Neighbourhood Notes The Bylaw that governs Kneehill County's Land Use is changing.
Be a part of the discussion. Kneehill County’s Land Use Bylaw has been reviewed and revised in order to reflect Council’s current Strategic Plan and vision for the County. Visit our website to read through some highlights of the proposed changes, and provide your comments, questions or concerns via our online form. Please submit your feedback by Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Scan here to visit our website, read about the changes, and have your say!
Join us for an Open House to discuss these changes, April 2, 2020, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Kneehill County office. Staff will be on hand to explain the updates to the Bylaw, answer your questions and take your comments.
March 2020
In this Issue • • • •
Emergency Preparedness Week Clubroot in Kneehill County Call for Vendors Road Bans
REEVE’S MESSAGE I can feel it-spring is just around the corner. Staff are gearing up for the busy summer season, hiring seasonal staff and making preparations to hit the ground running once the snow melts and the sun shines. Spring programs offering Gopher Poison and Dust Control will be available to residents soon, keep an eye out for these announcements. Our Land Use Bylaw is currently being revised to better reflect Council’s strategic plan. Make sure you take part in our public consultation, and let us know your thoughts on the proposed changes. This winter has been a season of deliberation, as Council prepares to pass the 2020 budget, trying to balance the
Reeve Jerry Wittstock Kneehill County current needs of our residents while planning for the future, and maintaining our infrastructure while ensuring plans are in place so the County can keep growing. Some of the key investments in the 2020 budget are: • Bridge replacements &
rehabilitations: $2,000,000 • Fire communications systems: $250,000 • Securing longterm gravel supply: $5,250,000 (at a very favourable unit cost) • Fleet replacements to support road maintenance,
winter control & maintenance: $1,100,000 • Equipment renewal gravel operations: $579,000 • Equipment renewals parks & agricultural programs: $508,000 • Tree assessment, rehabilitation and plantings (Torrington, Swalwell, Huxley): $50,000 • Bulk Water system enhancements: $30,000 • Ongoing facility needs (FCSS, Shop): $44,000 While Council has been working to keep the overall expenses down in 2020, provincial policies are creating major
challenges for the County. A portion of the costs related to RCMP policing will now be paid by Kneehill County. Starting at $160,000 in 2020, this cost is expected to grow to $480,000 by 2023. The province has also notified Council that the 35% property tax reduction relief to shallow gas producers will not be funded by in 2020, representing a loss to the County of approximately $1.9 million, or 7% of our 2020 budget revenue. In addition, the County will see a 25% reduction in provincial capital funding from 20202022, for a further loss of approximately
$600,000. I know the situation sounds bleak, but thankfully, Council’s past practices and financial planning have positioned the County well for this financial challenge. We have not experienced any operating budget deficits, have no reliance on borrowing, and have maintained or enhanced our service levels, roads and other infrastructure. Going forward, we will continue to keep competitive tax rates, seek measures to lessen these impacts and exercise prudent financial practices as we plan together for the future. -Jerry Wittstock
DISCOVERY FAIR & Ratepayer Evening Stay tuned for more info!
· Meet Kneehill County Council and Staff · · Enjoy a free BBQ Supper · · Take part in Interactive Demonstrations · · Learn more about Kneehill County Projects and Services · · Bring the Kids for Fun-Filled Activities · · Win Door Prizes ·
Coming to Carbon and Torrington in August, 2020!
COUNCIL CONTACTS Council Contacts Division 3 Reeve Jerry Wittstock Phone: 403-312-6196 Email: jerry.wittstock@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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Division 5 Councillor Jim Hugo Phone: 403-443-7317 Email: jim.hugo@kneehillcounty.com
Join us! Upcoming 2020 Council Meetings:
March 10 March 24 April 14 April 28 May 12 May 26 June 9 June 23
Connect With Us! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @kneehillcounty, and tune in to our YouTube channel to watch Council meetings live!
