County Connections · 2017-06-13 · The County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Connections County December 2011 B r i n gi o u r c m n t e s a n d r e g i o n c l o s e r t o g e t h e r

The County of Grande Prairie No. 1Connections

County December 2011

Bringing our communities and region closer together

To introduce the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan, I’d first like to recognize the efforts of our staff. During the past several months, pretty much everyone at the County of Grande Prairie has had some level of input into its development. Our staff has given thoughtful consideration to how their jobs -- and the decisions they

make every day -- help achieve the overall goals of the organization. Everyone who works here impacts our success.

The Strategic Plan outlines how we will continue to be a progressive, forward-thinking municipality while maintaining our values of safe, viable communities, fiscal responsibility, environmental protection, and effective regional partnerships.

Rather than a comprehensive list of our services, the Strategic Plan identifies key themes and goals -- the guiding principles of our organization. It tells us what we want to achieve, but not how to do it. The more detailed business plans, developed by each department, determine how, on a day-to-day level, we take the small steps to achieve overall success.

The Strategic Plan is an overarching framework: It describes our vision, our values and the goals we expect to achieve during the next three years and beyond.

In addition to our core business of providing affordable, high quality municipal services and infrastructure, we will continue to develop partnerships and opportunities to benefit the region as a whole. We see working together with other levels of government, and that of neighbouring municipalities, as being crucial to the sustained, long-term viability of the region’s economy. We will seek opportunities, advocate, and lead in the development of the Grande Prairie Region as a regional service centre “of choice” for investors. Regional partnerships lead to diversity, spin-off, and value-added opportunities that translate into long-term economic stability and improved quality of life for residents.

That said, we remain committed to managing growth, to protecting the environment and preserving the County`s rural heritage and lifestyle.

We embrace the adventurous, co-operative, and entrepreneurial spirit that brought pioneers here a century ago. We believe the region still has much to offer.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season,

Reeve Everett McDonald

Reeve's Message

Strategic Plan 2011-2014

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Strategic Planning ProcessIn its simplest form, strategic planning is the process

by which the County envisions its future and develops

a strategic plan to achieve that future. By going through

this process, we can align our Strategic Themes and

Goals with the day-to-day work of employees through

the use of Departmental Business Plans. Departments

develop their budgets to support their 3 year business

plans and align with the County’s Strategic Plan.

Defining our vision, values, and goals builds the

foundation for our annual budget. Specific action-

oriented goals are identified and resources allocated

to provide meaningful services. Bi-annual reports

are provided to Council to measure progress toward

achieving our goals in the most efficient and effective

ways during the fiscal year.

Our Vision The County of Grande Prairie No.1 focuses on people,

their quality of life and diversity of opportunity while

enabling success through cooperation and progressive

leadership.

ValuesOur values are the building blocks that guide our

actions and the pillars of the service we provide.

We believe that at the centre of everything that we do

are the people that we serve.

We believe that our primary purpose is to provide

quality of life in safe, viable communities and recognize

that this is best done through good, progressive and

responsive municipal governance; effective, professional

Administration; quality, affordable services and

infrastructure; and, lifestyle choice.

We value clean air, clean water, our natural

environment, our open spaces and our agricultural

heritage and recognize that we must balance our

duty to be good stewards of all these assets, with our

responsibility to manage growth in our community.

CountyStrategic Plan

Annual Budget

Business Plan3 Year D

epartment

Repo

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We value fiscal responsibility and good financial management.

We recognize that we as a municipality do not and cannot

exist in isolation of our neighbour municipalities and believe

that a key to our success lies in ongoing communication,

cooperation and collaboration with them.

We also believe that ongoing communication, cooperation

and collaboration extend to other orders of government,

public sector agencies and the private and volunteer sectors.

We believe that our region has much to offer and that

through sound planning and good policies we can create

the conditions that will foster an entrepreneurial spirit and

encourage sustainable agriculture, industry and

other economic development and tourism pursuits

as cornerstones of our prosperity now and

into the future.

We hold ourselves to a high standard of

conduct and are committed to acting in

the best interests of the community

as a whole.

Above all else, we value

integrity in all things.

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1.0THINKING REGIONALLY

Enforcement Services changes name to reflect regional service; County renews Enhanced RCMP Policing contract

They are:

1.0 – Thinking Regionally;

2.0 – Providing Quality Municipal

Services and Infrastructure;

3.0 – Encouraging Community

Development Across

the Region;

4.0 – Managing Economic

Development Across

the County;

5.0 – Promoting Environmental

Stewardship.

Strategic ThemesThe Strategic Themes are in

essence, the strategic pathways

that lead to the accomplishment of

the Vision.

County Council approved changing the name of

Enforcement Services to better reflect their programs.

Enforcement Services is now County of Grande Prairie

No. 1 Regional Enforcement Services. “We believe this

change of name will truly reflect and strengthen the

awareness of the service we deliver across the region,”

stated Manager of Enforcement Services Stuart Rempel.

