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A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, May 25,16 2022, Volume 15,15 Issue 21 7 Wednesday February 2022 Volume Issue

County renews partial tax exemption to Tofield Gun Club and Beaverhill Rangers Patricia Harcourt The county will provide a partial property tax exemption to the Tofield Gun Club and Beaverhill Rangers based on the difference in agricultural use value rather than that of legislated market value. Furthermore, the structure on the property will be assessed as improved market value, and the land area will be assessed as farmland class at regulated agricultural use for the taxation years from 20232025. The motion was made by Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) and passed by all of council. Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) said he felt that the gun club “plays a great role in the community.” The recommendation came from chief county assessor Orest Golinowski, in his report at council’s May 18 regular meeting. He explained that in the past organizations providing “public benefit” services could be eligible for an exemption. When there were too many inconsistencies in the application of this exemption, legislation called Community Organization Property Tax Exemption Regulation, or COPTER, was passed by the province, he said. “The organization must be established by the Societies Act and must be prohibited from distributing income or property to its shareholders or members,” stated Golinowski. The organization can’t be a sports franchise operation, and “must actively encourage the general public to use the property without unreasonable restriction…” Plus, the organization can only a small application fee and cannot impose unreasonable membership requirements. And, if an exemption is established under Part 3 of COPTER, there is a minimum requirement to review an applicant’s tax exemption status every three years. Hrabec stated that under COPTER the gun club would pay partial taxes of $477.40 which “does good value to the county.” Golinowski agreed that the club was not asking for a complete tax exemption, just a partial one. “If the property had been assessed as prescribed by the legislation market value assessment, the 2022 non-residential tax levy would have been 2,957.38.” This means that under the exemption the county is foregoing $2,479.98 in taxes. In October 2019, County Council approved a threeyear partial tax exemption from 2019 to 2021 for the club. “The Tofield Gun Club was instructed to submit an application for tax exemption for subsequent tax years to be determined by council,” stated

Golinowski. “The Tofield Gun Club and Beaverhill Rangers have successfully completed the forms necessary to meet the test of an exemption provision,” he said, noting that club President Doug Brooks and Treasurer Gordon Hryhirchuk have presented their organizational objectives, financials and other information relevant to the affairs of the organization and answered questions from council at county meeting on April 27. Golinowski passed the tax exemption recommendation to council for approval because he could not automatically grant it based on the club’s information. There are two main reasons in the COPTER legislation where the club does not meet the needed criteria. These include the idea that it is the “general public” using the association when it fact it is mainly the “general membership of the association” enjoying the property’s use. The other area where the club is not exempt from taxation is because more than 40 per cent of the time when the property is in use the majority of those participating are 18 years of age or older. “This is a members’ gun club for use for its primary members who are over the age of 18 years, which occupy the facility for more than 40 per cent of the time,” stated Golinowski. But the club meets the criteria under Part 3 of COPTER, and council is allowed to grant a tax exemption, a decision which can’t be appealed to the Assessment Review Board. The club is also receiving an exemption from school and seniors housing taxes. “Any exemption granted under the COPTER regulation is not requisitioned by the Ministry of Education or to any foundation,” said Golinowski. The Tofield Gun Club and Beaverhill Rangers own

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.

a single lot property of 9.65 acres northwest of the Town of Tofield. The club has owned the property since 1962, and is registered as a non-profit organization under the Societies Act. It operates as a recreational facility for its members to provide a certified shooting sports facility for rifles, handguns, trap shooting and marksmanship practice. There is a natural shooting range for all calibre of hand guns and rifles, a 24 ft. by 40 ft. metal clad warehouse building with walking trails to the target areas of shot. The facilities are used mainly by the club’s general membership, and there are no age restrictions but all youth must be supervised. About 60 per cent of persons using the club’s facilities come from within the county and 25 per cent are associative members from neighbouring counties. The remainder come from outside the general area. The club has offered beginner shooter courses and programs (safe handling and training) for the youth within the community of Tofield and the county. After two years of COVID-19 preventing these courses, they have begun once again. “The instruction is all completed by volunteers within the club, passing on their experience and knowledge to the youth and junior shooters,’ states the report to council. Also using the shooting range are the Tofield RCMP and the Sea Cadets The organization runs as a non-profit and any extra funds go back into future club projects and the maintenance of property.