Emergency Preparedness Week
Emergency Preparedness Week – May 3 to 9, 2020 – May 3 to 9, 2020 Emergency Preparedness Week Emergency Preparedness national(EP event is coordinated partners. and their during Emergency Preparedness Week Week) is an annual event that takes place during thefamilies first full week Week (EP Week) is an annual by Public Safety Canada, in Emergency Preparedness emergencies. of May. This national eventclose is coordinated by Public Safety Canada, in close with the visit event that takes place during collaboration with the Week helps Canadians take collaboration For more information, the first full week of May. This provinces, territories and other action to protect themselves www.getprepared.gc.ca. provinces, territories and other partners.
Will you be ready inhelps Equipment Emergency Preparedness Week Canadians take action to protect themselves andcomfort theiritems families Distraction and Manual can opener Small toys and stuffed animals during emergencies. an emergency? Dishes and utensils Playing cards and games When dangerous situations arise, it’s Battery-powered or crank radio important to be able to act quickly. Extra batteries For more information, visit www.getprepared.gc.ca. Pen and paper Having an emergency kit can help Pocket knife reduce the stress of making important Duct tape decisions in urgent situations. Whistle Choose a bin, backpack or a rolling Cell phone and charger with spare batteries suitcase, fill them with enough supplies Basic tools and work gloves for at least 72 hours and store them in a place where you can quickly grab them. Personal Supplies and Medication Here’s what to pack: Food and water
Water (4L per person per day) Non-perishable food such as protein/granola bars Trail mix/dried fruit Crackers and cereals Canned meat, fish and beans Canned/boxed juice
Clothing and Bedding
Change(s) of clothing appropriate for the season Extra undergarments and socks Raincoat, poncho, jacket Spare shoes Sleeping bag, blanket or emergency heat blanket
Light and Fuel
Battery-powered or crank flashlights/lamps Candles with candleholder Lighter Waterproof matches
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First-aid kit Toiletries (toilet paper, personal and feminine hygiene, toothbrush and paste) Cleaning supplies (hand sanitizer, dish soap, dishtowel etc.) Medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, medications) Copies of prescriptions Back-up pair of prescription glasses Pet food and supplies Garbage, recycle and sealable clear plastic bags
Reading material Activity books and crossword puzzles Colouring books and markers Charging cords for electronic devices Notebook and pen Family photos
When you build your kit, consider:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women Infants and small children Mobility issues Severe allergies Chronic medical conditions * Not sure what to pack? Ask a health professional.
Documents and identification
Personal identification Copies of birth and marriage certificate, will, passports, citizenship papers Insurance policies Money (small bills and change) Credit card information Copy of your emergency plan Contact list Personal items, if time allows (photos, computers, hard drive, heirlooms etc.)
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Public Safety SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES FOR ALL CRIMES IN PROGRESS CALL 9-1-1 If no crime was committed and everyone is safe, police still need to receive FOR ALL CRIMES IN PROGRESS CALL 9-1-1 reports of all suspicious vehicles. If no crime wasover committed andoreveryone safe, policevehicles still need Keep and hand all photos videos ofissuspicious toto receive police. reports of all suspicious Do not follow suspicious vehicles. vehicles, call police as soon as possible from the Keep andand hand over or the videos of suspicious vehicles to police. location stay on all thephotos line until officer says to disconnect. Do not follow suspicious vehicles, call police as soon as possible from the location and stay on the line until the officer says to disconnect.
INFORMATION TO GIVE:
LICENCE PLATE #
INFORMATION TO LICENCE PLATE PROVINCE
GIVE: DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
# OF OCCUPANTS LICENCE PLATE # VEHICLE MODEL
BUMPER STICKERS OCCUPANT DESCRIPTIONS LICENCE MAKE PLATE PROVINCE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL VEHICLE DENTS/DAMAGE/RUST # OF OCCUPANTS BUMPER STICKERS OCCUPANT DESCRIPTIONSWEAPONS APPROX YEAR VEHICLE COLOR SEEN/MENTIONED VEHICLE MAKE DENTS/DAMAGE/RUST VEHICLE MODEL VEHICLE COLOR
APPROX YEAR
WEAPONS SEEN/MENTIONED
If it is the report of a past event (It happened two days ago) call the RCMP of your jurisdiction's complaint line. If it is the report of a past event (It happened two days ago) call the RCMP of your jurisdiction's complaint line.
