Neighbourhood Notes
December 2020
In this Issue
• Kneehill Votes P2 • Kneehill County COVID-19 Update • Agripreneur & Business Spotlight • ATTENTION: 2% Liquid Strychnine Users
A message from Reeve Wittstock 2020 has truly been a year like no other. We seem to have come full circle from the spring, when the COVID-19 pandemic first required us to close our doors. As I’m sure you’ve heard, in light of the province’s recent mandatory, province-wide restrictions, the office and maintenance shop are closed to the public as of Monday, December 14, and will stay closed until Monday January 11, 2021. (That’s an approximate date, depending on the situation.) Even though the doors are closed, I’m happy to report that staff are able to work remotely and County services and operations will continue with little to no interruption. Staff and administration have provided excellent service to our residents and ratepayers throughout the pandemic and we would like to commend all of our staff for going above and beyond to ensure our residents needs are met, with the utmost safety in mind. We’d like to thank our residents as well, for your patience. Some of our services
Reeve Jerry Wittstock Kneehill County
or procedures may have altered slightly this year and we truly appreciate your understanding. On behalf of Council, I would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the residents, ratepayers, and neighbouring municipalities who took the time to advocate with us against changes to Oil and Gas Assessment that were proposed by the Province this summer. As you know, the changes could have had devastating impacts on the County, and again, we thank you for your support. Though none of the original scenarios proposed by the province were chosen, the Minister of Municipal Affairs did announce a three-year tax
holiday for new pipelines and wells, and eliminated the Well Drilling Equipment Tax. On top of these announcements, the County received additional information
regarding the lowering of property assessments on Oil and Gas wells for three years. These Provincial policy changes will reduce the County’s revenues by $1,050,000 in 2021. Overall, Council’s past practices and financial planning have positioned the County well for 2020 challenges, and beyond. We have not experienced any operating budget deficits, have no reliance on borrowing, have maintained or enhanced our service levels, roads and other infrastructure, and
will continue to keep competitive tax rates in the future. Despite current difficulties, Council and staff will continue seeking measures to lessen impacts to residents and are committed to employing prudent financial practices as we plan for the future. Thankfully, the end of 2020 is in sight. Council and I would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone, as best as that can happen with current restrictions in place. This year will be different for all of us in many
ways, but the spirit of the season remains. Plan to connect virtually with friends and family. Look for opportunities to help those in need. Continue to show compassion and care for each other. I’ve heard it said that “We isolate now, so when we gather again, no one is missing.” Keep that in mind this holiday, as we look forward to celebrating together again next Christmas. After all, 2021 is just around the corner. Until then, stay safe, and stay well. -Reeve Jerry Wittstock
Merry Christmas
and a very Happy New Year!
Kneehill County Council and Staff
403-443-5541 · 1600 2nd Street NE · Three Hills · AB www.kneehillcounty.com Regular business hours resume Monday, January 4, 2021 at 8:30 am. (Please note: The office will remain closed to the public until Monday, January 11, 2021.)
KNEEHILL COUNTY HOLIDAY HOURS
KNEEHILL VOTES
Holiday Hours: Thursday, December 24, 2020 Kneehill County Office closed at 12 pm.
Regular business hours (service over the phone or email) resume 8:30 am on January 4, 2021.
Three Hills and Linden Transfer Sites open from 10 am to 2 pm.
Saturday, December 26, 2020 All Transfer Sites Closed.
Nomination period for the 2021 Municipal Election opens January 4TH, 2021
Monday, December 28, 2020 Carbon Transfer Site open 9 am - 5 pm. (Carbon only.)
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Three Hills and Linden Transfer Sites open from 10 am to 2 pm. *All other Transfer Site hours continue as regularly scheduled. *Hamlet garbage collection will continue as regularly scheduled throughout the holidays.
Merry Christmas! Please note: The Kneehill County office and shop are currently closed to the public, tentatively re-opening for in-person services on Monday, Jan 11, 2021.
