Red Deer County News

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1 Red Deer County News february 2017 official news from red deer county centre PAVING PROGRAM APPROVED At the January 17 Council meeting, Red Deer County Council approved the 2017 Asphalt Concrete Paving (ACP) program. This program details the various road paving that will be undertaken by the County during the summer months. The contract for 2017 went to Border Paving, who submitted the low bid, and has a strong local presence in the County. For 2017, paving projects include: *C&E Trail from Hwy 592 to 32nd Street Overpass Rail Bridge *McKenzie Residential Subdivision *Robotham Subdivision *Spruce View Community Hall Parking Lot Operations Services is pleased to announce that C & E Trail from TWP RD 360 to the City of Red Deer limits will reach ban-free status once this portion of C & E Trail is completed this year. This allows for easier commercial and agricultural hauling, as road bans will not be applied to this section of road. twitter.com/reddeercounty youtube.com/rdcounty facebook.com/reddeercounty WHAT S INSIDE: Council/MPC Minutes...Pg. 4-5 Agri-Trade Reporters...Pg. 9 Upcoming Open Houses...Pg. 12 Publication Mail Agreement No Return undeliverable items to: Red Deer County Rge Rd 275 Red Deer County, AB T4S 2L9

2 county highlights RED DEER COUNTY APPROVES STARS AIR AMBULANCE At the January 17 County Council meeting, a presentation and funding request was made by STARS Air Ambulance. STARS has served Alberta for over 20 years, and has dealt with serious trauma cases in rural and remote locations using helicopters to transport critically injured patients to the best hospital available. The approval for funding was a one-time agreement. However, Council left the option for subsequent requests open, based on the need of the STARS organization. The total approval came out to approximately $36,700 which works out to $2.00 per capita. During the presentation, Glenda Farnden, Senior Municipal Relations Liaison, discussed the role of STARS in Central Alberta, and gave statistics showing hundreds of people that were assisted by STARS in the last 5 years. She also showed the state of the art equipment that STARS uses to save lives while injured patients are in transit. Councillor Connie Huelsman commented, I worked in the school system and I have seen the great efforts of STARS throughout the rural communities in Alberta. I am happy to support this request. Funding was approved unanimously. STARS also receives funding from Alberta Health Services. However, this funding only covers roughly 25% of the operating costs of the service. The remaining 75% of funding comes from business, municipal, and private donations as well as the STARS lottery that is undertaken each year. HEALTH MINISTER VISITS SYLVAN LAKE Health Care Minister Sarah Hoffman and Councillor Richard Lorenz pictured above. The Province of Alberta pledged $2M towards renovating the existing health centre in Sylvan Lake. Additionally, the Province will contribute $2M per year, starting in 2018, to operate the facility. This facility will offered expanded health care services that Sylvan Lake residents have been lobbying for since It will cover urgent care for non-life threatening conditions and will provide care seven days a week. TOWN HALL MEETING WITH COUNCILLOR MASSIER - DIVISION 1 Thursday, March 16, 2017 Pine Lake Hub Community Centre 7:00 PM Town Hall to discuss the Pine Lake boat launch and community vision. Join me for an Open House. Ask questions. Share your ideas. Red Deer County News - February

3 What s Happening in Red Deer County We welcome your feedback! You can contact us with questions or comments at: countynews@rdcounty.ca or Moira Duley- Corporate Communications Specialist Adam Ferguson - Corporate Communications Coordinator Tyler Harke - Corporate Communications Manager twitter.com/reddeercounty youtube.com/rdcounty facebook.com/reddeercounty Red Deer County welcomes reader submissions, but reserves the right to approve/disapprove content. Current issues of County News are available free of charge at the Red Deer County Centre, or can be viewed online at Have an Event? We are happy to list upcoming events in and around the Red Deer County area. Submit your information to: countynews@rdcounty.ca Benalto & Area Rural Crime Watch Society General Meeting: Thursday, February 23, 7 PM, Benalto Leisure Centre, Ag. Grounds. Guest Speakers: Protective Services Peace Officers Brett Miller, Lacombe County and Alissa Firmston, Red Deer County. Other BARCWS Liaison in attendance, Sylvan Lake RCMP Cst. Carlos Da Silva. BARCWS Membership: $25 for 5 years and RCMP clearance. For more info, please call: Dave or Sue Ol Tyme Family Fiddle Dance: February 11, 2017 $5.00/person, 16 and under free. Call Joyce for more information. Sew and So s Quilting the first Tuesday of every month, at Valley Centre Community Hall. Contact Donna Reay at for more information. Delburne, Elnora Area Crime Watch Next meeting is Thursday, February 16th, 7:00 PM at Delburne Drop In Centre. For more information, contact Karen at Robbie Burns Supper: St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church along with the Innisfail Legion Pipe Band will be hosting a Robbie Burns Supper on Friday, Feb. 3. the Innisfail Legion Auditorium. Doors 5:00 PM. Piping in the haggis at 6:15 PM. More info or tickets are available by calling Diamonds & Denim: February 11, 2017 at the Sheraton Hotel (Tuscany Room) - Red Deer. Cocktails: 6:00 PM Dinner: 7:00 PM with a dance to follow. Help support Spinal Cord Injury Alberta at the Diamonds & Denim event. Contact Doug at doug.manderville@sci-ab.ca for more information. Canada Day Challenge: Young Canadians are encouraged to get inspired and show us their version of Canada s next 150 years. Draw it, snap it, or write it to enter! Participants could win an all expenses paid trip for two to Ottawa. For more information PCH.defi-challenge. PCH@canada.ca GREYHOUND BUS TERMINAL APPROVED FOR GASOLINE ALLEY At the December 6 Municipal Planning Commission meeting, Red Deer County Council approved the application by Greyhound Bus Lines for a bus terminal, ticketing agent, and parcel service within Gasoline Alley East (Petrolia Park). The business will operate from the former UFA Convenience Store, which is currently vacant. The McDonalds Restaurant/Drive Thru is also attached to this building and is in operation. Roughly 15 buses will be departing and arriving from the site on a daily basis. This will include three courier trucks and one semi-trailer per day. According to County Planning and Development staff, Due to the size of this lot, there is ample room to accommodate parking for busses along the eastern boundary of the property. There will be a total of eight employees on site including a ticket agent, which will allow existing businesses and residents to take advantage of a bus/courier service within Gasoline Alley. Passengers unloading at the terminal will be able to connect with existing bus service at the location and continue on to anywhere Red Deer Transit buses currently travel. County Mayor Jim Wood remarked, It is great to see this service coming to Gasoline Alley. It is always good to have people able to travel in ways that are convenient to them. It also creates spin off business for those stores around the terminal. Upon the move to Gasoline Alley, Greyhound will discontinue operation of the downtown Red Deer location. Red Deer County News - February

