B OO --OP BEAVER EAVER C COUNTY OUNTYS SEED EEDC CLEANING LEANINGCC OP ForSale: Sale:Common Common Seed Seed Oats, For Limitedes antiti Pony and Barley QAuvailable! Oats, Oats and Barley
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County
Chronicle
Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking
Phone 780-688-3917• Holden, • Holden, Phone 780-688-3917 ABAB
The Beaver County
Hubert & Margaret Graham Parts, Sales & Service Bus: 780-663-3759 Res: 780-662-2384 Fax: 780-663-3799
ryalta@digitalweb.net 5108 - 50th St. Ryley, AB., T0B 4J0
A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, June 8, 16 2022, Volume 15, 15 Issue 23 7 Wednesday February 2022 Volume Issue
County Council hears from resident who wants taxes cut to compensate for living near landfill Patricia Harcourt A Beaver County resident went before council June 1 to explain why he thinks those who live closest to the local landfill are being impacted the most but are the least compensated. Kevin McCoy said more of Claystone Waste Ltd.’s dividends and Good Neighbour Grant should be going towards county residents who live around the landfill. He said property values have dropped significantly for these people, and selling their properties due to proximity is difficult if not impossible. Since they can’t move the only way to compensate them, he said, was for the county to cut their property taxes as compensation for having to suffer the effects of living near the landfill. McCoy questioned why arena facilities in Tofield and Viking are getting recreational support, while those putting up with the smells, noise and dirt of living around the landfill only get a free garbage bin to compensate them. “My question is: ‘Where is the money going that the county gets from Claystone?” he asked. “Why is the money going to Viking and Tofield?” He also wanted to know how much money the county has given to the two towns in the last 10 years compared to what has been given to the people who live around Claystone. “We want something out of it,” McCoy said, stating people living further away are getting funds instead. “We are (the ones) putting up with it…We have to deal with the noise and traffic.” He also said the highway gets dirty and wet from the trucks going in and out of the landfill.
Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) told McCoy that, “the reason everyone gets (the funding) is because it (the landfill) is owned by all of Beaver County.” He explained that the landfill was started with funds from all the municipalities within and including the county.” “The money came from all of Beaver County at the start,” he said, so all the participating municipalities receive dividends from the landfill. Plus, the county partners with other towns and villages and helps pay for facility use because county residents also use those facilities, he said. There is $75,000 made available through the Community Support Grants (on the dividend side) for funding supports of different matters throughout the county. The county also used funds through the Good Neighbour Grant to get free garbage bins for those living around Claystone, he said. But McCoy’s request for the county to consider lowering the property taxes for those living near the landfill by way of compensation was not considered. Smook cited the Municipal Government Act (MGA) as the reason this couldn’t be done. Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) felt that no matter where a resident lives they must deal with negative effects. Williams cited his own home near a railroad track as an example. “Everybody has something,” he said, but “CN pays significant taxes to the county.” McCoy said this wasn’t the same as many of those living near the landfill were there long before the landfill came into existence. The landowners were there “prior to the landfill being in place.” At that time, “Agreements were
made then to have all local employees and truckers,” which McCoy implied did not happen. And now the landowners can’t get anyone to buy their property. McCoy claimed prospective buyers back out as soon as a realtor gets them to the site and they see the landfill mountain. The traffic in and around the landfill is also increasing, said McCoy, “and people (living) in other places don’t have to put up with it.” McCoy also said mud on the roads is also increasing as a result. “After the rain you can’t drive down the roads with a clean vehicle,” he said. “I’d like you guys to live where we’re living. It doesn’t affect you, or the people living in Tofield.” “We’ve got to put up with these things and we’re not getting anything,” he said. Smook told him that the intent of the free bin policy “is to offset poor effects of the neighbours living around the landfill.” But McCoy replied that he “doesn’t think bins are enough,” calling for lowered taxes. He asked that the county check with other municipalities because he believes that it is being done. Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) noted that the county has given money to local organizations in the centre of the county such as the Ryley and Holden agricultural societies. Hrabec praised the county’s bin policy, and suggested that it could be expanded to include more residents in the area around the landfill. At the moment the policy allows for free bins for those living within a radius of a mile of the landfill. “We’re bound by the MGA to look at the big picture,” Hrabec said, "and
can’t pit one group against another." Hrabec said he believes the county “has a great working relationship” with other groups adding it’s important to be pro-active and work with people in our communities.” He didn’t believe that “looking at who gets more and who gets less is a fair way to do it,” in terms of distributing funding. But McCoy repeated the complaint that arenas in Tofield and Viking are getting money from the county unfairly. “Why are you guys always giving Viking and Tofield money? They get their chunks of money from Claystone…The county’s money should be used for the county.” Hrabec replied: “We have to pay our share…County residents use the facilities,” for hockey, 4-H and other clubs and organizations whose residents are from the county. He added that, “sometimes it doesn’t look like it’s fair,” when it actually is fair. Smook suggested that people listening to the conversation should think of ideas for how funds from the Good Neighbour Grant could be used to help compensate them for living adjacent to the landfill. Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) was more conciliatory. “You’re not the only one who thinks the centre of the county isn’t getting its fair share,” he said, to McCoy. Noting that “the large centres get more,” Bruce said he feels like this is “sucking the centre right out of the county.” Although suggestions are needed to change this, he said, “We’re stuck with the system we have… Personally, I don’t have a solution…I feel for you, I really do.” “What else can you give us but cutting taxes?” McCoy replied.
