A rancher-in-training manages his herd at the Three Hills Ratepayer Evening.
Reeve’s Message
As summer unfolds, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our crews who are hard at work with outdoor projects. From road repairs to mowing, their dedication ensures our community remains beautiful and functional. Council extends our heartfelt appreciation to everyone working indoors and out, contributing to the well-being of Kneehill County.
We also want to extend our gratitude to everyone who attended our Ratepayer Evenings. Council always enjoys these opportunities to meet residents and engage in meaningful conversations about our community’s future.
Speaking of our future, our Municipal Development Plan (MDP) review is nearing completion. We thank everyone who participated in the engagement sessions. Your input has been invaluable. Please keep an eye out for the draft document, which will be available soon.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making Kneehill County a wonderful place to live. -Reeve Ken King
Budget Guidelines
May 28, 2024: Council approved the following principles in the preparation of the 2025 Budget and Forecasts:
• Align with Council’s Strategic Plan.
• Sustain existing service levels.
• Maintain competitive tax rates.
• Review and recommend adjustments to service fees and rates as necessary.
• Continue to implement and monitor a proactive infrastructure renewal strategy.
• Enhance the customer experience.
Badlands Motorsports Request
June 25, 2024: Council directed administration to enter into an agreement with Badlands Motorsports (BMR) Development Corp. and apply for the STIP-LMI (Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program--Local Municipal Initiatives) grant on their behalf for potential funding of BMR’s required access road. This request was first presented to Council at the April 23, 2024, Council Meeting and was approved after receiving confirmation from the Minister of Transportation that this application will not affect future grants for Kneehill County infrastructure projects.
Missed a Council meeting?
Century Farm Award
On June 11, 2024, Kneehill County Council presented the Century Farm and Ranch Award to Sept Farm, accepted by Nathan and Audrey Sept on behalf of the Sept Family.
Pictured (L to R): Councillor Wade Christie, Deputy Reeve Jerry Wittstock, Councillor Faye McGhee, Reeve Ken King, Nathan Sept, Audrey Sept, Councillor Carrie Fobes, Councillor Debbie Penner, and Councillor Laura Lee Machell-Cunningham.
Council highlights are posted on Kneehill County’s website and social media following each Council meeting. These highlights give a broad overview of Council decisions, including links to more information and the corresponding YouTube video.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @kneehillcounty, and tune in to our YouTube channel to watch Council meetings live!
Ratepayer Evenings: Sunnyslope & Three Hills
Kneehill County’s annual Ratepayer Evenings give residents the opportunity to meet County staff and Council, ask questions, voice concerns, and win prizes for attending. Two of these events are held each year at alternating Community Centres in the County.
This year, the Ratepayer Evenings were held in Three Hills (pictured left) and Sunnyslope (pictured above). Approximately 200 residents came out to learn more about Kneehill County’s projects and services, get free swag, and most importantly, enjoy supper and a chat with their neighbours.
Thank you to everyone who attended. Ratepayer Evenings will return in 2025, check back in the spring for more information!
Municipal Development Plan Update
A Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is like a big-picture plan for how a municipality wants to grow and change over time, and is required by the Municipal Government Act. In February of 2023, Kneehill County administration recommended a full review of the MDP.
The MDP review process began by compiling Working Groups, made up of Kneehill County Council and members-at-large, to review specific sections of the MDP.
The initial recommendations from these Working Groups were compiled and presented at the first round of Working Suppers for broader public insight and consideration. Then, residents were invited to participate in the second round of Working Suppers, where they were presented with a “What We Heard” Report featuring community feedback from the first round of
engagement, and then given the opportunity to comment on potential policy changes and Kneehill County priorities.
The draft Municipal Development Plan is on course to be presented to Council at the August 20, 2024 Council meeting.
Once the draft has been approved by Council a Public Hearing will be scheduled where anyone can speak or provide their comments in writing. It will be advertised as per the requirements of the Municipal Government Act and distributed to adjacent municipalities for their comment. The plan is to have the 2024 MDP adopted in the fall of 2024.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our MDP review, and stay tuned for more updates!
What is the “Committee of the Whole?”
You may have heard the phrase or seen “Committee of the Whole” meetings advertised on our website and social media. So, what is it?
The “Committee of the Whole” is when Kneehill County Council meets as a committee instead of Council, allowing for more informal and thorough conversation about complex issues like budgets or policies. After discussing, the Committee can make recommendations to Council, which are voted on at the next Council meeting. The process makes it easier to handle detailed topics and debate before making decisions. Committee of the Whole meetings are scheduled between Council meetings, once per month (except summer), and are live-streamed for residents to watch the discussions. The meetings are also open to the public if you’d like to attend in person.