4 council minutes municipal planning commission JANUARY 17, 2017 The meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM with Chairman Councillor P.J.R. Massier, Mayor J.J. Wood, Councillors J.M. Bota, D.B. Church, C.R. Huelsman and R.R. Lorenz in attendance and Councillor C. Moore being absent. AGENDA AND MINUTES The agenda and minutes of the December 20, 2016, meeting were approved as submitted. DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS Maine Haven Ranching Co. Ltd. Block 1, Plan , NE The property is located approximately 0.6 miles east of the Town of Bowden west of Rge Rd 10 on Hwy 597. Unanimous approval was given for front yard setback relaxations for three existing buildings, subject to one condition. Robert Klein Pt NW The property is located adjacent to the Town of Sylvan Lake north of Hwy 11A on Rge Rd 12. Unanimous approval was given for a front yard setback relaxation for the location of a second dwelling (moved-in building), subject to eight conditions. BWS Fabrications Inc. Lot 2, Block 2, Plan , SW The property is located south of the City of Red Deer within the Petrolia Industrial Park on Pine Street. Approval was given for a 100% landscaping requirement relaxation for an Assembly Facility, subject to 11 conditions with Councillors Bota, Church, Huelsman, Lorenz and Massier being in favor and Mayor Wood being opposed. Fairholme Financial Ltd. Lot 1A, Plan , SE The property is located approximately 3.7 miles west of the City of Red Deer north of Twp Rd 380 on Rge Rd 283. Approval was given for the expansion of a Manufactured Home Park (Melody Meadows Mobile Home Community), subject to 21 conditions with Mayor Wood, Councillors Bota, Church, Huelsman and Lorenz being in favor and Councillor Massier being opposed. SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS Russell and Susan Staudinger - NW The property is located approximately 1 mile southwest of the Town of Sylvan Lake west of Rge Rd 20 on Twp Rd 382. Unanimous approval was given to the application to subdivide an 8.09-hectare (20-acre) parcel containing a farmstead, subject to eight conditions. David Johanson NW The property is located approximately six miles east of the City of Red Deer north of Hwy 595 on Rge Rd 260. Unanimous approval was given to the application for a boundary adjustment to increase the size of a recently approved subdivision to accommodate an existing septic system, subject to seven conditions. Bemoco for Barry and Linda Koch NE The property is located approximately 5 miles east of the Hamlet of Spruce View south of Hwy 54 on Rge Rd 22. Unanimous approval was given to deny the application to subdivide a hectare (1.99-acre) parcel severed by the Red Deer River as the proposed parcel does not contain a suitable building site as the land is completely within the Flood Plain and the proposed parcel does not adhere to Land Use Bylaw requiring the minimum Lot Area to be 1.2 hectares (3 acres) in size. Cornelia and John Boutrup NE The property is located approximately 2.5 miles southeast of the Town of Sylvan Lake north of Twp Rd 374 on Rge Rd 285. Unanimous approval was given to the application to subdivide a 2.03-hectare (5.18- acre) parcel containing a farmstead, subject to six conditions. Anne Marie and Glenn Chong Lot 1, Block 1, Plan , SW The property is located approximately 3 miles northwest of the City of Red Deer north of Hwy 11A on Twp Rd 392. Unanimous approval was given to the application to subdivide a 7.17-hectare (17.72-acre) parcel to create five Country Residential parcels, subject to 16 conditions. The meeting adjourned at 10:43 AM. * * * council january 17, 2017 The meeting was called to order at 11:05 AM with Mayor J.J. Wood, Councillors J.M. Bota, D.B. Church, C.R. Huelsman, R.R. Lorenz and P.J.R. Massier in attendance and Councillor C. Moore being absent. AGENDA & MINUTES Item No. 7.4 was withdrawn from the agenda at the request of the applicant and the agenda was approved as amended. The minutes of the December 20, 2016, meeting were approved as submitted. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS Glenda Farnden, Senior Municipal Relations Liaison from STARS Air Ambulance Foundation, presented a request for partnership funding to Council. Following the presentation, unanimous approval was given to provide $36,702 in funding to STARS for 2017 and to amend the 2017 budget to reflect the amount approved coming from contingency. REPORTS Election Bylaw No. 2016/50 unanimous approval was given to adopt this bylaw to establish and consolidate the rules for conduct of Red Deer County elections in accordance with the requirements of the Local Authority Elections Act ACP Overlay unanimous approval was given to support the award of the 2017 ACP Overlay Project, including C&E Trail from Hwy 592 to 32nd Street Overpass Rail Bridge, McKenzie Residential Subdivision, Robotham Subdivision and Spruce View Community Hall lot to Border Paving Ltd. for the sum of $3,092, not including GST, the additional work identified on C&E Trail from the 32nd Street Overpass Rail Bridge to the City of Red Deer limits (not including AT s bridge deck over Hwy 2) for the estimated sum of $600,000 and an additional 5% for contingency. Roadside Brushing unanimous approval was given to award the Roadside Brushing and Mulching contracts for the East and West sides of Highway 2 to Arbor Mulching. This contract will cover the period of 2017 to 2019 with an option to extend in one-year increments for a possible total extension of two years. Laura Avenue Extension Project unanimous approval was given to award the Laura Avenue Extension Project to Border Paving Ltd. for the sum of $5,551, not including GST and an additional 10% for contingency. Economic Development Strategy unanimous approval was given to adopt, in principle, the results and recommendations of the Red Deer County Economic Development Strategy (January 2017). DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS AND REPORTS Lot 2, Block 2, Plan , SW (Division 2) approval was given to the request to defer the offsite levy payable pursuant to the Gasoline Alley Offsite Levy Bylaw No. 2014/23 in conjunction with a Development Permit (D ) application for Manufacturing, Processing and Assembly Facility for a two (2) year period with Councillors Bota, Huelsman, Lorenz and Massier being in favor and Mayor Wood and Councillor Church being opposed. Bylaw No. 2015/2.03 unanimous approval was given to Amend Bylaw No. 2015/2.03, by reducing the land area for redesignation from hectares (30 acres) to 7.17 hectares (17.72 acres), and to grant third reading to Bylaw No. 2015/2.03 as amended. Land Use Bylaw No. 2006/6 Text Amendment unanimous approval was given to first reading of the Bylaw to amend the Red Deer County Land Use Bylaw (2006/6) to amend Section 10, Interpretive Definitions, by adding a definition for Site Coverage and to set the Public Hearing date for February 21, Burnt Lake Area Structure Plan Amendment (Division 6) unanimous approval was given to first reading of the bylaw to adopt the amendments made to the Burnt Lake Area Structure Plan and to set the public hearing date for February 21, Red Deer County News - February

