Flagstaff County 2017 Annual Report (TPD1806070)

Table of Contents                                              

M E S S A G E   F R O M   T H E   R E E V E                      2

C O U N T Y   V I S I O N                                                      3

C O U N T Y   C O U N C I L                                                 4

M U N I C I P A L   S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y                  6

I N I T I A T I V E   P R O J E C T S

I N I T I A T I V E S                                                                    7

A G R I C U L T U R A L   S E R V I C E   B O A R D      9

A S S E S S M E N T                                                               1 6

E C O N O M I C   D E V E L O P M E N T                      2 0

F I N A N C E                                                                           2 4

P L A N N I N G   A N D  D E V E L O P M E N T        2 7

P R O T E C T I V E   S E R V I C E S                                 3 2

P U B L I C   W O R K S                                                       3 3

R E C R E A T I O N                                                                5 1

R E G I O N A L   E M E R G E N C Y S E R V I C E S

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Reeve’s Message

County Council is committed to working with all of our residents, communities, service groups, and businesses to enhance our region and ensure its viability for generations to come. The relationships we forge will be built on trust and the common goal of enriching the lives of all of the residents we serve.

Economic growth is a key to prosperity in our region. Council will continue to support our agricultural economy by implementing policies, procedures and services that enhance our diverse agricultural sector. We are all stewards of the land and as such, County Council will continue to work with our stakeholders to proactively pursue policies that serve as a solid foundation on which to develop environmental sustainability for future generations.

We will continue to support businesses in our region by providing them with the tools needed for success. Our Economic Development department is accessible to all existing and potential businesses requiring assistance in formulating a path to prosperity.

Historically, economic growth is derived from the following: 85% from business retention and expansion, 10% from entrepreneurship and 2-5% from investment attraction. Council will continue to implement policies to support this.

Being an elected official is both challenging and rewarding. Serving the community in which we live is a very humbling experience. As our region’s demographics change, our Council must learn to adapt and not fear change. We will be proactive and visionary in guiding and leading. We are aware that we must lessen the financial burden to all landowners to ensure growth and prosperity in our region.

All elected officials are elected to make the right decisions, not just the popular ones. County Council is committed to making the right decisions that benefit the region as a whole, ensuring that all our communities can reach their full potential, and further establishing Flagstaff County as a land of rural opportunity and fulfillment for future generations.

Don Kroetch, Reeve Flagstaff County

County Vision

A safe, caring, and vibrant rural “Community of communities” committed to working with our neighbours to ensure the quality of life for all citizens.

As an innovative and progressive “Community” that balances economic prosperity and environmental stewardship, we deliver a responsible level of service that is both efficient and effective.

County Council

Reeve Don Kroetch – Division 5

Council is excited about working with all our municipal neighbors in creating a path towards strong and vibrant communities in our region. We look forward to strengthening relationships, creating capacity for economic growth, supporting each other and our regional programs.

Deputy Reeve Howard Shield – Division 7

This is my first term as Councillor for Division 7. I look forward to working with the rest of Council and County residents to make Flagstaff a great place to live and do business. Among my priorities, I will be looking at potential enhancements to the current road system and promoting the County’s environmental initiatives.

Rick Manning – Division 1

I am looking forward to working with the new Council. With the new governance issues we are all facing, I am quite sure it will be an interesting term.

Jeanette Herle – Division 2

As I serve my first term on Council, I am focusing on learning about the many services and responsibilities of the County. I hope to encourage more participation by the taxpayers in plans and programs offered, and encourage cooperation between all the municipalities.

Jeff Eckstrand – Division 3

This term I would like to gain the knowledge and experience to deal with the issues properly. I would like to bridge the gap between the ratepayers and the municipality as well as all the communities in the municipality. I would like to maintain and possibly grow our population through seniors housing and economic development.

Infrastructure and recreation is a main focus for me as well.

Melvin Thompson – Division 4

This is my first term on Council. I would like to see fairness for all residents, whether rural or urban. I would like to see forward thinking of Council and residents alike. I would like to see equal opportunity to all residents for business, education, recreation and life in general within Flagstaff County. I would like to see the residents supplied with services that are affordable and sustainable.

Erik Skoberg – Division 6

In my first term on Council, I am enthusiastic to work with regional stakeholders to develop a long-term strategic road map for not only current Council, but for future councils as well. I believe this can be achieved through clear, effective and measurable governance policy.

Municipal Sustainability Initiative Projects

In 2007, the Province of Alberta committed to provide municipalities with sustainable funding to meet the challenges they face and enhance long-term sustainability. This Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding provides operational and capital funding to support our initiatives.

The province committed to providing the total MSI funding with the possibility of extending it over a period of more than ten years. Our past funding from MSI grants are as follows:

Initiatives

BUDGET: $11,000

The Active Living Conference for Seniors is held annually to encourage seniors to become actively engaged in the community and to recognize the importance of active living to the well-being, independence and quality of life for the seniors.

BUDGET: $25,000

Scholarships are provided to encourage post-secondary training and provide assistance with costs of attending institutions outside the region, while

encouraging the youth to return home to the Flagstaff region to work and live once they have completed their studies.

Educational Scholarships

HeritageInventory Program

BUDGET: $16,200

In a continuing commitment to ongoing heritage awareness in the County, financial resources have been allocated to assist future requests for identification and designation of heritage assets.

BUDGET: $54,500

Administrative and financial support is provided to the Flagstaff Community Medical Recruitment and Retention Committee in order to actively participate in the retention of medical professionals in the Flagstaff Region.

BUDGET: $12,500

The Cemeteries Assistance Grant program was established in 2012 in an effort to assist rural communities who operate a cemetery within the County to complete general maintenance and improvements.

Cemeteries are eligible for a $2,500 grant every two years. In 2017, eight applications were approved, totaling $20,000

Cemeteries Assistance Grant

STARS

Donation

BUDGET: $20,000

From 2008-2012, Flagstaff County provided a $10,000 donation to STARS. In 2013, Council approved to provide a $20,000 annual donation for the period of 2013- 2017.

AgriculturalService Board

Flagstaff County’s Agricultural Service Board responsibilities focus on weed control, pest management, and soil conservation. The Agricultural Service Board partners with provincial and private agricultural and environmental organizations to deliver programs and services beneficial to our residents.

AGRICULTURAL SERVICEBOARD

The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) includes County Council and the following appointed members as of December 31st, 2017:

• • David Hihn
• • Garret Jackson
• • Colin Matthiessen

ROADSIDE BRUSH AND WEED SPRAYING

Weeds and brush are sprayed to improve sightlines, protect infrastructure, and minimize the spread of weeds onto adjacent properties. In 2017, 1,326 miles of roadside was covered for weed control and 734 miles of roadside was covered for brush control.