Water Conservation
Water is an essential commodity in our daily lives. Although it may be considered a renewable resource, supplies are not endless, and every increase in the demand for water places an additional strain on our system. As consumers, we have a responsibility to use our water wisely. By following some simple water conservation tips, you can save money and help us ensure a secure supply for future generations.
Did you know?
• More than 65% of residential water usage occurs in the bathroom.
• A single dripping faucet can waste up to 10,000 litres of water a year.
• Household water usage can increase by up to 50% in the summer months.
• You can reduce water consumption by 10%-40% without making any lifestyle changes.
• Most energy-efficient appliances are also water-efficient.
So many ways to save water!
IN THE BATHROOM
• Install low-flow shower heads, faucets, faucet restrictors or aerators.
• Fix any leaky faucets.
• Limit showers to five minutes or take shorter showers.
• Fill bathtub half full if you take a bath.
• Get running or leaky toilets fixed.
• Install a low-flow toilet.
• Turn off water while you brush your teeth or shave.
IN THE KITCHEN
• Use one glass per day per person to cut down on dirty dishes
• Run only full loads of dishes in the dishwasher.
• Partially fill sink with water to wash produce, rather than running water. Use the water left on household plants.
IN THE GARDEN
• Be sure your irrigation system is working properly.
• Do not over-water your lawn or garden. Two to three cm of water each week is adequate.
• Water your lawn between 6:00pm and 10:00am.
• Water the landscape, not the sidewalk.
• Use a soaker type of irrigation.
• Sweep, don’t hose your driveway.
• Cover an outdoor pool to keep it clean and reduce water evaporation.
• Use a rain barrel to collect rain water for use on your garden.
IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM
• Run only full loads of laundry, if you do not have adjustable water levels.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and one with clean water. Dip in clean water to rinse.
• Chill water in the refrigerator for drinking instead of letting the faucet run to cool it.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. Be ready. With a little preparation, you can respond quickly to help yourself and others. Understand the risks in your area, create a household emergency plan and build an emergency kit.
In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
Make a kit:
You may have some of these items already, such as food, water and a battery operated or wind-up flashlight. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find. Would you be able to find your flashlight in the dark? Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front-hall closet. If you have many people in your household, your emergency kit could get heavy.
It’s a good idea to separate some of these supplies in backpacks. That way, your kit will be more portable and each person can personalize his or her own grab-and-go emergency kit.
Basic emergency kit:
• Water – at least two litres of water per person per day; include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order.
• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace food and water once a year)
• Manual can-opener.
• Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries). Replace batteries once a year.
• Crank, battery powered radio (and extra batteries).
• First aid kit.
• Extra keys to your car and house.
• Some cash in smaller bills.
• A copy of your emergency plan and contact information.
• If applicable, prescription meds, infant formula, etc.
Visit www.getprepared.ca for more resources to help you and your family prepare for all types of emergencies.
Noxious Weeds
Livestock Emergency Plan
The Kneehill County Livestock Emergency Plan helps ensure a prompt and coordinated response to emergencies affecting livestock and livestock owners in Kneehill County.
In case of an emergency, Kneehill County’s Emergency Management Team will be responsible for managing the entire incident and impacts across the County and region. This may involve many partners, including livestock owners, as well as other farmers and ranchers, first responders, our Agriculture Services Department and nonprofit agencies
County livestock owners play an integral role in protecting their animals as they know their land, animals and needs best. The Livestock Emergency Plan provides hazard identification and planning sheets for livestock owners to be as prepared as possible for disasters and emergencies.
Scan the QR Code to fill our your livestock plan today:
County staff complete weed inspections for our municipal neighbors in Trochu, Three Hills, Linden and Acme as well as in our Hamlets.
In 2023 there were 392 regulated weed infestations found across urban and rural sites across the County.
Weeds of particular concern in Kneehill County include:
• Baby’s Breath
• Black Henbane
• Canada Thistle
• Common Burdock
• Common Mullein
• Common Tansey
• Dames Rockets
• Leafy Spurge
• Scentless Chamomile
• White Cockle
• Yellow Clematis
• Yellow Toadflax
Spot an invasive weed in Kneehill County? Please report it with our online form, at www.kneehillcounty.com/2185/Weed-Management
Roadside Mowing Changes
Kneehill County has expanded its Roadside Mowing Program as part of an enhanced integrated weed management strategy to include two yearly mowing rotations along all County-maintained roads. This initiative is crucial for maintaining Kneehill County’s road infrastructure, upholding County responsibilities under the Alberta Weed Control Act, and adheres to the Council-approved integrated weed management system.
