shirt.” He says he’s happy to say that Forestburg seems to have developed a good fan contingent, with up to 50 people coming out to events. “I was at an event in Rimbey recently and there were three people in the stands. I think that’s normal for most tracks, but not here.” He thinks keeping the costs low allow everyone the opportunity to check out eighth-mile racing. In past years the track has been a stop on a number of point events, where racers travel around different raceways in
a circuit, but this year, the only thing they’ve tried is a Car 53 point event, a four-race series between Forestburg and Rimbey. “It hasn’t gone quite as well as we’d hoped, but again, it’s the times we’re in.” Area 53 races raise enough funds to keep fixed expenses paid, and anything left over, Kozey says, will go towards either grant-matching or more direct funding for future paving projects. Their next race weekend is Aug 19 and 20, with two more in September, including the Steven Chapman Memorial, and the last race, weather permitting, scheduled for October. Kozey says, “We spread our races out this year to give our volunteers a break. We’re always looking for new people to volunteer. He says Area 53 is always open to
have groups run fundraisers by selling food or opening a booth, and he says the track’s own swag booth does very well, too. “It’s great advertising to see people go away with our swag, and it’s another great reason not to charge a set admission fee.” The Area 53 community is always welcoming to new racers, too. Kozey says street vehicles are welcome, but must be in good shape and safe to drive, and drivers must have a helmet. “I’d love to do a Friday Night street legal race event at the track, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of youth drivers interested in our area. We welcome younger drivers to come out and check us out.” In just a few short years of operation, Area 53 has become a destination for racers throughout the province.
BUTCH HENRY PHOTOS
Area 53’s July 1, 2, and 3 racing event had nearly 90 racers out for the three-day event, as evidenced by the lineup of cars in the background. Last weekend, July 29 and 30, racers returned for another two-day event.
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The Community Press, Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - Page 13
WHEN THAT DAY HAS FINALLY COME
WE’RE HERE TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE COVERED Who would have imagined, those many years ago when you sent your little one off to kindergarten, that this day would come? They are grown and off to college with a gleam in their eye; ready to take on the world. Excitement all around, and maybe a few tears. While you are making lists, packing the car, and figuring out budgets and accommodation, don’t forget to consider insurance coverage for their belongings and liability. Most homeowners insurance coverage includes some coverage for your post secondary student while they are full time at university or college, but depending on their circumstances that may not be the best option. Limits of coverage and other considerations may mean you need to look further. Good news, though – a tenants insurance policy for them is priced very reasonably and easy to put in place.
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Insurance brokers are licensed professionals who work for you, not for the insurance company.
Page 14 - The Community Press, Wednesday, August 2, 2023
August 2023 Meetings
Council Meetings Flagstaff County Council o M Meetings eetings aare re conducted the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month commencing at 9 a.m. unless u otherwise planned. Council and Committ ommittee meeting agendas aare re aavvailable at the County’’ss websit ebsiite te at: flflaagstaafff ff. fff..a . b.ca/ .ca/council/mee .ca/ccouncil/meeeetings-andminuutes tes
780-384-4100 1-877-387-4100 Email: Stay Connected with Us:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed Noon - 1 p.m.)
Address: e
12435 TToownship w Road 4442 PP..O. Box 35 358 Sedgew e wi wic icck, AB T0B 4C00
Our fight against leafy spurge is going g airborne. Propelled by the success the M.D. of Provost has had with aerial spraying, we are following suit with a similar program highlighted by the following: x A 50/50 cost-share between the County and landowner. x Treatment by contracted helicopter services to areas over 10 acres and areas that are inaccessible. x Treatment by in-house resources to accessible areas under 10 acres. Calll forr more e information n If any landowners are interested in this program or would like to report leafy spurge infesta ons, please contact Nick Dunn or Ma hew Pfeffer at 780-3844100.
The Community Press, Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - Page 15
Public Works Updates Please refer to our website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca for up-to-date road work throughout the County. Road Recovery Crews will be working on the following shoulder pulling project this week: • Northwest of Heisler on Range Road 165 between Township Road 430 and Township Road 442 for 8 miles.
Public Works Services Please visit the Flagstaff County website at flagstaff.ab.ca for information regarding Gravel Sales, Residential Laneway Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Hamlet Services, and more.
Please keep in mind that our seasonal crews will be out working on our roadways and to use extreme caution while travelling on these roads while they are being maintained in any way. We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this season.