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NO SPRAY AGREEMENTS

No Spray Agreements are available to landowners and tenants who do not want herbicide application on roadsides adjacent to their property. Weed and brush control along municipal right-of-ways will then be the responsibility of the landowner or tenant. Please note that Flagstaff County refrains from spraying herbicide 500 feet before and after all yard sites.

• • The Agreements must be signed prior to June 1st.
• • The Agreements are in effect for five years.
• • “No Spray Zone” signs will be provided and must be posted where they can be viewed from the road.
• • Landowners and tenants must assume responsibility of weed and brush control along roadsides according to municipal standards.

ROADSIDE MOWING AND ROADSIDE HAYING

All municipal right-of-ways are mowed twice a year. Landowners who want to hay municipal right-of-ways must:

• • Complete a Roadside Haying Permit prior to May 15th.
• • Each agreement is effective for one year.
• • Permitted landowners must complete their haying by July 15th of each year.
• • Bales must be removed from municipal right-of-ways within seven days of baling.

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CUSTOM WEED CONTROL

Custom herbicide application services are offered on private land to control small infestations of persistent weeds such as:

• • Absinthe (Wormwood)
• • Common tansy
• • Leafy spurge
• • Scentless chamomile
• • Toadflax
• • White cockle

One-hour free labour provided for herbicide application for the control of white cockle, scentless chamomile, toadflax, and absinthe wormwood. Half price labour is offered for the control of leafy spurge.

We offer free reverse headland spraying for landowners. This program consists of driving in the headlands and spraying back towards the ditch to control problem weeds. This service only applies to headlands that are adjacent to municipal right-of-ways.

SHELTERBELT ESTABLISHMENT PROGRAM

To assist landowners with shelterbelt establishment we cover 50% of the cost of trees which are ordered from TreeTime.ca. Shelterbelt establishments of one- third of a mile in length or longer will be eligible for planting and initial watering at no cost. Additional watering will be provided at $75/hour. To assist with weed control, a plastic mulch and applicator are also available for an additional charge.

EVERGREEN REJUVENATION PROGRAM

The Evergreen Rejuvenation Program offers free evergreen seedlings to residents to plant into dying native poplar or evergreen stands (no ornamental plantings), within the County. The purpose of this program is to provide rejuvenation of a native tree species into the landscape.

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CLUBROOT DISEASE OF CANOLA

Clubroot is a concern for farmers across Alberta. Clubroot is a serious soil-borne disease of canola and has been declared a pest under the Alberta Agricultural Pest Act. In 2017, there was five positive sites identified. For more information on this disease please visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca.

ROADSIDE RE-VEGETATION

After the completion of road construction projects, Agricultural Service Board will reseed municipal right-of-ways. In 2017, 49 miles of municipal right-of-ways were hydroseeded. All seed purchased is certified and comes with a weed seed certificate.

WATER LOADING STATIONS

Seven water loading stations are established within the municipality. The water at these facilities is non-potable and is suitable only for crop spraying and irrigation purposes.

The following five facilities operate year-round and provide rural residents with a reliable and adequate supply of water to utilize for agricultural purposes.

• • NE 11-44-11 (NE of Lougheed)
• • SE 27-41-16 (SW of Forestburg)
• • SW 10-45-16 (S of Daysland)
• • SE 2-43-13 (SW of Sedgewick)
• • NE 3-44-14 (SW of Killam)

The following two facilities operate on a seasonal basis from April 15th to September 30th.

• • NE 8-41-12 (NE of Alliance)
• • SW 27-41-10 (S of Hardisty)

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EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Throughout the year, the Agricultural Service Board offers workshops/information sessions on various topics such as:

• • Crop Production Workshop
• • Classroom Agriculture Program
• • Tree Seminar
• • Watch Your Water Program – annual well water tests to encourage all private well owners to be aware of their water quality.
  • • Working Well Workshop

If you have an interest or a topic that you would like to see addressed, please contact our department.

COUNTRY ROOTS TOUR

The 3rd annual Country Roots Tour served up an enjoyable and informative celebration of the region’s food, farms and history on Friday, August 11, featuring visits to a high-tech dairy farm, a one-of-a-kind dandelion farm, a refurbished 101-year-old barn and Flagstaff’s two historic churches. The special day culminated in a delicious long-table supper at the Forestburg Community Hall that drew 131 attendees in all. On the tour itself, 70 tourists got a taste of what our region has to offer and they all seemed to agree that it was a very worthwhile outing. In fact, 100% of those who filled out a comment card indicated that the tour was good value for their money. Our tourists came from throughout Flagstaff County, as well as from places such as Edmonton, Lacombe County, Beaver County, Wainwright, Blackfalds, Bentley, Rosalind, Halkirk and Pine Lake.

CONSERVATION EASEMENT (CE)

Flagstaff County became a qualified organization to administer conservation easements on private property at the request of landowners. A conservation easement is a solution for landowners who still want to retain ownership of their property, but are invested in long-term conservation. An easement is the legal transfer of select development rights to a land trust organization. It is a legally binding contract recognized by both provincial and federal law, and the easement remains in place even if ownership of the land changes in the future.

ALTERNATIVE LAND USE SERVICES (ALUS)

The ALUS program is new to Flagstaff County. ALUS is a community- developed, farmer-delivered program that provides support to farmers and ranchers to enhance and maintain nature’s benefits. ALUS has a simple goal: create a healthy working landscape that sustains agriculture, wildlife, and natural spaces for all Canadians. Flagstaff County is currently looking for landowners interested in establishing ALUS projects on their land, such as creating, restoring, enhancing and conserving wetlands, riparian fencing and buffering, off-site watering, establishing upland native prairie, and planting

shelterbelts. For more information please contact Kelsey Fenton, ALUS                                                                                          14

Program Coordinator.

RECREATIONAL PARKS

The Agricultural Service Board manages the following parks:

Fish Lake Campground

Fish Lake Campground is located five kilometres west of the Town of Hardisty. This campground offers 12 spacious power sites and eight non-serviced sites near the beach. A gazebo, a playground, and an outdoor kitchen are also on site. There is centralized water available. The lake is also stocked with perch.

Diplomat Trout Pond

Situated 16 kilometres southwest of the Village of Forestburg, the Diplomat Trout Pond has 15 non-serviced sites, a gazebo, two fishing docks, firepits, and the Diplomat Mine Interpretive Site is located across the highway. There is no power or water. The pond is stocked annually with trout and is a great place to take the kids fishing. in 2017 Picnic tables were added to Diplomat Trout Pond. .

Edgerton Day Campground

The Edgerton Day Campground is south of the intersection of Hwy 13 and Hwy 855 on the outskirts of Daysland. This campground has 12 available campsites including four powered. New outhouses were added to the campground.

