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A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday,February June 15,16 2022, Volume 15,15 Issue 24 7 Wednesday 2022 Volume Issue
County renews agreement Councillor at Viking parade for legal services after investigating other options Patricia Harcourt After investigating other legal options, Beaver County Council agreed to stay with its current legal services as the best option for their needs. Council had requested that a Request for Proposal be issued for legal services, based originally on a suggestion from Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3). Margaret Jones, manager of legislative services, reported June 1 to council that there were responses from current provider Brownlee LLP; Reynolds, Mirth, Richards and Farmer (RMRF); Parlee McLaws; and McLennan Ross. “References were sought on the two firms that ranked the highest,” stated Jones, in her report. “Two members of the Executive Leadership Team reviewed the RFPs and ranked them,” with Brownlee receiving the top score of 94. “Brownlee LLP and RMRF are the two firms in Alberta that specialize in municipal government law,” she said, adding that either
firm would serve the county well. However, she noted that RMRF “is the lawyer of choice for three of the four urban municipalities in the region, two of the three regional services commissions, as well as Claystone Waste.” If the county has issues with regional partners in areas such as annexations, inter-municipal agreements and planning and development, she pointed out that a conflict of interest would arise if both parties used the same lawyer. Jones also said Brownlee has recently hired a senior lawyer who specializes in water law, an area of particular importance to the county which has been dealing with issues around water for several years. Plus, the firm has added a new practice group dealing with emergency management law, she said. Hrabec thanked administration “for going through the process as per the policy.” Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) asked about lawyers representing other municipalities in an
apparent concern over conflict of interest. Jones replied that she had asked municipalities “and most don’t use Brownlee. If we go with Brownlee it mitigates (the concern) to a large degree.” A motion was made by Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) that council enter into a five-year agreement for legal services with Brownlee LLP, with the possibility of an extension for an additional five years. The motion was passed.
Dale Pederson, Division 5 Councillor for Beaver County, waves to the people at the Viking parade on Saturday morning. The county councillors make the rounds of the fairs and festivals during the summer months to participate in such things as parades. We are a progressive, dynamic business providing general insurance and other services at 3 locations in East Central Alberta.
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2 - Beaver County Chronicle, June 15, 2022
Claystone Waste e is a municipally con ntrolled corporation established in 20 20 by the Town of Viking, Vikin 2020 ng Town of Tofield Tofield, Village of Ryley, Village of Holden and Beaver County. Claystone Waste is committed to being a responsive community partner and to operating with the highest standards of environmental and operational excellence in the delivery of waste management services. Claystone Waste operates the following facilities:
Beave ver Regional Landfill 50117 17 Ran ange Ro Road 17 173
780. 0.663. 3.2038
The Beaver Regional Landfill is open six days a week, k, Monday to Saturday. It is an engineered, sanitary class 2 landfill that
accepts municipal solid waste from Beaver County and the surrounding municipalities, as well as significant volumes of class 2 non-hazardous industrial wastes. In addition to the regional landfill, Claystone Waste operates five transfer stations. County residents can bring bagged household garbage, e, and other dry waste, such as broken chairs, furniture, e, mattresses and scrap wood for disposal. The location and hours for each transfer station is noted below:
Kinsella Transfer Station 46418 18 Ran ange Ro Road 113 13
x x
Viking was the scene for some exciting rodeo action last weekend during the 42nd Cloverlodge Stampede. Kinsella Bullarama and Bruce Stampede are still to come this summer.
Wednesdays: Fridays:
780. 0.663. 3.2038
11:00 am to 5:00 pm 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Viking Transfer Station 12503 To Town wnship ip 480
x x
Tuesdays: Saturdays:
780. 0.71 718.79 7956
10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Tofield Transfer Station 51032 32 Ran ange Ro Road 191
x x x
Wednesdays: Fridays: Saturdays:
780. 0.662. 2.27 2731
10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Lindbrook Transfe fer Station 51008 Ran ange Ro Road 201 x x x
Tuesdays: Thursdays: Saturdays:
780.662. 2.270 704
10:30 am to 5:30 pm 11:30 am to 6:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Ryley Transfe fer Station 50117 17 Ran ange Ro Road 17 173
x x x x x x
Mondays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays: Saturdays and STATS*:
780. 0.663. 3.2038
9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
* Pl Please note te th that all tr transfe fer sta tati tions ex excep ept fo for th the Ryl yley Tr Transfe fer Sta tati tion are re clo losed on Sta tatu tuto tory ry holid idays ys.
Administration Offices 50117 17 Ra Range Ro Road 17 173 (S (Secon onda dary Hi Highwa way 854) 4) 780. 0.663. 3.2038
Box ox 32 322 Ry Ryley, y, AB T0B 0B 4A 4A0
Toll Fr Free 1. 1.855. 5.22 221. 1.2038
Administration offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and are closed from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.