Community - Wide Garage Sale Weekend

Friday, May 27th Saturday, May 28th and Sunday May 29th Any questions call Vanita at 780-662-3269 or go to the website tofieldalberta.ca Maps of Garage Sale locations will be available May 25th both online and at various locations in Tofield.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 25, 2022

County funds $1,000 to Alberta Invasive Species Council Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council agreed at its regular meeting May 18 to provide funding to the Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC). The recommendation came from the Agricultural Service Board (ASB) asking the county to provide bronze partner level funding of $1,000 to AISC. In her report to council, general manager for community services Aimee Boese stated: “AISC is a not-for-profit society dedicated to informing and educating Albertans about the destructive impacts invasive species have on our environment, economy and society.” The organization sends out fundraising letters to stakeholders every year to deliver the programs and extension

activities it runs - including “Grow Me Instead,” “Squeal on Pigs,” and the over 150 species fact sheets maintained by AISC. The ASB met January 18 and discussed the funding request from AISC. A decision was delayed until members were able to hear a presentation from the AISC at the provincial ASB conference. After that, a recommendation was made for the county to give bronze level funding to AISC at the ASB’s county level meeting April 14. Council approval is required since this funding was not included in this year’s county budget. A motion by Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) to go with the recommended donation was passed.

County decides to remain with ATB despite Ryley branch closure Patricia Harcourt Beaver County will remain with Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB) for its financial services after going through the process of reviewing other institutions in the area. Ed Bujnowicz, general manager for corporate services, presented the results after a Request for Proposals for financial services was sent to local financial institutions. The request occurred after it was learned that the ATB Financial branch in Ryley was slated for closure. Replies were received from ATB, plus the Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Vision Credit Union (VCU). After evaluating the RFPs from each institution,

a scoring system took place based on the requirements of the RFD. “The scores ranged from 36 points to 100 points,” Bujnowicz stated, in his report. “Alberta Treasury Branches received the highest score.” A motion by Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) went with the administration’s recommendation to award the RFP to ATB for five years with an extension of five years after that if mutually agreeable. “ATB provided a complete and detailed response to the RFP and its fees were lower than the others,” stated Bujnowicz, adding there “would be no significant financial impacts as ATB is our current provider.”

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SPRING LARG GE ITEM PROGRAM WIINDING DOWN The spring large item collection program is almost finished. This program is meant for large items so if your waste fits in the collection bin in your alley, please put your items in there for disposal. This bi-˔ˡˡ˨˔˟ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˔ˠ ˜˦ ˢˡ˟ˬ ˙ˢ˥ ˟˔˥˚˘ ˜˧˘ˠ˦ ˧˛˔˧ ˗ˢˡϠ˧ ˙˜˧ʡ The remaining dates for each of the municipalities are as follows:

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

Monday, y, May 30 to Thursday, y, June 2ϞVillage of Holden No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located: Empty lot at 5024Ϟ50 St Gazebo Park entrance located on 51 St. ʵ˘˦˜˗˘ ʵ˘˔˩˘˥ ʶˢ˨ˡ˧ˬϠ˦ ʧˬ˗ ˕˜ˡ˦ ˢˡ ʧʫ ˆ˧ʡ West side of Public Works shop at 4920Ϟ48 Ave

Rural residents can take their large items to our transfer stations year round. Check our website to see which large items are acceptable at which location and what days the various transfer station sites are open. If you have questions about what items are being collected through this program, please call 780.663.2038, extension 102 or ask for the Collections Department. Alternatively please email

info@claystonewaste.com.