Galahad Campground

Galahad Campground is situated along Guinevere Ave east in Galahad. This campground offers six fully serviced sites with washroom and shower facilities.

Galahad Municipal Grounds

A gazebo located west of Merlin Street in Galahad, can be rented out for family reunions or large functions. There is an open area to park trailers. Washrooms, including shower facilities as well as sewage dump and water is available.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2018

Further campground improvements

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Assessment

The Assessment Department establishes and maintains property valuations (assessments) for all property within Flagstaff County for the purposes of distributing annual property taxes. We provide annual valuations for approximately 8,800 County properties including the Hamlets of Galahad and Strome.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROPERTY ASSESSMENT

Property assessment is the process of assigning a dollar value to a property for taxation purposes. In Alberta, property is taxed based on the ad valorem principle. Ad valorem means “according to value.” This means that the amount of tax paid is based on the value of the property. Assessed values are based upon regulated assessment and market value assessment. Regulated assessment applies to four types of properties; farmland, linear, machinery and equipment, and railway. Market value is used to determine all other properties such as residential and non-residential.

MARKET VALUE

The market value based standard is used to determine the assessed values for the majority of properties in Alberta. Market value is the price a property might be expected to sell for if sold by a willing seller to a willing buyer after appropriate time and exposure in an open market.

Key Characteristics of Market Value Are:

• • It is the most probable price, not the highest, lowest, or average price.
• • It is expressed in terms of a dollar value.
• • It assumes a transaction between unrelated parties in the open market.
• • It assumes a willing buyer and a willing seller, with no advantage being taken by either party.
  • • It recognizes the present use and potential use of the property.      16

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

REGULATED ASSESSMENT

Some types of properties are difficult to assess using a market value based assessment standard because:

• • They seldom trade in the marketplace. When they do trade, the sale price usually includes non-assessable items that are difficult to separate from the sale price.
  • • They cross municipalities and municipal boundaries.
  • • They are of unique nature.

Municipal Affairs prescribes rates and procedures to assess these types of

ue opfroperties, which are referred to as “regulated property.” Rates and procedures

s Isasrueeddetermined by what a type of property is used for, its activity, or its

production capability.

There are four types of regulated property:

1. Farmland
2. Linear property
3. Machinery and equipment
4. Railway property

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FARMLAND

Farmland is assessed based on its productive value; that is, the ability of the land to produce income from the growing of crops and/or the raising of livestock. The productive value of farmland is determined using a process that sets a value for the best soils, and then adjusts for less-than optimum conditions such as stones, the presence of sloughs, or topography.

Flagstaff County continues to contract the assessment services to Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. was incorporated on April 16, 1997 in the province of Alberta. Since that time, they have developed a track record of performance with municipalities across the province.

Accurate Assessment Group employs highly knowledgeable and experienced staff. Using Geographic Information Systems, they have pioneered the way assessments are being analyzed, which allows them to provide a more efficient and effective assessment of the highest quality.

For more information on our Assessment Complaint and Appeal System, please visit our website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca.

If you have any questions regarding Assessment, please contact:

Sean Cosens

Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. 780-464-4655

171 Pembina Road

Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2W8 www.aag-gis.com

Economic Development

The Economic Development department focuses on joint regional economic development initiatives. Core initiatives include youth development and engagement, business services, investment attraction and retention, and marketing “upstanding” brand building. Programs and services that focus on sustainability and community development are offered to citizens and businesses in the Flagstaff Region.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

ACCA Program

In 2017, Flagstaff County sponsored 10 youth to attend the Alberta Community Cooperative Youth Leadership program held at the Goldeye Centre, near Nordegg, Alberta. This program provides an opportunity for youth to develop their leadership, teamwork and community development skills. Participants gain independence and confidence in their abilities, while creating lasting friendships.

Junior Achievement

The Company Program was offered to high school students in the region, however, there was insufficient enrollment to run the program in 2017.

Career Fair

To ensure Flagstaff Region youth in grades 9 – 12 are granted an opportunity to explore their career and post-secondary options, Flagstaff County provided funding for bus transportation to career and/or post secondary open houses as selected by the school.

Business Visits

BUSINESS SERVICES

Businesses are visited on a three-year cycle to consult with and to determine the needs of the small businesses. This provides us the insight to respond to and meet the needs of the businesses within the Region.

The 2017 business visit cycle included the communities of Daysland, Strome, and Killam. A total of 69 businesses received a visit with 40 of those completing a survey to get up to date business statistics of the region. For 2018 we are revamping this program to ensure we are getting a total picture of the region instead of just a snapshot of an area.

Business Development

The Flagstaff Region Featured Business was launched in partnership with Community Press. This marketing initiative gives businesses in our region a chance to showcase what makes them unique and attract new customers.

Provided marketing training through a Business Partnership Breakfast with Brian Siddle from Strong Coffee Marketing. The event was well attended with 20 participants attending the key note speech.

Flagstaff Celebrates Success

The 2017 Flagstaff Celebrates Success was hosted in Killam with keynote speaker Brenda Robinson, from the Robcan Group – training and development consultants. The event was an evening to celebrate the businesses, volunteers and residents that make the Flagstaff Region a unique and great place to live.

The event was a success and had over 150 people in attendance.

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INVESTMENT ATTRACTION AND RETENTION

Value Added Agriculture Investment Attraction Strategy Began working with Battle River Alliance for Economic Development to improve regional capacity to local and Foreign Direct Investment, related to the value-added agriculture sector in the Flagstaff Region.

Investment Guide

Developed an Investment Guide highlighting key information for distribution to interested investors. The guide also highlights sectors with a high probability of attracting investment opportunities in the Flagstaff Region.

Regional Tourism Development

Flagstaff County applied for funding to diversify and grow regional tourism through the Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) program in November 2016. We were successful in our application, with project execution to take place from March 2017 – September 2018. In 2017 content was created for the campaign which included a photo and video shoot of the regional assets, campaign set to launch Spring of 2018.

Administrative, strategy and marketing support continued for Friends of the Battle River Railway in 2017. Along with offering eleven successful excursions, Battle River Train Excursions also hired a business coordinator to help manage their ever- growing offerings of excursions.

MARKETING “UPSTANDING” BRAND BUILDING

Flagstaff Region Investment Materials

The Flagstaff Region brand was approved and launched in 2015; in 2017, we worked on developing promotional materials with the new branding to attract investors to our region. Investment materials included a full-page ad and feature article in “Invest in Alberta” magazine, which has a circulation of 15,000 copies distributed to all levels of government, site selection firms, and business owners/managers across the globe. Additionally, we updated the content and branding of the existing Flagstaff Region Investment Guide and created sell sheets that showcase the competitive advantages of our core industries: agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism. All materials launched on our new economic development website (www.stopatnothing.ca).

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2018

Facilitate the development of a “Flagstaff Crafted” brand, assisting local artisans with marketing, sales and expanding their product lines.