Kneehill County’s next election will be on Monday, October 18, 2021, and prospective candidates can file their nomination papers between January 4th and September 20th. In previous municipal elections, there was a single day
when candidates could submit nomination paperwork. For this election, due to a change in the Local Authorities Election Act, a nine-month period has been implemented. If you are interested in running or would like further information,
Kneehill County’s website will be updated on January 4th, 2021, with the Nomination Package, Candidate Guide to Municipal Elections and other important resources. More details on the election will be provided in future newsletters.
COUNCIL CONTACTS Council Contacts Division 3 Reeve Jerry Wittstock Phone: 403-312-6196 Email: jerry.wittstock@kneehillcounty.com
Division 5 Councillor Jim Hugo Phone: 403-443-7317 Email: jim.hugo@kneehillcounty.com
Division 1 Deputy Reeve Faye McGhee Phone: 403-436-1611 Email: faye.mcghee@kneehillcounty.com
Division 6 Councillor Wade Christie Phone: 403-588-1992 Email: wade.christie@kneehillcounty.com
Division 2 Councillor Debbie Penner Phone: 403-818-3108 Email: debbie.penner@kneehillcounty.com
Division 7 Councillor Ken King Phone: 403-443-0285 Email: kenneth.king@kneehillcounty.com
Division 4 Councillor Glen Keiver Phone: 403-443-7738 Email: glen.keiver@kneehillcounty.com
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Join us! Upcoming 2021 Council Meetings:
January 12 January 26 February 9 February 23 March 9 March 23 April 13 April 27
Connect With Us! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @kneehillcounty, and tune in to our YouTube channel to watch Council meetings live!
County Services
Kneehill County COVID-19 Update
On December 8, 2020, Premier Jason Kenney announced mandatory, province-wide restrictions to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. In light of these announcements, effective Monday, December 14, 2020, the Kneehill County office and shop will be CLOSED to the public, tentatively reopening January 11, 2021. Kneehill County staff will remain available to the public via telephone and email during regular business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. (Please note, the Office will be closed for the holidays starting at noon December 24, through to 8:30 am January 4, 2021.) For your convenience, a number of Kneehill County services are also available electronically, over the phone, or online at www. kneehillcounty.com. Bill Payments • Pay your utility bills, tax bills, and other County invoices via online banking (set up through your financial institution). • You can also pay by cheque through the mail, place your cheque payment in our secure drop-box, or call the office, 403-443-5541, to pay by credit card
(except tax payments.) Burn Permits Online • Visit our website to apply for a burn permit. Snowplowing • Sign up online to have your private driveway snowplowed. Once your agreement is in place, simply call the office, 403-443-5541, to request service. Applications and Forms Online: • Kneehill County has a number of electronic forms and applications online which residents can fill-in digitally, or through email. Visit our E-Services page for more information. If you need assistance or are unsure how to access our online services, please contact Kneehill County, 403-443-5541, or office@ kneehillcounty.com. Kneehill County Transfer Stations (Torrington, Linden, Carbon, and Three Hills) remain open. Please continue to follow all AHS guidelines for COVID-19 safety, including physical distancing and masking, when accessing these sites and interacting with County staff. While the office and shop are closed to the public, Kneehill County operations are otherwise unaffected
Land Use Bylaw 1808 was officially adopted on September 22, 2020. Did you know? • You can now obtain a permit to have hens in a hamlet, ex-hamlet or on a country residentially zoned parcel. • A development permit is not required for a prefabricated garden
shed. • Additional dwellings may be considered on agriculturally zoned parcels greater than 20-acres. • A garden suite may be considered on any agriculturally zoned parcel. • No recreational vehicles are to be used for living or sleeping accommodation for longer than 14 days within a Hamlet. • Ag buildings require a development permit. • Subdivisions are limited to two additional parcels from a previously unsubdivided quarter section. Please call the Planning Department if you have any questions about these changes, or would like additional information, 403445-5541.
at this time. Council and administration continue to follow all public health recommendations given by the Province of Alberta and Alberta Health Services to ensure the health and safety
of our staff and residents, and have Business Continuity processes and protocols in place to ensure that essential services such as roads, solid waste, water and fire, will not be disrupted.