Enforcement Services consists of a patrol division

(traffic) and a bylaw division that looks after animal

control and bylaw infractions. In addition to working in

the County, they are also contracted in the communities

of Hythe, Beaverlodge, Wembley, Sexsmith, Saddle

Hills County and the MD of Greenview. Council has

also renewed the Enhanced RCMP Policing contract

for another 3 years. The County is the only municipality

in Alberta to employ and house 3 Enhanced RCMP

members in an integrated service. “Integrating our

RCMP Officers with our Peace Officers has proven to be

very beneficial,” said Director of Community Services

Bernie House. “We are recognized as a model for the

rest of the province.”

The County sees itself as an active

collaborator and leader in the

development of the area as the regional

service centre of choice. Strong

cooperation is critical to achieving

success as a region; to this end the

County has strong relationships with all

of the communities that are within its

boundaries. As the area continues

to develop, these relationships will

become increasingly important in the

context of the County’s goals and vision.

Goals:

1.1 Enhance effective working

relationships with other orders

of government, other municipal

governments and other agencies,

organizations and groups;

1.2 Monitor and respond to the

Provincial Land Use Framework and

Water for Life Strategy;

1.3 Continue to seek out new and renew

existing partnerships and opportunities

with external stakeholders

(where effective).

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County FCSS expands servicesCounty Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) has agreements with the Towns of Beaverlodge and Wembley to provide some or all FCSS services for their residents. Starting in January 2012 we will also be providing home support programming for residents in the Village of Hythe. We work cooperatively with other municipalities to bring expert speakers to the area for both our students and their parents. Our school liaison program partners with Peace Wapiti School Division to provide counseling and referral services to their students and families. We support early childhood programs in neighbouring municipalities in order to help them keep the costs down for parents. We provide operational grants to many human service agencies who offer services to county residents.Our staff takes active roles in community networks, boards and committees. Being connected to the communities and the current issues aids us in setting our goals and programs. In addition we have roles on provincial associations. Jody Evans, School Liaison, is the chairperson of the provincial liaison workers association. Kathleen Turner, Director, is a co-chair of the provincial FCSS directors’ network and a board member of the FCSS association of Alberta. Having a voice on these boards is important as we bring a rural perspective and identify the challenges faced in our region.

Your County FCSS Team

Regional Waste StudyThis year our Public Works Department worked together in regional partnership with the City of Grande Prairie, Aquatera and the West County Regional Waste Authority to complete a Regional Solid Waste Study. The study reviewed solid waste flows, recycling programs and services and provides recommendations for long term waste strategies including waste to energy possibilities for the region and an opportunity to understand recycling and diversion programming alternatives. The results of the study will assist with long term planning of regional solid waste and recycling programs funded through Alberta Environment and municipal partners.

Shelterbelt and Weed Management ProgramThe Agriculture Department has a long history of co-operative partnerships, and each year we seek to enhance these for the betterment of our programs and long term management objectives. We are continuing our participation in the Prairie Shelterbelt Program by serving as a drop off point for shelterbelt trees provided by the Federal Government. Ratepayers will continue to be able to pick up their trees at the County Municipal Services building, and we will cover the costs of shipping in support of our ratepayers participating in this program.

We are also co-operating with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Alberta Environment to develop a successful weed management program for the bed and shore of Saskatoon Lake. This is a significant challenge as there is an abundance of noxious weeds present, but we are confident that our combined resources and expertise will result in a successful strategy being implemented and long term improvement in riparian health will result.

1.0THINKING REGIONALLY

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Providing services and infrastructure is at the heart of

the basic function of a municipality and is important

to achieving the County’s Vision. As the area continues

to grow, the County will be placed under increasing

demand to provide additional services and infrastructure

traditionally more urban in nature. Providing these in

a logical and sustainable manner is crucial to the long

term success of the region.

Goals:

2.1 Ensuring adequate staffing and resources are

provided to achieve desired service levels;

2.2 Enhance purchasing practices;

2.3 Encourage and attend different meetings and open

houses (internal and external) to promote efficient

and effective municipal government through open

and transparent communications;

2.4 Promote training and education for staff and Council

to enhance the professionalism of staff and Council;

2.5 Maintain and enhance community safety;

2.6 Encourage and promote recreation, culture and

related services;

2.7 Review and update current service levels;

2.8 Develop and maintain high-quality infrastructure to

ensure sustainable growth;

2.9 Research new technology and innovation that will

benefit the County.

Open HousesOver 750 people attended 3 open houses this summer hosted by the County. Due to the overwhelming success of these events, the County will host the open houses again on Tuesday, June 26, Wednesday, June 27, and Thursday, June 28 at locations TBA. Whether you are asking about your taxes, how to get a development permit, upcoming road projects or just want to chat with your Area Councillor, there are employees from every department ready to answer your questions and listen to your ideas. Meeting your needs at an affordable cost is our highest priority.

Councillor Eckstrom learns how to use the Jaws of Life

2.0PROVIDING QUALITY MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

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Alberta Order of Excellence Recipient Honoured by the CountyColleagues, friends and local residents gathered at the County’s Administration Building to honour County of Grande Prairie Economic Development Officer Walter Paszkowski, recent recipient of the prestigious Alberta Order of Excellence.The Alberta Order of Excellence recognizes those who have served Albertans with excellence and distinction, whose work has impacted people across Canada and around the world, and whose contributions will stand the test of time.

