Neighbourhood Notes
July 2021
In this Issue
• Scholarship Program - P2 • Candidate Workshop - P4 • Agripreneur & Business Spotlight - P5 • Alberta Invasive Species - P11
A message from Reeve Wittstock Just in time for summer holidays, Alberta’s “Open for Summer” plan is well underway, with most restrictions lifting throughout the province, effective July 1. We’ve come a long way in a year, and I’d like to commend our staff for their continued dedication to serving our residents throughout the pandemic. As Alberta opens on July 1, the Kneehill County office will also open again to allow for inperson services, bill payments, attendance at Council meetings, etc., with no appointments needed, starting Friday, July 2nd. We will continue following all recommendations from AHS to ensure the health and safety of our staff and residents going forward. Due to the nature
Reeve Jerry Wittstock Kneehill County
of the pandemic over the last year, we’ve been unable to host our annual in-person Discovery Fair and Ratepayer Meeting consultations. To ensure we can safely engage with our residents in 2021, we’re excited to announce the County’s first ever Citizen Satisfaction Survey, open for the month of July. This Citizen Satisfaction survey
is an excellent opportunity for residents to provide feedback on current County services, programs, issues, and priorities, and may impact the way tax dollars are spent. The survey is completely confidential, and your responses will help us shape the future of Kneehill County. Survey codes will be sent to each household during
the first week of July, and results will be shared with residents in the fall. Visit our website for more information, www.kneehillcounty. com. Elsewhere in the County, crews are busy with summer projects—roadside spraying, culvert replacement and repairs, Clubroot inspections, and grading after all that rain. Paving Rge Rd 25-1 is underway, with the Hesketh Bridge replacement upcoming. Pay parking at Horseshoe Canyon began in May, and
money raised from this initiative will be invested back in the Canyon, to its conservation and upkeep. (Make sure to visit the Project Pages on our website for more information: kneehillcounty. com/2282/Projects.) Thank you to everyone who volunteered for County water testing, and to all those who participated in our first-ever Gravel Blitz. Stay tuned for more information on another Blitz, coming this fall. Lastly, (and
perhaps most importantly) we now have a full complement of Level 1 Peace Officers in our Protective Services Department, so make sure to watch your speed on County roads! The familiar bustle of activity at the County office tells us things are getting back to normal again. With in-person activities resuming and warm days on the horizon, we encourage you to get out, enjoy the summer, and stay safe. - Reeve Wittstock
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!
Citizen Satisfaction Survey!
Kneehill County has partnered with Leger to conduct our first-ever Citizen Satisfaction survey. This survey is an opportunity for citizens of Kneehill County to provide input on the services you receive, programs the County offers, and any issues/ challenges you think the County should prioritize moving forward. The survey will assist the County in determining
CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEY your priorities, which may impact how tax dollars are spent going forward. The survey is
completely confidential, and your responses will never be tied to your name in any way. Each residential
household (property owners and renters) in Kneehill County will receive a unique access code in the mail to ensure only Kneehill County residents are responding to the survey. Codes will be mailed to residents in the beginning of July, and the survey closes July 31, 2021. Once you receive your survey code, simply visit www.kneehillcounty. com to enter your code
and access the survey. If you would prefer to have a paper copy of the survey mailed to you, call 403-443-5541 or email communications@ kneehillcounty.com. As a Kneehill County citizen, your priorities and feedback on the municipal services we provide are important. Please take the opportunity to have your say and help shape the future of Kneehill County.
LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
Congratulations David Price! Every 2 years, Alberta’s Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes up to 3 individuals
whose outstanding leadership, innovation and business practices have advanced
Alberta’s agriculture and food industry at the provincial level or beyond. One of the 2020
Pictured: Councillor Debbie Penner, Councillor Wade Christie, Deputy Reeve Faye McGhee, Mr. David Price, Reeve Jerry Wittstock, Councillor Ken King, Councillor Glen Keiver.
Council Contacts
than 50 years in this County. On April 13, 2021, Kneehill County Council welcomed Mr. Price to congratulate and recognize him on his achievement. “[David], the award you’ve received from Alberta Agriculture
is an award that you truly deserve, it’s an award you’ve truly earned. I congratulate you on your successes, and all the best in the future, because I’m sure you’re not done yet.” -Reeve Jerry Wittstock.