For more information on COVID-19, including the mandatory Public Health Measures in effect, please visit: https://www.alberta. ca/coronavirus-info-foralbertans.aspx
Join our TIPP Program! It's Budget-friendly! Divide your annual Property Tax Levy into 12 payments.
It's Automatic!
Payment is Direct Debited from your account on the last day of every month.
It's Easy!
Join any time! Contact Kneehill County 403-443-5541
Land Use Bylaw 1808
Visit us @KneehillCounty
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Protective Services
Kneehill County donates Fire Engines to Alberta Society for Firefighters Abroad Members of the Alberta Society for Firefighters Abroad (ASFA) were welcomed by Kneehill County Council and area firefighters to accept the donation of two fire engines from Kneehill County on Wednesday, November 4, 2020. The two engines were housed, and kept in operation, in Three Hills and Carbon Fire Halls. These trucks will travel by land and sea to Paraguay
Pictured L to R: Drayton Bussiere with Lacombe County Fire and ASFA, Art Creasser Three Hills Fire, Eric Nicholas ASFA, Dan Balderson Carbon Fire, Dan Marsellus Kneehill County Fire, Kneehill County Councillor Wade Christie, Reeve Jerry Wittstock, Councillor Glen Keiver, Councillor Kenneth King, Councillor Debbie Penner, Deputy Reeve Faye McGhee.
to serve residents in communities
between 2,000 and 100,000 in
population. Members from the ASFA will
also travel to the chosen communities to offer training for each unit. “With the recent purchase of new fire engines, these units are no longer needed by fire departments in the area,” said Kneehill County Reeve, Jerry Wittstock. “Council is happy to be donating these trucks to this worthwhile cause, and hopes the donation of these apparatus’ will assist
those less fortunate with their fire safety and training.” The Alberta Society for Firefighters Abroad (ASFA) is an organization on a mission to build the capacity and safety of firefighters and emergency services abroad through apparatus, equipment and training projects. Learn more about ASFA and their work in Paraguay at Facebook.com/ AlbertaSFA.
Booster cables and tow rope.
Warm clothes and blankets. Small candles and matches.
Snacks, energy bars, and water.
Cellphone charger with adapter.
Are you prepared? Build a winter roadside emergency kit with these supplies: Flashlight and extra batteries.
Necessary medications. Small shovel.
Ice scraper and snow brush.
Kitty litter.
First-aid kit and pocketknife.
FREE animal licenses are available for all Kneehill County residents. For residents of Torrington, Wimborne, Sunnyslope, Huxley and Swalwell, they are required.
An animal license can be a lost pet's ticket home.
Remember to permit, before you burn it! Permits are required year-round to burn in Kneehill County. Visit our website, www.kneehillcounty.com, and follow the links to fill out the form. It's fast, easy, and will save you a $500.00 fine!
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Licensing your animals helps us protect and identify them. Visit www.kneehillcounty.com to fill out the online form, and get yours today!
Environmental Services Churchill Water System: Open for Business!
Pictured L to R: Kneehill County Deputy Reeve Faye McGhee, Diane Knibb with Knibb Developments; Tarek Saman from WSP Engineering; Kneehill County CAO Mike Haugen, Kneehill County Reeve Jerry Wittstock, and Kneehill County Councillors Wade Christie, Glen Keiver, and Debbie Penner.
On Monday, November 2, 2020, Kneehill County Council and staff were joined by WSP Engineering and Knibb Developments to celebrate the
completion of the Churchill Area Water System Rehabilitation. The rehabilitation project provides all users on the Churchill system with consistent,
Acme*
SW 19-29-25-W4 Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 5 pm Saturday 9 am - 5pm
reliable water service. The project involved the re-engineering of the system, the installation of new, upgraded water pipelines, realignment of some
existing pipelines, and the construction of a Pumphouse and Reservoir. A bulk water system was also installed at the Pumphouse site to
provide water service for agricultural, commercial and residential users. The bulk station is located at SW-28-28-20-W4M, and is available for
use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more about bulk water services in Kneehill County in our website, www.kneehillcounty. com.