In a tribute to Paszkowki at the afternoon event, County Reeve Everett McDonald recognized the distinguished accomplishments of this long-time Peace Region resident. Said McDonald: “I think what is most remarkable about Walter is that he doesn’t set out to do great things or to make his mark on history. Yet because of the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent, this is what he accomplishes.” In his speech, McDonald noted that Paszkowski’s contributions to agriculture and to rural communities have had the most profound effect on Albertans.

Following years of lobbying from County Council, Alberta Transportation has installed traffic lights at the intersection of Highway 40 and Highway 668. To further reduce the risk of collisions and reduce response times, Council approved the installation of pre-emptive emergency vehicle devices at the intersection and the installation of fire warning lights at the intersection of Highway 668 and Resources Road.

After 37 years of employment with the County of Grande Prairie Ed Hotton will retire December 31. “I will truly miss the many friendships made over the years with County Staff, Councillors and others from the many engineering firms, contractors and government departments I worked with during my career,” stated Hotton. “Although at times the job could be very stressful, the encouragement, appreciation and good times with many of the staff over the years made the job very gratifying.” Ed will be missed at the County for his friendship and years of experience and knowledge. We wish Ed all the best in his retirement!

2.0PROVIDING QUALITY MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE Ed Hotton Retires After 37 Years

Council applauds Province for traffic lights installation at dangerous intersection

The Evergreen Park intersection expansion is completed. The project included the addition of a west bound dedicated right-turn lane to avoid thru traffic congestion, and paving to the walking trail to tie-in with the existing trails from city limits to the Correction Line. The walking trail leading to Evergreen Park was moved to the north for an added traffic safe buffer zone. All of these improvements contribute to enhancing the safety of the community in that area.

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This year the Clairmont Landfill installed an additional scale system. This new scale

will reduce wait time for users of the landfill.

Having two scales allows the landfill to have two-way traffic at all times.

Each year the Agriculture Department reviews its programs and processes to ensure that we are providing the services our ratepayers’ desire. We know that weeds are a significant concern to many ratepayers so we are increasing our number of Weed Inspectors to assist in addressing this issue. We are also exploring the option of increasing our mowing program to ensure that ditches are mowed more than once a season as an alternate method of weed control. This year we also hired a Pest and Disease Inspector to help agriculture producers more accurately forecast any pest or disease outbreaks, and plan accordingly.

Farm Safety Barn Construction of the Farm Safety Barn at Safety City is now complete and ready for classroom setup. Interactive hands on displays will be set up in the 2000sq ft classroom space that will bring awareness to issues such as ATV safety, safe animal handling, water and dugout safety, tractor rollovers, chemical safety and equipment safety. The information taught will be valuable to anyone living in the city, on an acreage or on the farm. Agriculture ranks as Canada’s third most hazardous industry. Obviously, the farm is not only a work site but home to many children. Children account for up to 22% of farm-related fatalities and injuries in Alberta. The sponsorship of the Farm Safety Barn showcases the commitment and value that safety and injury prevention are to the County of Grande Prairie.

The Agriculture Department is committed to the promotion of safety in agricultural operations. We are proud to support the Agriculture Safety in the Classroom Program. This program brings an awareness of safe practices directly into the classroom of our most vulnerable and teaches them early on how to be safe on the farm.

Councillor Pat Jacobs and Councillor Sharon Nelson speak with Grande Prairie & Area Safe Communities Chair Barbara Campbell

Pest and Disease Inspector Ann Murray Truhn

2.0PROVIDING QUALITY MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

County Hires Additional Weed Inspectors

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What is Enterprise?

Enterprise is the County’s Web Map. It allows the

County of Grande Prairie and our partner towns of

Beaverlodge, Hythe, Sexsmith and Wembley to share

information with you.

Finding Enterprise is easy! Visit the County of Grande

Prairie’s website at www.countygp.ab.ca. Find and click

the Link to “Maps and GIS."

No login is required to access Enterprises’

basic features.

Information available on Enterprise includes:

• Aerial photos• Property search and property reports • Rural addressing• County boundary• Road placement• Points of Interest • First Nation Reserves• Zoning• Electoral districts and contact info• Lot, Block and Plan labels

Enterprise can help you find the information you need. It provides an assortment of tools that will measure distance, customize which information/layers are shown on the map, print to a PDF, make your own notes on the map, and much more.

What is GIS?Geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool used for mapping and analyzing things that exist and events that happen on earth. Millions of people across the globe rely on GIS to solve problems and make decisions impacting their everyday life – at school, at work and at home.

GIS allows you to interpret and visualize data in ways that reveal relationships, patterns and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports and charts.

“Knowing where things are, and why, is essential to rational decision making”

Jack Dangermond, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)

For more information or technical assistance, please call GIS Services at 780-532-9722 or e-mail [email protected] .

Enterprise Web Map

2.0PROVIDING QUALITY MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

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The County has identified a number of strategic areas

throughout its borders where the majority of growth

and development will be directed. As growth has

occurred in the area, the County has been challenged

to deal with issues traditionally more urban in nature.