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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Ag Services
Clubroot in Kneehill County As of 2019 Kneehill County has confirmed two separate cases of Clubroot infection. Kneehill County Agriculture Service Board would like to recognize and thank the producers who self-identified these infestations and brought their findings to the municipal Agriculture Services Staff. By doing so they ensured that affected parties could be notified and all precautions could be taken to prevent the further spread of this disease to neighbouring lands. With Kneehill County now being Clubroot positive here are a number of commonly asked questions staff have been responding to: What is Clubroot and how is it spread? Clubroot (plasmodiophora brassicae) is a regulated pest under the Agricultural Pest Act. It is a serious disease of cruciferous crops (canola and cabbage family). The disease is caused by a microscopic soil-borne spores which infect the roots causing the development of root galls which, in severely infected plants, resemble a club like appearance. These galls inhibit the canola plant’s ability to transport water and nutrients to the rest of the plant, causing reduced yields and quality. Clubroot is primarily spread through soil infested with resting spores. Infested soil can be carried from field to field by vehicles or machinery, especially tillage equipment, and can also be moved by animals, wind or water erosion. What is a landowner’s responsibility when it comes to Clubroot prevention? Under the Agricultural Pest Act, it is the responsibility of the landowner or occupant, (i.e. leaseholder) to actively take measures that prevent the establishment of, and to further control or destroy all pests on or in the land, and where necessary destroy any crop, vegetation or other matter (for example soil, crop residue, or manure), that contributes or may
contribute to further spread of a pest. To follow the act, landowners can develop protocols and standards that they and anyone entering their land must follow to prevent the infection and spread of not only Clubroot, but other crop diseases and weeds. Landowners can and should enforce these protocols through land use agreements with any party entering their land including all custom operations, consultants, and oil & gas contractors. What is Kneehill County’s responsibility in preventing the spread of Clubroot? Under the Agricultural Pest Act, a local authority of a municipality shall take active measures to prevent the establishment of, or to control or destroy pests in the municipality. As such, Kneehill County has developed a Clubroot Policy to provide enforcement of the Act, as well as a procedure for fulfilling the municipality’s duties in relation to controlling or eradicating Clubroot. The full Clubroot Policy can be found on the County website. What is Kneehill County’s inspection protocol? Kneehill County Agriculture Services Staff complete Clubroot inspections throughout the year. The first inspections take place in the summer and involve a visual inspection of all canola fields within Kneehill County followed by a physical inspection of any fields presenting distress during the visual inspections. Additional
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or follow up inspections take place in the fall, after harvest, and involves the physical inspections of fields that were selected for further inspection during the summer season. More detailed inspections are done in areas surrounding known infestations. Agriculture Services Staff follow very strict sanitation guidelines when completing surveys including some key practices such as: never driving into a field, always wearing disposable boot covers, using a disinfectant boot dip before and after physical surveys,
and always cleaning and disinfecting any vehicles or any tools used in the surveying process . Who gets to know the location of the infections and why not make the information open to the public? Under the Act the landowner and occupant must be notified, as well the Local Authority (County) as the enforcement body. Release of this information is also restricted and falls under the regulations of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, section 16(1). However, the producer/s, on their own free will, may or may not share this information with anyone outside of those mandated to be notified or named in the Act and Regulations. With all of this in consideration, Kneehill County does acknowledge the risks of contamination that comes with exposure to the disease, and will inform landowners within a half-mile radius if there has been confirmed Clubroot found in proximity to their land.