Kneehill Area Solid Waste Transfer Station Facilities Where should I go for...?
Carbon
NW 13-29-23-W4 Saturday 9 am - 5pm
Kneehill County (Torrington Site) SW 20-32-26-W4 Wednesday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Linden
NW 19-30-25-W4 Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday 9 am - 5pm
Three Hills
SW 25-31-24-W4 Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday 9 am - 5pm
Trochu*
NE 16-33-23-W4 Thursday 1pm - 5 pm Friday & Saturday 9 am -5 pm * Please visit Acme and Trochu's website for the latest information on these transfer sites.
Attendants have the right to reject loads based on material, type, volume, source, prevailing weather or any factor affecting disposal facility operation.
Visit us @KneehillCounty
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Ag Services
Kneehill County Clubroot Update
Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) is a serious soil-borne crop disease that affects canola and other cruciferous crops. It causes the formation of galls on the roots blocking essential nutrients and moisture, which leads to premature death of the plant. Clubroot was first confirmed in Alberta in 2003 when it was found in a canola field NW of Edmonton, and it was declared a regulated pest under the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act in 2007. A critical step in managing Clubroot is early detection of the disease. Kneehill County Agricultural Services staff survey canola fields in the County for Clubroot on an annual basis, and encourage all canola
growers to scout their fields as well. Symptoms of Clubroot in canola may present as root galls, premature ripening, wilting of the plant, and stunted growth. Clubroot is commonly found in the entrances to fields, but it can occur in any portion of a field. Kneehill County now has two additional cases of Clubroot confirmed through the 2020 growing
season bringing the total active cases up to four. There is one case in each of the following townships: 34-23, 32-23, 30-23, 33-26. Of the 2020 cases, one was identified and confirmed through the Kneehill County Agricultural Services annual canola surveys and another was identified by a producer during swathing and confirmed by
Agriculture Services staff. When a case has been confirmed a notice is placed on the quarter section by the Kneehill County Pest Inspectors as required under the Alberta Pest Act. Kneehill County staff then work with the landowner and/or occupant to create an acceptable management strategy including (as outlined in the Kneehill County Policy 1-293 Agricultural Pests, Clubroot Control) no growing of any crucifer crops for a period of 3 years after which only a Canadian Food Inspection Agency approved Clubroot resistant crop variety may be planted. Clubroot is spread through the movement of soil containing Clubroot spores, typically transported
on equipment and vehicles, but can also be moved by wildlife and soil erosion by wind and water. Clubroot spores have a half-life of approximately 4 years, however, trace spores have been shown to survive up to 20 years in soil. For this reason the number one best way to prevent and manage Clubroot is to diversify and expand crop rotations to 3 or more years between canola crops. There is currently no direct treatment for this disease but it can be effectively managed to reduce the severity of its impact on crop yield. Best management practices for the prevention and management of Clubroot include: • appropriate crop rotation of 3
or more years between canola crops • regular field scouting • seeding Clubrootresistant canola varieties and selecting different brands and varieties each time to utilize a full range of resistance, and • knocking-off dirt, washing and sanitizing equipment before and after accessing cropland whenever possible For more information on Clubroot, please contact Kneehill County Agricultural Services at 403443-5541, or visit the Kneehill County website www. kneehillcounty.com.
ARE YOU LOOKING TO BUILD YOUR FARM’S SOCIAL LICENSE? WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW WHERE YOUR FARM IS ADVANCING AND WHERE YOU NEED TO FOCUS YOUR EFFORTS? IS YOUR FARM OPERATING SUSTAINABLY?