County residents live in urban and rural communities.

Urban areas are intended to be focal points for major

subdivision and development activity. By concentrating

growth in these areas, the County encourages the

preservation of rural areas for rural based land uses. As

residents have continued to locate in the County’s urban

areas, the County has identified the need for additional

community facilities and programs, and expanded

opportunities for recreation.

Goals:

3.1 Support communities’ vision with technical and

physical resources;

3.2 Support our communities and organizations.

Construction is already underway on the 176,043 square-foot County Sportsplex. The new regional facility, which will open its doors as early as the fall of 2012, will house twin ice rinks and a half-size indoor soccer pitch, one of Alberta’s largest indoor soccer pitches. It will also contain office and retail space, and future plans include several outdoor playing fields.

Located on 42-acres just west of the County Administration buildings, Reeve Everett McDonald said the site’s central location is ideal as it is easily accessible from all corners of the County as well as from the City of Grande Prairie and communities throughout the region. “What we are hearing from local sports groups in the County and City is that there is a real need for more ice time and more access to indoor soccer,” said McDonald. “The Sportsplex not only addresses the needs we have today, but has plenty of space to meet future demand.”

McDonald added: “This facility does not compete with other recreational facilities, but adds capacity to the array of options already in place throughout the region, including the new pool in Beaverlodge and the City’s new Multiplex.”

Since initial planning in 2009, square-foot costs for the Sportsplex have decreased from $190 per square-foot to $175. The overall construction cost for the pre-engineered facilty is $29,192,359 million.

The County has retained the Workun Garrick Partnership to provide architectural services. Grande Prairie-based Kaldon Construction will serve as Construction Manager.

The Sportsplex and site will be owned by the County of Grande Prairie, and privately operated by Calgary-based Nustadia Recreation Inc

Future County Sportsplex to Provide More Recreation Options

3.0ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE REGION

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Recreation and Cultural GrantsOver 100 volunteers representing cultural, recreation and sports organizations were recognized for their contributions to the quality of life of County residents at an appreciation dinner held in August at the TEC Centre. 65 non-profit organizations and volunteer groups received operating assistance grants from the County of Grande Prairie this year totaling $173,707. Over $230,000 was given to 23 organizations to provide capital assistance to organizations that own and operate facilities that provide recreational and cultural opportunities to County residents.

Communities in BloomThe County was proud to send Valhalla Centre CIB President Dave Harder and his wife Kathie, a volunteer, to the National Awards Ceremony in Quebec City where the Hamlet received a 4 Bloom rating and Special Mention for The Viking Centre.

3.0ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE REGION

Grand Opening of Pipestone Creek Playground… a step back in time This unique playground at Pipestone Creek campground, which was four years in the making, is a huge success with the children and adults as it provides an exciting opportunity to explore the wonders of prehistoric times. The project compliments the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum that is planned for the Town of Wembley. The dinosaur-themed playground features special items, such as Brontosaurus and T-Rex Climbers, a Stegosaurus Sky Rail and Dino Talk Tubes.

Valhalla Viking CentreThe County was proud to donate $150,000 and $25,000 gift in kind to Valhalla Centre for their new viking Community Centre.

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Strategic Themes

The County of Grande Prairie is open for business and

is committed to managing growth in a manner that

promotes sustainable economic development and

preserves the region’s quality of life and environment.

The need to pursue opportunities to diversify the

economy is critical to achieving the County’s vision

however; the County recognizes that this must be done

in a sustainable manner conscious of the environment.

Goals:

4.1 Fostering an economic climate where quality

investment opportunities are welcomed and enable

the County to be the preferred choice for investment

opportunity;

4.2 Promote responsible and sustainable economic

development and explore new business

opportunities;

4.3 Balance economic development with quality of life;

4.4 Diversify our economy.

For the third year in a row, The County of Grande Prairie No.1, along with The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, The City of Grande Prairie, Farm Credit Canada, Community Futures Grande

Prairie, and The Business Development Bank of Canada, will be hosting the Growing the North Conference This is the largest conference hosted

in Northern Alberta with between 350 and 400 registrants annually.

The conference focuses on the promotion of Economic Development within our region and provides information, tools, and networking

opportunities to business people from all over Northern Alberta and British Columbia.

The conference proudly presents high profile and relevant speakers each year including, Presidents and CEO’s of leading businesses in major industries in our region, government officials, television and

radio personalities, top selling authors, and experts in various areas of business and economics.

For the 2012 conference our newly appointed Premier has been invited to be the banquet speaker. Each year the conference also

includes a Taste of the Peace event which profiles local food producers and their products.

Logistics DepotWork for the development of a major transportation logistics depot that would be located in the County has continued throughout the summer with good progress being made. The next step will be for a request for proposals to be advertised which will result in the choice of an operator for the site. The depot will allow for train to truck and truck to train movement of large volume materials throughout the north in a more timely and financially competitive manner. This would fulfill a long standing need for agriculture and industry in the Peace Region to become more globally competitive with other regions in Canada.

Growing the North Conference

Register today at www.gpchamber.com or contact Carla McLeod at

[email protected] or 780-532-9722, ext. 201 for more information.