What are some common ways to prevent Clubroot infestations? All landowners and users can do their part to prevent the spread of Clubroot, by: • Taking measures to ensure vehicle and equipment sanitation, especially in wet conditions and on equipment brought in from other areas. Even just knocking loose soil from farm equipment can help. • Utilizing proper crop rotation of 1 in 4 to prevent the establishment of Clubroot and other crop pests and diseases. • Growing resistant varieties of canola and following a fouryear rotation to deter resistance breakdown. • Observing and following the best management practices outlined in the Alberta Clubroot Management Plan. (Found online.)
Ratepayer Meeting Division 1
Ratepayer Meeting
Residents and Ratepayers of Division 1 Deputy Reeve McGhee invites you for a family-friendly evening with the Division 1 Community. Come to connect, ask questions, and find out more about Kneehill County services and policies! DATE: Monday, April 20, 2020 TIME: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm LOCATION: Hesketh Community Hall
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Ag Services
Land Care Programs Environmental Farm Plan Numerous marketing and sales groups are now utilizing Environmental Farm Plan participation as a recognizable environmental certification to the world markets and consumers. Now is the time to start or update your Environmental Farm Plan! For more information or to get started visit www.albertaefp.com Riparian Restoration Riparian areas provide an ecological buffer for water and nutrient flow, increase water retention and improve wildlife habitat. By protecting
and enhancing these areas we can lessen the impact of flooding and drought, and improve water quality. To assist with this Kneehill County Agriculture Services is offering 100% grass seed costs and 75% of other riparian improvement costs up to $2000 for improvements to riparian areas. Projects are subject to Agriculture Services Staff approval. Water Well Decommissioning Program Old, abandoned water wells offer a direct route to groundwater for contaminates such as vermin, manure,
pesticides and fertilizers. Keep your water sources safe by utilizing Kneehill
After much consideration and research, Health Canada has renewed the Pesticide Control Product Registration for 2% liquid Strychnine for use until 2022. From March through June, the Kneehill County Agriculture Service Board will be making 2% Liquid Strychnine purchasable for the control of Richardson
Learn the essentials of proper tree care, pruning techniques, and common pest identification to keep your farmyard and shelterbelts in top form. Featuring both classroom and outdoor training sessions!
Tickets $50 Pre-Registration Required Visit: countrysidetreecare.eventbrite.ca
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program for $300/well to properly seal off unused water wells.
Ground Squirrels. The Strychnine is only available to
agriculture producers with economically significant damage (1 hole every 4 meters over 100 meters and/or 20% crop damage in 100 meter strip). Producers looking to purchase this product MUST make a scheduled appointment with Agriculture Services Staff. For more info call the Kneehill County Office.
Gopher Poison
Countryside Tree Care
Friday, April 3, 2020 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Swalwell Community Hall
County Agriculture Services water well decommissioning
Growing Kneehill 2020
The Growing Kneehill 2020 Country Market & Long Table Dinner focuses on strengthening and supporting the growth of business diversity in Kneehill County and the surrounding area.
The Long Table Dinner and Country Market will take place on August 14 & 15, 2020 at Horseshoe Canyon, tying into the popular Alberta Open Farm Days weekend and concluding Alberta Local Food Week.
The Country Market provides thousands of visitors and residents an opportunity to sample all that Kneehill County and the surrounding area has to offer, with local vendors showcasing agricultural and
artisan products grown or created in Kneehill County and the region, as well as agriculture info groups, local societies, and tourism operators from the area. This year’s market will
run from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, August 15, 2020. For more information on the Country Market, and to register as a Vendor, please call Kneehill County, 403-4435541.
