Your news this week: Day Trips through Lamont County - 2 Welcome to Kindergarten bags - 10 Gathering Snow Angels in the heat - 12 OPINION: What are we celebrating - 4
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Vol. 14, No. 37, Wednesday, August 7, 2019 www.LamontLeader.com
Resident appeals Canadian Rockies Hemp development By John Mather A subdivision and appeal board hearing will be held Friday (Aug. 9) after a Bruderheim resident has objected to the development of the Canadian Rockies Hemp corporation decortation plant being constructed in the south end of the town. It’s expected the appeal, to be held in the Lamont County building, will centre around drainage from the land the plant is situated on and potential flooding to residents north of the plant. “Anyone can appeal a development and some folks decided to appeal on certain conditions,” said Bruderheim mayor Karl Hauch. “I’ve never been
involved in one before so we’ll see how it goes.” Hauch said he feels public opinion is in favour of the project. “I know that if the appeal is sustained the town could have some avenues of appeals.” He said there was only one person that put in the appeal. Hauch added both he and people from Canadian Rockies Hemp had met with the landowner. “We have insisted the plant be constructed to a one in one hundred year flood threshold,” said Hauch. “And the plant has complied with this. It is being constructed to everything over and above a permitted use district.”
Hauch said, because he was new to this process, he didn’t want to comment on any position the town might take on the project. Ron Ewasiuk, the resident appealing the development, said in a text message he was worried the road into the plant could deflect water into his back yard, but adds the company had installed a pump to remove the water. Ewasiuk added he felt the town had given approval for the project prior to all the proper agreements being in place. Canadian Rockies Hemp CEO Aaron Barr said his company was doing everything they could do to alleviate
any of the neighbourhood concerns. “When we met with the neighbours last week, they didn’t know about some of our storm water pond plans,” he said. “It appears to be somewhat of a lack of communication.” “They’ve requested some other things they want done and, unfortunately, we will go to the appeal.” He said it is a permitted use and not a discretionary use. “It gives them their chance to be heard,” said Barr. “There are issues with drainage in that area, but some of that is a town issue rather than a Canadian Rockies Hemp issue.” Continued on Page 5
CIB judges look past bad growing conditions to Bruderheim efforts Maureen Sullivan Bruderheim showed off the community's collective green thumb to two of this year’s Communities in Bloom (CIB) National Judges; Tina Liu and Annie Houle, on July 24. Communities in Bloom (CIB) is celebrating its 25th year of judging gardens across the country. The CIB Program is to enhance green spaces in communities and its motto is "People, Plants & Pride… Growing Together." Despite the cold and windy day the judges visited all around the town admiring the hard work put in by members of the community. The judges were quite impressed with the efforts of the town, according to Houle, who enjoyed her time as a judge this year. "We visited the new skateboard park, Queens Park, the Walker Museum and had a lovely lunch." "A gardener is out there in all weathers, rain, wind etc - that's what makes them gardeners," said Houle. She also thanked Bob and Sherry Cote for hosting their visit. Acknowledging the many hours of hard work and accomplishments by the gardeners in town, Liu also expressed her awareness at their frustration of the delays in everyone’s garden because of the weather. "The judging is based on the potential of the gar-
den, you are competing against your own potential. Don't worry about how far along other towns’ gardens are," she said. Alongside the two CIB judges were fellow judges Judy Schueler, Karl Hauch, and Wayne Olechow, who showed the visitors the many changes the town is pursuing in making the town greener. Also included in the tour was the Bruderheim Agricultural Grounds and Bruderheim Campgrounds, as well as the Victoria Hotel and Bar. The day ended with a supper in the Bruderheim Memorial Hall, where the judges and gardeners enjoyed a meal
before Mayor Hauch presented certificates of achievement and lawn signs. Special acknowledgement was to the people developing the Bruderheim School Tiger Garden which the town entered under Environmental Action category. Environmental Action pertains to the impact of human activities in the environment under the principles of sustainable development pertaining to green space. The garden was planted with some flowers but also with some vegetables which should be ready for the students to harvest when they return in September. This garden was really a community
effort. The Campbell family consisting of parents Ryan and Stephanie, and children Kalub, Keynin, Keyaira, Avery and Amiya were recognized for the hard work they have put into the garden. They were responsible for the initial rototilling of the area, the kids helped to pick out rocks and they have looked after it through the summer. Garden Awards were given to Virginia Differenz for Environmental; Wendy Shideler and Jim Mino for Landscaping; Ursula Chetley for Trees & Shrubs; Theresa and Brent Ratzloff for Flowers & Shrubs; Micheline and Bernard Daraiche for Neatness; and Ed and Betty Andruchow for Gardens.
The winners and judges who participated in this years Communities in Bloom in Bruderheim.