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A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, May 18,16 2022, Volume 15,15 Issue 20 7 Wednesday February 2022 Volume Issue

Beaver County honing in on Economic Development ideas Patricia Harcourt Beaver County’s governance review last year stressed a need for more economic development as a way to increase sustainability of growth and population. County council passed a motion proclaiming Economic Development Week in Beaver County from May 9 - 13, the proclamation to remain in effect for the next five years. After the proclamation was read by Reeve Kevin Smook, his motion to adopt the official week was adopted. Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec stated it was “important the county gets involved with it,” noting there are two industrial parks within its borders, one completely county owned just outside Ryley and the other a partnership with the Town of Viking. Hrabec predicted “changes are coming in the economy,” as a reason he supports the proclamation. Smook said the county sent a representative to an economic development session in Camrose, and “recently met with a business development official from CN declaring the county is open for business,” as signs of progress on this front. Councillor Lionel Williams and Hrabec attended an economic development conference in Kananaskis in April. Williams reported he “got an education on everything when it comes to economic development.” Part of that was finding out what other municipalities were doing about this topic. “I think it gave us some ideas on what we would like to do in Beaver County on economic development,” he said. And he credited that the positive results at this

“We have no say in where it’s recent meeting with CN was due to greenhouses and the growing of what had been learned over the food products as examples of rural going and no control over technolmanufacturing that could be done ogy.” two days at the convention. Williams stated that the ripple Hrabec also praised the recent here. “In Beaver County we need to get effect of economic development convention attended at Kananaskis, calling it “an excellent conference on board about what’s coming in was another principle he learned at the future,” he said, as ‘farmers and the convention. And Hrabec and a real eye opener for me.” Some of the topics included ranchers are getting caught up in stressed the importance of being attracting workers and businesses geo political issues” that can be open minded to change that is coming in the future. to the local area, using a govern- happening far away. ment rural development network, and retaining people to alleviate population decline and labour shortages. Hrabec identified that people immigrating to (Former Brokerlink space in the Tofield Mercury building) the country in general, and Alberta in particular, • 1,500 square feet • Room for 6-7 work spaces • Ask about renting one locked office • New paint • Separate coffee room with kitchen gravitate towards the • Air Conditioning or use as a private meeting room! Email Kerry Anderson for viewing larger communities for • Security system • Binding legal lease to be signed kamcjm@gmail.com support and job opportu• Reception area with front desk • Available immediately Or drop in and ask for Lisa • 3 private offices nities for other members of their families. “The supports aren’t here and the opportunities for other family members are not here,” he said, along with affordable housing issues. “It used to be much cheaper to live here but prices are being driven up now,” he said, as another reason people aren’t moving here. And because it has become difficult to get manufactured products from elsewhere due to supply chain issues, there is an opportunity for growth by “doing it at home.” Instead of acquiring parts somewhere else to make a product, he said the items could be made in Beaver County. “We are way down on manufacturing,” he said, citing possibilities like

New Business Centre in Tofield Need a locked office space?

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 18, 2022

County approves $2,500 for Wild Oats & Notes Music Festival Patricia Harcourt A traditional music festival held in the country southwest of Tofield for many years has received a sponsorship grant from Beaver County of $2,500. This year’s festival will take place from June 30 to July 2. County community services official Aimee Boese described it as “a celebration of live music, agriculture and all things rural.” She called the festival “a non-profit venture that invests net proceeds into the local community in a number of ways.” Council was informed that grants approved under the Community Support Requests Policy are funded from the Claystone Waste Dividend, which totals $75,000 annually for operating capital and sponsorship grants. Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) stated that the deadline of February 28 had passed for consideration of sponsorship requests until the fall application deadline. But Boese replied that under the events category, there was no specific deadline date. “If approved this would come out of the fall amount,” she said, allotted for events. Assistant CAO Margaret Jones informed council that $32,000 was left for the fall allotments, “so there is certainly

enough to fund it with money left over.” Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) said the festival had asked for dust control as a contribution but were too late to have this done as they missed the April 15 deadline. However, Boese said the funds granted by the county could be used for “whatever they want, including dust control.” Smook said he would take responsibility as the original request came in at the end of March, and the festival “wanted us to provide dust control.” But he agreed with Boese that any funds the county grants can be used for that purpose. He called the event “worthwhile” and made a motion to give Wild Oats & Notes $2,500. Hrabec noted that the organizers provide “a lot of funds for an after school band program” a school program which BRSD had cancelled. Adding to this,

Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) said that Wild Oats & Notes paid for a music instructor for the program, and for musical instruments for the program. “From what I’ve seen of it, I think it’s a really good program,” he said, calling it “unique.” The motion by Smook was carried. People come from near and far to take in the festival’s selfdescribed “down home atmosphere” which includes local, provincial and international performers. The festival takes the funds earned and contributes $9,000 on average for programs like the Tofield School Scholarship Fund for environmental, agriculture and artistic contribution; Tofield School Jam Club Program; Tofield Food Bank; Tofield Lions Club Skateboard Project and Tofield Historical Society. The festival is held on the Schultz family farmstead, which was established in 1906.

SPRING LA ARGE ITEM PROGRAM CONTINUES C The spring large item collection program has reached the mid-way point. This program is meant for large items so o if your waste fits in the collection bin in your alley, please put yo our items in there for disposal. This bi-˔ˡˡ˨˔˟ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˔ˠ ˜˦ ˢˡ˟ˬ ˙ˢ˥ ˟˔˥˚ ˚˘ ˜˧˘ˠ˦ ˧˛˔˧ ˗ˢˡϠ˧ ˙˜˧ʡ The remaining dates for each of the municipallities are as follows:

Monday, May 16 to Thursday May 19ϞVillage e of Ryley No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located: Old carwash beside Village OfficeϞ50 St & 50 Ave Truck stop area close to the cardboard binϞ51 b St & 50 Ave Trailer park close to the 4 yd binsϞ53 3 St & 52 Ave Grassy area at the north end of Villa age on 57 Ave between 49 & 50 St.

Thursday, May 26ϞTown of Tofield Curbside pick up, large items must be on the t streetϞnot on your lawn or driveway

Monday, y, May 30 to Thursday, y, June 2ϞVillage off Holden No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located: Empty lot at 5024Ϟ50 St Gazebo Park entrance located on 51 S St. ʵ˘˦˜˗˘ ʵ˘˔˩˘˥ ʶˢ˨ˡ˧ˬϠ˦ ʧˬ˗ ˕˜ˡ˦ ˢˡ ʧ ʧʫ ˆ˧ʡ West side of Public Works shop at 492 20Ϟ48 Ave

Rural residents can take their large items to our transfer stations year round. Check our website to see wh hich large items are acceptable at which location and what days s the various transfer station sites are open.

If you have questions about what items are be eing collected through this program, please call 780.663.2038, extens sion 102 or ask for the Collections Department. Alternatively y please email info@claystonewaste.com.

2022 CYCLE 1 GRANT PROG GRAM Our first round of grant funding will be closin ng on May 31. All Notfor-Profit community groups located within n Beaver County that have a project, event or activity that could d use some funding support, are encouraged to submit an appliication. This program is not for individuals or businesses. Large capital projects to not qualify for this funding. For example, if your organization is developing a skate park, the overall capital project would not be covered however an application for a bench located in the skate e park would qualify qualify. In addition, retroactive funding of projects or activities that have already been completed will not be covered. If you have any questions about our bi-annual grant program or would like to request an application form, please contact our office at 780.663.2038 or email connect@claystonewaste.com. Toll Free: 1.855.221.2038 Ph: 780.663.2038

Notice of Special General Meeting For the Beaver Heritage & Ag Society Tuesday, June 7, at 7:00 PM at the Village of Ryley office. All are welcome to attend.

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, May 18, 2022 - 3

County discusses water issues with Watershed Alliance Patricia Harcourt A delegation from the Battle River Watershed Alliance (BRWA) attended Beaver County Council on May 4 to discuss the Alliance’s goals and strategies and take questions from councillors. Attending were program manager Sarah Skinner and engagement assistant Carson Hvenegaard. Council heard that there are five ways the BRWA can assist a municipality by conserving water quality and quantity; balancing economic, social and ecological priorities; engaging with citizens about watershed issues and solutions; creating and responding to environmental regulations; and, planning and action for a healthy and resilient watershed. BRWA has education programs concerning discovering wetlands, waste in watershed and conducting “x-treme science.” For young people, there are two parts aimed at 4-H groups called “Future Farmers for Fresh Water,”

including a presentation on watershed and agriculture, and a stewardship community project. Also offered are Battle River Paddle Guide tours in various locations for people who would like to see the watershed up close and personal. Other aspects include watershed management and planning, stewardship programs and workshops, and a riparian intactness assessment project (for shoreline and riparian condition assessment.) Funding sources come from provincial ($440,289) and federal grants ($273,999), municipal funding ($10,334), corporate grants ($109,824), and other income ($3,641). Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) expressed interest in doing the “Waste in our Watershed” tour and asked how to get involved in this program. He referred to the county having sewage lagoons in both hamlets of Kinsella and Bruce, and how this intersects with landowners.

