eca_review_2018_02_01

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2 F e b r u a r y 1 ' 1 8 H A N N A / C o r o n a t i o n / S t e t t l e r , A b . E C A r e v i e w Paintearth County County can’t rely on ESA’s when planning, says development officer Lisa Joy ECA Review You can’t rely on the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) designations in Paintearth County when it comes to planning, including Capital Power’s proposed Halkirk 2 Wind Project that landowners are challenging, according to Todd Pawsey, development officer for the county. Pawsey, told council on Jan. 23, that the assigned ESA’s in Paintearth County aren’t a reliable document for planning purposes because lands that are highly rated for ESA’s in the county are only rated low to mid range provincially and are cultivated farmland. “Caution is encouraged when seeing, reading, listening to any argument or debate involving facts on matters highly subjective,” he said. A group of Paintearth County landowners – the Battle River Group (BRG) - is challenging the county’s approval of Capital Power’s Halkirk 2 Wind Project that would see 74 wind turbine generators, a collector system and a substation. Brenda Anderson, a practicing lawyer in Stettler spearheaded the BRG and is one of the landowners. The BRG citied numerous concerns including environmental, noise, groundwater impacts, negative economic impacts and the health effects of the wind turbines on themselves, their NOTICE of PUBLIC HEARING FOR BYLAW 2018-655 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO LAND USE BYLAW NO. 2009-559 PURPOSE: The purpose of Bylaw No. 2018-655 is to consider an application to amend the text of Land Use Bylaw No. 2009-559 by inserting new wording into the document to bring it into accordance with the recent revisions to the Municipal Government Act as follows: Part III, Development Permit Application In Section (9), Application for a Development Permit, insert the following immediately after 9 (2): “(3) The Development Authority shall issue a notice of “Complete” or “Incomplete” application, within 20 days of the submission in accordance with the requirements of the Act.” Part IV, Appeals In Section “14” (4) Replace “14” with “21” days. PRESENTATION: A Public Hearing will be held in the Council Chambers, at 5015 Victoria Avenue, Coronation, on February 12, 2018 commencing at 6:30 p.m. Council will hear from any person claiming to be affected by the proposed bylaw. The time limit of oral presentations is subject to the direction of the Chairperson. Persons wishing to submit a letter, petition or other communication concerning these matters in advance of the Public Hearing, may do so provided they are legibly written. Submissions will be received up to Friday, February 9, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. Submissions should be addressed to: Town of Coronation, Box 219, Coronation, AB T0C 1C0. Please be advised that the personal information in submissions made, is collected under the authority of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Section 33(c) and subsequent versions of the Act. All submissions provided to the Town Council will be publicly available, in accordance with Section 40(1) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. DOCUMENTATION: A copy of the proposed bylaw may be inspected by the public during regular office hours, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. This notice is given pursuant to Sections 606 and 692 of the Municipal Government Act. Sandra Kulyk Chief Administrative Officer families, livestock and wildlife. The BRG said the proposed project is sited in an environmentally sensitive area that is home to large amounts of wildlife and migratory birds. They question whether there’s adequate protection for the environment and wildlife. During Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) hearing in Red Deer, biologist Cliff Wallis, who was hired by the BRG, provided expert evidence about the environmental impact of the project. Wallis was one of the principal field researchers for an ESA study for the Paintearth County and the provincial launch of ESA’s. At the hearing, Wallis criticized an environmental report prepared by Golder Associates, which was hired by Capital Power, on the proposed 148 megawatt Halkirk 2 Wind Power Project. Wallis said that the proposed project is located in Central Parkland Natural Subregion that is considered endangered. He also said that the area of the proposed project is used by migrating waterfowl for breeding and staging. He voiced concerns about the relaxation of setbacks for wetland habitats. Wallis recommended that the turbines be sited further away from the ESA’s of the adjacent valleys to protect bats and migrating songbirds. Golder Associates, however, maintains that the project’s environmental evaluation and supporting materials Town of Coronation demonstrate that all vegetation, wetlands and wildlife surveys required to support regulatory applications for the project were identified using Wildlife Guidelines for Alberta Wind Energy Projects and align with the Wildlife Directive for Alberta Energy Projects. BRG presented a petition with 312 signatures to the county in December asking that the turbines be 1.5 km from homes instead of the proposed 500 metres. Paintearth County council, however, rejected the group’s petition in January citing the Municipal Government Act (MGA) rules as a reason. Paintearth County’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) held a hearing in December but adjourned it until April to allow Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to finish its regulatory review process of the proposed project. Halkirk 2 would see 74 turbines in addition to the 83 turbines at Halkirk Wind Farm, which generates about $2.3 million in taxes annually to Paintearth County. With Halkirk 2, Capital Power aims PUBLIC SALE OF LAND TOWN OF CORONATION to meet increased power needs arising from the Alberta Climate Leadership Plan (CLP) that plans to end coal-fired electricity generation facilities by 2030. Alberta Environment has already approved Capital Power’s Halkirk 2 project. SuncreSt fresh, farm, government inspected ANTIBIOTIC FREE frying chickens Can be picked up at colony Wed., Feb. 7 from 3 - 8 p.m., confirm orders. For price or more details 403-882-2476 ext#609 Notice is hereby given that under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, the Town of Coronation will offer for sale, by public auction, in the Council Chambers at the Town Office at 5015 Victoria Avenue, Coronation, Alberta, on Thursday, February 15, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., the following parcels: Lot Block Plan Title 3 8 8149AH 042 283 939 28 42 8149AH 062 451 123 29 42 8149AH 062 451 123 +1 29 2 8021520 082 288 914 26 2 8021520 112 387 761 4 2 8021520 122 181 583 11-12 9 8149AH 132 208 018 30-31 42 8149AH 142 065 305 14 1 8021520 142 328 341 30 15 8149AH 942 128 174 34 2 8021520 942 385 080 The purchaser of the property will be responsible for any property taxes for the current year. Each parcel of land offered for sale at public auction will be subject to a reserve bid and to the reservations and conditions contained in the existing certificate of title. Redemption of a parcel of land offered for sale may be affected by certified payment of all arrears of taxes, penalties and costs at any time prior to the auction. The lands are being offered for sale on an “as is, where is” basis, and the Municipality makes no representation and gives no warranty whatsoever as to the adequacy of services, soil conditions, land use districting, building and development conditions, absence or presence of environmental contamination, vacant possession, or the developability of the lands for any intended use by the successful bidder. No terms and conditions of sale will be considered other than those specified by the municipality. The auctioneer, the councillors, the chief administrative officer, the designated officers and employees of the municipality must not bid for or buy, or act as an agent in buying, any parcel of land offered for sale, unless directed by the municipality to bid for or buy a parcel of land on behalf of the municipality. Once the property is declared sold to another individual at public auction the previous owner has no further right to pay the tax arrears. The risk of the property lies with the purchaser immediately following the auction. The purchaser is responsible for obtaining vacant possession. If no offer is received on a property or if the reserve bid is not met, the property cannot be sold at the public auction. The municipality may, after the public auction, become the owner of any parcel of land that is not sold at the public auction. Terms: The successful bidder must, at the time of the sale, make a non-refundable ten percent (10%) deposit in cash, certified cheque or bank draft payable to the municipality, with the remaining balance of the purchasing price due within thirty (30) days of the sale. GST will apply to all applicable lands sold at the auction. Sandra Kulyk, Chief Administrative Officer
E C A r e v i e w H A N N A / C o r o N A t i o n / S t e t t l e r , A b F e b r u a r y 1 ' 1 8 3 Investigating possibility for new town signs J. Webster ECA Review “Let’s bring some “wow” into the town,” said Justine Ness in her request to Hardisty town council on Jan. 23 for funds and ideas for signs at both entrances to Hardisty. Council will take the request into consideration at their budget meeting on Feb. 3. Ness, along with Anita Miller of the Beautification committee presented two rough ideas designed by Hi Signs Velvet Hand 60’s Big Hits /Beatles but now require permission to proceed with more input and fundraising to fund actual engineered designs. The committee was also hopeful of a fence along the east and west side of the entrance to prevent people from driving down into the ditch, however Chief Administrative Officer, Sandy Otto stated, Alberta Transportation will only approve our municipal sign along their highways 13 and 881. Since Hwy 881 goes through Hardisty, Alberta Transportation has asked that all the business signs along Fri., Feb 23 7:30 pm at Coronation Community Centre Cocktails 5:30 - 6:00 Supper 6:00 - 7:00pm Tickets $40, Available at L&C Bookkeeping 403-578-3838 Meal Ticket (Optional) $20.00 per person (2 weeks notice prior to each performance must be given to purchase or cancel meal tickets.) the fence from Hwy 13 into town be removed. Mayor Doug Irving noted the Chamber of Commerce had looked into the blue signs by Alberta Transportation but found them to be a very expensive annual fee. “It’s none of the government’s business,” said Deputy Mayor Dean Lane in frustration, adding “Let’s start billing Alberta Transportation for cutting [the grass] in their ditch.” CAO Otto explained it was a liability for the town having signs that causes Concerns over Lone Pine’s water license Lisa Joy ECA Review The County of Stettler council has concerns with Lone Pine Hutterite Brethren’s groundwater license application they filed with Alberta Environment and Parks to access two wells about 15 km northeast of Stettler. According to County of Stettler Reeve Larry Clarke, the county is allocated 1.8 million cubic meters from the Shirley McClellan Regional Water Services Commission (SMRWSC) and is more than able to accommodate additional water needs to Lone Pine Colony. “We are concerned the water supply to adjacent, neighbouring wells may be affected if this application is approved and question the tests conducted being an accurate indication of Hardisty town council County of Stettler future well delivery and performance.” Reeve Clarke went on to say that if Lone Pine disconnects from the County of Stettler water line there will be increased maintenance costs to the county to operate the remaining lines as flushing would have to be enhanced to ensure a clean safe drinking water supply. “A reduction in flow means water quality is harder to maintain.” Reeve Clarke, in a Jan. 15, 2018, letter to Environment and Parks Regulatory Approvals Centre, said that in December 2016 the county had a conversation with Lone Pine Colony and informed them that additional water would be available through the county’s water lines. Reeve Clarke added that the county wants to meet with Lone Pine Colony, or any concerned parties, to explore and consider opportunities to meet water needs. In 2017 the county water lines supplied Lone Pine with 14,462 cubic meters of water. Lone Pine is entitled to 19,113 cubic meters and has used that much in the past. Paving way for Buffalo View Estates County of Stettler council unanimously gave first reading to an amendment of its landuse bylaw to rezone land from agricultural to public services that paves the way for Buffalo View Estates subdivision during their regular meeting Jan. 10. Council will consider second reading after a public hearing is held. Castor museum seeking additional funding Emily Wheller ECA Review John Wright, Ray Marquart and Doug Zimmerman joined the County of Paintearth council during the regular meeting on Jan 23 to request additional funding on behalf of the Castor and District Museum. The museum is set to break ground on a substantial construction project this spring, which has an estimated price tag of $220,000. Currently the museum has just over $170,000 to dedicate to the project, which includes savings from past years and funds raised through private donations, the Fall Gala, and casinos. Museum volunteers will also be attending a casino which will add to their current funding. When the Canadian Pacific Railway freight shed was added to the museum in 1979 it was unfortunately placed on a foundation of railroad ties. Two years ago, museum volunteers noticed the floor sagging, upon further inspection it was found that the freight shed foundation has since rotted away, and the decay has been spreading through the walls. Paintearth County Since this discovery the museum volunteers have been working diligently seeking professional opinions regarding the best course of action and decided a complete tear down and rebuild of the Freight Shed would be the most cost-effective route. “The museum is not just specific to Castor, but the whole region,” explained Wright, who was museum president for 13 years and is now secretary. “Most of the photographic display is of farms, homesteads and the county around us. Even a majority of the artifacts we have are from the county, not the town. The school house was originally from Beaver.” “We really are a regional museum,” continued Wright. The final plans are currently being drafted. Once the non-profit society has the completed plans they will send out invitational tender for construction. “It really is a worthwhile cause,” stated Reeve Stan Schulmeister, “and we have to commend you for the work you’ve done.” Council did not make a decision. Public works Coun. Diane Elliot motioned for the purchase of two new 2500 Ram 4x4 pickup trucks for Public Works. According to policy the current vehicles are over their 10 years of useful life and should be replaced. Budgeted was $90,000 with the lowest quote received was $5288 below budget. The purchase will be funded from restricted surplus and the sale of equipment. Coun. George Glazier motioned for the purchase of two new Caterpillar 160 M3 AWD Graders and a D3K2 LGP Dozer. The budgeted amount for two graders was $1,180,000 with the tender coming in under budget by $110,000. Grader funding comes from Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) grant and the sale of equipment. Dozer budget was $190,000 was budgeted for the purchase of the dozer with the tender coming in at $7,000. Restricted surplus and sale of the equipment will fund the purchase of the new dozer. All old equipment will be placed for auction in 2018. 3” wide version 20th Annual Trade Show & Convention Feb 8, 9 & 10, 2018 Sheraton Red Deer, 3310—50 Ave Trade Show Open Feb 8: 3—9 pm & Feb 9: 9 am– 1 pm Convention Program Educational & Technical Sessions: Trade Show is FREE for anyone Feb 8: 8 am—3 pm interested in wastewater (septic) Feb 9: 1:30 pm—5 pm design, installation & maintenance Feb 10: 8 am—5 pm —over 40 exhibitors More info: toll free 877.489.7471 www.aowma.com distractions and noted they also makes it look junky. “I guess it is what it is, but I don’t agree to it,” concluded Lane. Interagency Partnership Council approved a motion to pay their share in the Flagstaff Interagency Partnership in a 3 - 1 vote, for $8465.90. CAO Otto explained fees are based on equalized assessment and Hardisty’s share being larger is due to Hardisty’s non-residential assessment being considerably higher than other communities involved. “We would hope that once regional governance starts, we won’t need FIP,” stated Otto. Lane reponded, “It’s going to take years to recoup that money..... Other community assessments were: Alliance $737.39; Daysland $6339.62; Flagstaff County $37,640.16; Forestburg $5501.60; Heisler $678.93; Killam, $8161.35; Lougheed $1393.29 and Sedgewick $7581.76. Rezoning Council approved the motion for first reading to change property on the south east corner of Hardisty to Highway Commercial and Highway Industrial so that the owner can apply for subdividing. Presently the land is Urban Reserve and subdivisions are not permitted under that designation. A public hearing will be held prior to final approval. Fire chief succession Coun. Roger Gaetzman reported on concerns raised that they did not have fire department volunteers trained to take over a fire chief position. Moving forward with FIP, that will not be a problem for the future as it will likely be a regional fire chief, said CAO Otto. Thank You Lily Spady’s family would like to thank the staff at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor for the excellent care she received. Mom appreciated friends and family who came to visit. Thank you to Dean Ross and staff at Parkview Funeral Chapels and Crematorium for the support provided throughout Moms funeral. Thank you to Reverend Barbara Zimmerman and the Knox United Church congregation who contributed to Lily’s funeral service and the luncheon afterwards. The Paintearth Lodge in Castor became a welcoming family the past 7 years. We are very grateful for the friendships Mom developed and the care she received. In Loving Memory Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear. Catherine Mary Thuroo February 2, 2017 & Thomas Richard Owens Jr. May 6, 2017 - Love always; Davina, Marlise & Family
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