5 council minutes continued PUBLIC HEARINGS Bylaw No. 2016/2.05 unanimous approval was given to adopt the bylaw to redesignate NW from Commercial Recreation District (C-5) to Agricultural District (AG), in order to facilitate a farming operation. Bylaws No. 2016/2.06, 2016/2.07 and 2016/2.08 unanimous approval was given to adopt the bylaws to designate County owned properties containing drainage areas that require regular maintenance as Public Utility lots (PUL). Bylaws No. 2016/42, 2016/43 and 2016/44 unanimous approval was given to adopt the bylaws to designate County-owned properties as Municipal Reserve (MR). Bylaw No. 2016/49 unanimous approval was given to adopt the bylaw to amend the Lawrence Area Structure Plan in NW 5 and NE 6, to bring the plan into conformance with the Land Use Bylaw No. 2006/6 and to allow a dwelling to be located on a parcel of land less than 80 acres in size. Negotiations Land Purchase unanimous approval was given to authorize the County Manager to negotiate and execute the respective documents for the proposed purchase of land subject to the terms as submitted. DELEGATION 2017 ASB Summer Tour Update Donna Trottier, ASB Summer Tour 2017 Coordinator, provided an update on plans for the tour to be hosted jointly by Red Deer County and Mountain View County from July 11-14, ADMINISTRATION ITEMS AND UPDATES Agricultural Viability Strategy Report Card Planning and Development Services administration provided a presentation on a review of the recommendations included in the Agricultural Viability Strategy that was completed in This was the first of three presentations and focused on planning document reviews and reducing the loss of agricultural land. Agricultural Service Board Grant Application Unanimous approval was given to the Agricultural Service Board Grant Application and Business Plan for Alberta Agricultural Service Board Conference administration presented a review of the Vegetation Management, Competition for Seed and Crop Protection Products and Agriculture Education resolutions to be presented at the Alberta Agricultural Service Board Conference in Edmonton on January 24-27, Crawford Pit Project Agricultural Services administration presented on the project to determine the most cost effective management solution for landowners. Horn Hill Tree Plot Trial - Agricultural Services administration presented on the project to determine the effects of plastic mulch and fertilizer application techniques on tree establishment Agricultural Service Board Meeting Dates administration presented the ASB Meeting dates for Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association unanimous approval was given to provide $500 in sponsorship for the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association event 2017 Farm to Market Conference to be held on March 2-3, ASB MEMBER REPORTS ASB members provided information and reported on activities since the December 1, 2016 meeting. The meeting adjourned at 2:00 PM. * * * The meeting adjourned at 3:39 PM. * * * PUBLIC NOTICES agricultural Services board january 19, 2017 The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM with Mayor J. Wood, Councillor P. Massier and Members at Large R. Bradshaw, K. Ziola, M. Hamilton and S. Bell in attendance with Councillors C. Moore and J. Bota being absent. AGENDA & MINUTES The agenda and minutes were approved as submitted. DELEGATION 2017 ASB Summer Tour Update Donna Trottier, ASB Summer Tour 2017 Coordinator, provided an update on plans for the tour to be hosted jointly by Red Deer County and Mountain View County from July 11-14, PUBLIC HEARING - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 at 1:30 PM for: Bylaw No. 2017/1 to amend Section 10, Interpretive Definitions, to include the following definition: Site Coverage means the total percentage of the site area covered by building(s) or structures, which are located at or higher than 0.91 metres (3 feet) above grade, including accessory buildings and structures, but does not include steps, eaves, or similar projections permitted in this Bylaw, or driveways, aisles or parking lots, or terraces or patios/uncovered decks where these are less than 0.91 metres (3 feet) above grade. Bylaw No. 2017/3 to amend Bylaw No. 15/99, the Burnt Lake Area Structure Plan (ASP). The purpose of this amendment is to recognize any changes that have occurred within the development area, to update the ASP policies to ensure alignment with other statutory documents such as the Municipal Development Plan and the Red Deer City/ Red Deer County Intermunicipal Development Plan, and to amend all mapping in recognition of the existing land uses and the lands annexed by the City of Red Deer since the adoption of the original plan. The hearing will be informal and persons wishing to speak will be requested to state their name and address for the record upon being recognized by the Chair. If you prefer to submit comments on the bylaws in writing, the information you provide may be made public, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Copies of the proposed bylaws are available on the County s website or by visiting the County office during regular office hours, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Red Deer County News - February

6 assessment services IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR ASSESSMENT NOTICES Red Deer County will be mailing separate assessment and tax notices in This is a significant and important change to note for our property owners. Assessment notices are expected to be mailed in early February, while the tax notices will continue to be mailed in May. The Due Date for taxes will remain as June 30. The terms assessment and taxation are often considered interchangeable. However, assessment and taxation are very different. Although one impacts the other, each is a distinct and independent process. Assessment is the process of estimating a dollar value on a property for taxation purposes. This value is used to calculate the amount of taxes that will be charged to the owner of the property. Taxation is the process of applying a tax rate to a property s assessed value to determine the taxes payable by the owner of that property. Property owners have the ability to file a complaint about their property assessment, however, the Assessment Review Board cannot hear complaints about the amount of property taxes or tax rates. Determining the assessed values earlier in the year will allow ratepayers to estimate their tax bill in advance by using the previous year s tax rate. If your address has recently changed, please advise Red Deer County so that we may update your information. The Change of Address form can be found on our website at If you have any questions regarding this change, please call Red Deer County at JOIN OUR MONTHLY TAX PAYMENT PLAN Red Deer County s Pre-Authorized Payment Plan (PAPP) is a simple, secure and convenient way to pay your annual property taxes. If you are currently on our PAPP, your first payment for the 2016 tax year was withdrawn on January 1. If you are not yet enrolled, you can do so at any time. This plan allows property owners to have 12 months to pay their current year s taxes. Tax and assessment notices go out in May every year and those that are not on our monthly payment plan will need to pay the tax amount in full by June 30 to avoid penalties. The monthly payment is based on the previous year s tax amount divided into 12 equal monthly payments. This amount may be adjusted in July if the new tax notice that comes out in May shows an increase or decrease in the amount of taxes that an owner pays. An owner may join the monthly payment plan at any time from January to the April payment (March 20th cut off), and they can start again for August 1 (July 20 cut-off ) as long as they catch up their payments from January to July. Owners cannot join during tax time from May to July. It is important to note that there is an advantage to joining prior to the April 1 payment date. For example, if an owner joins the monthly payment plan on April 1 and the yearly tax amount is $1200, the monthly payment would be $100 per month ($1200/12). The owner must pay for January, February and March s payments ($100 X 3) to bring them to current, in order to join starting in April. However, if the owner joins for August 1, the owner would need to pay for January to July (7 x $100) plus a 6% penalty applied on the full year tax amount (6% X $1200) because the owner was not on the monthly payment plan when taxes were due on June 30. Therefore, joining prior to April 1 (March 20 cut-off), owners can avoid paying any penalties. Owners can join the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan by contacting our Red Deer County office, filling out the appropriate form with banking information available on our website, submitting the paperwork to the Red Deer County Office by the appropriate cut-off date, and making the appropriate month s payments to bring their balance to current. Please contact our Red Deer County office at with any questions you may have about joining this plan. Scholarship Offering Dr. Don Church is offering a $2000 scholarship to Red Deer County students who choose to pursue a career in Agriculture or Veterinary Medicine. The scholarship will be payable to the University or College of your choice for your tuition, once your acceptance and registration has been confirmed. Apply with resumes, academic status, student ID and community achievements to: Red Deer & District Community Foundation kristinebugayong@rddcf.ca Dr. Don Church dchurch@rdcounty.ca Application deadline is June 30, 2017 Red Deer County News - February