Beaver County Chronicle, June 15, 2022 - 3
Councillors discuss activity reports and work done Patricia Harcourt Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) expressed the hope during discussion of administration activity reports June 1 that weed spraying be done sooner rather than later. The dryer conditions this spring makes for easier elimination of weeds, he told fellow Beaver County councillors. He did note that there were areas last year where some weed spraying had been missed. But he said this was likely due to the high level of water experienced during the past few springs. And since it is not permitted to spray close to bodies of water, Hrabec hoped the public could be informed of this fact so residents could understand why some spraying wasn’t done at that time. But this year he wanted spraying done sooner due to the dry weather, he said, two weeks ago. Now, however, an abundance of rain is being
predicted for this week. “We need to get the plant when it’s young and growing,” he said. Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) was concerned about farmers being able to mow in county ditches to capitalize on the hay that grows there. Administration stated that this year there is more collaboration between public works and infrastructure departments which could make that easier to coordinate. Pederson said it was “a timing issue,” and said these departments “must work with the farmers who want to mow the ditches.” Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) wondered how the county was progressing on gravelling since this is the first year that public works is doing this job themselves instead of contracting it out. As this spring has been a dry one, “it’s a good time to get this done,” he said.
Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) had questions concerning the lake at Black Nugget Lake campground, and if there are larger fish in the lake. Administration said the fish are there but they are being scared into certain parts of the lake by pelicans. Williams joked about the lake having a “pelican feeding program” but he was informed that the county is buying three “alligator scaring devices” which “work pretty good” at chasing predators away. Williams also was concerned about aeration at the lake, but was told this can be quite expensive. Bruce also reported that he has spent time “driving around looking at roads,” as well as attending meetings. Hrabec reported that, as chair of the Beaver Emergency Services Commission, members “have been busy with the organizational review.” Referring to some “chal-
lenges” at BESC, he said the commission looked forward to having a “better relationship moving forward” with the Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission. Hrabec also reported on the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held recently at the Holden Community Hall. People were tearful during the memorial tribute to the late Elaine Cooper, he reported, and her volunteer work in the community. He noted that it is sometimes difficult to really know how affected a community can be by the loss of a member of an organization. He also noted that, with only three young people in the crowd at the luncheon, “we need to promote more volunteers.” Hrabec also praised the county’s public works employees for a “standout job” this spring. “Mother Nature cooperated,” he added. “It’s been a good spring that way…The grader
operators are doing a little more spot work.” He added that “the changes in public works are awesome (and) the low spots are needing gravel.” But the county has more control over these issues, he said, as “we now have access to the trucks as we own them and can control what we do.” Pederson referred to the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held at the Viking Seniors Centre and the Viking Graduation Ceremony, reporting he gave speeches for both events. He also attended the Beaver Regional Partnership meeting. “I hope we get things accomplished,” he said. Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) also reported on attending meetings for the doctor retention committee and FCSS, noting the following week would be Seniors Appreciation Week with an appreciation breakfast in Tofield and a luncheon in Ryley.
Request for Proposal
Construction Update
Request for Proposal for Preparation of Emergency Management Plans and Emergency Response Training & Exercise The Beaver County Region (the Region) consists of the Towns of Tofield and Viking, the Villages of Ryley and Holden, and the surrounding rural municipality of Beaver County (including the Hamlets of Bruce and Kinsella).
Range Road 182 Construction Update Over the next few weeks, Range Road 182 from Township Road 500 to Highway 14, will be upgraded from an oiled surface to an all-weather hard surfaced road. This involves stabilizing the road base with soil cement before applying two coats of “chip seal.” While this process is much different from the process to pave a road with asphalt, the end result will seem similar to residents and the travelling public resulting in a road that is not dusty when it is dry, nor muddy when it is wet.
Fire protection services in the Region are provided by a regional services commission (Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC)). The Commission oversees the operation of the fire departments and each municipality has also delegated emergency management services to the Commission. The Beaver County Region has prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) to invite proposals from qualified consultants to prepare a regional emergency management plan and conduct an emergency response exercise at the conclusion of the Project. To view the complete RFP package please go https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/proposals-quotes The closing date for the RFP is 4:30 pm MST, June 17, 2022. Questions regarding the proposal can be directed to Rick Ells, Community Peace Officer, by calling 825-385-0066 or rells@beaver.ab.ca .
