Issuu

Neighbourhood Notes These are truly unprecedented times. In a matter of months, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, socialize, interact, line up at the grocery store, and otherwise conduct business. No one could have predicted the utter upheaval of our normal, day-today lives, but we have adapted, and as true Albertans do, we’ve learned to make the best of things. On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank Kneehill County staff for their commendable work over the last few months. When COVID-19 was ﬁrst declared a pandemic, staff leapt into action, putting business continuity plans in place to ensure that no matter what happened, essential services would continue to be provided to our residents. We’ve managed this successfully, and I’d like to thank both our ofﬁce staff and our public works crews for going above and beyond over the last few months,

Reeve Jerry Wittstock Kneehill County maintaining our roads and water services, and keeping up with our other services as well. I know it hasn’t been easy to work remotely or otherwise isolated and as we go forward, some challenges will remain as we continue to follow our own safety protocols, and those of the province. Again, we thank you for your dedication and commitment to the residents we serve. I’d also like to thank our residents for your

continued patience. Due to the new COVID-19 regulations, the way we interact with the public, and the delivery of some of our services has changed. In order to maintain physical distancing and other safety guidelines, our seasonal stafﬁng team has been reduced this year, which may effect the frequency of some services, such as mowing and spraying in the County. Many of our events

have been cancelled, such as our annual Long Table Dinner. You’ll notice new rules at our campgrounds, and when using our facilities as well. These changes can’t be helped—they are a reality of the new world we live in. But let me assure you—though some of our service delivery has changed, the work behind the scenes hasn’t. County staff remain hard at work within the new parameters. Your continued health and safety, and that of our staff, remains our highest priority. In May we began working through our re-opening plan, following the province’s lead. We’ve opened our day use parks, allowed some in-person appointments at the ofﬁce, and opened our campgrounds to the public. With the province announcing Phase-2 of their relaunch plan, and with continued low case numbers of COVID-19 reported, we plan to re-open the Kneehill County ofﬁce to the

June 2020

In this Issue

• 2020 Tax Rate Bylaw • Kneehill County Scholarship Program • Hazardous Waste Storage • Ag Safety & Services

public starting Monday, June 15. This will allow for some more in-person services, and public attendance to our Council and Committee meetings again. Safety protocols, increased sanitization and proper barriers will be in place at the ofﬁce to ensure the continued safety of residents and staff. Going forward, we will continue to monitor updates from the province and Alberta Health Services, and will determine future services, events and increased public interaction based on their recommendations. Kneehill County has a COVID-19 Information page on our website for residents, and I encourage you to check this page often for updates to our services. We do hope to continue with our Discovery Fair Ratepayer Evenings this year, which are still tentatively planned for August. Should regulations surrounding mass gatherings still be in

effect then, we will look at either postponing these events, or providing them in a different way. Council remains committed to discussion and consultation with our ratepayers, despite the pandemic. Tax notices will be mailed out to residents June 15—delayed this year due to COVID-19. Inside your tax notice is an insert detailing Kneehill County’s budget and tax dollar information. Please take the time to review this information, and contact your divisional Councillor if you have any questions or concerns. Hopefully the end of this pandemic is in sight. As restrictions start to lift, and businesses re-open, please ensure you continue to socially distance (wear a mask if this is impossible), practice good hygiene, stay home if you’re sick, and perhaps most importantly—continue to get your information from reliable sources. Take care, and stay safe. - Reeve Jerry Wittstock

COVID-19 and Re-Opening Guidelines Kneehill County Ofﬁce Open to the Public June 15, 2020

With the province announcing Phase 2 of their relaunch plan, and with the continued low case numbers of COVID-19, Kneehill County plans to fully reopen the ofﬁce to the public on Monday, June 15, 2020. Walk-ins will be available at this time, as well as inperson attendance of Council and Committee meetings. Safety protocols, increased sanitization and proper barriers will be in place to ensure the continued safety of residents and staff. In the meantime, services offered through email, telephone and online methods are preferred. If you require in-person services at the County ofﬁce, please call 403-443-5541 to schedule an appointment with staff. Please note the following changes and guidelines

in place for using Kneehill County’s re-opened parks, campgrounds and playgrounds. Horseshoe Canyon and Orkney Viewpoint opened to the public on Friday, May 15, 2020, with no access