7 economic development REVERSAL OF FORTUNE: OIL SANDS PRODUCTION DOMINATES as printed in The Owl: Focused on Alberta s Economy In elementary school in the 1970s, a small glass jar filled with what looked like dirt was passed around a Calgary classroom. The guest speaker said that Alberta had a vast amount of this stuff and that one day we would be producing lots of oil from it. He was right. Alberta has about 167 billion barrels of established oil sands reserves the third largest in the world but it wasn t until relatively recently that we began producing the large amounts of oil from these deposits that we do today. In January 1985, Alberta was producing about 200,000 barrels of oil per day from the oil sands compared to almost 2.6 million barrels per day in January That s an increase of 1,115 per cent. And while we still produce a significant amount of crude from sources other than the oil sands, production of conventional crude oil has decreased from about one million barrels a day in January 1985 to about 500,000 in January This highlights the economic importance of oil sands production and the relatively smaller but still positive impact of Alberta s conventional output. Little did those schoolchildren back in the 70s know just how valuable that little jar of dirt would prove to be. agriculture services ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN WORKSHOP Join us on March 22, 2017 for an Environmental Farm Plan Workshop! Where: Red Deer County Office, Council Chambers 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Lunch Provided MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT! All participants will be asked to bring a laptop. To register please call Aimee Delaney at ext. 289 or Ken Lewis at Red Deer County News - February

8 agriculture services continued by Ken Lewis, Red Deer County County Conservation Coordinator WINTER WATERING LIVESTOCK AND ALUS ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services) pays farmers and ranchers for new management that produces an increase in ecosystem services from parts of their land. Ecosystem services are things from the environment, that benefit people. They include things like cleaner water, cleaner air, pollinator habitat, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration and much more. These payments come in two forms: 1) cost-sharing (up to 75% of costs) on adopting new management practices, and 2) annual payments for ongoing management (up to $50/acre/year). In many situations, when you adopt new winter watering practices for your livestock, that can help you increase ecosystem services production from your land. This seems to be most often in connection with other livestock wintering practices that you are adopting (such as feeding and bedding). Different winter watering systems can increase ecosystem services from your land in many different ways. In fact, it s pretty much site specific. Here s just a few general things that might happen with changes in winter watering: 1) The risk of excess nutrients getting into natural water bodies could decrease so water quality can increase 2) Native forests and riparian areas around water bodies could see increased ecological health and productivity 3) Nutrients can be applied by livestock themselves, over large areas, where you want them to go, improving the overall health and productivity of wide areas of land Red Deer County and the Grey Wooded Forage Association will be touring 4 different approaches to winter watering (3 of these are ALUS Projects). Date: February 24, 2017 Schedule: 9:00 AM Coffee and Registration 9:30 AM Welcome 9:45 AM Depart 2:00 PM Tour Finish Lunch Provided Meet: Red Deer County Office Cost: $20 at the door MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT! CALL KEN LEWIS AT OR GREY WOODED FORAGE SOCIETY AT WINTER FEEDING SEMINAR Please join Red Deer County, Lacombe County, and Grey Wooded Forage Assocation for an information seminar about winter grazing systems. Topics that will be addressed: Production advantages and disadvantages Winter feeding options Managing feed quality Cost savings Manure management Impact of winter feeding on soils Where: Hespero Hall When: February 14 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Please call Clearwater County Ag Services and Landcare for more information and to register at Red Deer County News - February

9 agriculture services continued AGRI-TRADE REPORTER 2016 WINNERS CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2016 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS! Grand Prize Scholarship Winner: $1000 Anny Kowarschik Delburne School Scholarship Winners: $400 Jerryd Wold HJ Cody School $400 Cauy Schmidt Spruce View School $400 John Klein Penhold School $100 Cheyanne Schmaltz Delburne School $100 Paul de Groot HJ Cody School $100 Hope Holbein Spruce View School $100 Jayden Nielsen Penhold School Introducing the $1000 Grand Prize Winner! Anny Kowarschik is a grade 12 student at Delburne School. Moving to Canada at the age of four has opened up endless opportunities for her. She is very interested in plants, which is why she plans to go to Olds College to study horticulture. Stay tuned for more great Agri-Trade County News Reporter articles in upcoming editions. by Anny Kowarschik, Agri-Trade Reporter BENEFICIAL IMPACTS OF CROP SCIENCE Going into Agri-Trade 2016 I did not know what to expect considering that I have never lived on a farm. At first it was difficult to find a point of interest. However, something I have always been drawn to is plants and the scientific background that goes along with them. So I made it my mission to find out how crop sciences impact farmers in Alberta. Once I found somewhere to start I learned that there are plenty of benefits available for Alberta farmers that result from crop sciences. The first booth I visited was the Pioneer booth where I met with Greg Pavanich. He told me that one of many ways crop science assists farmers is by allowing them to utilize genetically modified seeds that make their products more immune to the unpredictable Alberta climate. Genetic modification allows producers to grow exotic crops, such as canola, corn, soybean and alfalfa, that aren t native to our province. This modification process also allows us to adapt the growing time of the crops, so that farmers may harvest them before temperatures drop to dangerous levels. Another way growers benefit from crop science is by seed testing. At the Biovision Seedlabs booth, I met Holly Gelech who told me, Seeds have to be tested to make sure they germinate and to see how they react and survive in various situations to ensure a good quality crop is delivered to customers. An example of one of these tests is vigor testing. What is vigor testing? A vigor test is used to reveal the ability of a seed lot to withstand a variety of stress factors. The products are also tested to make sure they are free of seed born diseases. This ensures that seeds such as vegetables or melons, will produce a good quality crop for the farmers. Crop science enables producers to test the soil for fertility and to see what nutrients are available in the soil and which area of land is lacking necessary requirements. The components that are tested for include urea, potash, phosphorus or sulfur. This benefits growers by letting them know which nutrients are needed for the season. This information helps save time and money by reusing what was left over in the soil from past seasons as well as using only what is needed. My experience at Agri-Trade helped me reflect on the importance of crop sciences and the impacts that it has on Alberta farmers. Whether it be through genetic modification, seed testing or soil testing, crop sciences benefit our local farmers daily. Red Deer County News - February