Kneehill County awards two $2000 scholarships to rural residents enrolled in university, college, or trade school. Applicants must: • Be a rural resident of Kneehill County. • Be enrolled in their first year of full-time studies at a recognized
post-secondary institution. • Have graduated with an Alberta High-School Diploma and have taken a minimum of 25 credits in their final school year. 2021’s Essay Topic: “How would you define community and
the rural way of life? How do you feel that these may change in the future?” Visit our website for more information, and apply by Monday, August 30, 2021, at 4:30 PM. https:// kneehillcounty. com/2245/ Scholarship-Program
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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inductees to the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame was David Price. A long-time resident of Kneehill County, David has been an innovator and visionary in swine genetics, production, processing and marketing for more
Join us! Upcoming 2021 Council Meetings: • • • • • •
July 20 August 17 September 14 September 28 October 12 October 26 (Regular and Organizational meeting.)
Connect With Us! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @kneehillcounty, and tune in to our YouTube channel to watch Council meetings live!
ELECTION INFORMATION VOTER INFORMATION FOR THE 2021 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW: Important Dates:
Nomination Period: January 4, 2021, to noon on September 20, 2021 Election Day: Monday, October 18, 2021 Organizational Meeting: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 Additional information will be available at the Kneehill County Administration Building or online at www.kneehillcounty.com/election.
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Who is Eligible to Vote?
A person is eligible to vote if they are: • 18 years of age or older, • A Canadian citizen, • A resident of Alberta and their place of residence is located in Kneehill County on Election Day.
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Advance Day Voting Opportunity
Kneehill County offers voters several ways to vote if a voter cannot make it to the polls on Election Day. Voters can cast their ballots on a scheduled Advance Day prior to Election Day. Advance Day Voting Opportunities: Saturday, October 9, 2021, from 10 am to 2 pm Wednesday, October 13, 2021, from 4 pm to 8 pm These events will take place at the Kneehill County Administration Office located at: 1600-2nd Street North, Three Hills, AB T0M 2A0 for all polls in which an election is required and the Provincial Senate and Referendum Election.
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What types of I.D. can be used to vote?
Voters can use any piece of I.D. authorized under the Local Authorities Election Act, or authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer under the Election Act. The list of the accepted forms of identification can be found on our website at www.kneehillcounty.com/election. An Elector who has shown valid identification and signs the appropriate declaration can vouch for an elector who does not have identification. For further questions on the permitted forms of I.D., please contact the Returning Officer.
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Which division do I live in?
A voter must be a resident of the Division in which they intend to vote. If you are unsure of which Division you reside in, you can view the Electoral Division Map found on our website at: www.kneehillcounty.com/election or you can contact Kneehill County for verification.
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Special Ballots
Special ballots are provided to voters who are unable to vote at an advance vote or at a voting station on Election Day because of: physical incapacity, absence from the local jurisdiction, or being a returning officer, deputy returning officer, constable, candidate, official agent, or scrutineer who may be located on election day at a voting station other than that for the elector’s place of residence.
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Where do I vote?
Prior to Election Day, and after nomination day, this information will be updated on the Kneehill County website. It will also be advertised in the Three Hills Capital for at least two consecutive weeks prior to Election Day.
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Do I need to be registered to vote?
No, Kneehill County does not create a voters/electors list. To vote, simply bring an accepted piece of identification. Form 13RSE will be provided to you at the voting station. This form serves as an affidavit signed by the elector stating that they are eligible to vote.
Applications will be available on August 3, 2021. Contact the Returning Officer if you require any further information.
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Information on Senate and Referendum Vote
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Hiring Election Staff!
It is anticipated that a senate election and provincial referendum vote will occur with the 2021 municipal elections. Should these occur electors will receive a ballot, along with their municipal election ballot, to select their preferred senate nominees, as well as respond to any referendum questions when they vote at their municipal election.
Kneehill County is now accepting applications to work the 2021 municipal election. All election workers must attend a training session either on September 30 or October 1.
Visit https://www.elections.ab.ca/elections/senatereferendum/information-for-electors/ for more information.
Application Forms can be found at: www.kneehillcounty.com/election or contact the Returning Officer at 403-443-5541.
Applications will be accepted until 4 pm on September 10, 2021.