to facilities. Hard surfaces are not sanitized at these locations. Use at your own risk. Please continue to practice good hygiene and physical distancing when accessing these parks, and do not visit the parks if you

have symptoms of COVID-19. Keiver’s Lake, Torrington, Braconnier Dam, and Swalwell Dam Camgrounds opened to the public June 1, 2020, at 50% capacity and with restrictions in place. Group sites are closed, and

only self-contained units are allowed. Reservations and payments for campsites can only be taken online, starting June 1, 2020. No washrooms or outhouses will be available. Please continue to practice good hygiene and physical distancing when accessing these campgrounds, and do not visit the campgrounds if you have symptoms of COVID-19. All Kneehill County Playgrounds and sport courts are open, however these amenities are not sanitized and users are cautioned to follow hygienic practice, social distancing and all other Alberta Health Service orders as these are high touch point structures. (This includes Keiver’s Lake, Torrington, Swalwell, Huxley & Wimborne.)

KNEEHILL COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Kneehill County Council recognizes the importance of an educated population to the future and wellbeing of rural communities. Our scholarship program was established to support rural Kneehill County residents enrolled in university, college or trade school.

2 scholarships of $2000 each will be awarded each year.

Visit our website, www. kneehillcounty.com,

for applications and more information, or call the ofﬁce, 403443-5541. Eligibility Applicants must: • Be a rural resident of Kneehill County. • Be enrolled in their ﬁrst year as full-time student at a recognized post-secondary institution

• Have graduated with an Alberta High-School Diploma and have taken a minimum of 25 credits in ﬁnal school year. Selection Process The selection committee is made up of all current Kneehill County Councillors. Scholarship recipients are chosen each year based on the following criteria: • 20% - Academic Achievement • 60% - Written essay and contributions to school or community; leadership activities

• 20% - Letters of reference 2020’s Essay Topic: “What could Kneehill County do to increase youth’s awareness of the County and to engage and involve youth in the County’s decision making processes?” Submit your completed application to: Kneehill County C/O Scholarship Program PO BOX 400 Three Hills, AB, T0M 2A0 Or email your application to Carolyn.vanderkuil@ kneehillcounty.com Apply by Sunday, August 30, 2020, at 4:30 PM.

DISCOVERY FAIR & Ratepayer Evening Stay tuned for more info!

· Meet Kneehill County Council and Staff · · Enjoy a free BBQ Supper · · Learn more about Kneehill County Projects and Services · · Bring the Kids for Fun-Filled Activities · · Win Door Prizes ·

Tentatively planned for August of 2020, in Torrington and Carbon, dependent on mass gathering restrictions in place related to COVID-19.

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

Join us! Upcoming 2020 Council Meetings:        

June 9 June 23 July 21 August 18 September 8 September 22 October 13 October 27

Connect With Us! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @kneehillcounty, and tune in to our YouTube channel to watch Council meetings live!

2020 Tax Rate Bylaw At the April 28, 2020 Council Meeting, Kneehill County Council passed Tax Rate Bylaw 1814. Under the new bylaw, changes to the residential tax burden are modest, non-residential gas producers will see an overall reduction in tax burden, while some commercial businesses and farmland will see a modest increase to support continued service levels and investment in the community. There are a number of factors that contributed to the slight increase

in rates. While Kneehill County Council and staff have undertaken a number of cost-cutting measures to compensate for anticipated loss of revenues, provincial policies have created major challenges for the County in 2020. 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 35% property tax reduction relief to shallow gas producers will not

be provincially funded in 2020, representing a loss to the County of approximately $1.9 million, or 7% of 2020’s 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. “To say it’s been a challenging year for all of us in the County is an understatement,” said Kneehill County Reeve, Jerry Wittstock. “It’s important that we keep our service levels up for residents,

continue supporting our communities and make solid investments in our future—now more than ever.” Under the new tax bylaw, the average hamlet home will see an increase of $10 a year for municipal services and a further increase of $5 for provincial education support, with the average acreage owner seeing an increase of $25 per year for municipal services and a further $12.50 for provincial education support. It’s important to note

that the education portion of each tax bill is not a charge from Kneehill County, but a requisition from the province. Kneehill County collects this portion on their behalf, and forwards the payment onto the province. As in previous years, a minimum tax of $100 per parcel will be assessed for the municipal levy. Kneehill County’s combined assessment/ taxation notices will be mailed out to ratepayers June 15th, 2020. Taxes will be due October 31, 2020.