TEC Centre at Evergreen Park, February 22 & 23, 2012.

4.0MANAGING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE COUNTY

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Red Meat Producers MarketingIn an effort to diversify our economy and to support our communities and organizations, The County has begun the process of working with a group interested in the production and marketing of Red Meat in Northern Alberta. The County and the Alberta Government, through Northern Alberta Development Council and the Department of Agriculture, are working to assist Northern Alberta Red Meat Processors with challenges they are currently facing in the development of a processing industry.

As part of the County of Grande Prairie No.1’s commitment to promoting our County to be the preferred choice for investment opportunity, we are once again working with County residents

to find the best photos of the County available to be used in our promotional materials. For the 7th year in a row we are

doing this in partnership with Watson’s Foto Source through our Highlights of the County Photo Contest.

This year’s categories are Scenes of the County, Creative Photos, and Old Historic Black and White Photos.

Entries can be made to the County office or to Watson’s Foto Source until December 5, 2011. Winners will be

announced in January of 2012.

For more information visit our website at www.countygp.ab.ca or contact Carla McLeod at cmcleod@countygp.

ab.ca or 780.532.9722, ext. 201.

Photos of the County of Grande Prairie

Contest

Watsons Foto Source and the County of Grande Prairie No. 1

present…..

Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum

As part of the County’s commitment to make the County of Grande Prairie No.1 a major tourism destination for the province, the Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative is continuing to achieve its goals of raising awareness of the region’s unique fossil resources, providing educational programs on these resources and most notably, increasing momentum towards the creation of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum. Scheduled to open its doors in summer 2013, the world-class, $27 million museum is expected

to have a major impact on tourism in the area. In the meantime, the Initiative’s ongoing activities are enhancing regional tourism through summertime programs at Pipestone Creek Park highlighting the region’s rich dinosaur heritage, including tours of the Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai bonebed and a dinosaur-themed playground. A blowout celebrity fundraiser hosted by Dan Aykroyd in July brought the world’s attention to the significance of the palaeontological riches here as well as to other tourism offerings in the area. See curriemuseum.ca for further information.

4.0MANAGING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE COUNTY

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The County of Grande Prairie is a strong supporter

of promoting environmental stewardship through the

research and implementation of economically viable

policies. This balanced policy approach is an effective

instrument for guiding development and future

growth in an ecologically sustainable direction, while

preserving the economic vitality within the region. The

County recognizes the need to partner with adjacent

municipalities and regional neighbours to develop

strategies for protecting watersheds, habitats and

biodiversity and to establish ecological networks that

benefit the region as a whole.

Goals:

5.1 Research and implement economically viable

sustainability “best practices”;

5.2 Increase environmental awareness and minimize

our footprint on the environment;

5.3 Protect our natural and agricultural environment;

5.4 Encourage balanced and achievable environmental

policy development.

County Water SupplyAfter three years of drought which has resulted in a lowering of the ground water table the province has initiated a program that will assist rural residents who are forced to haul their own water in several municipalities located in the Peace River Country. The County successfully applied to be eligible for this program and was declared eligible to apply for a grant up to $70,000.00 per site that would provide a water distribution site. This would provide access and availability to a stable water supply for those who are limited in several parts of the County. The County’s Agricultural Department is currently monitoring groundwater levels in a number of wells in the County. The County has submitted an application to the provincial government.

Recycling InitiativesThe Public Works department is working towards the development of HHW/Paint/Used Oil recycling initiatives to improve solid waste services. These new initiatives will also reduce the risk of fire, landfill contamination, and air space usage at our Clairmont landfill.

The County gave almost $14,000 to 19 non-profit groups that participated in this year’s annual Roadside Clean-Up Campaign. These groups collected 7500 kg of litter and earned $100 per kilometre cleaned!

5.0PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

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Bottle Donation ProgramThe County is offering local not-for-profit organizations a fundraising opportunity in the form of a bottle donation program. Bring your recyclable beverage containers to either the Clairmont Centre for Recycling and Waste Management or the West Grande Prairie County Regional Landfill and the proceeds will be donated to a non-profit organization in the County for a two month term.

Non-profit organizations interested in this can find application forms at www.countygp.ab.ca or call the Clairmont Centre for Recycling and Waste Management at 780-567-4194.

First Biobed in Alberta to be built in The County!The Agriculture Department is consulting with Ag Canada researchers on environmentally friendly methods of pesticide disposal. New methods utilizing soil microbes for enhanced pesticide breakdown are under investigation and we are building the first “Biobed” in Alberta to utilize these

microbes. This Biobed is only the 5th in Canada and the first not directly attached to a research project. We can be assured that we are disposing of any pesticide rinsate in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. We are exploring the cost effectiveness of this method to see if this could be effectively implemented by agricultural producers in our County.

Riparian Tour

The Agricultural Department is actively involved in riparian restoration projects along the Beaverlodge River with a number of co-operators. We are excited about the opportunities we see for promoting riparian health and effective management strategies in these sensitive areas.