Kneehill County Administration Building: 1600 2nd Street NE, Three Hills, Alberta, T0M 2A0 Telephone: 403-443-5541 Website: www.kneehillcounty.com Email: elections@kneehillcounty.com
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CANDIDATE WORKSHOP Considering running for Council in the 2021 Municipal Election?
Don’t miss this important Council Candidate Workshop, hosted by the Kneehill Regional Partnership. Potential candidates from Acme, Carbon, Linden, Three Hills, Trochu, and Kneehill County are invited to take part in this FREE Workshop to learn more about local Municipal
Council, including beneficial training in Governance, Management, Service Delivery, Code of Conduct, and more. July 20, 2021, from 7-9 pm, at the Three Hills Community Centre. For more information, please contact Carolyn Van Der Kuil, 403-4435541.
OPERATIONS UPDATE Hesketh Bridge Replacement Scheduled for replacement in summer 2021, the current weight/ width/height restricted truss bridge will be replaced with a 3-span Sheetpile Abutment/pipe pier structure that will accept legal loads and have a width of 9m between the low height guardrails. This will eliminate the need for the low-level creek crossing, (which causes issues in the spring), and allow machinery to cross the bridge instead of detouring 24 km to cross the creek. The original Hesketh bridge structure was installed in 1922 and has seen many upgrades over the years, including increased weight capacity and height restrictions, and a sub-structure
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replacement over 51 years ago. The cost to completely replace the bridge structure is $1.3 million dollars, with $600,000 from the Provincial Stimulus Fund, and the remainder of funding coming from Kneehill County Bridge Reserves. The project is expected to take approximately one and a half (1 ½) months to complete. Please note, Hesketh will only be accessible from the south during construction. Rge Rd 25-1 Paving Project The Rge Rd 25-1 (Hastie Hwy) “ACP overlay” paving project is scheduled to take place mid-June and be completed by July 1. This project will consist of blow out repairs and an ACP heavy pavement overlay for 13.2
kms (from HWY 27 north to HWY 587) to allow a ban-free roadway for most of the year, with seasonal bans in place in spring to prolong the roadway’s life. (This roadway is currently banned year-round at 75%, due to its chipseal surface.) Rge Rd 25-1 is classified as an arterial roadway, which sees higher volumes of traffic than collector or local roadways. With record low prices for paving in 2021, applying the ACP is expected to cost the same as a chipseal replacement every 6 years, and the removal of the year-round 75% ban will prevent traffic diversion to surrounding local roads, reducing the costs of their maintenance and repair.
Did you know? Kneehill County has 1980 kms of roadways, classified into 3 road types to establish future standards and plans for rebuild and rehabilitation. • Arterial: Arterials are major through roads that are expected to carry large volumes of traffic. • Collector: Collector roads collect traffic from local roads and distribute it to arterials. • Local: Local roads carry low volumes of traffic and are often unpaved.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Agripreneur & Business Spotlight Kneehill County is thrilled to be introducing the Agripreneur & Business Spotlight to highlight the individuals and businesses that make our region great. “We want to spread the good news about you, your business and all that you do for your community.” Each month, the featured recipient will have an interview published in the Three
Hills Capital, on our Kneehill County website and our social media feeds, detailing their business and their awesome community involvement. Visit our website to check out these past Agripreneur & Businesses Spotlights: • Benedict Beef • St. Ann Ranch • Digger’s Greenhouse • Good Knight’s • Route 304 Cattle Co.
• Kirk’s Alpaca Farm Learn more about the program or fill out an application online at: kneehillcounty. com/2384/AgripreneurBusiness-Spotlight 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
Our place your pace.
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KNEEHILL REGIONAL FCSS
R E M M U S S M A R G PRO S T N E V E AND JULY AND AUG UST To keep update d on summer progra ms, visit our events page at www.k rfcss.co m. Join a Sports Group Join a Volunteer Organization or find out about Volunteer Opportunities Get Information about local and regional services, agencies and clubs.
Three Hills Community Discovery Night
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from hard situations. Join us for some fun, hands on activities to build and strengthen resilience. For more information, please call 403-443-3800 or check out our events page at www.krfcss.com
Kneehill Tools for School Program
Back to School can be a financial challenge for some families, as the supplies required may put a strain on an already tight budget. Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) aims to help reduce this stress. Through the support of community donors and sponsors, we continue to meet the school supply needs of children and youth in our Kneehill area communities with the Kneehill Tools for School program. If you would like to donate to our program, please contact our office. If your family is in need of assistance, please call our office at 403-443-3800 or email angie@krfcss.com for more information.