2022 CYCLE 1 GRANT PROGRAM CLOSING SOON Our first round of grant funding will be closing on May 31. All Notfor-Profit community groups located within Beaver County that have a project, event or activity that could use some funding support, are encouraged to submit an application. This program is not for individuals or businesses. Large capital projects do 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 or garbage bins located in the skate park would qualify. In addition, retroactive funding fu unding of projects or activities that have already been completed d will not be covered. If your group is looking for support under $200, a letter with your request can be sent to Claystone throughout the year. The letter will need to identify the project/event and how Claystone g for the donation. Contact information Waste will be recognized is also required. o-grant or bi-annual If you have any questions about our micro an application form, grant program or would like to request a please contact our office at 780.663.2038 or email connect@claystonewaste.com. 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, May 25, 2022 - 3

County gives gas company tax payment agreement Patricia Harcourt Beaver County has agreed to enter into a tax payment agreement with Long Run Exploration, a company which produces natural gas. “The company is starting to recover from the financial challenges it faced when the natural gas market was struggling,” stated Margaret Jones, manager of legislative services for the county. Jones added that the company “cannot pay both the current and outstanding property tax arrears by October 21, 2022.” She said that Long Run had previously proposed a two-year agreement with both past and future penalties waived. At that time, “council did not accept that proposal and requested a lump sum payment as well as a commitment. to resolve outstanding surface lease payments.” But Long Run can’t pay all the tax arrears in a lump sum. Jones said the company wanted an 18month tax payment agreement to include all tax arrears including penalties, as well as the 2022 levy. The company also requested that the October 31, 2022, and January 16, 2023, penalties be waived. “They have indicated that approximately 65

per cent of the surface lease agreements have been paid and they are committed to paying the balance as soon as possible,” added Jones. Jones told council there are “extenuating circumstances that warrant consideration of the request,” even though she advised that each request for a tax payment agreement must be measured on its own merits. Jones said that “Long Run Exploration is a large non-residential taxpayer and is not asking for its taxes to be reduced or forgiven; rather, it is asking that it be allowed to pay over an 18-month period without incurring penalty.” Another good reason was that the county has entered into other agreements with gas companies. An agreement is probably in the best interests of the county because, if the company falls into arrears and becomes part of the tax recovery proceedings, there are no assets to seize as there are with other property in the county. For that reason, “it is in the best interests of all taxpayers in the county that council assist Long Run Exploration to pay its taxes,” she said. Administration recommended that council enter into an agreement with Taxpayer #20285 and 22405 for payment of the 2019, 2020, and 2021 property taxes over 18 months and waive

Yellowhead East Health Advisory Council

National AccessAbility Week Beaver County Council has proclaimed May 29 – June 4, 2022 as National AccessAbility Week in Beaver County. Inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour, National AccessAbility Week is an opportunity to celebrate Canadians with disabilities and raise awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion for all in our communities and workplaces. For more information, go to www.rickhansen.com.

the October 31, 2022, and January 16, 2023, payment penalties. A motion by Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) for the county to accept the recommendation as read was passed by council. However, not before Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) said that he “encourages the company to pay its lease holders.”

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE

Canadian Prairie Pickers are once again touring the area!

Paying Cash For Coin Collections, Silver & Gold Coins, Royal Can. Mint Sets. Also Buying Gold Jewelry

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call Kellie at 1-778-257-9019 Bonded since 1967

Road Bans

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 25, 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.

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

Property Assessment Notices

Looking for Board Members

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.

McPherson Municipal Library

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

McPherson Library is looking for board members; the Library presently has a 5-member board; we have the capacity for a 10-member board. The Library board meets the second Monday of every month, times can vary, but board members are given abundant notice. McPherson Library is also looking for Volunteers from time to time for various fund-raising events. Interested people can email: librarian@mcphersonlibrary.ab.ca or call 780-663-3999 ask for Kim

Temporary Closure Black Nugget Lake Campground Temporary Closure

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. 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) APPEAL DEADLINE: June 15, 2022 Application No.020020-22-D0023 Applicant: Bruce Colony Farming Location: NE 25-47-15-W4 Development: 5-unit family housing to replace existing 7-unit family housing

Beaver County is aware of an issue, at Black Nugget Campground, that requires the County to take immediate steps to repair the situation. For this upcoming weekend, guests at the campground will notice a number of changes to the site that will address this situation. These include: - A fenced off area near the concession building for safety - Washrooms (toilets and showers) in the concession will be closed - sinks are still available for handwashing and general hygiene purposes - Extra port-a-potties will be placed on site - Sewage Dump location will be closed and guests will be asked to use sites in one of the neighboring towns/villages Beginning on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 the campground will be CLOSED until repairs are completed. 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. 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.

Grazing School for Women

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.