5.0PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

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The County’s plans to expand fire protection services starting in 2012 are on track. County Council, CAO Bill Rogan, Community Services Director Bernie House and Fire Chief Everett Cooke unveiled five new fire trucks, consisting of a

Do you live within the short term annexation area (shown in yellow on the map)? If so, the City of Grande Prairie is preparing to submit a proposal for the annexation to the province sometime in 2012. The City of Grande Prairie has provided the public the opportunity for consultation of the short term annexation area. The County of Grande Prairie is aware that there may be many ratepayers in the affected yellow area that have questions or concerns regarding the proposed annexation or process. We invite you to contact Anna Martin in the County’s Planning Department at 780–513–3950 or [email protected].

The City of Grande Prairie and the County of Grande Prairie created the proposed Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) to guide growth and development in the area over the next 30-50 years. The proposed plan has been developed through the work of a joint committee comprised of council and administration of both municipalities. It outlines a short term and long term supply of land for the City. The IDP also paves the way for co-operation and co-ordination in key areas such as land use, environmental policy, transportation, recreation, roads, sewer and water while laying the groundwork for a framework for economic growth.

City of Grande Prair ie’s annexation proposal

Map 4 INTERMUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN ANNEXATION AREAS

LEGEND

SHORT TERM ANNEXATION AREA( COUNTY SUPPORTED ) 6,316.73 ha.

LONG TERM ANNEXATION AREAS( REQUIRES LANDOWNER SUPPORT ) 7,073.27 ha.

PROPOSED 50 YEAR ANNEXATION BOUNDARY

HAMLET OF CLAIRMONT BOUNDARY

IDP BOUNDARY

FUTURE HIWAY ROUTES - RING ROAD

TOTAL ANNEXATION AREA: 13,390.00 ha.

County ready to launch expanded f ire protection services

continued on page 16

ladder truck, two engines and two brush units at one of the County open houses this summer.

“Public safety is our top priority,” explained Reeve Everett McDonald. “I commend Fire Chief Cooke and the Apparatus Committee consisting of Deputy Reeve Leanne Beaupre, Councillor Richard Harpe, Councillor Mary Ann Eckstrom and Community Services Director Bernie House for ensuring our firefighters are equipped with the latest technology to protect property and lives.”

The ladder truck is able to pump 2000 gallons of water a minute and has a ladder that reaches 105 feet into the air, the largest in the region. The engines are designed for fire suppression and rescue services including responding to motor vehicle collisions as it is outfitted with the Jaws of Life. They have large water pumps and carry at least 800 gallons of water. The brush units are designed to operate off-road and are ideal for fighting wildland urban interface fires. They carry 400 gallons of water and are capable of pump and roll operations.

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The ladder truck, one engine and one brush truck will be assigned to the Clairmont fire station. The other engine and brush truck will be based at the Dunes fire station. A wildland urban interface engine as well as reserve engines will be placed in Clairmont and Dunes stations in the future.

“The significant investment in this state-of-the-art fleet is really an investment in the safety of our residents and our firefighters,” stated Fire Chief Everett Cooke.

In preparation for this change of service, The County hired 4 Fire Captains, 4 Senior Firefighters, and 6 Full-time career Firefighters who worked diligently to train 44 Paid-On-Call Firefighters to NFPA 1001 Level 2 career qualifications. A graduation ceremony is being held in December to honour their accomplishments as well as introduce and swear-in the remaining 123 firefighters. “We’re very fortunate to have this calibre of people joining our expanded fire protection service,” said Cooke.

Council officially opened the Fire Training Centre at the Dunes Fire Station. Previously, entry-level firefighters were sent to training centres elsewhere in the province, such as Vermillion and Nisku at a cost of around $3,000 per firefighter. Now with the County Fire Training Centre operational, any future scheduled entry-level training will save the County $3,000 per firefighter. Even with the cost of the facility, this year alone, the County will save around $30,000. The benefits of the Training Centre don’t just stop at training County firefighters, next year’s plans are to incorporate features for high angle rescues, with a long-term goal to become a regional Training Centre.

“It’s a great achievement for our firefighters to have their own Training Centre,” explained Reeve McDonald. “Thanks to the generous donations of time and money from multiple corporate donors, we have a facility that allows us to experience actual fires in a controlled and safe environment.”

The new fire service will support the Greater Grande Prairie Rural area and offer mutual aid assistance to surrounding municipalities including the City of Grande Prairie. The County expects that by expanding its own fire protection service it will save up to $6.28 million over three years by 2014.

Half-Mil l ion Dollar Upgrade to Bezanson F ire Hall The upgrades to the seven year old facility play a key role in improving efficiencies, as well as enhancing training opportunities for firefighters. “These upgrades will help our firefighters perfect their skills through more enhanced training, resulting in improved response times to emergency incidents,” said Fire Chief Everett Cooke. “We have a great group of dedicated members in Bezanson, and we want to help them provide the best service possible.”

The upgrades include the addition of two apparatus bays, an upstairs training area and a 20,000 gallon non-potable water storage system. The water storage will ensure there is an adequate water supply for firefighting apparatus and speed of refilling. The two bays will house a new Rescue unit, to be purchased next year, and a Brush unit.