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ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Save the Date: Pesticide and Livestock Medication Disposal Cleanfarms is collecting unwanted commercial agricultural pesticides & old livestock/equine medications in Alberta this fall. The program is offered free of charge: the crop protection industry, in partnership with
the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) covers the full cost of operations. This year, they are hosting collection events in 20 locations south of Red Deer from October 25 to October 29. Farmers who have
material for disposal should safely store the products on-farm until the scheduled collection date. Details will be posted at cleanfarms.ca (see “What to recycle and where”, then “Unwanted/outdated products”.)
electronics at our Linden and Torrington Transfer Sites, and at the Town of Trochu’s Transfer Site. https://
kneehillcounty. com/2179/ Transfer-Sites Some items, such as commercial electronics and items containing
bulbs, will not be accepted. For more information and a list of acceptable materials, please visit: https:// armaepilot.com/
Electronics recycling expanded Recycle more electronics through ARMA’s Electronic Recycling Pilot program! Acceptable electronic materials
now include: • Small Appliances • Audio/visual • Telecom Devices • Power and Air
Tools • Toys, Games, and Musical Instruments. Kneehill County residents can recycle these
ELECTR NICS EXPANDED SMALL APPLIANCES
AUDIO VISUAL
POWER AND AIR TOOLS
GAMES, TOYS AND MUSIC
Fan
CD Player
Answering Machine
Drill
Action Figure
Hair dryer
Clock Radio
Grinder
Amplifier
Cell Phone
Miter Saw
Guitar
DVD Player
Landline Phone
Nail Gun
Keyboard
Toaster
Headphones
Residential Air Compressor
Microphone
Shaver
Satellite Dish
Modem and Router
Vacuum
Satellite Radio
Heater
Digital Camera
Iron Microwave
Residential Air Conditioner
PRODUCTS WITH FREON NOT ACCEPTED
TELECOM
Pager
Sharpener Shop Vacuum
Speakers
Satellite Phone
Skillsaw
Video Camera
Speakerphone
Table Saw
Ride-on Toy Toy Robot Toy Vehicle Video Gaming Equipment
Ask us about other electronics not listed above or visit ARMAepilot.com
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ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Acme*
Kneehill Area Solid Waste Transfer Station Facilities Where should I go for...?
SW 19-29-25-W4 Tuesday & Thursday 10 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
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.
Kneehill County contract crews have finished the extraction of gravel resources from County-owned land located at NE-16-32-26 and SE-16-32-26. The extracted pit-run is estimated to provide Kneehill County a secure source of road crush gravel for the next 12 years. In 2021, approximately 235,000 tonnes of gravel will be crushed, the majority of which will be utilized on the roads, with the remainder stockpiled at other locations
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Attendants have the right to reject loads based on material, type, volume, source, prevailing weather or any factor affecting disposal facility operation.
GRAVEL EXTRACTION each year, utilizing five gravel trucks to do so. With the addition of 2 Super-B Belly Dump trailers to the fleet (one in 2020, and another expected this June) crews can haul more gravel
Torrington Gravel Pit 1. DES 2 CL 25 2. DES 4 CL 20 3. REJECT FINES 4. REJECT FINES 5. PIT RUN
throughout the fall and winter for use in 2022.
Currently Kneehill County applies approximately
130,000 tonnes of aggregate for resurface gravelling
at a time (up to 9 tonnes!) reducing trips and the cost-per-mile for gravel delivery, and hauling an estimated 45,000t extra over the Super-B’s life span compared to that of a tri-axle trailer.
PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Please follow the speed limits Speeding is extremely dangerous, as it increases the chance of a collision happening. The higher the speed,
the more severe that collision will be. Drivers should always follow the speed limits and adjust their speed based on weather and road
conditions. ✓ Pay attention to all signs to know when the speed limit changes. Unless otherwise posted: • 100 km/h is
the maximum speed limit on a provincial highway located outside an urban area. • 80 km/h is the maximum
speed limit on a roadway located outside an urban area (gravel). • 50 km/h is the maximum speed limit on a
roadway located within an urban area (town). Thank you for doing the right thing and following all posted speed limits!