Land Use Bylaw 1808

Land Use

Bylaw 1808 The bylaw that governs Kneehill County's Land Use is changing.

Be a part of the discussion. Visit www.kneehillcounty.com.

Council wants to hear from you! Let us know what you think about the proposed changes to the Land Use Bylaw. 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. Some

changes to the Bylaw include new land use districts, new deﬁnitions, changes to subdivisions and new regulations

that allow for RV storage facilities in the County, and hens in Kneehill County hamlets.

some highlights of the proposed changes and provide your feedback.

Visit our website to read through

Please note: The Draft Land Use

Bylaw Open House scheduled for April 2, 2020, has been postponed until further notice, due to COVID-19.

Alberta Biz Connect Kneehill County businesses and non-proﬁts affected by COVID-19 can visit:

Alberta Biz Connect (https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx) for workplace guidance and supports to reopen and resume operations safely.

Visit us @KneehillCounty

Operations Update

Alberta’s First Sheet-Pile Style Bridges save the County 1.2 million Bridge Replacements • In the spring of 2020 Kneehill County replaced 2 bridge structures along Twp Rd 33-4 with a new style of construction—the ﬁrst of it’s kind in Alberta, though the design has been widely used throughout British Columbia and Europe. • The new style of bridge construction is known as a “sheetpile sub structure”, constructed from hot-rolled structural shapes which interlock on flange tips to become the primary bearing foundation component of the bridge. Sheet piles have several advantages over a traditional abutment system, as they retain ﬁll while simultaneously providing a foundation for the bridge abutment, do not require earth embankments in front of the upper portion of the piles, protect against scour behind the abutment wall into roadbed, and have a low impact to the environment during construction. • Typically, a 3-span bridge structure replacement cost is $1.3milllion dollars, but with the change in construction from 3 span to 1 span and the reduced time to

construct the bridge, the cost was only $654, 000—saving the County $1.2 million between the two replacements. • Further savings will be realized by the reduced maintenance required with this type of construction. The salvaged piles from the original bridge structure have also been retained to repair other similartype bridges in the County when needed as well. Bridge Inspections • Kneehill County has hired Bow Valley Bridge Services Ltd. to conduct our annual bridge

inspections this year. In 2020, 39 out of 213 structures will be inspected and prioritized for repair or replacement, if needed. Bridges are inspected every 57 months--these include culverts that are over 1500 mm in diameter (there are 143 in Kneehill County), standard bridges (51 in Kneehill County) and major truss bridges (19 in Kneehill County). Dust Control • Ratepayers can typically apply for rebated calcium chloride or spec crude dust control

Regulated Invasive Weeds

REGULATED INVASIVE WEEDS

Black Henbane

Dames Rocket

Common Tansy

Creeping Bellflower

Leafy Spurge

White Cockle

Learn more about invasive species at www.abinvasives.ca. Report invasive weeds to Kneehill County Ag Services at 403-443-5541 or www.kneehillcounty.com.

until May 15, 2020. With Kneehill County’s new Dust Control policy, (updated this spring), the application process is extended, allowing ratepayers to sign up for calcium chloride AFTER the deadline, though no rebate will be applied after May 15. • The extended deadline for calcium chloride dust control applications is August 15, 2020. • This spring Kneehill County received 58 applications for Calcium Chloride and 4 for Spec Crude. Dust control agents will be applied to the roadway from mid-May to end of June, and a second top spray of Calcium Chloride will be done between late August and September, prior to the start of harvest trafﬁc. Road Construction • Rge Rd 24-4 (from Hwy 582 to Twp Rd 31-0), and Rge Rd 24-5 (from Twp Rd 30-0 to 30-2), have been contracted out for rebuild starting mid to late June of 2020. These rebuilds will complete the 7-year road plan that was originally adopted by Council back in 2015, comprised of arterial road rebuilds and shoulder pulls.