Roadside Spraying
Agriculture Services Roadside Invasive Weed Control Invasive weed control remains a Kneehill County Agricultural Service Board priority. During the 2020 growing season, Kneehill County Agriculture Services Staff will continue the Roadside Invasive Weed Control program along the County right-of-way in the southern third of the County, from Township Road 30-4 to the southern border. Two Agriculture Services spray units will be applying a residual, broadleaf herbicide and have been instructed to
leave a one-meter, uncontrolled buffer strip between the road allowance and any crops. As per policy, all roadside spraying will stop 30 meters upon approaching a farmstead or residence, where buildings and trees are within 30 meters of the road allowance and will continue 30 meters past the farmstead or residence. These uncontrolled buffer areas are the responsibility of the adjacent landowner. Kneehill County Agriculture Services Staff
will be inspecting the County
under the Alberta Weed Act.
private lands and encourage
throughout the growing season
Staff are also available for
the public to report sightings of
for regulated weed species
management consultation on
invasive weeds.
FREE animal licences are available for all Kneehill County residents. For residents of Torrington, Wimborne, Sunnyslope, Huxley and Swalwell, they are required.
An animal licence can be a lost pet's ticket home. Licensing your animals helps us protect and identify them. Visit www.kneehillcounty.com to fill out the online form, and get yours today!
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agsafetyweek.ca Canadian Agricultural Safety Week Celebrates Safe & Strong Farms: Grow an AgSafe Canada in 2020 Canadian Agricultural Safety Week 2020 runs from March 15-21 Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 2, 2020: This March, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is encouraging all Canadians to celebrate Safe & Strong Farms. Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) is an annual public campaign focusing on the importance
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of safe agriculture. Safe & Strong Farms: Grow an AgSafe Canada is the second year of a three-year campaign celebrating farm safety across Canada. The aim of the campaign is to empower farmers, farm families and farming communities to build (2019), grow (2020), and
lead (2021) the agricultural industry in safety and sustainability. In 2020 organizers are focusing on supporting farmers, farm families and farming communities through resources, safety advice articles, an AgSafe Ribbon campaign and more. “We recognize that this
past year was a difficult one for many farmers,” says Marcel Hacault, CASA’s Executive Director. “That’s why we’ve focused resources on supporting wellness, resilience and safety on the farm.” CASW 2020 also marks the fourth year of the AgSafe Ribbon campaign.
The AgSafe Ribbon campaign celebrates Safe & Strong Farms and raises awareness about the importance of farm safety. Farm Credit Canada is the presenting sponsor of CASW and longtime supporter of other farm safety programs, including the Back to Ag Program that supports the cost of adaptive technology for farmers that have experienced a traumatic injury. “At FCC, we understand that people are the most precious asset in any operation and promoting safety to prevent accidents is the best investment we can make in supporting farm operators and their families,” said Sophie Perreault, executive vice-president and chief operating officer at FCC. “We also know that accidents happen, so the Back to Ag Program is another way FCC can help injured farmers fulfill their dreams and return to the important work they’re doing as soon as possible.” For more details on Canadian Agricultural Safety Week visit agsafetyweek.ca. Canadian Agricultural Safety Week takes place every year during the third week of March. For more information about CASW, media kits or resources, please visit agsafetyweek. ca. Media kits include press releases, feature stories, safety advice articles, public service announcements, graphics, and more. Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) is an annual campaign held the third week of March of each year. In 2020, Safe & Strong Farms: Grow an AgSafe Canada, takes place March 15 to 21. CASW is presented by Farm Credit Canada. For more information visit agsafetyweek.ca. In 2020, CASW sponsors include long-time corporate sponsor Farm Credit Canada, as well as CN.