Launch of Flagstaff Regions “Take a Moment” regional tourism marketing campaign.

Launching the REACH Program – an entrepreneurial training program designed to provide skills that increase the probability of success for new and early stage small businesses.

Finance

The Finance department prepares annual operating and capital budgets to reflect current programs and services, and reviews monthly revenue and expenditure reports including budget variances, to ensure the organization is accountable for efficient and effective utilization of resources. In addition, this department provides open and transparent accountability of the financial management of the organization by conducting monthly financial operating and capital reports, annual audited financial statements and Financial Information Return, inventory control and costing, and maintaining and reporting tangible capital assests in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA)

2017 OPERATING EXPENDITURES

2017 OPERATING REVENUES

Flagstaff County has copies of the 2017 Financial Statement available for the public. Copies can be obtained by contacting the County office at Box 358, Sedgewick, AB, T0B 4C0 or calling (780) 384-4100. You may also go to the Flagstaff County website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca and download or view a PDF version of the 2017 Financial Statement.

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SALARY AND BENEFIT DISCLOSURE

Disclosure of salaries and benefits for elected municipal officials as required by provincial regulation is as follows:

COUNCILLOR

1           1           1           1           1          1          1

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Benefits & Allowances

$4,628      $5,170      $5,819     $5,587     $5,932    $5,822                     $5,822

TOTAL

$42,317  $47,014   $44,524   $44,291  $45,368 $44,527                    $44,527

2016 TOTAL

$41,693  $47,097   $42,861   $42,861  $42,861 $42,861                                         $42,861

Salary includes regular base pay and gross honoraria.

Benefits and allowances figures for the councillors include the employer’s share of Canada pension, WCB and the additional taxable benefit of group life insurance paid for by the employer as well as the County portion of the RRSP Contribution.

Planning and

Planning and management of land use and development creates an attractive and vibrant municipality, which enhances the quality of life of its residents. This is achieved through the goals and regulations set out in the Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Development Plan, and Inter-municipal Development Plans. Following these plans results in fewer conflicting developments, addresses safety and environmental concerns, and creates productive land management.

In 2017, there were 52 developments totaling $15,853,603.

DEVELOPMENTS

All residents are reminded that no development shall be undertaken within the municipality unless an application for it has been approved and a development permit has been issued, other than those designated in Section 3.4 of the Land Use Bylaw which can be accessed on our website. Please refer to the definition of “development” under Part 1.3.20 of our Land Use Bylaw.

Development Permits are required to ensure that:

1. The regulated setback distances from all property boundary lines will be met.

–  Setback distances are required to ensure safety from roadway traffic, minimize dust and noise, ensure sightlines to the roadway are clear, and to provide sufficient distance for possible road development in the future.

–  All developments within the Agricultural District must be set back a minimum of 50 metres (164 feet) from the centre of the road. Side and rear yard setback distances vary for structures, dugouts and shelterbelts. Please refer to the Land Use Bylaw #06/12 for required setback distances.

–  All development within the Hamlets must be setback as outlined in the regulations for each specific District.

1. The land is properly zoned for the proposed use (i.e. residential, industrial, commercial, downtown commercial, light industrial, public use and urban reserve):

–  To ensure that land uses will not conflict with one another (e.g. Industrial development does not conflict with agricultural or residential land users), and

–  to encourage industrial development in environmentally suitable locations and to a high environmental standard.

1. To provide those who may be affected by a proposed development with an opportunity to comment.

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DEVELOPMENTS IN 2017

FLAGSTAFF COUNTY

Number of Permits Issued

29              14              3

Value of Permits Issued

$3,908,000

$3, 286,103

$8,117,000     $542,500

NO DEVELOPMENT PERMITS WERE ISSUED IN STROME AND GALAHAD.

BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, PRIVATE SEWAGE, GAS, AND NATIONAL ENERGY CODE PERMITS

The Safety Codes Act requires that all contractors and homeowners in Alberta obtain permits prior to commencing work on buildings, including mobile homes. These permits are required to ensure construction meets the Provincial Building Code, the Canadian Electrical Code, the Alberta Gas Code, or the Alberta Plumbing Code. With these permits, the work will be inspected by a Safety Codes Officer to ensure compliance which can protect the property owner in the case of an insurance claim.

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Flagstaff County has contracted an accredited agency, Superior Safety Codes Inc., to issue permits and perform inspections.

Applications for Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Private Sewage, Gas and the National Energy Code Permits may be obtained at the Flagstaff County Office or from Superior Safety Codes Inc. by calling 1-866-999-4777 or on their website at www.superiorsafetycodes.com.

SUBDIVISION OF LAND

Our goal is to protect and enhance the valuable agricultural land resource and the long-term future of agriculture by protecting the land base and providing an environment that will benefit the agricultural community and economy. This is achieved by subdivision regulations set out in the Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Development Plan, which protects agricultural land from unnecessary fragmentation.

The size of a subdivision parcel varies with each Land Use District. For example, the Agricultural District is the district where most subdivisions occur and they vary from 1 to 15 acres in size. Other Land Use Districts available are Agricultural Small Holdings, Highway Commercial, Multi-lot Country Residential, Industrial, and Rural Industrial.

Please contact the County office if you require assistance with your subdivision application, or for clarification regarding Municipal and Provincial regulations.

Uses and regulations regarding the districts noted above can be found in the Land Use Bylaw.

The Development department is pleased to provide advice relative to provincial and municipal regulations that may apply and also assist in the process of obtaining approvals that may be required when building or changing the use of your property.

There were 15 subdivision applications received in 2017.

The Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Development Plan, Intermunicipal Development Plans, and related subdivision and development forms are available at the Flagstaff County office or on our website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2018

A new Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Development Plan will be available by December 31, 2018.

Revised Intermunicipal Development Plans with the Town of Hardisty and Town of Sedgewick will be available by December 31, 2018; and an Intermunicipal Development Plan will be established with the Town of Daysland.

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Protective Services

The Peace Officers provide services and education in the area of Traffic Safety, Infrastructure Protection, and Emergency Response. Flagstaff County is authorized by the Solicitor General of Alberta to employ two Community Peace Officers who have the authority to enforce legislation and regulations relating to:

The Traffic Safety Act

The Provincial Offences Procedure Act

The Highways Development and Protection Act The Gaming and Liquor Act

The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Other Provincial Acts and Legislation

The Peace Officers work in partnership with various Federal and Provincial agencies to patrol and enforce legislation and regulations. Community Peace Officers enforce weights and measures to ensure that road users are working within legal allowances, therefore protecting the infrastructure from damage and increasing safety on our roadways.

The Peace Officers are contracted to provide enforcement services for the urban municipalities within the region.