10 using red deer county GETTING ACQUAINT DID YOU KNOW? STEP ONE: FINDING THE INTER Red Deer County has an online interactive mapping tool that can help you find out more about your property, or other areas within the County! Throughout 2017, we will be sharing quick tips on how to navigate the online mapping tool. In the coming months, look for articles on how to find your zoning, print maps and aerial images, and how to learn important information about your parcel. This interactive mapping tool is based off of a Geographic Information System (GIS). Red Deer County creates, acquires, and maintains a large amount of spatial data. Some of this data is available to residents and businesses through this interactive map. Here s how to get started with our online interactive mapping tool! STEP TWO: WHAT YOUR SCREEN LOOKS LIKE Interested in the benefits of using information on all the different w you! STEP THREE: NAVIGA The toolbar is where you can find tools that perform searches, and annotate and marku tools: Location Tools and Map Creation Too and they can be toggled between by clickin in the circled area in the picture. Once the map has loaded, it should look like the above picture. When beginning to use GIS, the most important tools are in the toolbar (which include location and map creation tools), and your layers tab on the left hand side, which is located below the interactive mapping tool greeting. The toolbar is located at the top of the page above the interactive map. The toolbar can be hidden / shown by clickin above) located on the bottom right of the too open the toolbar so you can. Steps three and four will provide a quick overview of how to navigate the toolbar and layers tabs. Red Deer County News - February

11 s online mapping tool ED WITH GIS ACTIVE MAP 1. Go to in your browser on your computer. 2. Once you are on the home page, click on the interactive map link as noted in the photo by the red circle and red arrow. PRO TIP: Our interactive map can be accessed on mobile and tablet. To find the interactive map on our mobile site, tap the County Maps button (pictured far left) and then select the Interactive Maps hyperlink. WANT A MORE HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCE? JOIN US FEBRUARY 23, 2017 FROM 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Red Deer County s Planning and Development Department welcomes you to join us for a lunch and learn! Food will be provided as Administration helps you discover the different tools within our interactive map. If you are interested in attending this event, please contact our Current Planning Manager, Treena Miller at Limited space is available, so RSVP as soon as possible to ensure your spot in this valuable session. GIS? Turn to page 13 for more ays this online tool can benefit TING THE TOOLBAR will help you move around the map, p maps for export. There are two sets of ls. Only one tool set is shown at a time g on the desired tab. The tabs are located STEP FOUR: NAVIGATING THE LAYERS TAB Layers are essential in our interactive maps. They allow us to organize our spatial data and allow users to hide / show the information they are looking for. The layers bar, as seen to the right, must first be switched to by clicking the Layers tab at the bottom, which is circled in the image. If the Layers tab isn t there, you will need to click the Show Layers Tool in the Location Tools toolbar. In the image on the right, the visible layers (or the ones you can see) are the layers that have a checkmark in the box to the left. If a layer is not checked, it will not be visible. Also, in the image on the right, you will see some layers that are faded out, e.g. RoadNetwork. These layers are too dense to be used while zoomed out. As you zoom into your area of interest, these faded out layers will no longer be shown as faded and the information will be drawn on the map. g the button (pictured and circled in red lbar. If you can t see the tools, this will Our layers are separated into six themes: Addressing, Community & Recreation, Planning & Development, Operations, Emergency Management, and Electoral Divisions. When you first open the interactive map will default to the Addressing Theme. If the information you are looking for is not in the layers list, try changing the theme. You can change the theme by clicking the dropdown button at the top of the layers bar and then selecting your desired theme. Red Deer County News - February

12 planning & development Red Deer County would like to invite you to a public open house to obtain your input on the upcoming review of the Spruce View Area Structure Plan. Red Deer County Administration have been directed by County Council to review and update the Spruce View Area Structure Plan, which was adopted in 2002, in order to ensure consistency with current County plans, bylaws, and provincial legislation. The County s Municipal Development Plan recognizes Spruce View as a growth hamlet. The main focus of the open house; therefore, will be to solicit your thoughts and ideas regarding the future direction and development of the Hamlet. What is your vision for Spruce View? Where: Spruce View Community Hall When: February 23, :00 PM - 7:30 PM Contact: Richard C. Moje Phone: rmoje@rdcounty.ca UPCOMING OPEN HOUSES continued SPRUCE VIEW ASP BENALTO ARP SPRINGBROOK ARP Red Deer County would like to invite you to a public open house to obtain your input on the existing Benalto Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) which is currently under review. Red Deer County Administration have been directed by County Council to examine and update the ARP in order to ensure consistency with existing County plans, bylaws and changes to provincial legislation. The County s Municipal Development Plan recognizes Benalto as a growth hamlet; therefore, the main focus of the open house will be to solicit the community s thoughts and ideas regarding the future direction and development of the Hamlet. What is your vision for Benalto? Where: Benalto School When: February 27, :00 PM - 7:30 PM Contact: Rebecca Mount Phone: rmount@rdcounty.ca Red Deer County would like to invite you to a public open house to obtain your input on the review of the Springbrook Area Redevelopment Plan. The review will include an additional 250 acres of land located south of Township Road 372. Red Deer County Administration have been directed by County Council to review and update the existing ARP, which was adopted in 1999, in order to ensure consistency with current County plans, bylaws, and provincial legislation. The County s Municipal Development Plan recognizes Springbrook as a growth hamlet; therefore, the main focus of the open house will be on soliciting the community s thoughts and ideas regarding the future direction and development of the Hamlet. What is your vision for Springbrook? Where: Springbrook Fire Hall When: March 2, :00 PM - 7:30 PM Contact: Richard C. Moje Phone: rmoje@rdcounty.ca Spruce View Community Hall Aerial Photo of Springbrook Aerial Photo of Benalto Red Deer County News - February