Gravel • New for 2020- a Super-B Belly Dump Trailer has been added to Kneehill County’s Gravel Fleet. With this trailer, crews are able to haul more tonnes of gravel at a time, reducing trips and the costper-mile for gravel delivery. Kneehill County replaces our trailers every 7 years, and with the additional tonnage being hauled, an estimated 45,000t extra will be hauled over the Super-B’s life span compared to that of a tri-axle trailer. • Wet mining of the Torrington Gravel pit is planned for the fall of 2020, pending final approvals from provincial regulators. Mining our own gravel will reduce gravel purchase costs by over half, and will allow Kneehill County to introduce a modified spec of gravel—reducing the amount of fines that are present in Alberta Transportation’s specifications. • This spring the Gravel Specifications Policy was modified to make road crush 4-20 and 4-25 the set specification for Kneehill County’s gravel, over the standards set by Alberta Transportation. This will limit the amount of fines in the gravel that can cause it to become “slimy”-depending on where the gravel resource is and which soils lie within the resource. Graders • Kneehill County has 10 grader divisions, each assigned 180 to 200 kms of roadway to maintain. A full rotation through a division takes each grader 3-4 weeks, depending on the weather. Along with the 10 divisions, Kneehill County also employs 2 roamer graders to cover dust control applications in the spring and fall, vacation coverage on divisional beats, high traffic arterial and collector roads, and

dirt trails. Projects • Road projects are prioritized and scheduled throughout the year so all provincial and federal regulations are followed prior to any work taking place. • Kneehill County has a dedicated operations crew to complete culvert repairs and replacements, drainage and ditch cleaning, slides, gravel soft-spot repairs, hard surface road repairs, dirt trail issues, bridge repairs and brushing each year. Hamlets • Over the last few years the County has invested in Tree Assessments for the hamlets within our borders. These assessments helped crews collect information on the trees throughout the hamlet and within the municipality’s control, including species, quantities and the overall condition of the trees, and sets priorities for their care or replacement. o Huxley: Deceased trees along cemetery road will be replaced with a diversified species, and the trees at the ball field and along Queen Ave will be pruned. o Torrington: Deceased trees will be removed from the south-east school yard shelter belt and replaced with a diversified species along the east & north of the school yard property. Some volunteer species along 3rd ave will be removed and transplanted to allow better chance of growth in the area, and new trees will be planted near Kneehill County’s water reservoir site, which will add aesthetic value to the entrance of Torrington. o Sunnyslope: A Tree Assessment will take place in 2020 to determine future plans of tree care and management.

Public Safety On behalf of Kneehill County, we would like to thank the following for their response to the Swalwell Train/Truck Incident in early March. In a very stressful situation, we commend the Swalwell residents who were very understanding and cooperative, as well as the first responders who worked safely on the scene.

Thank you!

Swalwell Residents Linden Fire Department Acme Fire Department Carbon Fire Department Three Hills Fire Department Kneehill EMS RCMP Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services Chartwells Food Service Prairie College

CN Rail Town of Three Hills Village of Carbon Valley Veterinary Clinic / Parker Peter's Pharmacy IDA Pharmacy Best Western Three Hills Local Media Kneehill County Emergency Management Team, and all staff who took on a role without question.

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!

Visit us @KneehillCounty

Water Wise: Sewer Lines

Did you know? Residents in Kneehill County Hamlets (Wimborne, Huxley, Swalwell, and Torrington) are responsible for their sewer service line-- from their home all the way to the main sewer line in the street. The property line is not the deﬁning end to the service. Kneehill County performs annual sewer main flushing each year in the Hamlets of Torrington, Swalwell and Wimborne to help prevent buildups within the pipes, as well as to identify and remedy any possible issues with roots. The sewer service line is the largest drain in your home and is susceptible to a number of problems. Most homeowners can avoid a plumbing emergency with a little preventive care:

• Clean Every Drain Every Month Pipes and sewers back up when water and waste can’t flow freely, which can happen when gunk builds up on the inside of your pipes. So, you should clean your drains monthly, using an enzymebased cleaner—not a chemical-based one that can damage your pipes. If you prefer a homemade solution, send some baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let the combination work its magic for 15 minutes or so, and then rinse with boiling water. • Flush Correctly As in… don’t flush anything but human waste and toilet paper. NO diapers, NO so-

called “flushable” wipes (no matter what the package says!), NO feminine hygiene products, NO paper towels, NO kitty litter.