KRFCSS Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services would like to invite you to join us at one of the Volunteer Appreciation Coffee events listed below: TORRINGTON Monday April 20, 9:00 – 11:00 am Silver Willows Senior Centre; 113 Centre St, Torrington TROCHU Tuesday April 21, 9:00 – 11:30 am Trochu Drop-In Centre; 313 Main St, Trochu LINDEN Tuesday April 21, 2:00 – 4:00 pm High Seas Coffee; 107 Central Ave, Linden
March 1 - April 30, 2020
THREE HILLS Friday April 24, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Kneehill Regional FCSS 779 2nd Street NE
Kneehill Regional FCSS Office 779 2 St NE, Three Hills
Must phone for an appointment 403-443-3800
CARBON Saturday April 25, 10:00 – 11:30 am Carbon Library; 718 Glengarry St, Carbon ACME Wednesday April 29, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Acme Seniors Centre; 112 Main St, Acme
NFPA Instructor Training
Trochu Fire hosted the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1041 Fire Services Instructor training with the support of a 2018/2019 Regional Fire Training Grant
from the province. Three members from Acme Fire, two members from Carbon Fire, two members from Linden Fire, 2 members from Kneehill County
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/ Torrington Fire, 2 members from Trochu Fire and one member from Three Hills Fire attended on February 29 and March 1, 2020. This is the first level of this course
(out of three levels), and includes theory and types of instruction for ground floor Fire Service Instructors. Students will spend another weekend presenting their
instruction skills to achieve NFPA 1041-Level 1 certification. This is one of many courses offered as we continue to work together for regional fire services training.
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Road Bans
EFFECTIVE ON MONDAY,, MARCH 23, 2020 AT 7:00 A.M. LOCAL TIME PAVEMENT & CHIP SEAL: • • • • • • • •
75%- Airport Road (RR 23-4, From Hwy 583 South to Airport) 75%- Allingham Road (TWP 32-0, From intersection of Hwy 583 West to County border) 75%- Buffalo Jump Road (TWP 34-4, From Hwy 21 East to RR 22-0) 75%- Hastie/Gorr Road (RR 25-1, From Hwy 587 South to Hwy 583) 75%- Linden Home Road (RR 25-4, from TWP 30-4 North to TWP 31-0) 75%- PBI Road (RR 24-0, From Town of Three Hills North to TWP 32-2) 90%- Linden East (TWP 30-4, From Hwy 806 West to County Border) 90%- Linden West (TWP 30-4, From Town of Linden border East to Hwy 21) Office #: 403-443-5541, Toll Free: 1-866-443-5541 Website: www.kneehillcounty.com
**Road Bans will be removed Friday May 15th, 2020 at 7:00 A.M. Local Time**
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Did you know? Leaks from pipes, plumbing fixtures and fittings are a significant source of water waste for many households. Research has shown that the typical home can lose 7.6 m3 to 76 m3 of water per year due to leaks. Some leaks are obvious, such as dripping faucets and leaking water heaters. Unfortunately, many leaks go undetected for years because the source of the leak is not visible. What can you do? Check all faucets, toilets, whole house humidifiers, outside taps, farm hydrants, livestock waterers and irrigation systems as these are some of the more common causes for leaks within the household or outside of the
Water Wise: Check for Leaks!
house. Toilets are one of the most common sources of leaks in the home, and usually go unnoticed because the leaks are often silent and out of view. Several research studies have found 20% to 35% of all residential toilets leak to some degree. Large toilet leaks can be detected when the valve
Recycle It!
constantly emits a hissing or gurgling sound when the toilet is not in use. You can perform a simple dye test to check for leaks in the flapper valve. Place dye tablets or a couple drops of food coloring into the tank water to give the water color. If the colored water appears in the bowl within 15 minutes, there is a leak in the flapper
valve. Larger leaks or a combination of small leaks can often be detected by your water meter. Using your water meter, you can perform a simple leak check with the following steps: 1. Make sure all water is turned off inside and outside the home. This test must be performed when no automatic water equipment is used, such as irrigation controllers, clothes washers, dishwashers, etc. 2. Record the reading of the water meter, and wait 15 minutes. Be certain no one uses any water during this time. 3. Record the reading of the meter again. If the meter has recorded water use
during the test, it might be due to a leak. Verify that the water use is not due to small appliances such as water filters, water softeners, or whole house humidifiers. The meter test only verifies large leaks. Using this test, you cannot verify that small leaks do not exist within the home. Even when leaks are detected, this test does not indicate the location of the leaks. Further investigation is needed to detect and locate all significant leaks. Kneehill County Water Meters have leak detection on them. For more information or assistance with your water meter, call the Kneehill County Utilities Department, 403-4435541.