Public Works

The Public Works department is responsible for the maintenance and construction of all municipal roadways and bridges throughout the County. The objective is to provide a responsible level of service to our residents by working as a team to achieve successful programs.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR – SHOP

Shop staff is responsible for the service, maintenance, and repairs of all mechanical resources ranging from small powered equipment to our largest piece of machinery. This includes routine inspections for trucks and trailers as required by the Alberta Transportation Vehicle Safety Act.

The current Maintenance Shop was built in 1975. Since then, it has served as the Sedgewick-based hub of a distributed network of County facilities used to store equipment and materials to support a wide variety of County operations. Aging infrastructure and moisture issues with inherent health and safety concerns combined with a lack of space to maintain and repair a growing fleet of equipment – factors initially identified in 2012 – necessitated that the new shop be built.

The bulk of the project’s estimated $7.8-million cost is funded by Provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) grant funding. The remainder is funded through building reserves. No debenture borrowing will occur.

Construction began in September of 2017 in order to capitalize on cost savings and favourable market conditions associated with Alberta’s economic downturn. The project is slated to be completed by the summer of 2018.

The current shop will house graders, the County bus, and a wide range of equipment and materials. This extra space for graders will alleviate our need to lease storage facilities. A section of the existing shop will be renovated to house the Agricultural Service Department’s equipment and supplies.

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ROAD RECOVERY PROGRAM

The Road Recovery program is described as a process to rehabilitate a road structure, restore drainage and dispose of any rocks and regrowth of trees and shrubs. The Road Recovery program is executed by County resources and it includes the following maintenance procedures.

1. SHOULDER PULLING: Is utilized on roads that are in excess of 10 metres wide. This program extends the life of the road and reduces maintenance costs. This process may include drainage improvements, culvert replacement, reshaping backslopes and grade slopes, re-compacting the sub-grade, re- establishing the road surface crown, including the road surface width that it was originally constructed, and the disposal of any rocks or shrubs. Gravelock, a soil stabilization product, was utilized in all of these projects. We have experienced successful results in the performance of incorporating Gravelock into the subgrade.

The following Shoulder Pulling projects were completed in 2017:

NNW 22-44-15

Twp Rd 444 east of Hwy 13 for 1.7 miles

TOTAL COST = $79,500 ENE 28-43-10

Rge Rd 103 south of Twp Rd 435 for

4.5 miles

TOTAL COST = $206,500 NNW 07-45-16

Twp Rd 452 east of Rge Rd 170 for

1.25 miles

TOTAL COST = $59, 900 NNW 35-42-15

Twp Rd 430 east of SH 856 for 5.5 miles

TOTAL COST = $239, 000

1. SUB-GRADE PREPARATION: Is performed on roads where the sub- grade has lost its compaction. This maintenance procedure includes re- compacting the sub-grade, re- establishing the crown on the road surface, and includes incorporating Gravelock, a soil stabilization product, to strengthen the sub-grade.

The following Sub-Grade Preparation projects were completed in 2017:

ENE 31-42-12

Rge Rd 125 south of Twp Rd 430 for

4.0 miles

TOTAL COST = $161,300

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ENE 24-45-15

Rge Rd 150 south of Twp Rd 454 for

2.0 miles

TOTAL COST = $81,100 ENE 36-46-15

Rge Rd 150 south of Hwy 26 for 6.0 miles

TOTAL COST = $238,800

DUST SUPPRESSANT

Strategic locations have dust suppressant applied which helps reduce the frequency of maintenance, improve safety while mitigating the nuisance of dust to residents and minimizing the environmental impact. The dust suppressant program consists of the following:

• • MG 30
• • Oil Surface Products
• • Pavement
• • Test Products

MG 30

From 2017 on, MG 30 is being used exclusively for all dust suppressant applications.

MG 30 is a water-soluble dust  suppressant product which also has road surface stabilization characteristics that bind aggregate materials therefore keeping aggregate on the road. This product has proven, through several years of testing, to be effective in reducing dust, stabilizing surface aggregate, cost effective and a sustainable option that supports a ban free surface MG 30 has also proven to help reduce washboard, grader maintenance,and the  frequency for gravelling, thus extending the life of our gravel sources.

In 2017, MG 30 was used on approximately 113 miles of road; 57 residential locations and 53 strategic locations (intersections, hills, and curves).

RESIDENTIAL DUST SUPPRESSANT

For a fee, Flagstaff County provides a dust suppressant for residents. Applications must be received by May 1 (Spring application) and August 1 (Fall application). An application form for a residential dust suppressant is available online at www.flagstaff.ab.ca or by contacting the Public Works department at (780) 384-4123.

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OIL SURFACE PRODUCTS

With the approval of the Rural Road Study, the oiled road inventory was eliminated and oiled roads will be transitioned back to gravel roads. The transitioning roads are maintained by one full-time grader operator. A maintenance program for pothole patching and rip/relay ensures a safe driving road surface. As oil surface roads deteriorate and patching is no longer cost effective, ripping and relaying is performed. If an oil surface road contains sufficient residual oil, then the surface will be compacted.

Once an oil surface road has dehydrated to the point where the oil doesn’t bind to the aggregate and the clay from the sub-grade is exposed, this road is then maintained as if it were a gravel road.

ROAD REMAINING WITH AN OIL SURFACE

Specific roads are designated, in procedure, to be maintained with an oil surface treatment to help reduce the frequency of maintenance:

STROME EAST

Rge Rd 151 – north of Hwy 13 0.4 miles

HARDISTY NORTH

Rge Rd 95A – SH 861 west to Rge Rd 100 1.0 mile

HARDISTY

Rge Rd 100A – north of Hwy 13 0.35 miles

AIRPORT ROAD (HARDISTY)

Rge Rd 103 – from Hwy 13 South to SH 608 7.0 miles

HARDISTY WEST

Town of Hardisty – to Rge Rd 101 0.8125 miles

SHOP ROAD WEST

Twp Rd 442 – west of SH 869 to Rge Rd 130 2.1 miles

SHOP ROAD EAST

Twp Rd 442 – east of SH 869 0.4375 miles

*** Year round road bans will remain on these roads ***

50% in the Spring (March 1 – July 31) 75% in the Summer and Fall (August 1

– November 30)

90% in the Winter (December 1 – February 28)

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To achieve the objective of a “ban free” “dust free” arterial road network, the transitioning oil surface roads will be ban free, year round.

TEST PRODUCTS

Annually, funds are allocated for testing new dust suppressant products. These products are tested to determine whether they are effective, affordable, and environmentally suitable. In 2017, no testing was completed as budget funding was not allocated for this project.

Products that have been tested with unsatisfactory results are:

• • Canola Oil
• • Durasoil®
• • Earth Glue
• • Magnesium Chloride
• • Dust Lynx
• • No Dust
• • No Dust Enviro

Flagstaff County continues to consult with industry and municipalities to seek out new and alternative products. We also continue to perform testing on new dust suppressant products in search of cost effective alternatives.