13 planning & development DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REPORT continued Permit Number Applicant Name Parcel Permit Type Valuation D LIFT TECH INDUSTRIES LTD. SE W4M BS APPROVAL OF USE - PERMITTED $0.00 D PTC Construction Ltd. NW W5M AG VALUE ADDED AG $0.00 D KOWALENKO, AMANDA JEAN NE W4M AG SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING $50, D SCHOOER, DAVID NW W4M C3 APPROVAL OF USE - DISCRETIO $35, D CAMPER'S RV SE W4M BS APPROVAL OF USE - DISCRETIO $0.00 D DONVER HOLDINGS LTD NW W4M BS APPROVAL OF USE - PERMITTED $0.00 D MORAN, MARLENE SW W5M AG SECOND DWELLING $150, D WILLIAMS, MARK T & ZOFIA S E W5M R8 OTHER DEVELOPMENT - MPC $0.00 D RED DEER STATION G P LTD SE W4M C2 RETAIL STORE - MINOR $0.00 D ALBERTA LTD NE W4M C2 APPROVAL OF USE - PERMITTED $0.00 D RESORT DEVELOPMENT FUNDING CORPORATION NE W5M R7 PUBLIC OR PRIVATE UTILITY $250, D ALBERTA LTD NE W4M BP SIGNS $80, D RANGELAND RV & TRAILER SALES L SW W4M C3 APPROVAL OF USE - PERMITTED $0.00 D TRUE-LINE CONTRACTING SE W4M DC 8 SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING $464, D NESSMAN, DOUGLAS & ROBERTA SE W4M R8 HOME BUSINESS - MINOR $0.00 D NIELSEN, SVEND E & JOANNE E SE W5M AG SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING $450, D BRAITHWAITE, LON NE W5M AG SECOND DWELLING $400, BENEFITS OF USING THE INTERACTIVE MAPPING TOOL The interactive map is an excellent tool that can help during a development or subdivision application. One of the requirements for any permit application is a site plan which should show distances from property lines and any existing buildings. Not an artist? This tool can help provide development with an accurate and clear picture of your property. Our GIS map has the ability to measure distances from property lines, which will give you an idea of where you can build in order to comply with Red Deer County s Land Use Bylaw. You can use the map creation tools to show the proposed placement of your development and can even draw your building to scale using the measuring tool. If you aren t looking to develop, but are hoping to purchase a new home within the County, the interactive map can help with that too! Simply enter the land location into the system and you will have access to the property s zoning, assessment, and any permits that have been pulled on that property. By looking up the zoning before purchasing, you are able to find out any permitted or discretionary uses on that parcel. Using the information provided by the map, you can determine if a property or development is right for you! This tool can help you determine what suits your development needs, and will help save time and potentially money during any application process. If you are having problems using the mapping tool feel free to contact Red Deer County Staff to assist you by calling or via at info@rdcounty.ca. Take the easy way out FLY RED DEER Enjoy free parking and shorter lines when you fly from Red Deer Airport. Red Deer County News - February

14 community services continued FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES (FCSS) Red Deer County Council participates in a 10 year FCSS Multi-Municipal Agreement. For decades, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has been working as a provincial-municipal government initiative to enhance the social wellbeing of individuals, families and community in an effort to keep people resilient, well, and from falling into crisis. BOWDEN FCSS Contact Jade Prefontaine, Phone, , , fcss@town.bowden.ab.ca and Facebook, FCSS Bowden. Check Town of Bowden website at bowden.ab.ca to find all the current events. DELBURNE FCSS Carol Kihn, Delburne FCSS Community Worker at , Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM or at delbfcss@delburne.ca Delburne Boys & Girls Club Kids Club for ages 6 to 12 after school every Thursday at Delburne Centralized School until 5:30 PM. Ages 13 to 17 meet every Thursday the first Thursday of every month has a lunch-time program at the school during the youth s lunch break. Every other Thursday runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Arts Room at the school. Delburne Community Kitchen Meets every Wednesday to learn about nutrition, recipes, cooking and shopping tips. For more information, contact Kathy at or Donna at Healthy Breakfast Program at Delburne Centralized School. To volunteer, contact Bonnie at Moms & Tots meets every Wednesday at 9:00 AM at Delburne Drop-In Centre. Pine Lake meets every second Thursday at 9:00 AM in the Pine Lake Hub Centre. Delburne Playschool Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, St. Michael s Catholic Church basement. For more information, contact Carole, ELNORA FCSS For information on any Elnora FCSS program, please call Sheila Gongaware or Janina Jewell at or elnorafcss@platinum.ca Like us on Elnora and District FCSS Elnora Boys and Girls Club Kids Club for ages 6 to 12 after school on Wednesdays, February 1, 8, and 15th at the Drop-In Center until 5:30 PM. Ages 13 to 17 meet Wednesdays, February 1, 8, and 15th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Drop In. For more information, call Heather at , Ext. 142 Elnora Play School Wednesdays and alternating Mondays and Fridays from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Elnora School in the Kindergarten Room. February Play School days are 1, 3, 6, 8, 13, 15, and 17th (last week off due to winter break). If you are interested in signing up your child or would like more information, please call Tina, SEEDS (Sharing, Educating, Exploring, Discovering and Singing) For preschoolers, 0 to 3 years, Friday, February 3rd and 17th at the Elnora Hall from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. A great time for your little one to socialize and have some fun. For more information please call Janina at Ladies Evening Out Wed. Feb. 15th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Elnora Neighbourhood Place. We will be arm-knitting an infinity scarf. Please bring 2 big balls of chunky yard in your color choice. For more information, please call Sheila, PENHOLD FCSS Contact Jennifer Blaylock, Phone: fcss@townofpenhold.ca Playgroup Wednesdays at Penhold Memorial Hall (1123 Fleming Avenue) 9:00 AM to 11:15 AM. Drop in is $2 and $1 every additional child, babies are fee. Program is for ages 0-5, a safe, fun environment for your child to learn socialization through play. February 1, 8, 15, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Free Public Skating at the Multiplex Sundays from 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM. Just a reminder that anyone under the age of 16 MUST wear a helmet. Please contact the Booking Clerk at or avigne@townofpenhold.ca for ice rentals and other inquiries. Winterfest Event Monday, February 20th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Lincoln Street Rec. Center. Come out and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of skating, activities, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and hot dogs! A FREE event for the whole family! Please note in case of cold weather (-15) the event will be cancelled. SPRINGBROOK FCSS To register or for information on any Springbrook FCSS program, call Adrian at or search Springbrook FCSS on Facebook. Springbrook Archery Club Shoot times Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Fridays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Club is available for private bookings and parties. Located downstairs through south entrance of the Springbrook Multiplex. New archers welcome! Equipment available for use memberships available now. Winter leagues start in February. Springbrook Community SkatePark Committee Fundraising in full swing for the new park. Looking for people with experience in grant writing and fundraising to help our team. Meetings scheduled for first Wednesday of every month, 7:00 PM at Springbrook Fire Hall. Meetings on February 1 and 15 at 7:00 PM. Youth Programs Boys and Girls Club runs youth programs for ages 6 and up, every Monday afternoon/ evening starting at 4:30 PM in Building 14. Call for details. Parent Link Centre runs programs Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons for children under 6 in Building 14. Call Lindsay at for details. Springbrook Community Garden Garden meeting on February 6th at 6:30 PM at Springbrook Fire Station. Review of 2016 season and plan for 2017 season. WEST COUNTY FCSS Pam Hetu, or phetu@rdcounty.ca SPRUCE VIEW PROGRAMS Spruce View Community Kitchen Once a month at the Spruce View School. Please contact FCSS for further information at or phetu@ rdcounty.ca Spruce View Parent Link Fridays in Dickson from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON. Contact www. mcmancentral.ca or Facebook at Red Deer County Parent Link Centre, , reddeercountyplc@mcman.ca Spruce View Playgroup Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, no charge. Spruce View Boys and Girls Club Mondays after school at the Spruce View School. Spruce View Seniors Drop-In Centre Wednesday Coffee from 10:00AM to 12:00 NOON. Contact Ruth Lemke, Spruce View Community Welcomers Program Contact FCSS if you are new to the community! BENALTO PROGRAMS Benalto Boys and Girls Club Benalto Kids Club for ages Tuesdays from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Benalto Torch Club for ages 11 to 14 Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Benalto Playgroup Tuesdays (New Day!!!) from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, no charge. Benalto Seniors Leisure Centre Contact Linda for further information at ,2994. Benalto Community Welcomers Program Contact FCSS if you are new to the community! Red Deer County News - February