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. Licensing your animals helps us protect and identify them. Visit www.kneehillcounty.com to fill out the online form, and get yours today!
Criminal Code
Alberta’s Law Enforcement Roles and Responsibilities: June 2021 RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
Criminal Investigations
Impaired Driving & Drug Ops
Bylaw Traffic Safety Enforcement Act Enforcement
Dangerous Dogs Act
Emergency Responses
The RCMP help ensure public safety and security, investigate crimes, and enforce the law. There are over 150 different types of operational and administrative positions. Here are just a few of the specializations: General Duty Policing, Forensic Identification, Drugs and Organized Crime Investigation, Financial Crime, Emergency Response Team, Integrated Border Enforcement Team, National Security, VIP Protective Service, Police Dog Services, Marine Services, International Peace Operation, Explosives Disposal. Kneehill County is served by Detachments in Drumheller, Three Hills, Olds, and Beiseker.
Rural Alberta Provincial Integrated Defence (RAPID) Response: May 2021
SHERIFFS
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Over 400 Sheriff Highway Patrol, including Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Services, can now help the RCMP respond to emergency calls.
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Allows RCMP to focus more on criminal activity by responding to a wider range of traffic calls, like collisions.
There are multiple branches of Sheriffs including: 1. Court Services - Court Security & Prisoner Escort Services, 2. Corporate Security Ministry staff security, 3. Operations and Protection - Legislature and Govt building security, Strategic Intelligence Team, Energy Security, 4. Investigation and Enforcement - Safer Communities and Neighborhoods Unit targeting illegal activities on properties, Traffic Sheriff Operations, Investigative Support for major and organized crime, 5. Correctional, Probationary Officers Care, 6. Correctional Service Workers, 7. Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, 8. Conservation of Alberta’s natural resources, fish and wildlife.
COMMUNITY PEACE OFFICERS
Municipal Peace Officers perform a number of duties in our communities from enforcing various provincial laws and municipal bylaws to traffic enforcement and infrastructure protection, including Road Bans. Currently, Kneehill County has three CPO’s who also run various community and education programs such as self-awareness, bike rodeos, and driving safety. The employing municipality is authorized under Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. They assist RCMP and Fire Departments in some emergency responses and focus on public safety education. Other Peace Officers outside of municipalities include those who work within Alberta Health Services and educational institutions such as universities.
Other Public Service Responders Include Cadet Corps, Auxiliary Program, Emergency Services Professionals including 9-1-1 Dispatchers, Emergency Management, Fire Services.
Alberta Provincial Police Service: Possible replacement of RCMP •
Government of Alberta is continuing its plans to replace the RCMP with an Alberta Provincial Police Service by revising the Police Act.
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A review of the Police Act has established outcomes, such as improving the public’s trust in policing, ensuring an effective complaint process and having a more harmonious relationship between police and communities.
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Under the recent funding change, municipalities have been downloaded with substantial policing costs.
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Municipal Council’s across the province are sending letters of support for the RCMP to continue to serve our communities. These letters outline that the RCMP are providing an acceptable level of service and degree of responsiveness, as well as involvement within their communities.
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Provincial Police Service proposal - Costs to Municipalities is unknown at this time.
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Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Lobby Stance:
Regardless of whether policing is provided by the RCMP or a provincial police force, rural municipalities will continue to prioritize service levels and adequate local input into policing.
The creation of a provincial police force should not take place unless a detailed feasibility study proves that such an approach will reduce policing costs and enhance levels of service.
Municipalities should not be required to incur additional costs to support the creation or operation of a provincial police force.
Provincial Police discussion by RMA and AUMA: (149) President's Summit on Provincial Policing YouTube)
RMA Position on Policing and Rural Crime Position Statements at website: rmalberta.com
CN and CP POLICE
Service works closely with communities, other law enforcement and government agencies to promote railway safety and infrastructure security.
MILITARY POLICE
Military Police Officers lead teams in enforcing laws and regulations on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) establishments in Canada and abroad. Include Regular and Reserve Force members, civilian employees, cadets and family members.