KRFCSS

JUNE UPDATE KNEEHILL REGIONAL FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF ARE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST RESIDENTS IN THE KNEEHILL AREA. PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT 403-443-3800 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY. KNEEHILL REGIONAL FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES HAS A NUMBER OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT WWW.KRFCSS.COM. THOSE INTERESTED IN ASSISTING OTHERS DURING THIS TIME CAN VIEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT WWW.VOLUNTEERKNEEHILL.CA

• Never Pour Grease Down Your Kitchen Drain All of your pipes eventually connect under your home at a main drain that carries everything to the sewer line. That means if you’re dumping grease down your kitchen sink, it’s going to coat not just that pipe, but also every pipe on its way to, and including, the main sewer line. • Use Your Garbage Disposal Sparingly Grease is one of many things you shouldn’t put down your kitchen sink. Pasta, rice, ﬁbrous or starchy veggies like celery and potatoes, egg shells, and coffee grounds should also be off-limits. Think of your garbage disposal more like a “crumb dispenser” and your plumbing will be better for it. • Keep Roots Away from Your Sewer Line Sometimes, sewers back up because of what’s going on inside your home. But often, they back up because of what’s happening in your backyard. If you have trees or large bushes planted too close to the sewer line, their roots can push through the pipe and create a clog or cause damage. • Use a Drain Guard When we’re in a hurry or feeling a bit lazy, we make mistakes. Adding

a simple, inexpensive drain guard to each of your sinks can keep you from sending things down the drain that don’t belong there. A drain guard in the tub can help prevent those nasty hair-plus-soap clogs. • Water Pressure Clogs are only one way to kill a plumbing system. The other way? Sending too much water through the pipes too quickly. Over time, water pressure that’s too high puts strain on valves, joints, and even the pipes themselves— setting you up for cracks and leaks. • Have Your Sewer Line Professionally Inspected and Cleaned Every Three Years (at least) If you want to have total peace of mind that your sewer’s in good shape, have a residential plumber inspect and then snake or hydrojet it every three years or so. This is particularly important if you have lots of roots near your out-pipes. • Replace Old Pipes Yes, plumbing and sewer pipes last for decades—but houses typically last much longer. If your pipes are older, consider replacing them before you have a problem. Typical pipe lifespans are as follows: • Brass supply pipes: 40-70 years • Cast iron drain lines: 75-100 years • Copper supply pipes: 50 years • Galvanized steel supply pipes: 20-50 years • PEX supply lines: 2540 years • PVC drain lines: Indeﬁnite If you still have lead pipes, you should have them replaced immediately. Questions about your sewer line? Contact 403443-5541.

Trochu Nominee: _________________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ______________________________________________________ Have they been notified of the nomination?

YES

Nominator: ________________________________________________________

KRFCSS

Phone/Email: _______________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________________________________

Date: ______________________________________________________________ Volunteer Kneehill Community Volunteer/Organization Nomination Form Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services and Volunteer Kneehill would like to award those volunteers or volunteer organizations whose achievements have contributed to the well-being of their community and fellow community members. Six successful nominees (1 from Acme, Carbon, Kneehill County, Linden, Three Hills and Trochu) will be celebrated! Category:

Individual

Community:

Acme

Organization

Carbon Kneehill County Linden Three Hills Trochu Nominee: _________________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ______________________________________________________ Have they been notified of the nomination?

YES

Guidelines

1) Nominee must be a resident or organization in the community. 2) If successful, the nominee must give permission to share their name and nomination details publicly. 3) In a letter of support, describe why the nominee deserves to be recognized. (Below are some suggestions to help you with your letter) o The contribution they have made to the community. o How they have made a difference in the community. o Who has benefited from their contributions? o Have their contributions prompted teamwork? o Have they overcome any challenges? o Has the nominee become a role model in your community? Please send entries via post or email to Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services Box 416, Three Hills, AB T0M 2A0 volunteerkneehill@gmail.com

Nominator: ________________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _______________________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________________________ Date: ______________________________________________________________

Alberta Rural Health Week Guidelines

On behalf of Kneehill County Council and staff, thank you to our local doctors, nurses, medical health personnel, committees & volunteers who go above and beyond to support and provide exceptional rural health care to our residents and communities .