PAVEMENT

The following roadways are designated pavement roads:

ATCO POWER PLANT ROAD

Twp Rd 410 – to ATCO Power Plant 4.5 miles

COUNTY AIRPORT ROAD

Rge Rd 131 – North of Hwy 13 0.75 mile

GALAHAD ACCESS ROAD

Twp Rd 412 – West of Hwy 36 4.0 miles

In 2017, a patch paving project, to fill depressed areas, was completed on the ATCO Power Plant Road, at a total cost of $186,700.

ROAD BANS

Road Bans define the maximum allowable weights permitted on certain municipal roads. Oil roads are banned at 50% during the spring, 75% during the summer and fall, and 90% during the winter months. Gravel roads are banned only if deemed necessary to protect the infrastructure. Certain dirt/sand roads have an annual weight restriction of 75% to reduce heavy oilfield traffic. Please refer to our website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca for the most current Road Ban Order.

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GRAVEL PROGRAM

GRAVEL

On average, 160,000 tonnes of gravel are required annually for the following programs: re-gravel, road construction, road recovery, spot patching, washouts, approaches, and road repairs. Typically, gravel roads are re-graveled on a five- year cycle, which equates to 272 miles annually; however, other factors such as “Average Annual Daily Traffic,” types of vehicles, and road designation, etc., influence cycle times. Within the re- gravel program, all 8-metre wide roads are graveled at 330 tonnes per mile.

Narrower road widths are graveled at a reduced rate: seven (7) meter roads at 290 tonnes per mile and six (6) meter roads at 246 tonnes per mile. The loading and hauling of aggregate materials for the gravel program is performed by in-house resources utilizing four gravel trucks with two additional gravel trucks designated for spot patching on gravel roads throughout the County.

GRAVEL STOCKPILING

Interim stockpile sites are utilized to increase efficiencies for the summer gravel haul program.

In 2017, a 7.46 acre parcel of land south of Sedgewick was purchased for a gravel stockpile site. This site will replace stockpiling at the County yard site. This site will allow a larger quantity of gravel to be stockpiled.

GRAVEL PRODUCTION

Gravel Production (crushing) replenishes our supply of gravel and ensures inventory levels are adequate to support our programs. Crushing projects are tendered to ensure that a competitive price is obtained. All gravel is crushed to a required specification and quality controls are completed by in-house personnel.

Two gravel production projects were completed in 2017 at the following locations:

CR-02-2017 MAZURE PIT

(NE 16-43-09) – 100,211 tonne

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CR-03-2017 MCDONALD PIT

(NW 14-45-19) – 50,971 tonne

A total of 151,182 tonnes of gravel was crushed in 2017 at a total cost of

$1,296,000.

GRAVEL RECLAMATION

The County is responsible for reclamation at seven gravel pits that they manage and lease. Reclamation is performed in accordance with a Code of Practice. A reclamation plan is prepared by a consulting firm and approved by Alberta Environment. In-house equipment is utilized for the purpose of gravel exploration, pit preparation, and reclamation.

GRAVEL EXPLORATION

In an effort to secure a long-term gravel supply and/or source, we are continually increasing inventory and conducting gravel exploration for the purpose of purchasing and/or leasing future gravel sources.

Landowners continue to provide information of possible gravel sources on private lands which are analyzed for quality and quantity. As potential

gravel sources are identified, a Gravel Testing Agreement is acquired prior to the commencement of exploration.

GRAVEL SALES

Landowners may purchase a maximum allotment of gravel up to 150 tonnes per year per residential/farm/acreage site within the County. Anyone wishing to purchase gravel must contact the Public Works department to obtain a “Permission for Purchase of Gravel” form prior to receiving any gravel sales. Please note that the intent of County gravel sales is for use on residential laneways and yard sites, not for re-sale.

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ROAD MAINTENANCE

There are 1,527 miles of bladed roads that are divided into:

• • 10 Summer Maintenance Areas (approx. 120 – 160 miles/area)
• •10 Winter Maintenance Areas (approx. 120 – 150 miles/area)
• • Field access roads are not maintained on a regular basis in the winter

SUMMER MAINTENANCE

County gravel roads are maintained by 10 graders. Grader operators are able to blade approximately 18-25 miles/day; these roads should receive maintenance once per month. Specific heavy traffic routes have an increased maintenance cycle.

WINTER MAINTENANCE

Roadways are cleared of snow as necessary. During normal winter conditions, maintenance areas should be cleared of snow within four days,

unless there is heavy snowfall and persistent winds.

If reduced visibility becomes a safety concern, snow plowing operations will be suspended until conditions improve. In each maintenance area, three routes are established. When plowing is required, the starting point is rotated between routes to ensure that an equitable level of service is provided.

Regular work hours are 8 – 12 hours per day.

Spare graders may be utilized to help during winter storms.

Two plow trucks are designated to remove snow and apply sand/salt to oil and paved surface roads. Two graders are designated for snow and ice removal on MG 30 roads.

Back roads or blind roads will not be plowed unless deemed necessary by Public Works.

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PRIVATE LANEWAY MAINTENANCE

The service of snowplowing and grading is available for residential laneways. The landowner is required to sign a Private Laneway Service Agreement. County staff is required to conduct an Occupational Health and Safety Inspection/Hazard Assessment prior to any work being completed. This process must be completed on an annual basis.

Services to the public will be conducted after all scheduled road maintenance is completed on gravel, oil, and paved surface roads. A fee of $65/half hour (half hour minimum charge) or

$130/hour will be charged for this service.

HAMLET STREET MAINTENANCE/REPAIR

Includes snow removal, crack filling, repairing potholes, sidewalk maintenance and street sweeping.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

Bridge maintenance includes deck sweeping, vegetation control, beaver dam removal, replacement of bridge decking, guardrails, and hazard markers. This maintenance preserves the capital asset and contributes to safe crossings.

The 84 bridge files (35 bridge structures and 49 culvert structures) within the County are inspected and analyzed on a five-year cycle for major deficiencies.

The following bridge projects were completed in 2017:

BRIDGE FILE # 9055

Rge Rd 135, north of Twp Rd 452 (North of Killam)

• • Replacement of timber caps, new pilings, patch sub-deck, replace pier sway braces, and miscellaneous repairs.