Cooke stated that the County of Grande Prairie continues to expand and invest in its fire service in all of its stations, and that the Bezanson Fire Hall is recognized as an integral component in this model. On January 1, 2012, the Bezanson Station will serve the southeast portion of the County of Grande Prairie.

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Alber ta Disaster Recover y Program Registration CentreApplications for financial assistance through the Alberta Disaster Recovery Program are now available. The program assists residents, small businesses, farming operations, and institutions/not-for-profit organizations recover from non-insurable damages caused by overland flooding and groundwater seepage that resulted from heavy rainfall between June 23 – 25, 2011 and July 7 – 10, 2011.

Applications forms are available: at the

County of Grande Prairie Administration Building 10001-84 Avenue Clairmont

Please bring these items with you:

• Government Issued Picture Identification• A letter from your insurance company confirming your

losses are uninsurable • A list of damaged items and photos, if available.• All applicable receipts and paid invoices for structural

repair.For more information, please call 1-888-671-1111.

Snow Removal How Residents Can HelpCounty of Grande Prairie plows and other equipment will be out throughout the season clearing snow as quickly as possible from approximately 3600 kilometres of County roads.

We want to ensure the safety of those living and working throughout the County, as well as our County staff, by encouraging you to be patient with our plowing and cleaning crews. Approach equipment with caution, and reduce your speed around plows, graders and other equipment.

The County would also like to remind residents and businesses throughout the County that they can play an important role in snow removal by not pushing snow from private property, or depositing other materials, onto the roads. As well as presenting a potential safety concern for you, your families and your employees, it can also slow down the snow removal process.

Depositing snow and materials onto roadways is an offence under the Public Highways Development Act and the County Bylaw 2712, and may result in a fine and a court order to remove.

If you have any questions about snow removal, please call the Public Works Department at 780-532-7393.

Gives BackOur firefighters dedicate many hours of their own time to charitable organizations. This included paying the camp fees for 5 children from Odyssey House to attend summer camp. Members spent the afternoon having fun playing Gear races and “Hose Hockey”!

County F iref ighter s Association

Government of AlbertaAlberta EmergencyManagement Agency

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Grant Specialist

Lorraine Murphy, Grants and Relationships Officer, is now available to work with non-profits, municipal staff and other stakeholders on grant related activities. Such activities may include assessing an organization's financial needs, identifying grant opportunities, providing grant proposal application assistance.

Contact Lorraine by calling: Community Futures office at 780-814-5340 or emailing [email protected]. She works Monday through Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm and is also available for evening and weekend meetings.

Celebrating A Quarter Century of Growing Communities One Idea at a Time

On September 22, Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region celebrated 25 years of success by hosting a celebratory breakfast at the Centre 2000. The event included a special announcement about the Adding Value Agri-Food Rural Diversification Project. Over 110 current and past clients, municipal partners, partners and other stakeholders took part in the breakfast event.

Since 1986, Community Futures has played a significant role in developing and expanding economic growth in this region. Through its business counselling services, Self Employment training and loan portfolio, Community Futures has assisted over 3900 entrepreneurs to start and successfully grow their own businesses. The organization has also contributed to helping local communities initialize and implement activities to stimulate and enhance business growth, as well as assisting in the promotion of regional economic stimulus and diversification.

Since 1986:• The original $1.55 Million Original Investment Fund has grown

to over $4.9 Million, a 220% increase• The organization has disbursed on loans equaling $15 Million

with $9 Million of that activity since 2005. The $15 Million in loans leveraged over $40 Million, meaning for every dollar we invested, our clients raised $2.66

• 764 jobs created or maintained• Over 500 Partnerships developed• More than 150 Major Projects initiated and completed• More than 450 training sessions hosted for 3600 people• Over 85,000 Board Volunteer Hours• Employed and contracted more than 175 people in full time,

part – time, summer and temporary positions • 10 Conferences and Symposiums hosted• And, most importantly, over 8000 clients assisted in some way

shape or form!!!

Community Futures has been active in teaching entrepreneurial skills to young people through their Ventures program, which enables high school students to access business assistance, education, financing and school credits by starting their own business. The NAYEC program is a week-long camping experience, in which 13-15 year olds from across Northern Alberta learn about teamwork, leadership and business.

Community Futures embarked on a Rural Diversification Initiative focused on involving the private sector in diversification activities, and to this end, Community Futures has been working

with a number of agricultural entrepreneurs, developing some exciting possibilities for the future. Since May 2010 a Contracted Coordinator has been working to inventory the many producers working on value added agriculture in the entire Northwest region, taking opportunities to interview more than 120 of them and then hosting 2 Community Cafes for producers to talk about the issues, gaps and opportunities they see for value added development in our region. Those agripreneurs who identified a strong interest in either developing a new product or in penetrating new markets with their existing products and services were then interviewed further. Meetings were held with vegetable producers, bakers, winemakers, cheese retailers, beverage producers, speciality food developers and an animal product developer. Six of those ag businesses were ready to move ahead and so a Business Coaching program was planned to help all of them develop strong, dynamic and purposeful business direction and business plans.