Visit us @KneehillCounty

Newspaper Delivery Changes The Three Hills Capital has recently changed their method of newspaper delivery to Kneehill County residents. The Capital is now delivered like a flier, instead of addressed to each individual household. As a result of these changes, ratepayers who reside outside of Kneehill County’s borders will no longer receive a Three Hills Capital to their post ofﬁce box. For those residents, the Capital is available for free online, at www. threehillcapital.com. Kneehill County ratepayers within the County borders will continue to receive the Three Hills Capital to their post ofﬁce box each week. Those who have opted out of a newspaper subscription in the past will begin to receive

the paper again—please speak to your local post ofﬁce to discontinue. Kneehill County Council will be reviewing the current Newspaper Subscription

Policy to align with theses delivery changes, and looking at possible options to continue mailing the Three Hills Capital to those ratepayers outside of County

borders, who may have poor internet connections or other difﬁculties accessing the Capital online. This item is slated for discussion at the next Committee of the Whole

meeting on June 16, 2020. If you have questions or concerns about these changes, please contact Kneehill County, 403-4435541.

Coming Soon - Local Food Directory! Kneehill County has always been an agriculturally based municipality. As the local food movement grows, so does the diversity of food grown and produced within the County—meats, cheeses, veggies, coffee roasting, beer, and much more! Buying local has many beneﬁts including: • Fresher, in-season food which tastes better • Less transportation and fossil fuel usage • Knowing where your food comes from • Supporting local families who live and do business in the County, helping grow our local economy Local Producers- Join our Local Food Directory! To help local consumers and producers connect, Kneehill County is creating an online local food directory. When complete, this directory will contain a database of local food sources in our area for consumer to access, and will also share the latest news in local foods, upcoming courses and webinars for producers. Stay tuned for more announcements! To register for the directory, please contact Fallon Sherlock, fallon.sherlock@kneehillcounty.com.

Hazardous Waste Storage

Ag Safety

Secure Bales for Transportation Moving bales is a big part of farming. Kneehill County Peace Ofﬁcers want to remind you

that you play a big role in keeping our communities safe, by moving bales safely. • Please remember

to check your straps and ensure that they are in working condition. • You MUST secure

each bale with a strap, with a marked Working Load Limit of at least 20% of weight or aggregate weight

of each bale or stack of bales loaded on any vehicle. Last year Peace Ofﬁcers found many lost bales in our

County, which could cost someone their life. Thank you for continuing to secure your cargo, and helping to create safer roads.

WHAT CAN CONTAMINATE GROUNDWATER AQUIFERS THROUGH ABANDONED WATER WELLS?

CORROSION RUSTING OF OLD CASINGS

CHEMICALS MINERALS, PESTICIDES, NUTRIENTS LEACHING THROUGH EXPOSED OPENINGS

VERMIN FALLING DOWN UNCAPPED WELLS

MITIGATE YOUR RISK BY PROPERLY DECOMISSIONING ABANDONED WATER WELLS APPLY FOR FUNDING SUPPORT FROM KNEEHILL COUNTY AGRICULTURE SERVICES. $300 PER WELL FOR RESIDENTS, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL.

WWW.KNEEHILLCOUNTY.COM

Visit us @KneehillCounty

Where producers come for innovation, education and regenerative agriculture! Foothills Forage & Grazing Association is your local forage association made up of 11 volunteer forage & livestock producers. FFGA brings producers together by finding profitable & regenerative ways to produce forages & livestock.

Join this engaging network of like-minded ranchers & farmers for $30.00 per operation.

e webinar tually! Check out th vir s tie ni rtu po op ing w Now offering learn ing webinars or vie register for upcom to ite bs we r ou section on past webinars!

Visit www.foothillsforage.com

Ag Services RIPARIAN RESTORATION KNEEHILL COUNTY LAND CARE PROGRAM

Riparian areas and seasonal waterways provide an ecological buffer for water flow, increase water retention and improve wildlife habitat. By protecting and enhancing these areas, we can reduce the impact of flooding and drought and improve water quality within Kneehill County.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS Project location must be within Kneehill County.

Focus on water quality improvement and habitat establishment.

Ag Services Staff must complete a pre-site visit and assessment prior to work being done.

Agreement form must be completed and signed by Ag Services Staff.

POTENTIAL PROJECTS GRASS SEED

100% of grass seed costs up to $2000 on approved seed mixes for permanent cover within riparian zones and along seasonal waterways.