The Alberta Environmental Farm Plan is a personal risk assessment tool which aids agriculture producers in identifying best management practices to improve the long term sustainability of their farm. Completing an Environmental Farm Plan can increase awareness of alternative management practices, qualify farms for funding opportunities and increase market access via improved social license and public perception. Any Agriculture Producers looking to get started on an Environmental Farm Plan can visit
www.AlbertaEFP.com or contact the Kneehill County Office at 403-443-5541
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Agritourism Build a team of businesses that together define Agritourism in Kneehill County and the CF Wild Rose Region, and we will tell your story far and wide! Community Futures Wild Rose has designed the Wild Rose Agritourism Innovation Challenge program
for current and aspiring business leaders to partner with their
Agripreneur
neighbours and develop exciting new business clusters, and rapidly
take them to market both nationally and internationally. Entrepreneurs, farmers and tourism businesses are encouraged to find a partner in the region and register for the program through which they will receive extensive training, business services and support, as well as marketing
material and products including video, photography and website development. The challenge will culminate in a showcase event (either virtually or physically), where the winner will receive awards. Participants will shape the future of Canada’s agritourism heartland.
Registration is now open. For more information on the project, as well as registration and sponsorship, please visit: Wildroseagritourism.ca or email Eric at info@wildroseagritourism.ca To learn more on the challenge visit: https://www.wildroseagritourism.ca/
Agripreneur & Business Spotlight Kneehill County is thrilled to be introducing the Agripreneur & Business Spotlight to highlight the individuals and business that make our region great. We want to spread the good news about you,
Gravel Extraction If you had driven past the Kneehill County owned land at NE & SE 16 a few months ago, you wouldn’t have looked twice-- the rocky terrain and native prairie grasses much like every other quarter in the area. Now the landscape here has changed dramatically, and the machines at work are a sight to behold. You see, the value of this land lies below the surface-and though there’s no gold buried in them hills, to a rural municipality, it’s the next best thing. Pit run gravel.
your business and all that you
do to for your community.
Each month, the featured recipient will have an interview published in the Three Hills Capital, on our Kneehill County website and on our Social Media feeds detailing their business and
Pictured is the south end of the Torrington gravel pit, looking north. To the left is a dock which usually sits a few feet above water. The floor of the pit, where the equipment can be seen, will drop another 20 feet once the gravel resource is extracted, creating the deepest part of the end-pit lake at 60-75 feet. The stockpile of gravel material can also be seen in the background on the right-hand side.
A 15-year supply, saving the County $27,000,000.00 (that’s 27 million) compared to the cost of purchasing gravel outside of the municipality. The total supply of pit run is estimated at
Visit us @KneehillCounty
1,250,000 m3. Kneehill County owns 120 acres of this area, which was comprised of an old landfill sight--since reclaimed--where the pit run is now being stockpiled. The pit was in operation
for a long time, until groundwater became problematic in the late 90’s. In the mid 2000’s, the County tried again, producing a couple of years supply of gravel to crush before the water again, became
their awesome community involvement. Learn more about the program or fill out an application online at: kneehillcounty. com/2384/ AgripreneurBusinessSpotlight
If you require assistance with your application or have questions about the program, contact Economic Development at 403-443-5541, or Jacqueline. Buchanan@ kneehillcounty. com
an issue. In 2019, Kneehill County started an application for a new pit plan and required approvals, which were finalized in June of 2020. A tender was then awarded to extract the gravel resource while pumping the problematic groundwater into the nearby Kneehill Creek. “We really only have one chance to extract the gravel and deal with the water,” said Brad Buchert, Director of Transportation for Kneehill County. “Where the gravel was extracted will become a 50+ acre end pit lake, with
water depths of up to 65 feet. If we don’t get the gravel out now, we won’t be getting it later.” The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2021. The mountain of pit run will be stockpiled at NE 16, where it will be crushed to produce gravel for the roads, and other gravels to suit the municipality’s needs. “This secure source of gravel is a huge win for the municipality,” said Kneehill County Reeve, Jerry Wittstock. “It will serve our residents and the County well for years to come.”