National Public Works Week

National Public Works Week May 15 – 21, 2022 “Ready and Resilient” Provincial/Territorial Proclamation WHEREAS, public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the people of Beaver County; and, WHEREAS, these infrastructure, facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation’s transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and, WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders and children in Beaver County to gain knowledge of and to maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities; and, WHEREAS, the year 2022 marks the 62nd annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association, BE IT NOW RESOLVED, I, Kevin Smook, Reeve of Beaver County, do hereby designate the week May 15 – 21, 2022 as National Public Works Week; I urge all citizens to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association/Canadian Public Works Association and government agencies in activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and quality of life. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of Beaver County to be affixed, at the Village of Ryley, Alberta this 20th day of April, 2022.

Skinner said this begins with having a “stewardship ethic,” describing this as wanting to take care of the land and water. She added there is no “pre-set solution” to any issues and BRWA will always come to discuss the situation with an open mind. The issues will probably include operational versus the health of the river, she said. Smook stated he has seen the removal of bush and trees so people can have more land, but “it comes at a price.” He felt there needs to be some educational aspect to any programs so “people understand the unintended consequences” of their bush clearing actions on watersheds, whether close by or further away. Skinner acknowledged that “we should be delving into it more than we are,” and extolling the benefits of trees for moisture retention. “Wetlands also do that,” she said. But she said no answers have

been found yet to get people together to talk about these kinds of trade-offs, i.e. ways to keep trees and reap those benefits. She called these “synergies between water management that BRWA does and municipal land use planning that the county does. One suggestion was to put in water protection zones. Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) wondered why there couldn’t be a reservoir built up for use by farmers in a smaller stream running into the Vermilion River. Bruce said this would have helped farmers last year during the drought. But Skinner replied, that it was important “to maintain the general integrity of the river,” and the fish habitat. BRWA doesn’t deal with water licensing and storage. When Bruce said the small stream he referred to had no fish, she replied that this water “for sure does (have) impact (as) the stream flows into other streams” that flow into the river system.

Road Bans

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 18, 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.

Property Assessment Notices

Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca

RMA Scholarship

Beaver County, under Section 311 of the Municipal Government Act, chapter M-26.1, and this publication, advise that the property assessment notices of the municipality have been sent. All assessed persons are deemed to have received their Combined Property Assessment and Tax Notice as a result of this publication. As per chapter M-26.1, Section 336 of the Municipal Government Act, I do hereby certify that the Combined Property Assessment and Tax Notices for Beaver County were sent on May 18, 2022. Kayleena Spiess Chief Administrative Officer

Mailing Address Changes

Attention Residents Mailing Address If your MAILING address has changed and you have not notified Beaver County, you may not receive your Tax Notice, however, you are still responsible for payment of your property taxes. It is your responsibility to advise Beaver County of your new mailing address. The County is NOT responsible for any returned tax notices due to incorrect postal addresses. If you have not changed your mailing address with Beaver County already, please do so as soon as possible. You may send us your new mailing address via Canada Post addressed to Box 140, Ryley, Alberta, T0B 4A0. Alternatively, you may complete an online form on the County’s website at www.beaver.ab.ca. Please note that Beaver County will not accept address changes over the phone.

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.

Grazing School for Women

APPEAL DEADLINE: June 08, 2022 Application No. 020020-22-D0020 Applicant: Kuby Renewable Energy Ltd. Location: SW-34-50-20-W4 Development: Roof Mounted Solar PV installation (Solar Collectors) APPEAL DEADLINE: June 08, 2022 Application No.020020-22-D0021 Applicant: Mattinson, Rodney and Georgina Location: NW-36-46-12-W4 Development: Construct apartment in existing farm building (second dwelling) 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.