15 community services TRANSIT NOTICE FEBRUARY 2017 FAMILY DAY WEEKEND Saturday, February 18 Transit Administration Offices and Transit information phone lines will be closed. Transit information is available on-line at Transit Services will operate on a regular Saturday schedule. Regular Action Bus services will be in place today. Sunday, February 19 Transit Administration Offices and Transit information phone lines will be closed. Transit information is available on-line at Transit Services will operate on a regular Sunday schedule. First departure from the City Centre Terminal will be at 8:45 AM. Last departure from the City Centre Terminal will be at 6:45 PM. Red Deer Transit Action Bus phone lines will be closed. Regular Action Bus services will be in place today. Monday, February 20 Transit Administration Offices and Transit information phone lines will be closed. Transit Services will operate on a regular Holiday schedule. First departure from the City Centre Terminal will be at 8:45 AM. Last departure from the City Centre Terminal will be at 6:45 PM. There is NO SERVICE on Routes 6 and 100/101 (BOLT). Red Deer Transit Action Bus phone lines will be closed. Limited prebooked Action Bus Service including Red Deer County. continued 2017 GRANT PACKAGES: APPLY ONLINE Information and Application packages will be ed soon for the 2017 Rural Community Facility Operational and Capital Assistance Grants, and the 2017 Cemetery Operational and Capital Assistance Grants. The packages are fillable FDF forms you can complete them entirely on your computer, if you wish! If your Facility or Cemetery Board has not received these packages by February 28, 2017, please contact Sylvia with Community Services at Grant Application forms will be available on the Red Deer County website at CANADA 150 FUND The Red Deer & District Community Foundation is excited to announce its ongoing participation in the Canada 150 Fund in celebration of Canada s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The Fund aims to support various initiatives that: ENCOURAGE participation in community activities and events to mark the sesquicentennial; INSPIRE a deeper understanding about the people, places and events that shape our country and our communities; BUILD vibrant and healthy communities that broaden possible engagement of all Canadians, including indigenous peoples, groups that reflect our cultural diversity, youth and official language minorities. More information can be found at Application forms, which are to be completed online are available at Paper copies of the application will not be accepted. Deadline for submission of applications is Monday, April 3, 2017 at 4:30 PM. COMMUNITY FACILITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (CFEP) GRANTS CFEP funding provides financial assistance to acquire, build, purchase, repair, renovate, upgrade or expand sports, recreational, cultural or other related public-use community facilities. CFEP aims to foster healthy, vibrant communities across Alberta. The program has been designed to support organizations as they take action to contribute and create opportunities for Albertans to engage with their communities. Application Deadline: May 15, 2017 Complete information can be found on the Alberta Government website: community/community-grants/community-facilityenhancement-program/#transition or contact Angela Schreiner, for Rural Alberta. Red Deer County News - February

16 protective services EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW FEBRUARY 11 - Alberta Emergency Management Agency Regional Workshop 25 - Basic Emergency Management and Incident Command System (ICS) 100 Training MARCH 2/3 - Incident Command System (ICS) 200 Training 16 - Rhodium Training 17 - Basic Emergency Management (BEM) and Incident Command System (ICS) 100 Training 23/24 - Incident Command System (ICS) 200 Training Red Deer County Staff at Emergency Coordination Centre Training in May RED DEER COUNTY TECHNICAL RESCUE TASK FORCE 25 Incidents attended which included but was not limited to Fire Assists, Water Incidents, Police Searches for a total of 832 person hours. 30 Special Events attended which included but was not limited to Parades, Presentations and Demonstrations for a total of 1,292 person hours. 138 Training Exercises attended for a total of 7,697 person hours. In 2016 the volunteers of the Red Deer county Technical Rescue Task Force attended a total of 193 activities for a total of 9,821 hours thank you for your service! APRIL 12 - Alberta Rivers Website Training 19/20 - Emergency Social Services Network of Alberta Conference 20/21 - Emergency Coordination Centre Training 26 - Emergency Management Workshop MAY 2 - Open House for Emergency Preparedness Week 2/3/4/5 - Flood Management Course 7 - Full Scale Exercise: Combined Strength with the Village of Delburne 9/10/11/12 - Disaster Forum 2016 Conference 16 - Dickson Dam Stakeholder Meeting 18/19 - Emergency Coordination Centre Training SEPTEMBER 14/15/16 - Incident Command System (ICS) 300 Training OCTOBER 27 - Central Region Emergency Social Services Workshop NOVEMBER 1 - Tabletop Exercise with the City of Red Deer Combined Strength Mock Disaster Training 19 - Alpha 16 Exercise with Springbrook Airport 30 - Regional Emergency Management Meeting Red Deer County News - February