Total cost: $143,400 (includes preliminary engineering costs incurred in 2016)

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BRIDGE FILE # 1459

Rge Rd 120, between Twp Rd 422 and 424 (South of Lougheed)

• • Timber cap replacement and miscellaneous repairs

Total cost: $81,000 (includes preliminary engineering costs incurred in 2016)

BRIDGE FILE # 77983

Rge Rd 165, north of Twp Rd 434 (Northwest of Heisler)

• • Culvert replacement

Total cost = $65,200

To determine future replacement and repair requirements, inspections and assessments were completed on the following bridge structures:

LEVEL 2 TIMBER CORING INSPECTIONS

BF# 6703

NE 07-44-10 (Twp Rd 442)

BF# 6660

NE 29-43-10 (Twp Rd 435)

ENGINEERING ASSESSMENT

BF# 8983

SE 27-44-11 (Rge Rd 112)

The following bridge projects were scheduled for repairs in 2017 and will be completed in 2018:

BRIDGE FILE # 83186

Twp Rd 442, west of Rge Rd 164 (South of Daysland)

The following work will be completed:

• • Culvert replacement

Estimated Cost: $62,000 (includes equipment, labor and engineering)

BRIDGE FILE # 9786

Twp Rd 440, east of Rge Rd 110 (North of Lougheed)

The following work will be completed:

• • Replace girders and miscellaneous repairs

Estimated Cost: $239,000 (includes contracted services and engineering)

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BRUSHING/BACKSLOPING/ MULCHING

This process increases the level of safety by increasing sight lines and the contouring of ditches and backslopes. Brushing and mulching provides landowners an opportunity to control brush growth adjacent to road allowances. This service is provided to landowners upon request and as equipment and resources become available as the same resources are utilized in gravel production and reclamation programs.

Brushing on road allowances is not permitted without authorization from the County.

APPROACHES

Approaches located within the road’s right-of-way are under the direction, control and management of Flagstaff County and as such Public Works retains the authority to approve the installation of new approaches. In the interest of the public safety, approval will only be granted where the requested location is considered practical and ensures that all approaches are constructed in

accordance with County standards and policy PW 004-Approaches.

Oil and gas companies must submit an application in a form of a letter along with a site survey plan and must be accompanied by a $250 inspection/administration fee. Where access is required off of a partially or undeveloped road allowance, the applicant is required to enter into the appropriate Road Use/Construction Agreement.

ROAD SIDE CLEAN UP

Landowners are prohibited from dumping rocks and debris in the County right-of-way. This debris causes hazards in the right-of-way. The landowner will be responsible for the clean-up of any new rock piles found.

Ditches within our County right-of-ways on developed and partially developed road allowances will be periodically cleared of debris such as rocks, garbage, and dead trees.

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SIGNS

All signs are inspected on an ongoing basis. Any signs requiring maintenance are prioritized and scheduled for repair or replacement.

CULVERTS

Culvert maintenance includes replacement, cleaning, thawing, repairs to damaged ends, and the addition of extensions. All culverts are replaced and diameters are increased where required to improve water flow. New culverts are installed under new construction projects and may be replaced on road recovery projects.

In 2017, MPA Engineering, our bridge engineers, completed inspections on twenty-two (22) culvert structures, 800mm in diameter or larger. Six (6) culverts have been flagged high priority for replacement and will be scheduled for replacement over the next couple years.

New culvert and couplers are available for sale to landowners for the use in approaches on road allowances and to local municipalities. Used culvert is also available for sale at half the purchase price; sizes will vary depending upon availability.

AIRPORT

The Public Works department provides administration and maintenance services for the Flagstaff Regional Airport.

The following capital project was completed in 2017 at a total cost of

$94,400:

Replacement and upgrading of runway lights.

This project was approved for funding through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program on a cost share basis:

• • 75% provincial – $70,778
• • 25% municipal – $23,622

The following capital project was scheduled for 2017 and will be completed in 2018:

Air Navigation Instrument Procedures

Estimated Cost: $36,300

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UTILITIES- WATER/WASTEWATER GARBAGE COLLECTION GAS DISTRIBUTION

Water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and garbage collection services are provided to the residents within the Hamlets of Strome and Galahad.

The natural gas distribution system is owned and operated by the Hamlet of Galahad. Natural gas is purchased for resale from Phoenix Gas Co-op and the maintenance of the system is contracted.

The following infrastructure upgrades were completed in 2017 for the Hamlets of Strome and Galahad:

STROME

Water treatment plant/SCADA upgrades, new and replacement of hydrants, new isolation valves, sanitary main spot repairs, replace/repair sanitary manholes, replace all curb stops, replace knife gate valve at lagoon discharge.

Year-to-date cost – $1,060,300

GALAHAD

Water treatment plant/SCADA upgrades, new and replacement of hydrants, new and replacement of isolation valves, sanitary main spot repairs, replace/repair sanitary manholes, replace all curb stops, replace water distribution meter, replacement of water meters and replacement of lift station.

Year-to-date cost – $994,200

CONSTRUCTION

Evaluation criteria, such as safety concerns, historical maintenance, average annual daily traffic, sight lines, grade width, sideslopes/backslopes, drainage, and type of traffic, are used to determine which roads will be constructed and prioritized for reconstruction.

Starting in 2018, Public Works will develop a plan to construct roads once every three years instead of on an annual basis. Annually, a $1.5 million budget will be allocated to reserves to fund the road construction program.

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2017 ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

The following road construction project was completed in 2017. Engineering services were provided by WSP Canada Inc. and Caburn Contracting Ltd. was awarded the tendered project to construct 6.25 miles of local roadway at a total program year-to-date cost of

$2,811,000 (includes legal and preliminary engineering costs incurred in 2014, 2015, and 2016).

NNW 27-44-11

Twp Rd 435, east for 6.0 miles and north for 0.25 miles on Rge Rd 103

ARTERIAL ROAD NETWORK

Since the approval of the Rural Road Study and arterial road network, in 2013, Public Works has been evaluating alternative dust free surfaces, seeking the most economical and effective solution.

In 2014, Council approved the surface type on the arterial road network to be MG 30 and Calcium Chloride.

In 2015, a facilitated discussion was held with the Executive of the Flagstaff Coalition for Better Roads, County Council, and staff. The topics covered the concept of perception, understanding expectations, giving and receiving feedback, and specific discussion around the Rural Road Study.

Following this discussion, Council approved the following:

•To research and prepare a proposal for the use of the product Terracem with chip seal for a dust suppressant alternative; if the product projects to be an economical and effective option for a surface type for the arterial road network, determine a test section for the application for further analysis.

•To develop a rating system, utilizing the criteria in the Rural Road Study, to further review the arterial road designation; and consider different surface types dependent on the rating of the roads.

At the July 13, 2016 Council meeting, Public Works presented a Terracem testing proposal for a dust suppressant alternative.

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The following options were presented for Council’s consideration:

• • Do not test Terracem with a cape seal or chip seal and utilize MG 30 exclusively as a dust suppressant project.

• • Test a 2 mile section of road utilizing Terracem with either a polymer fiber reinforced chip seal or double graded aggregate chip seal, in 2017.