Operations
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Ag Services
ATTENTION
2% LIQUID STRYCHNINE USERS On March 4, 2020, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) published the final reevaluation decision on strychnine used to control Richardson’s ground squirrels (RVD202006). Under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act Health Canada is cancelling the registration of all strychnine products used to
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Important Dates:
2% Liquid Strychnine Concentrate (Registration No. 30433 PCP Act) is cancelled and phased out with time-lines as follows: • Last date of sale by Registrant is March 4, 2021 (Manufacturer) • Last date of sale by Retailer is March 4, 2022 • Last date of permitted use is March 4, 2023 control Richardson ground squirrels. Environmental risks associated with the use of strychnine to control Richardson’s
ground squirrels are not acceptable. Proper disposal of all unsold existing stock is the responsibility of
the registrant of 2% Liquid Strychnine and is to be done in accordance with the label directions and any applicable
provincial laws. This includes disposal of all unsold stock in the distribution and retail chain following the above schedule. Furthermore, the registrant is responsible for providing information to members of the distribution and retail chain regarding the abovespecified last dates. The registration of 2% Liquid Strychnine Concentrate will
expire after the March 4, 2023 the last day of permitted use. Continued possession and/or use of the product after this date is a violation of the Pest Control Products Act. For more information on the regulation of pesticides, you are encouraged to contact PMRA at hc.pmra.info-arla. sc@canada.ca or telephoning 1-800267-6315.
Municipal Planning
Proposed changes to the Municipal Development Plan Background Land Use Bylaw 1808 was adopted by Kneehill County Council on September 22, 2020. Some of the changes that were adopted in the Land Use Bylaw have created inconsistencies with our current Municipal Development Plan Bylaw (MDP), which is also out of alignment with some of the newly adopted Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs) that are in place with
our neighboring municipalities. It is a requirement under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, the Municipal Government Act, and Land Use Policies
KRFCSS
that all planning documents and statutory plans be consistent. As such, administration is proposing amendments to the MDP that would bring the Bylaw into
alignment with all other planning documents. What is an MDP? The Municipal Development Plan is the broad, long-range planning tool for the municipality. It guides future
land use and development, growth patterns, transportation systems, and municipal services. It is a statutory plan that requires public consultation and a public hearing prior to adoption. Submit your comments! Council gave ďŹ rst reading of this Bylaw at the December 8, 2020, Council meeting. A Public Hearing for this Bylaw will be held on February 23, 2021, at 10 am in Council Chambers at the
Kneehill County Administration Building. A list of necessary changes and the revised Growth Area Map is available on the Kneehill County website, (scan the QR code for fast access). Copies can also be obtained at the Kneehill County ofďŹ ce. Please email planning.dept@ kneehillcounty. com to submit your comments regarding Bylaw 1829.
KNEEHILL REGIONAL FCSS IS HOSTING A GRIEF AND LOSS
Virtual Coffee Break Mondays 10:00 - 10:30 AM Volunteers are in need throughout the Kneehill area to provide this important community service to individuals and families with low incomes and simple tax situations. Volunteers assist lowincome residents who are unable to pay for assistance and/or complete their own returns. A basic understanding of income tax, some computer knowledge, and the desire to help in your community are all you need! If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering with the CVITP, please call Angie at 403-443-3800. More information is available at www.canada.ca/taxes-volunteer.
Connect with us for an informal conversation about grief and loss Contact 403-443-3800 or shelley@krfcss.com to attend
Kneehill Regional FCSS 403-443-3800 angie@krfcss.com
Visit us @KneehillCounty
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Ag Services A Land Stewardship Centre Program
Do you own an acreage, hobby farm or recreational property? Then plan on attending this free virtual workshop.
Join us at this upcoming Green Acreages workshop HOSTED BY:
Kneehill County
DATE:
Thursday, January 14, 2021
TIME:
7:00-8:30pm
COST:
FREE FREE
PREREGISTER TODAY AT:
https://bit.ly/3lX6oH2
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During this live, online workshop you will learn about stewardship and how to: • Better manage and improve your property. • Evaluate your acreage. • Map your property assets and plan your activities. • Access funding to help with a stewardship project and the projects that qualify. • And more. Presented by Land Stewardship Centre landstewardship.org
Ag Services
Visit us @KneehillCounty
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Operations Did you know? Kneehill County can
Plow your Private Lane! Contact the Office, 403-443-5541, or visit our website, www.kneehillcounty.com, for more information.
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