After eight weeks, the agripreneurs were invited to “Pitch” their product or marketing plans to a panel of project partners. The distance each of the companies travelled in just eight short weeks was impressive. They refined, tweaked and focused on their most profitable business segments and in the end every one of them succeeded in impressing the panelists, so much so that all together, over $53,000 will be invested in resources, assistance, materials, and the like, helping each and every business take their idea to the next step. Each of the businesses are now in the product development or market development stage of their business. From wine to vodka, caramels to a high-end pet food product to consulting and training, Cheese School and beyond – each and every one of these businesses are sure to be a success and Community Futures is proud to be a part of it!

Contact Information:

Holly Sorgen – Executive Director Community FuturesPhone: 780-814-5340

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Landf i l l/ Transfer Station Holidays Hours of OperationAll County landfills and transfer stations will be closed from 12:00 p.m. December 23rd thru 26th & January 1st and 2nd.

Clairmont Centre for Recycling & Waste ManagementOpen – 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. December 27th thru 31st, 2011Regular Hours resume January 3rd, 2012

West Grande Prairie County Regional LandfillAlso closed December 27th.Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. December 28th - 31st, 2011Regular Hours resume January 3rd, 2012

Demmit Transfer StationAlso closed December 27th & 29th.Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. December 28th & 31st, 2011

Elmworth Transfer StationAlso closed December 27th & 29th.Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. December 28th and 31st, 2011

Teepee Creek Transfer StationAlso closed December 27th.Open from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. December 29th, 2011 and January 3rd, 2012Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. December 31st, 2011

For further information, please call the Landfill information line at 780-513-3967.

The County honoured Bill and Josie Dahl by installing a bench at Halcourt Cemetery in recognition of their

50 plus years of service as record keepers of the cemetery. (From left to right: Councillor Lois Dueck,

Josie Dahl, Bill Dahl.)

Wellington Resource Centre ClairmontOffice Hours 8:30 am -2:30 pm Monday to Thursday Phone: 780-567-2843Non-profit organization and community groups can book multipurpose and office space for free!

Our Community Programmer, Coree Ladwig, provides referral services and one stop human resources to all residents of the Clairmont area. Services include the completion of tax returns for individuals or families with low income; support for seniors by referrals, advocacy, and help with government forms; and referrals to early childhood programs, with linkages to community resources and programs.

To stay in touch with what is happening Like us on Facebook at Wellington Resource Centre, Clairmont Alberta.

Christmas Hamper ProgramWellington Resource Centre is accepting applications for the Sexsmith and Area Christmas hamper program. This covers LaGlace, Bezanson, Teepee Creek, Clairmont, and Sexsmith areas.

Parent and Tots ProgramThis free program, held every Thursday, is open to any caregiver of children aged 0-6 in Clairmont, and or surrounding area. Join a group of parents wanting to meet new people while providing their children with a social outlet and introducing them to new friends. Call for special dates in December.

Alberta Health Services provides a monthly Immunization Clinic. Call 780-513-7500 to book your appointment.

SPRCL will offer BOOTCAMP in January. Call 1-866-538-4111 to register.

Visions Beyond is offering Zumba Gold Wednesday nights. Call Bev at 780-897-5858.

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Return undeliverable

Canadian addresses to:

The County of Grande Prairie No. 1

10001-84 Ave., Clairmont, AB T0H 0W0

Contact Information

E-mail: [email protected]

Address: 10001-84 Avenue, Clairmont, AB T0H 0W0

County Administration Building (Administration, Assessment, Economic Development, Finance & Systems, Planning, Public Works)

Phone: 780-532-9722

Municipal Services Building (Agriculture Services, Enforcement Services, FCSS, Fire Services, Parks & Recreation)

Phone: 780-532-9727

Website: www.countygp.ab.ca

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Note: Closed during 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Administration Bill Rogan Administrator (ext. 157) 780-532-9722 [email protected]

Barry Donovan Chief Assessor 780-532-9722 [email protected]

Bernie House Community Services Director, 780-532-9727 [email protected]

Everett Cooke Fire Chief 780-532-9727 [email protected]

Herb Pfau Superintendent of Public Works 780-532-7393 [email protected]

John Simpson Planning & Development Director 780-513-3951 [email protected]

Kathleen Turner FCSS Director 780-532-9727 [email protected]

Lesley Nielsen-Bjerke Communications 780-532-9722 [email protected]

Noreen Vavrek Finance Director 780-513-3961 [email protected]

Shirley Melnikel Legislative Services Manager 780-532-9722 [email protected]

Sonja Raven Agricultural Fieldman 780-532-9727 [email protected]

Steve Madden Environment Manager 780-532-9722 [email protected]

Stuart Rempel Enforcement Manager 780-532-9727 [email protected]

Walter Paszkowski Economic Development 780-513-3956 [email protected]

County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Council From left to right: Division 6 Councillor Lois Dueck, CAO Bill Rogan, Deputy Reeve Leanne Beaupre and Division 8 Councillor Richard Harpe, Division 4 Councillor Ross Sutherland, Division 2 Councillor Sharon Nelson Sitting: Division 5 Councillor Pat Jacobs, Reeve Everett McDonald, Division 9 Councillor Mary Ann Eckstrom, Division 7 Councillor Brock Smith

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