75% of fencing supplies up to $2000 for permanent exclusion fencing along waterbodies.

RIPARIAN TREES

EXCLUSION FENCING

Purchase of trees and shrubs for riparian zone establishment. 75% of costs up to $2000.

75% of cost up to $2000 for purchasing of an off-site watering system.

FIELD EQUIPMENT SANITIZATION REMOVE LOOSE SOIL If you can do one thing between fields, knock off any loose soil from equipment

WASH OFF ANY REMAINING DEBRIS When you are able, wash off any clinging soil or debris

DISINFECT If possible, disinfect with a sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution above 1.7%

INNOVATION

OFF-SITE WATERER

75% of supply costs up to $2000 for projects aimed at improving water quality through riparian restoration.

To discuss potential projects or arrange a site visit please contact : *Information taken from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry's publication on "Preventing Clubroot: Agricultural Sanitization: Which Disinfectants kills Resting Spores"

403-443-5541 Fallon.Sherlock@kneehillcounty.com

Churchill Water Project Update • Construction work is 85% complete as of June 1, 2020. • The main pumphouse building is erected. • Above-ground tank completed • The Reservoir has been filled and successful hydrostatic testing completed. The contractor has now finished insulation and siding the exterior of the tank. • Construction of concrete pads for the truck fill, generator and doorway are underway. • Construction of gravel and textile for the roadway has begun. • Electrical work is complete except for instrumentation, which is ongoing. As the Churchill project nears completion, those residents with the potential to connect to the new water line will be contacted in the near future to discuss and begin the process.

New Churchill pumphouse and reservoir

Ag Services

Interior piping and instrumentation controls

Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a package of 16 funding programs that support the unique needs of Alberta’s agriculture industry. In consultation with stakeholders, the programs were developed under five themes: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Products, Market Growth and Diversification Science and Research Risk Management Public Trust. This initiative is aimed at generating economic growth in the agricultural sector and delivering the greatest benefits for farmers, food processors and Canadian families.

Visit cap.alberta.ca for more information.

Visit us @KneehillCounty

Environmental Services

Agricultural Empty Pesticide Container Collection

Let’s make it 100%

Kneehill County’s ASB operates the empty agricultural pesticide container site in partnership with Alberta Environment.

The collection site is located at the Three Hills Transfer Site:

Recycle every jug!

SW-25-31-24-W4 Empty agricultural pesticide containers will be accepted if: • All containers are empty.

Pesticide & Fertilizer Containers (23L or less)

Seed Treatment Containers

Rinse

• Containers must be pressure or triple rinsed to remove all pesticide residue.

Important Instructions

Triple or pressure rinse to ensure no product is wasted.

• Removed from cardboard boxes or another secondary container.

1 2 Prepare Rinse

Remove

Rinse, if possible.

Remove caps and booklets (when possible); dispose in regular garbage.

• The OUTSIDE of containers must also be rinsed and clean.

If rinsing is not possible, close cap securely. Keep unrinsed jugs separate from other containers.

3 Return here

Return empty, clean containers to your municipal collection site.

3 Return here

No containers larger than 23L (return to retailer).

Return unrinsed seed treatment jugs to your local municipal site for collection. Unrinsed seed treatment containers are non-recyclable and sent for proper disposal.

No obsolete pesticides (hold on farm for next collection event).

• All caps and labels removed from containers.

Triple or pressure rinse and return to municipal collection site.

e Recycljug! every Cleanfarms.ca info@cleanfarms.ca

@cleanfarms

When pesticide containers are disposed of improperly, residue from these containers can contaminate the environment. As well, if the containers are burned, the plastic and the pesticide residue can emit toxic compounds that can have a negative impact on air quality. Burning also leaves toxic ashes that pollute the soil and groundwater.

Transfer Station Info

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

Kneehill Area Solid Waste Transfer Station Facilities Where should I go for...? Transtor Bins

Batteries

Dry Rubble

Pesticide Containers

Scrap Metal

Twine

White Metal

Burning Pit

Acme, Carbon, Linden, Torrington, Three Hills & Trochu Transfer Sites

Torrington Transfer Site

Linden, Torrington & Trochu Transfer Sites

Carbon, Linden, Three Hills, Torrington & Trochu Transfer Sites

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

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.

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.