2 - Beaver County Chronicle, June 8, 2022
Friday, RON ROBINSON MEMORIAL June 17th GOLF TOURNAMENT Tofield Golf Course
Open House and BB BQ
19110 - HWY 14 Fundraiser For Beaver Tee times are between 9:30 am County Victim Services ALL PROCEEDS RAISED & 12:30 pm
Come join us on Tuesday, June 14 between b 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for a community BB BQ as Claystone reconnects following the past two ye ears of COVID-19.
$85 Adult single $320 Adult team of 4 $35 Youth $120 Youth team of 4
Jump on the bus for a tour of our sitte. Check out our new administration LEED-built facilitty. Meet some of our hawks and falcons and chat with w the falconers about the program at Claystone.
Fees include lunch and desssert!
GO TO VICTIMS OF CRIME AND TRAGEDY
Contact: Jaylynn & Ara (780) 662-2258 bcvictimservices@gmail.com Register by June 13, 2022
Don’t miss this on Rodeo Weekend! al
5t
nu h An
KILL AM
During the Black Top Bonanza main street Killam in front of The Living Room (Theatre)
Saturday, June 18 from immediately following the Parade until 2:45 pm 3 Prizes will be awarded •1 for Pre-1970 Motorcycle •2 for People’s Choice (awards will be given out 2:45pm) *No pre-registration required*, just show up to The Living Room before or after the parade and line up. For more information, contact Ben at 780-385-3587
Our Public Advisory Committee members, the Claystone Board and staff will be a around to answer your questions and show you th he great things happening at Claystone.
We look forward to seeing g you! Toll Free: 1.855.221.2038 Ph: 780.6 663.2038 50117 Range Road 173 (Secondary Highway 854) Box 322, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0
Ryley Landfill Hours: Weekdays 9:00 am - 4:30 pm; Saturdays / STATS 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Closed Sundays NOTE: customers must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing; Administration Offices closed from 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Lindbrook k Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Thurs 11:30 am - 6:30 pm; Sat 10:30 - 5:30 pm
Tofield Transfer Station Hours: Wed, Fri and Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm
Viking Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm
Kinsella Transfer Station Hours: Wed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fri 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Beaver County Chronicle, June 8, 2022 - 3
County waives purchasing policy to expedite sewer repairs at Black Nugget Lake Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council agreed to waive its purchasing policy in a bid to get sewer issues at Black Nugget Lake campground fixed as quickly as possible to salvage the rest of the camping season. The campground has been closed since May 24 and will remain so until repairs have been completed. The closure occurred after the May long weekend when campers were still allowed but couldn’t use the toilet and shower facilities, but extra porta-potties had been put in place on site. With the campground now closed, however, work has begun to repair the ongoing sewer issue at the campground. “The county appreciates everyone’s patience as we go through this process to make improvements to the site,” stated the county on its media
site. At the June 1 regular meeting of council, a discussion took place concerning the repairs at Black Nugget Lake campground. Assistant CAO Margaret Jones later explained the situation: “According to our purchasing policy, the county should be tendering for some work that needs to be done to upgrade the sewer system,” she said. “However, in order to salvage the campground season, administration addressed the issue right away. “Now it appears that other work needs to be done. “But again, due to the need to get the work done quickly, we asked council to waive the requirement for tendering as well as authorize a change in the scope of the work for the contract that involves upgrades to the septic system infrastructure at the campground.”
County sticks with community hall funding Patricia Harcourt Beaver County will stay with the funding currently provided for community halls to help out with insurance payments. A review found that $1,000 annually under the Community Hall Funding Policy provides half of the amount most hall organizations must pay for their insurance coverage. “Administration believes that this level of funding is adequate and suggests that any further assistance be limited to providing the community hall associations with a referral to either the Rural Municipalities of Alberta or Alberta Municipalities for coverage under their Community Group Policies,” stated Margaret Jones, manager of legislated services for the county. If a hall association went under the umbrella of the RMA or AM using a Community Group Policy, Jones stated that “organizations are covered under their own name and are not linked to the county’s insurance policy.” At the county council June 1 meeting, council agreed to amend the Community Hall Funding
Administrative Procedure to make this suggestion possible for halls if they wish to do so. Plus, Jones suggested extending the county’s own March 1 deadline for grant applications to June 1, “as some organizations are finding it difficult to meet the early deadline.” A review of the 2022 insurance coverage for community hall associations found that premiums varied greatly, from $196 to over $6,000. “Of the seven organizations that are eligible for the grant, premiums for six of them are below $2,100 and the other is $6,000,” Jones said. For the six community associations, “if the county pays half of that I think it’s enough,” she said. Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) had earlier expressed concern about the costs for Spilstead Hall. “I wonder why one hall premium is so high,” he said. Jones suggested it had something to do with the hall’s replacement value. The review came out of a discussion in April concerning financial challenges faced by community hall associations. A motion by Hrabec to go with administration’s recommendation was passed.
Request for Proposal
Construction Update
Request for Proposal for Preparation of Emergency Management Plans and Emergency Response Training & Exercise
Range Road 182 Construction Update
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). 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 https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/proposals-quotes
go
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 .
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. 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.
4 - Beaver County Chronicle, June 8, 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
Nominate a Volunteer!
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)
Black Nugget Lake Campground Update Work has begun to repair the ongoing issue at Black Nugget Campground 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. The County will be assessing this on a week to week basis and planning for campground reopening accordingly. Anyone with a reservation that is within the next few weeks, 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.
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
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Beaver County at 780-663-3730.
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.
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.
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.
Seniors Week Beaver County Council has proclaimed June 6-12, 2022 as Seniors’ Week in Beaver County. Our seniors are very special people and Seniors’ Week presents a unique opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions that seniors make to enhance the quality of life in Alberta. Take time out today to thank a senior citizen that has made an impact on you!
2022 Vegetation Management Program
• 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.