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CORPORATE SERVICES
MAILING OF 2021 ASSESSMENT AND TAXATION NOTICES DUE on or before OCTOBER 31, 2021
In accordance with the Municipal Government Act R.S.A. 2000 M-26 and amendments thereto, notice is hereby given that the 2021 Combined Assessment and Taxation Notices have been mailed as of June 15, 2021 to Kneehill County ratepayers. If you have not received your copy of the combined Tax & Assessment Notice, please contact Caroline Siverson
at the County office, 403-443-5541. The assessment roll is open for inspection by the public and can be viewed at the
Kneehill County is now able to send all Tax Notices, Utility Billings and Accounts Receivable Invoices by email. To sign up for the eSEND service, simply visit our website to complete the online form (link available on the homepage,
or visit https:// kneehillcounty. com/2366/EServices). If you have any questions about the eSEND service, please contact the Property Tax Department at tax@ kneehillcounty.com or call (403)4435541.
Kneehill County office at 1600, 2 Street NE, Three Hills during regular business hours of Monday to Friday from 8:30am
to 4:30pm or on the Kneehill County website at www. kneehillcounty.com. Any person wishing to object to an item on the Assessment Roll must do so in writing, as per the instructions located on the back of your Tax Notice, before 4:30pm on August 22, 2021. Details are also available on our website at www. kneehillcounty.com. Mike Haugen, CAO Kneehill County
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
eSEND – Go Paperless for Taxes, Utilities and Accounts Receivable!
AG SERVICES Riparian Restoration Up to $2000 per ratepayer for projects improving riparian areas including fencing, seeding, and off-site watering systems. Contact Kneehill County Ag Services for more information, 403-443-5541.
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AG SERVICES
Alberta Invasive Species Council Update: Bales, Boars and Invasive Business As Usual Invasive what?! Invasive species! These species can be plants, animals, insects and even diseases that have been introduced to an area they are not native to; this gives them ample opportunity to take advantage of resources and habitat that native species need, as well as take over landscapes that impact our daily walks, rides and floats, all while costing us a fortune! However, Alberta, as well as other provinces and territories are lucky to have organizations that help protect our home and the ecosystems within in it. The Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC) is that organization in Alberta. They are the only nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to protecting our province from the impacts of invasive species. Established in 2006, the AISC has been operating business as usual by working to bring new programs, revitalize old ones and provide a voice and
set of hands to all that need it in Alberta. Weed Free Forage Program The AISC is very excited to be revitalizing the Alberta Certified Weed Free Forage program in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta through the
Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Through this program forage can be inspected and certified as weed free per the North American Invasive Species Management Association’s Weed Free Products Standards. If you are a producer interested in having your forage
certified as weed free, contact your local county office or the AISC. If you are a buyer looking to purchase certified weed free forage visit our website for a list of producers with inventory. Full program details can be found www.abinvasives.ca/ resources/certifiedweed-free-forage . So hay, let’s get the bale rolling! Squeal on Pigs Now, the AISC dives deep and digs into many different education campaigns but one that is new and will really ham-mer home the message is ‘Squeal on Pigs!’. This campaign was also funded through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership and works to raise awareness of wild boar at large (feral pigs) in Alberta. The AISC works with numerous partners from Alberta Beef to counties like yours to squeal as loud as they can to educate Albertans on this growing and very serious problem. They
Invasive weed control remains a Kneehill County Agricultural Service Board priority. During the 2021 growing season, Kneehill County Agriculture Services Staff will continue the Roadside Invasive Weed Control program along County rights-of-way in the central third of the County, from Township
Road 30-4 to Township Road 32-4. 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 throughout the growing season for regulated weed species under the Alberta Weed Act. Staff are also available for weed management consultation on private lands and encourage the public to report sightings of invasive weeds.
KNEEHILL COUNTY AG SERVICES OFFERS WEED-FREE FORAGE CERTIFICATION FOR FORAGE PRODUCERS VISIT WWW.KNEEHILLCOUNTY.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Agriculture Services Roadside Invasive Weed Control
AGRICULTURE WASTE RECYCLING PROGRAMS For more info on any of the below services visit www.Kneehill County.com or contact the Kneehill County Office at 403-443-5541
Chemical Jugs
Twine
Location: Three Hills Transfer Site. SW-25-31-24-W4 Item Standards: Shaken to remove debris and put in a large plastic bag (bags are available at the Three Hills Transfer Site or the Kneehill County Office.) Items Not Accepted: Net wrap or netting, Bale/silage wrap, twine with too much debris.