To address escalating concerns about herbicide resistance, an integrated approach to weed management was deemed necessary. While Agriculture Services presented various options to the Agricultural Service Board (ASB), mechanical methods emerged as a preferred strategy for increasing weed control along County roads. The choice to conduct roadside mowing twice a year highlights and reinforces the importance placed on using an integrated approach and mechanical methods for controlling weeds, especially in the context of addressing herbicide resistance issues.
This decision aligns closely with public concerns brought forward in previous years to address increasing presence of problematic species like Kochia. Due to Kochia’s rapid development of herbicide resistance, Agriculture Services highly recommends the proven effective use of mechanical control methods along with rotational herbicide use. Despite this year’s decreased weed height due to a cooler spring, proactive vegetation trimming allows additional time for later season herbicide treatments as spot spraying occurs.
Contracted mowers cover approximately 4,136 ditch miles, cutting an 8-foot swath from the gravel edge into the ditch twice annually. The first round, launched on June 1st, is nearly finished, with the second set to commence on August 15th.
This expanded program is currently in its pilot phase, with ongoing monitoring to refine and enhance outcomes. Such adaptive strategies are applied to all weed management programs by Agriculture Services, reflecting a commitment by Kneehill County to proactively address contemporary weed challenges in an adaptive manner.
If you have any inquiries or concerns, please contact Agriculture Services at the Kneehill County office at 403-443-5541 or your Council representative.
Dog Licensing
Dog Licenses are required in all Kneehill County hamlets (Torrington, Wimborne, Huxley, Sunnyslope, and Swalwell).
While licenses are optional for the rest of the County, we encourage you to register your pets to help protect and identify them.
Dog licensing is FREE year-round. Visit our website to get yours today! https://www.kneehillcounty.com/2290/Applyfor-a-Dog-License
Rural Resident Connection
NEW! The Rural Resident Connections Grant encourages Kneehill County rural residents to engage in local activities and promotes social connections by funding community events. Applications are accepted all year long.
Eligibility
Applicants must be rural residents of Kneehill County, and the activity or event must be held in Kneehill County. Businesses are not eligible for funding.
Application Process
Rural Residents interested in applying for the grant must complete an application form, detailing how the event will promote social connections, inclusion, and well-being. Visit our website for more information: https://www.kneehillcounty.com/2496/Rural-Resident-Connections-Grant
Century Farm Award
Is your family farm or ranch in Kneehill County over 100 years old? We want to celebrate your incredible legacy!
Nominate your family for our Century Farm Award to receive a commemorative plaque and recognition for your dedication, hard work, and agricultural heritage.
Questions? Contact Carolyn Van der Kuil, 403-443-5541.
KRFCSS
More upcoming community programs offered by FCSS:
Kids have Stress Too!
This 2 hour workshop is an evidence based social emotional learning program designed to teach skills to promote and support positive mental health and well-being, by learning how to help children develop the coping skills they require to manage the stress in their lives. By participating in this workshop, parents/caregivers will learn how to recognize stress in their children, identify how you can help children learn to manage stress.
October 2
6:30pm-8:30pm
Fear-Less: Reducing Fear & Anxiety in Children & Youth
Being a parent to a child who is experiencing anxiety can be challenging. This free workshop will offer parents tips and strategies to help children ages 5-16 manage anxiety.
October 10, 17 and 24
6:30pm-8:30pm
For more information or to register for any of these programs, contact shelley@krfcss.com or 403.443.3800.
Coming Soon: Kneehill Connect
In response to increased demands for self-serve options, Kneehill County is excited to announce Kneehill Connect, a virtual County office that will let you pay bills, check account balances, and request tax certificates online, anytime!
Kneehill Connect will be available 24/7, giving you the flexibility to manage your accounts without being tied to our office hours. Residents will be able to access Kneehill Connect directly from Kneehill County’s website homepage.
Look for Kneehill Connect, coming this fall!
Mailing of 2024 Assessment & Taxation Notices Due on or before OCTOBER 31, 2024
• 2024 Combined Assessment and Taxation Notices were mailed out to Kneehill County ratepayers on June 1, 2024.
• If you have not received your copy of the combined Tax & Assessment Notice, please contact the County office, 403-443-5541.
• Current Assessment information can be viewed online using our Interactive Map. https://kneehillcounty.com/2175/Maps
• Any person wishing to object to an item on the Assessment Roll must do so in writing before 4:30pm on August 8, 2024.
RECYCLING
AG Jug Collection
Reminder:
As of January 1, 2024, Ag jugs must be returned to retail collection sites for recycling. Kneehill County’s Transfer Site does not accept empty Ag jugs.
Visit our website, kneehillcounty.com, for a full list of retail collection sites within Kneehill County.
Hamlet Residents: Please note, burning barrels are not permitted in Kneehill County hamlets!