17 protective services continued The Office of the Fire Commissioner, as the coordinating body of Search and Rescue initiatives in Alberta, is a proud supporter of AdventureSmart. That s why in January, we were focusing on the importance of snow safety. Before you head out this winter in search of exciting snow adventures across Alberta, be sure you are well prepared for the potential dangers that come with playing in snowy, icy and remote areas. Here are some tips to help you stay safe this winter season! 1. Have the Right Gear Dress in layers to help regulate body temperature. Keep your head, ears and hands covered to avoid frostbite. Wear your helmet, especially when skiing, skating, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. 2. Be Avalanche Aware Know the avalanche dangers in your area. Check avalanche bulletins before heading out. Carry and practice with an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel. Avalanches involving people don t occur randomly. Over 90 per cent of the time, the JANUARY WAS SNOW SAFETY MONTH victims or someone in their group triggers the snow slide. Be avalanche aware in Alberta, and when visiting other areas, such as BC s back country. 3. Respect Boundaries Going out-of-bounds is extremely dangerous. You not only endanger your life, but also the lives of search and rescue volunteers. 4. Ski and Snowboard Responsibly Know and follow the Alpine Responsibility Code. If a run is closed, respect the signage and never ski out of bounds. 5. Snowmobile Safely Keep your speed slow enough to stay in control of your snowmobile. Alcohol use is a leading cause of snowmobiling-related fatalities. Respect closed areas. Ensure you re properly trained and equipped to survive a night outside. 6. Test the Ice Check ice thickness before heading out. Always stay off ice that is 7cm (3 in) or less. The minimum ice depth for ice fishing, walking, and cross country skiing is 10cm (4 in). The minimum ice depth for one snowmobile or ATV is 12cm (5 in). 7. Know What To Do If You Break Through the Ice Don t panic. Your clothing will trap air and keep you buoyant. Turn towards the direction you came from and place your hands and arms flat on the unbroken surface. Kick your feet and try to push yourself up on top of the unbroken ice on your stomach, like a seal. Once you are lying on the ice, don t stand up. Roll away from the break until you are on solid ice. 8. Leave A Trip Plan Your trip plan explains your destination, travel route, equipment, and expected return time. This vital information can help search and rescue volunteers, in case of an emergency. Red Deer County News - February

18 operation services If you wish to apply for the County s dust suppression program, please use this form and return it to the County Office no later than Monday, May 1, Red Deer County News - February

19 operation services continued LAURA AVENUE EXTENSION PROJECT SET TO COMMENCE Red Deer County Council recently awarded the contract for the Laura Avenue Extension Project. This will be a major road work project, linking Gasoline Alley to a new access from the City of Red Deer. The list of roads impacted includes: Laura Avenue, Lantern Street, Liberty Avenue, Township Road 375, and Leva Avenue. The design work for the project was completed in late 2016, and will feature a roundabout constructed at Lantern Street, near the current Trail Appliances building. The road will then head north until another roundabout is created at Liberty Avenue, west of the current Costco building. After this, the road will continue north until it meets up with a future intersection that will link the City of Red Deer to Gasoline Alley. Visit to view a video detailing the proposed Laura Avenue Extension Project. According to Mayor Jim Wood, This is an extremely important project for Red Deer County and Gasoline Alley. More businesses continue to call this area home, and that means more traffic coming into the area. Also, there will continue to be an increase in people living in the Gasoline Alley area. These people will need proper roads both now and in the future to travel efficiently to Red Deer and beyond. The winning bid was submitted by Border Paving, which has a strong local presence and track record. To see an animated video of the overall project, visit YouTube and search Red Deer County Laura Ave Extension Project. ROADSIDE BRUSHING CONTRACT AWARDED At the January 17 meeting, Council awarded the contract for roadside brushing and mulching on both the east and west sides of the QE2 highway to Arbor Mulching. Operation Services Director Marty Campbell added, The County will evaluate this program on an annual basis. We will monitor the progress of the contractor, and determine at the end of the three year period if we require additional service after that. It gives the County some flexibility in not only the performance of the contract, but in the allocation of dollars toward the brushing program moving forward. Roadside brushing is an important safety measure, as vegetation can create poor sight lines on roads especially around corners. It also dramatically decreases the chances of wildlife darting out on roads unseen. The County has conducted a roadside brushing and mulching program for over a decade. Red Deer County News - February

20 community services Recreation and Culture Boards Division 1 Division 2 Division 3 Division recbdiv5@gmail.com Division 4 division4recboard@gmail.com Facebook: Red Deer County Division 4 Recreation and Culture Board Division division6board@hotmail.ca Red Deer County provides funding to each of the County s six divisional Recreation and Culture Boards, which are comprised of community members. These Boards create and provide recreational and cultural opportunities to the residents of their respective divisions. Discover a full listing of recreation, sports, health, club, event, and volunteer opportunities for you and your family online! PARKLAND REGIONAL LIBRARIES BOWDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY bowdenlibrary@libs.prl.ab.ca Red Deer County provides funding to Parkland Regional Libraries so that County residents can have access to, and enjoy, the many opportunities that our regional libraries have to offer. DELBURNE MUNICIPAL LIBRARY delburnelibrary@prl.ab.ca ELNORA PUBLIC LIBRARY elnoralibrary@prl.ab.ca Discover a full online listing of great events, activities, and clubs for all ages at your local library. INNISFAIL PUBLIC LIBRARY PENHOLD & DISTRICT LIBRARY penholdlibrary@prl.ab.ca SYLVAN LAKE MUNICIPAL LIBRARY sylvan.library@prl.ab.ca SPRUCE VIEW COMMUNITY LIBRARY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SITES (CES) Red Deer County provides funding to Community Engagement Sites so they may provide learning opportunities, support, and video conferencing for County students, the business community, and the general public. Programs accessible at the Community Engagement sites include but are not limited to the following: Science and Technology; Health; Educational Professional Development; Business; Community Development; and Arts. Red Deer County News - February 2017 Learn more about great opportunities at your local Community Engagement Site: Spruce View then click on Campus Alberta Central icon Innisfail