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to help you identify, report, and prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, including our coveted fact sheets on all regulated invasive species. Follow AISC’s social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), visit their website www. abinvasives.ca, email them at info@ abinvasives.ca; or call 587 999 0954. From boars to bales, no matter what invasive species is on your mind, the AISC is here to help!
HENS Did you know? Hens are now a permitted use in Hamlet Residential, Country Residential, and Hamlet General Districts. A permit is required to have hens in these districts. Minimum 2 hens, maximum 4 hens. No roosters are allowed! Please contact the Planning Department, 403-443-5541, to apply for hens on your property!
COMMEMORATIVE BENCH PROGRAM Honour the memory of a friend or loved one with a commemorative bench at a Kneehill County public site. Contact Kneehill County Parks for more information or to apply, 403-443-5541.
Grain Bags
Location: Three Hills Transfer Site. SW-25-31-24-W4 Item Standards: Triple-rinsed agricultural pesticide containers, 23L or less, with booklets removed. Items Not Accepted: Unrinsed containers; bulk totes or barrels, containers over 23L.
will be launching the ‘Squeal on Pigs!’ campaign this spring (keep your eyes squealed for more details) with all the specifics on what to look for and how to report observations of wild boar at large in Alberta. Invasive Species Do you have questions about invasive species in your area? Do you need assistance identifying an invasive plant? The AISC website is packed full of useful resources
Location: Drumheller Regional Landfill. 2500 Highway 10 East Drumheller, AB Call 403-823-1345 before going to the site. Item Standards: Shaken to remove debris, tightly rolled and tied. Items Not Accepted: Unrolled grain bags, all other bale/silage films or bags, silage tarps
Wire Location: Kneehill County Landfill & Waste Transfer Site (Torrington), SW 20-32-26 W4. Linden Transfer Site, NW 19-30-25 W4 Item Standards: Rolled and secured. Items Not Accepted: Unrolled wire.
HAMLETS Did you yo kn y u know? k ow? In a hamlet, a recreational vehicle cannot be used for living or sleeping accommodations for longer than a 14-day period. This includes unoccupied lots. Long term use of recreational vehicles must be done in a campground. Burning of garbage or other materials is not permitted in any hamlet district.
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AG SERVICES
New tools to understand natural habitats on farmland Alberta EFP is updating to a new version of the online webbook. Included in the update is a new Habitat Management Tool that includes the Habitat & Biodiversity Assessment Tool. What changes are being made? Alberta EFP is introducing a new Habitat Management Chapter with other updates with the launch of the new version of the AEFP WebBook. The Habitat Management Chapter will be unlike any other as it also includes the Habitat & Biodiversity Assessment Tool. Using a similar format as the rest of the webbook, a series of question prompts will guide the farmer through the assessment to help develop an action plan.
This tool will allow farmers to understand the habitat on their land better, how they can positively contribute to Alberta’s biodiversity and offer another perspective on the value of their land. Why is this new content being added? Alberta EFP is also working towards alignment with the global Farm Sustainability Assessment silver standard. Habitat and biodiversity are components of this assessment. In order to support Alberta farmers and maintain market access, it was clear that
this was a useful component to add to the Alberta EFP. When was the launch of the new webbook? Alberta EFP launched the new webbook version on March 29, 2021 How long does working through the new content take? Producers with completed EFP workbooks wishing to upgrade to the new version 3.1 can expect to complete the new material in approximately 1 hour. What support can I expect from Alberta EFP? The Alberta EFP team will be offering
DWELLINGS A development permit is required for all buildings intended for residential use. Manufactured homes over 35 years of age are not permitted to be brought onto a parcel in Kneehill County. Relocatable industrial accommodations are prohibited as a permanent dwelling.
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webinars for specific questions on the Habitat Management Tool. Over the next few months, you will see more content also available through the website,
always, the technician assisting you with your workbook or the Alberta EFP team is available by phone or email to answer any questions you may have.
social media or email. Alberta EFP welcomes suggestions for support materials so that we can ease the transition with these new changes. As
AGRICULTURE Permits are required for accessory buildings in the Agriculture District. Buildings must be setback 100 feet from the property line adjacent to a County road. Required setbacks adjacent to a highway are a minimum 132’ from the right-of-way and a minimum 230’ from the highway centre-line. Grain bins do not require a permit, but they must meet the required setbacks.
PRESENTS: