Parkland Communicator A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY PARKLAND COUNTY | JUNE 2014 Message From The Deputy Mayor Rural Municipal Finance in Alberta Home to much of the industry that drives Alberta’s economy, rural Alberta has recently come under fire by larger urban centres to share their wealth and enter into revenue sharing agreements with these big cities. We need to look at how much revenue is left after the businesses expenses have been accounted for. For rural municipalities, this leftover revenue is strikingly similar to their urban counterparts. Why? While it is true that rural municipalities do raise significant funds through taxation on the Deputy Mayor industries that make Phyllis Kobasiuk their homes on municipal land, they also bear the cost of having a much lower population density over a larger span of land than urban centres. This means that the cost per person for access to and delivery of specific services is much higher for rural municipalities. The cost to build and maintain these roads alone is extremely high, ranging from $500,000 to $1 million per kilometre. These costs are quite significant. Looking at revenue alone is too simplistic of an approach for the larger issue; the comparison of spending in rural municipalities and larger urban centres. There has become a perceived revenue inequity between rural and urban municipalities that some have deemed unfair. To solve this, it has been proposed that tax revenue should be shared by the population of an area with revenue flowing from low population to high population areas. Unfortunately, this is not the solution. Population based revenue sharing would be damaging to rural municipalities, causing almost 50 per cent of these municipalities to immediately be unable to cover their expenses, pushing them further into debt. When evaluating the success of a business it doesn’t make sense to just look at how much revenue the business had in the past year. About 72 per cent (131,000km) of Alberta’s roads and 59 per cent (8500) bridges are the responsibility of rural municipalities. Parkland County alone covers an area of 242,595 hectares (599,500 acres) and is one of the largest and highly populated rural municipalities in Alberta with over 30,000 residents. Rural municipalities have decades of success with effective formal arrangements with urban centres for cost sharing operational and capital expenses. Sharing revenue for services such as: recreation, fire, infrastructure (water, waste water), lagoons, landfills, community halls and arenas, to name a few. Parkland County has developed over 50 cost sharing agreements for over forty years. This contribution has totalled over $25 million for the past 8 years alone. The bills that are paid by rural municipalities also differ from urban centres. While urban centres are home to many commercial establishments and the bills associated with those, rural Alberta houses several essential resources to everyday life. The natural gas to heat our homes, the oil to provide fuel for our cars and drive industry, and the grain and meat that make up much of our food is all products of municipal Albertan land. Parkland County alone offers three industrial areas: Acheson, Entwistle, and the Meridian Business Park, to attract businesses and contribute to the booming economy that Parkland County continues to experience. To find out more about what’s happening in Parkland County, you can check out these links or visit our website at www.parklandcounty.com Continued on Page 2 EXTENDING THE LIFE OF COUNTY ROADS Engineering Services has some exciting news for County Residents........ There is a way for the County to extend the lives of asphalt and cold mix covered roadways at a very low cost all the while improving skid resistance, ingression of water, sealing cracks and slowing the disintegration of pavement caused by weather fluctuations... Sounds good doesn’t it...... We think so too, that’s why “Chip Sealing” has becoming an important part of the Engineering Services Road Program. The process of Chip Sealing is a simple one where a thin layer of hot asphalt is distributed on the existing pavement then covered with finely graded gravel. After the process is complete, County sweeps the newly sealed section of road twice within the first few weeks to remove any loose gravel. As with all road work we ask that you please slow down, pay extra attention and obey the posted signs when traveling through construction zones. With Seal Coating you must be cautious as well for the loose gravel that is part of the process. Slowing down will reduce the chance of spitting this gravel at other motorists and ensure stable operation of your vehicle. The areas of Parkland County scheduled for Chip Seal the summer of 2014 are: Township Rd 512 from Hwy 60 to Range Rd 262 Range Rd 270 from Township Rd 522 to Township Rd 524 (Hwy 628) Township Rd 512A from Range Rd 270 to Range Rd 271 Township Rd 512 from Hwy 60 to Range Rd 262 Watch for our orange information boards at the above noted locations and keep updated by reading our monthly construction updates in the Stony Plain Reporter and Spruce Grove Examiner. If you have any enquiries or questions about Chip Sealing or our road program in general, please check out the County website www.parklandcounty.com or contact Engineering Services @ 780-968-8445. MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY MAYOR cont’d Continued from Page 1 The Acheson Industrial area is the largest of these areas, covering 10,000 acres, and is Parkland’s commercial/industrial hub. To attract businesses Acheson offers a strategic location close to Edmonton, no business tax, cost effective lands prices, a low commercial/industrial tax rate, high speed internet access and quick and easy access to the CN intermodal yard. CHICKAKOO LAKE RECREATION AREA TRAILS CLOSED TO EQUESTRIAN USE UNTIL JUNE 15, 2014 In the fall of 2013, several of the trails in the Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area were reconstructed and seeded to help address erosion concerns. To allow the grasses to germinate and establish, all trails will be closed to equestrian use until June 15, 2014. Your cooperation is appreciated. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department at 780-968-8400. Acheson continues to grow and is an integral part of Parkland County’s growing economy. At the end of the day, both urban and rural Alberta could use more money to meet the needs of Albertans. However, taking this money from rural municipalities is not the solution. Read more about this issue at parklandcounty. com/apples-to-apples. Entwistle Outdoor Pool summer 2014 Pool is now open Public Swim for the month of June Tues/Thurs/Fri 4:00pm - 9:00pm Saturday/Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00 pm $2 lane Swim: Mon/Wed 8:00pm -9:00pm & Sat/Sun 11:00am - 12:00pm Lessons start June 2 Registration is now open www.parklandcounty.com/pool Photos, updates, and more - stay current and find us on Facebook! facebook.com/GrowYourDreams PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON FUTURE OF ENTWISTLE POOL Joint initiative will determine current and future aquatic needs Parkland County and Yellowhead County are asking area residents to dive in and provide some input to help decide the future of the Entwistle Pool, located 70 km west of Stony Plain in the hamlet of Entwistle. In addition, interviews will be convened with some community organizations and an intercept survey will be fielded with pool users, including visitors to the area that use the pool. “Parkland County is partnering with Yellowhead County to develop a feasibility study for the Entwistle Pool,” said Lenny Richer, Supervisor, Parks, Recreation, and Culture. “The Entwistle Pool is a valued recreation facility that serves the communities of Entwistle, Evansburg, and the surrounding residents of both Parkland and Yellowhead County,” said Richer. “Over the next couple of months, we’ll be asking residents, pool users, and community organizations to share their thoughts about the Entwistle pool – both in its current state and in regards to its future development.” “From late May to the September long weekend, the pool offers a variety of activities, including public swimming, rentals, and swimming lessons. We’re excited to hear what the residents and pool users have to say about the future of the pool.” This feasibility study involves a thorough assessment of the pool, the support buildings, and site amenities (e.g. parking, sidewalks, fencing, landscaping). The feasibility study will be completed in the Fall of 2014. It also includes a determination of the aquatic needs of area residents. Lenny Richer Supervisor, Parks, Recreation and Culture Parkland County 780.968.8327 lricher@parklandcounty.com The ultimate goal of the study is to present options and associated cost estimates to meet the aquatic needs of the community for the next 15-20 years. To participate in this study, an online survey will be available for residents to complete. Additional information about this survey can also be found on the Counties’ websites at www.parklandcounty.com/pool and www.yellowheadcounty.ab.ca. For additional information about the feasibility study please contact: Crystal McNernie Parks & Recreation Supervisor Yellowhead County 780.723.4800 cmcnernie@yellowheadcounty.ab.ca Do you tweet? We do! Follows us on Twitter @Parkland_County PARKLAND COUNTY REMINDS OF SPRINGTIME FIRE HAZARDS With summer around the corner, Parkland County Fire Chief Jim Phelan reminds residents that grass fires are a concern in the region. “As happens every year, dry vegetation is easily ignited by things like tossed cigarettes, ATV sparks, and unattended fires,” said Chief Phelan. “Parkland County fire crews have been very busy the last few days dealing with multiple grass fires, including one that had spread to a home. Until things green up, people need to take extra precautions to help prevent fires.” Residents can reduce the risk of starting a grass fire by discarding smoking materials properly in non-combustible containers, using spark arresters on ATVs and motorcycles, and using only approved fire pits with a tight-fitting screen and barbeques. The County urges everyone to use extreme caution when using burn barrels, cooking or warming fires. Have fire-extinguishing equipment located at the burn site including a rake, shovel, and plenty of water. There are additional steps that homeowners can take to safeguard their homes against wildfire: • Clear the roof and gutters of needles and leaves. • Keep the area within 10 metres of buildings free of flammable vegetation. This fuel-free zone provides firefighters with a defensible space to assist in stopping a wildfire’s spread. control sparks. • Keep vegetation and combustible material away from propane tanks. • Contact your utility company to clear vegetation within a tree length of overhead power lines. • Keep firefighting tools on hand. A shovel, rake, sprinkler, roof-top ladder and a hose that reaches to the roof are essential. Fire hazard information can be found on the Parkland County website at parklandcounty.com/fire_hazard. Parkland County also updates on current conditions and emergencies on their social media channels: facebook.com/GrowYourDreams • Vegetation beyond the 10 metre defensible zone should be species that are less flammable like Aspen, Birch, Poplar Twitter: @Parkland_County and the Western Larch. More information on fire bans and fire advisories in the • Situate firewood, combustible debris, wooden outbuildings province can be located atalbertafirebans.ca. and fences at least 10 metres from buildings. Summer fire safety tips can be found at the Alberta • Locate burning barrels at least 15 metres from buildings Emergency Management Agency website at aema.alberta. or flammable material. Barrels should be screened to ca/pa_summer_fire_safety.cfm. COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS From May 13, 2014 - Regular Council Meeting • Council amended the Off-Highway Vehicle Bylaw to remove the sunset clause • Council approved revised Specialized Transportation Grants Policy C-RP21 • Council received for information the 2013 Tri Municipal Leisure Facility Corporation Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements. From May 27, 2014 - Regular Council Meeting • Council approved up to $510,753 from Restricted Surplus - Municipal Park to develop the Off Road Trail Alignment with Asphalt Option to the Devonian Gardens. Photos, updates, and more - stay current and find us on Facebook! facebook.com/GrowYourDreams CARBON MONOXIDE Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless, colourless, toxic gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of common fuels. Potential carbon monoxide sources in the home, camper/ RV, and garage include all fuel burning appliances, such as fireplaces, clogged chimney flues, water heaters, furnaces, gas space heaters, wood and gas stoves, charcoal grills, and barbeques, as well as vehicle exhaust fumes, generators, and tobacco smoke. Parkland County Fire Services offers these tips to help keep you safe: • Because CO mixes freely with air, alarms may be installed at any level in a room. • The first line of defence in preventing CO poisoning is the proper installation, use, and maintenance of your fuel burning appliances. • Locate CO alarms about 5 feet away from fuel burning appliances such as furnaces, or fireplaces. Under normal conditions these will emit low levels of CO that will quickly dissipate and thus are not dangerous. • The installation of a CO detector is the second line of defence against CO poisoning. A CO detector must never be substituted for prevention measures. Buying CO Alarms • Several brands and types of alarms are available in hardware, department, and discount stores. The type of detector and brand you choose will be the one that meets your individual needs. • Despite brand or type, ensure your CO alarm has been approved and labelled by an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). • Choose an alarm that features a test button and an audible warning alarm. • Consider a battery back-up power source for alarms powered by household electricity. Location and placement of CO alarms • Install at least one CO alarm on every level of your home, including the basement (but not in unfinished attics). • Locate a CO alarm outside of each bedroom or sleeping area in your home. • If a CO alarm is to be mounted on a ceiling, install it away from any existing smoke alarms in order to allow for differentiation between a CO alarm and a smoke alarm in an emergency. • On floors without bedrooms, install the alarm in or near each living area. • Locate CO alarms about 5 feet away from areas where household gases or vapours may be present. Gases and chemicals can damage the sensing device in your alarm. • Do not install an alarm near a window or air register where drafts can reduce the alarm operation and sensitivity. What to do When the Alarm Sounds • Know who to call. Contact your local fire department’s nonemergency telephone number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds (usually a qualified technician). Post that number by the telephone and ensure everyone in the household knows where it is located. • If anyone is experiencing CO symptoms, immediately evacuate the home and call your local emergency service (91-1). Do not re-enter your home until a qualified technician has corrected the problem • If no one in the household has CO symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue), push the test/reset button to silence it, turn-off fuel burning appliances, and immediately ventilate your home by opening windows and outside doors. A qualified technician should be called immediately to inspect for CO sources. ACTIVE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS NEEDED Parkland County is an Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) community. We are looking for producers on active farms (grazing and/or crop) to participate in a pilot project to help sustain agriculture, wildlife and natural spaces. ALUS pays farmers to establish new environmental initiatives on marginal/environmentally significant land to enhance upland, riparian and wetland areas. Projects may include: • Native Prairie Establishment • Pollinator Habitat • Multi-Row Shelterbelts • Riparian enhancements • Wetland Creation and Restoration • Wildlife Friendly Fencing • Artificial Bird Nest For more information about the Parkland ALUS project contact: Gabriel Clarke, Environmental Management and Community Sustainability Coordinator. gclarke@parklandcounty.com 780-968-8888 ext 8261, or go to parklandcounty.com/ALUS Do you tweet? We do! Follows us on Twitter @Parkland_County JUNE IS RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH Recreation and parks are essential to life! That’s why the municipalities of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland County, as well as the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre (members of the Regional Recreation and Wellness Committee, RRWC), proudly declare that June is Recreation and Parks Month! crime rates. Green space is also a very beneficial resource for communities. It increases property value and tourism rates rise. A HEALTHIER YOU IS RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR FRONT DOOR ! The RRWC, the regional partnership that brings you the Information and Registration Evenings each spring and fall, would like to encourage all of our residents to get off the couch and enjoy all the recreation opportunities available. Get outside and enjoy the nice weather by accessing local parks, trails and sporting fields. “The benefits of recreation and parks are immense, everything from an appreciation of nature to family fun to simply feeling better,” says William Wells, ARPA CEO. “It’s unfortunate that more people are not benefiting, simply by taking advantage of these community assets, which in many cases are just down their street. June is Recreation and Parks Month a great time to get your share of these benefits.” “We use JRPM to try to get everyone in our community more involved and engaged in what’s going on “June is a great time of year for Alberta around them’” says Carol Dunnigan, communities to showcase what parks Community Development Coordinator and recreation opportunities they have – Recreation, for the City of Spruce June is Recreation and Parks Month is a campaign usedDan to recognize, celebrate and advocate theGrove. benefits in their community,” says ARPA President Pagely. “School’s “It’s a great way to connect with people and reach new of recreation and parks as they contribute to YOUR life! almost over, it’s beautiful outside, and allCheck kinds of outdoor sports and diverse populations.” out what your community has to offer for JRPM! and activities are starting up.” There are a number of challenges to take part in and prizes So join us in celebrating June is Recreation and Parks Month to be won at www.june.arpaonline.ca The benefits of recreation and outdoor activity are well documented. They have a positive impact on everything from children’s social development, to improved performance in school, to reduced medical issues and costs, to reductions in RAIN BARRELS AND COMPOSTERS FOR SALE Rain Barrels and Composters for Sale Come to the Parkland County Centre to buy your rain barrels and composters! • • • • Rain Barrel $60* Composter $45* Kitchen Compost Bin $15* Compost Turner Tool $20* by getting outside, getting active, making new friends and encouraging others to do the same. Spread the word about June is Recreation and Parks Month, and experience why your community is a great place to live. FEATURED BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - JUNE 2014 Parkland County is pleased to announce that Get Hooked Fishing Adventures, owned and operated by Keith Rae, is June’s Featured Business of the Month. adventure on the river to a half day excursion at a local lake. We are also proud to announce that Get Hooked, in operation since 1994, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2014! Whether you are new to fishing or a seasoned pro – Get Hooked creates a memorable experience you will remember for years to come. Visa, MasterCard, Debit and Cash accepted. Located in beautiful central Alberta, Get Hooked is Parkland County’s premier outfitter for guided fishing trips. Any questions contact Gabriel Clarke by phone at 780-968-8888 ext.8261 or by e-mail at gclarke@parklandcounty. com Operating seven days a week from mid-May to the end of October, Get Hooked offers fishing packages that include everything from a full day *price includes taxes Get Hooked is also proud to be Alberta’s first certified freshwater angling guide. For more information about Get Hooked Fishing Adventures and the special anniversary promotions they are offering, you can contact Keith Rae at 780-963-4279, by email keith@gethookedfishing,.com, or check out their website at www. gethookedfishing.com. Photos, updates, and more - stay current and find us on Facebook! facebook.com/GrowYourDreams PHASE 1 RESIDENT PHOTO CONTESTS WINNERS ANNOUNCED Parkland County Council took a few minutes during the start of its meeting on May 6th to recognize and congratulate two County residents who submitted entries in Phase 1 of the County’s Resident Photography Contest. Of all the entries received, photos submitted by Reg Faulkner and Shauna Howerton were selected as the top three entries. 30, 2014. Phase 2 – “Springs to Life,” launched March 1st and County residents can submit their spring-themed photos until May 24th. Three photos will be selected from each phase of the contest and awarded prize packages of Parkland County promotional items. Throughout all four phases, the County is looking for photographs in the following categories: “As we did back in 2009/2010 when we held the contest then, we received a great number of terrific photographs,” said Jackie Ostashek-Sargent, Manager, Communications and Strategic Planning Services. “Unlike last time, however, we put the judging to the residents by posting the photos on the County’s Facebook page and letting the ‘likes’ determine the winners. There were many awesome photos to choose from, but these three were clear winners.” • Agriculture - What does agriculture look like in Parkland County? Is it a barn, a field of hay bales, cattle and horses? Show us what you think! The photos, “CN” and “Lone Coyote” by Reg Faulkner, and “Barbed Wire” by Shauna Howerton, will go on to be considered for the grand prize package of $300 that includes a tablet. At the end of the contest, all winners will be invited to be County Ambassadors and submit videos for use on the County’s YouTube channel and shared via the website and social media channels. Photographs received throughout the four phases will also be used for Parkland County promotional materials including the new Municipal Development Plan. “There is definitely community pride in Parkland County, and, once again, this contest brought it out,” said Ostashek. “Many residents in the Town of Stony Plain and City of Spruce Grove wanted to submit photos as well, but had to be turned away as the contest is restricted to Parkland County residents only.” The contest, which started December 1, 2013, is broken down into four phases according to seasons and runs until November • Residential - Do you live in a beautiful community? Share your home with everyone! • Environment and Nature - Do you enjoy the environmentallysignificant areas in Parkland County? Show us how you interact with the environment! • Sports, Recreation, and Leisure - What kind of sports, recreation, and leisure activities do your family love to do in Parkland County? Give us your best shot! • Community - Have any community events, clubs, or parades you want to share with Parkland County? Show us how your community has a good time! • Heritage - Do you have a favourite heritage site or event that celebrates history in Parkland County? Show us how you remember our rich past! • Miscellaneous - Have something that you want to share with Parkland County but you’re not sure where it fits? Send it in! Full contest rules and entry forms can be found on the Parkland County website at www.parklandcounty.com/photos, or email photos@parklandcounty.com to have a copy emailed to you. Do you tweet? We do! Follows us on Twitter @Parkland_County SUPREME GROUP JOIN ALBERTA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME On May 7, John Leder, President and CEO of Supreme Group, was inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame at the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Induction event. Parkland County Mayor Rod Shaigec attended the event to congratulate John and offer his appreciation to Supreme Group for their operations and contributions within Parkland County. He has served as President of the Edmonton Steel Fabricators Association, Alberta Steel Fabricators Association, and the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. Today, Supreme Group is Canada’s largest privately owned steel construction business. Their success comes from their people, from ownership to management to a workforce that embodies 25 years of experience. In November 2013, Supreme Group In 1972, Leder established a small steel company. Mayor Rod Shaigec and This company attracted the attention of Supreme John Leder. was named Parkland County Business of the Year Steel Ltd. and quickly evolved into Supreme Group, for their commitment to the community and strong which currently operates out of the Acheson Business Park. business practices. Parkland County is proud to have Supreme This evolution saw Leder become the face of Supreme Group Steel operate within Acheson where they produce about 520 as the President and CEO. John has received several awards tons of steel per week and contribute to the County’s growing and recognition for his contributions to the steel industry. economy. PARKLAND COUNTY CELEBRATES RESIDENTS Did you know that Parkland County believes in recognizing its residents that are celebrating special occasions by presenting them with a gift or special acknowledgement? Examples of these occasions include: • 50th wedding Anniversaries for couples currently residing within Parkland County, or who have lived in Parkland County for the majority of their married years and within the County within the last five years. • A congratulatory note or printed scroll may be sent to County residents from the Mayor or Councillor representing their division to acknowledge birthdays for eighty (80) years and older. For 100th birthday celebrations, a framed certificate may be presented! • Some special occasions such as a grand opening or anniversary of a church or hall may warrant a gift from the Mayor, Councillor(s) or CAO. The retirement of a provincial or federal government official may also be recognized by a gift presentation. All gifts are subject to request and approval of a member of Council or the Chief Administrative Officer. PROPERTY TAX REMINDER All property tax notices for 2014 were mailed on May 21, 2014. Payment is due June 30, 2014. Failure to receive a tax notice does not exempt you from paying your taxes on time, and late payments will result in penalties. If you do not receive your tax notice or have any questions/concerns regarding your 2014 Property Tax Notice, please contact the Tax Department at 780968-8418 or toll free at 1-888-8800858. Parkland County Contact Information Emergency - Fire, Police and Ambulance 911 General Inquiries General Office 780-968-8888 Toll Free 1-888-880-0858 After Hours Inquiries 780-968-8401 Parkland County Council 780-968-8402 Mayor Rod Shaigec 780-968-8410 Councillor AnnLisa Jensen, Div. 1 780-968-8420 Councillor Jackie McCuaig, Div. 2 780-968-8421 Councillor Phyllis Kobasiuk, Div 3 780-968-8422 Councillor Darrell Hollands, Div. 4 780-968-8423 Councillor John McNab, Div. 5 780-968-8424 Councillor Tracey Melnyk, Div. 6 780-968-8425 Municipal Services Agricultural Services Animal Shelter Assessment Services Disaster Services Enforcement Services (Patrol) Engineering Services Fire Services Legis. & Admin Services Planning & Development Property Tax Public Works Parks and Recreation Road Maintenance 780-968-8467 780-968-8458 780-968-8469 780-968-8400 780-968-8400 780-968-8445 780-968-8400 780-968-3234 780-968-8443 780-968-8418 780-968-8448 780-968-8400 780-968-8454 For more information on this newsletter and other Parkland County communications, contact Jackie Ostashek-Sargent, Manager, Communications & Strategic Planning Phone 780-968-8432 Email jostashek@parklandcounty.com Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/GrowYourDreams