Cleanfarms has established 20 total collection sites for recycling Ag Plastics throughout the province, funded through a grant from the Government of Alberta and administered by Alberta Beef Producers.
Time to Recycle those Empty Grain Bags in Alberta; Cleanfarms’ Collection Sites are Ready and Waiting The full roster of collection locations and what they take can be found on Cleanfarms.ca. We recommend you call ahead to out-of-County collection sites to ensure service is available.
It’s winter on the prairies, so it’s time to empty grain bags to move last fall’s harvest to dryers and then to market. For growers who use grain bags, that means recycling them instead of landfilling, storing or worse, burning them. For some Alberta farmers, this year could be the first time they’ve had an option to recycle. That’s where Cleanfarms comes in. Under the newly minted ‘Alberta Ag-plastic. Recycle It!’ program led by the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG) and operated by Cleanfarms, farmers will find it more convenient to take empty grain bags and twine for recycling. “Alberta farmers are ready and willing to recycle used grain bags and twine, and with approximately 5500 tonnes of viable agricultural plastic available to be recycled, that’s an unbeatable combination for a successful program. Plus, those recovered resources will be made into new products for farm use. This new Alberta recycling program is a win for everyone,” said Cleanfarms General Manager Barry
ACCEPTABLE FOR RECYCLING
UNACCEPTABLE FOR RECYCLING
Rolled Grain Bags
• • •
Unrolled grain bags* All other bale/silage films or bags Silage Tarps
LOCAL RECYCLING DROP OFF •
Drumheller Landfill
About Cleanfarms
*Some sites that have a compactor may be able to accept unrolled grain bags. Contact the collection site to learn more. CLEAN Twine placed in a recycling bag. (Bags are available at the Kneehill County Office, or at the Three Hills County Transfer Site.)
• • •
Net Wrap or Netting Bale/Silage Wrap Twine mixed with straw, metal, manure, mud or wood.
from the Government of Alberta and administered by Alberta Beef Producers. The full roster of collection locations and what they take can be found on Cleanfarms.ca.
• •
Three Hills County Transfer Site Drumheller Landfill
For more information on Ag Plastic Recycling in Kneehill County, please call 403-443-5541.
must only contain used Friesen. “Recycled twine for Kneehill County Cleanfarms plastic twine which is farmers at the Three Hills isAbout used in many different Cleanfarms is a non-profit industry stewardship organization committed environmental FREE of to STRAW, METAL, County Transfer Site (the applications, including responsibility through the proper management of agricultural plastic packaging and MANURE, MUD, and WOOD collection site) or for pick roofi ng tiles and new product waste. Recycled agricultural plastics are made into new products such as farm to be accepted. up at the Kneehill County twine.” drainage tile, flexible irrigation pipe and plastic bags. Cleanfarms.ca Twine can also be taken office. These bags are Kneehill County farmers About the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group FREE for residents and will to the Drumheller Landfill can take their grain The APRG is atogroup made upfiof over45-gal 20 stakeholder from sectors across for recycling. t into barrels. organizations bags, (shaken remove Alberta representing municipalities, producers, non-profits, recyclers and retailers Cleanfarms hasamong The designated debris, tightly others.rolled For a and full list of members and more details please visit www.aprg.ca. established 20 total collection area for full secured with twine), to collection sites for bags of plastic twine is the Drumheller Landfill recycling Ag Plastics at the Three Hills County for recycling. Please note, throughout the province, Transfer Site. These bags Kneehill County Transfer funded through a grant must be tied shut and Stations do NOT accept
Cleanfarms is a nonprofit industry stewardship organization committed to environmental responsibility through the proper management of agricultural plastic packaging and product waste. Recycled agricultural plastics are made into new products such as farm drainage tile, flexible irrigation pipe and plastic bags. Cleanfarms. ca About the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group The APRG is a group made up of over 20 stakeholder organizations from sectors across Alberta representing municipalities, producers, non-profits, recyclers and retailers among others. For a full list of members and more details please visit www.aprg.ca.