During this construction phase, portions of the road may be closed to allow crews to work safely please use another route, detours will be posted or be cautious when you need to drive through construction zones (local traffic only). Beaver County's goal is to provide a healthy, injury free work environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and general public. Already this year we have had people exceeding the posted speed limit through our construction zones, endangering staff, contractors and the public. There are potential hazards to the public and vehicles during the construction process. This can include heavy machinery, dust or mud, road material such as gravel, asphalt coatings and rock chips. We apologize for the inconvenience that road maintenance and upgrading causes, but the same roads that receive the most traffic also need the most maintenance. Thank you for your patience and understanding during construction. If you have any questions, please call the Beaver County Service centre at 780-663-3730.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is the official United Nations international day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. It was established in 2006 to bring global attention to the abuse of older adults. You can get involved and help raise awareness of the prevention of elder abuse by joining the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council. To learn more, go to albertaelderabuse.ca If you are in immediate danger call 911. For information and resources, call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818. To learn more about elder abuse; https://www.alberta.ca/get-help-elder-abuse.aspx
4 - Beaver County Chronicle, June 15, 2022
Beaver County Service Centre 5120 - 50 Street Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
2022 Construction Schedule
Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca
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FRIDAY, JUNE 17TH Black Nugget Lake Update Notice of Development Permits The following Development Applications have been APPROVED (except where otherwise noted) by the Development Officer under the provisions of Land Use Bylaw No. 98-801, subject to the right of appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. APPEAL DEADLINE: June 29, 2022 Application No.020020-22-D0031 Applicant: Mattinson, Rodney and Georgina Location: NW-36-46-12-W4 Development: Second Dwelling with attached garage APPEAL DEADLINE: June 29, 2022 Application No.020020-22-D0030 Applicant: Kuby Renewable Energy Ltd Owner: Gaida, Timothy and Kaitlyn Location: SE-34-50-20-W4 Development: Roof Mounted Solar PV installation (Solar Collectors) APPEAL DEADLINE: June 29, 2022 Application No.020020-22-D0029 Applicant: 1925353 Alberta Ltd. Location: NE-34-50-19-W4 Development: Amendment to hours of operation for Market 192 Any person wishing to appeal a decision may do so by serving written notice on the prescribed form (stating reasons for the appeal) and submitting the applicable fee of $200.00 to the Secretary of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board at the following address. The notice of appeal must be submitted before 4:30 pm on the appeal deadline date shown above, or be postmarked by the appeal deadline date. The prescribed form is available at www.beaver.ab.ca or at the County office. Further information regarding the above decision(s) may be obtained from the County Office, Ryley, Alberta. SECRETARY Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Beaver County, Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 (780) 663-3730 Due to COVID-19, all appeal hearings will be held electronically until further notice.
Longest Day of SMILES Beaver County Council has proclaimed June 19, 2022 as the Longest Day of SMILES in Beaver County. June 19th is a special day for Operation Smile Canada. It’s the day when Canadians celebrate the Longest Day of SMILES – an annual smile movement where Canadians are challenged to take action and get creative to spread smiles with family, friends, co-workers, peers, and even pets, as a fundraiser in support of children living with a cleft condition. For more information, go to www.operationsmile.ca.
Black Nugget Lake Campground Update Work is still ongoing at Black Nugget Campground to complete the necessary repairs required and the County appreciates everyone’s patience as we go through this process to make improvements to the site. The campground will remain CLOSED until repairs are completed and we will post an update as soon as reservations can be made again. This closure includes access to the lake for fishing or recreational activities such as kayaking. We understand that this is a big inconvenience, especially at the start of camping season, however we want to ensure that the repairs done now will meet the facility needs in the future. The County will be assessing this on a week to week basis and planning for campground reopening accordingly. Anyone with a reservation that is affected by the closure, will be notified and refunded their site fees, as needed for the construction timeline. It’s summertime and we understand that camping is important to many of our residents and visitors and so we apologize for the inconvenience that this may cause! Beaver County encourages guests that are looking for an alternate camping location to check out Camp Lake Park campground, located north east of Viking. To book online visit www.campreservations.ca. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Beaver County at 780-663-3730.
2022 Vegetation Management Program As part of Beaver County’s roadside maintenance program, the removal of trees, brush, and regulated weed species within Beaver County road allowances will be running from June through October 2022. • Spot herbicide applications will be conducted within all divisions to control tree and brush regrowth within County road allowances (Focussed efforts on Divisions 3, 4, & 5). • Blanket Spraying will be conducted within Division 1 and 2. • Mechanical roadside brush control efforts will be conducted throughout the county. The mechanical removal and clearing of trees from County road allowances is targeted at improving traffic safety and machinery movement, eliminating areas prone to the trapping in the winter months and improving sight lines at intersections and yard sites. • Roadside mowing operations will commence in June/early July, depending on growing conditions. • For information regarding weed control, brush control, and haying along provincial primary and secondary highways please contact Alberta Transportation at 310-0000. For more information regarding the 2022 Beaver County Vegetation Management Program, or service requests related to vegetation management, please contact Jonny Culbert, Assistant Agricultural Fieldman, or Aimee Boese, Agricultural Fieldman, at 780-663-3730.