Plastic Netwrap or Ag Plastics. Large collection bags for recycling used plastic bale twine are available
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Ron Gorr Memorial Arena Improvements Contributions from Kneehill County, the Torrington and District Agricultural Society and the Torrington Curling Club, along with provincial grants from the Community Facility Enhancement Program and Alberta Agricultural Society, have given the Ron Gorr Memorial Arena in Torrington a muchneeded face-lift. In April of 2018, Kneehill County Council approved funding in the amount of $500,000.00 for the Torrington Arena project. To date, extensive renovations and improvements include modification to the exterior of the facility, exit and emergency lighting, plumbing fixtures, roofing and boiler repairs, fire alarm engineering and a new Ice Plant. Renovations will continue in 2020, with improvements to include an overhead
Acme*
SW 19-29-25-W4 Tuesday & Thursday 9 am - 5 pm Saturday 9 am - 5pm
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
door replacement, attic insulation, air conditioning, fire alarm upgrades, and exterior sidewalks. The Torrington Ag Society also contributed to the enhancement of the arena, funding the retrofit lighting, interior remodeling, interior paint and flooring, a
new dishwasher and the upper floor furnace. The upgrades to LED lighting and the Ice Plant saved the Arena almost $3000.00 in electrical expenses over a threemonth period. “With the lighting and plant upgrades, we can shift our attention from equipment repairs and
ensuring utility bills are paid to focusing our time and energy on promoting the building and all it has to offer.” Said Alisa Kolenosky, presenting to Kneehill County Council with the Torrington Ag Society. “We’ve received very positive feedback on the upgrades that have been completed and
have had an increase in inquiries for renting the facility. It’s exciting for us to see the renewed potential, and to have this hub remain in our community for many more years to come.” Kneehill County Reeve Jerry Wittstock agrees. “It’s exciting when you put a project together and it turns out as well as it has.” He said. “It’s great to see the whole thing come together… we really appreciate Torrington Ag Society’s work.” The success of the renovations is due in large part, Alisa insists, to the volunteers from the surrounding community. “We documented over 150 volunteer hours over the summer to make the project happen,” said Alisa. “We’re so appreciative of the community members who volunteered their time and energy towards these enhancements.”
Transfer Station Info
Kneehill Area Solid Waste Transfer Station Facilities Where should I go for...? Transtor Bins
Batteries
Acme, Carbon, Linden, Torrington, Three Hills & Trochu Transfer Sites
Carbon, Linden, Three Hills, Torrington & Trochu Transfer Sites
Dry Rubble
Pesticide Containers
Scrap Metal
Twine
White Metal
Burning Pit
Torrington Transfer Site
Linden, Torrington & Trochu Transfer Sites
Three Hills Transfer Site
Three Hills Transfer Site
Linden
NW 19-30-25-W4 Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday 9 am - 5pm
Linden, Torrington & Trochu Transfer Sites
Linden, Torrington & Trochu Transfer Sites
Three Hills
SW 25-31-24-W4 Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday 9 am - 5pm
Wire
Paint Cans
Linden & Torrington Transfer Sites
Linden, Three Hills, Torrington & Trochu Transfer Sites
Tires
Electronic Waste
Trochu*
NE 16-33-23-W4 Thursday 1 pm - 5 pm Friday & Saturday 9 am -4 pm * Please visit Acme and Trochu's website for the latest information on these Transfer Sites.
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Linden, Torrington & Trochu Transfer Sites
Linden, Torrington & Trochu Transfer Sites
Attendants have the right to reject loads based on material, type, volume, source, prevailing weather or any factor affecting disposal facility operation.