The information and both options were discussed, and Council approved to table the Terracem testing proposal.

Starting in 2017, MG 30 will be utilized exclusively for all dust suppressant applications.

The Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) data will be collected for a period of three to four years and used in 2018 to re-evaluate the Arterial Road Network along with the criteria identified in the Rural Road Study.

Reporting Issues or Information Please contact Public Works

Administration at (780) 384-4100 with any issues or information regarding:

• • A plugged culvert where drainage is a concern or to purchase a culvert.
• • To report a sign that has been vandalized, missing, or faded.
  • • Bridge concerns or washouts.
  • • Application of dust control.
  • • Maintenance of laneway.
  • • Purchase of gravel.
  • • Rental of equipment.
  • • If you require any type of access or brushing/backsloping/mulching on a road allowance.
  • • Information on constructing an approach.

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LOOKING FORWARD TO 2018

Review of the Rural Road Study and re-evaluate the Arterial Road Network.

Completion of the new maintenance shop.

Complete the upgrades to the pump house and generator in the Hamlet of Strome.

PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMS SCHEDULED FOR 2018

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

No projects are scheduled for 2018.

ROAD RECOVERY

SHOULDER PULLING PROJECTS

The following Shoulder Pulling projects are scheduled for 2018: (Gravelock will be applied to these roads)

NNW 34-42-12

Twp Rd 430, east of SH 869 for 4.75 miles (Arterial)

NNE 32-42-13

Twp Rd 430, west of Hwy 13 for 2.5 miles (Arterial)

NNW 23-44-16

Twp Rd 444, east of SH 855 for 5.2 miles (Local)

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NE 31-44-15

Rge Rd 155, south of Hwy 13 for 3.4 miles (Local)

NNW 33-44-13

Twp Rd 450, east of Hwy 36 for 6.0 miles (Arterial)

NNW 33-42-13

Twp Rd 430, east of Hwy 36 for 3.0 miles (Arterial)

Total = 24.85 miles

GRAVEL PRODUCTION

Gravel crushing will take place at the following locations in 2018:

CR-01-2018

West Area – approximately 50,000 tonnes

CR-02-2018

Northeast Area – approximately 42,500 tonnes

BRIDGES

The following bridge work is scheduled for 2018:

BF# 72018

Rge Rd 103, (North of Hardisty)

• • Structural repairs to bridge timbers n and girders.

BF# 7717

Twp Rd 460, (North of Killam)

• • Replace girder.

BF# 6703

Twp Rd 442, (Northeast of Lougheed)

•Repairs to bridge timbers and girders.

BF# 8318

Rge Rd 101, (North of Hardisty)

•Repairs to timbers.

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REPLACEMENT OF LARGE DIAMETER CULVERTS

NW 06-42-12

Rge Rd 130, (South of Sedgewick)

NW 24-42-11

Rge Rd 111, (Southeast of Lougheed)

SE 04-45-12

Twp Rd 450, (North of Sedgewick)

NW 29-44-13

Rge Rd 135, (North of Killam)

HAMLET INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

The following infrastructure upgrades are scheduled for 2018:

STROME

Upgrades to the Pumphouse and Generator.

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Recreation

In 2017, $750,000 in recreation funding was distributed to the 10

Agricultural Societies within the region. The amount of funding provided to each society is based upon a formula of the percentage of the rural population applied to the total population of each community. We are appreciative of the Ag. Societies for their efforts in distributing this funding within our region.

2017 Recreation Funding Allocation

Agricultural Society

Alliance

Funding Distribution

Valley Ski Hill Women’s Institute Village of Alliance

Rec Board Campsite Account Community Hall

Multiplex July 1st

Flagstaff County Grant

$2,000

$1,000

$10,791

$4,000

$5,425

$1,575

$1,000

$25,791

Daysland

Daysland Arena Daysland Curling Rink Daysland Golf Club

Daysland Parks and Trail Committee Daysland Skating Club

DaysArt – Kamotion Creative Movement Daysland School Council

Daysland Fitness Centre Daysland Public Library

Killam Rec Board (Aquatic Centre) Valley Ski Club

Daysland Minor Ball

$38,765

$2,750

$20,000

$3,000

$500

$2,500

$4,600

$5,000

$2,500

$15,000

$5,000

$20,000

$119,615

Agricultural Society

Funding Distribution

Flagstaff County

Agricultural Society

Funding Distribution

Flagstaff

Hardisty

Heisler

Lougheed

Agricultural Society

Funding Distribution

Flagstaff County Grant

Killam

Sedgewick

Rec. Board:

Pool Arena

Multi Use Spaces Ball

Agriplex Capital Arena Roof Project Unallocated

Killam Braves Killam Tiny Tots

Battle River Minor Hockey Sedgewick Curling Club

Central HIgh Sedgewick Public School Sedgewick Minor Ball

Flagstaff Fusion Lacrosse

Killam Rec Board (Aquatic Centre) Valley Ski Club

Sedgewick Playschool Sedgewick Lake Spray Park:

Operating Capital

$47,000

$38,000

$10,000

$5,000

$20,000

$16,000

$7,905

$1,000

$500

$33,500

$5,000

$2,500

$14,526

$6,000

$6,500

$6,500

$5,000

$27,500

$15,000

$145,405

$127,026

Total- $750,000    54

RegionalEmergency Services

Ten urban fire departments provide fire services to rural areas and two hamlets through fire service agreements. The fire departments provide service to a defined geographic area.

The fire departments provide different levels of service that may, but do not necessarily, include:

• • Medical First Response
• • Motor Vehicle Collision Response
• • Hazardous Materials First Response
• • Wildland Fire Suppression and Control
• • Exterior Fire Suppression
• • Coordinated Interior Structural Fire Suppression
• • Ice Rescue
• • Water Rescue

The Regional Emergency Services Coordinator assists the 10 fire departments with fire prevention activities, fire department training, equipment procurement, coordination, fire suppression, fire investigation.

To become a valuable part of the firefighting team and receive extensive training, contact the Regional Emergency Services Coordinator at the Flagstaff County office at 780-384-4100.

IN 2017, THE FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED TO THE FOLLOWING:

WATER TANKERS

Three water tankers, owned by Flagstaff County, are housed at the Killam Fire Hall, Hardisty Fire Hall and the Galahad Fire Hall. These water tankers are operated by the volunteers of the Killam, Hardisty and Galahad Fire Departments.

RESCUE SERVICES

A rescue truck is housed in the Killam Fire Hall and is operated by the volunteers of the Killam Fire Department. In 2017, the rescue truck responded to 24 calls.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

A Municipal Emergency Plan (MEP) was developed and is kept up to date to help ensure the safety of all residents within Flagstaff County should a disaster occur within the region. Both emergency responders and elected officials receive training to understand their roles should the MEP be activated. The MEP is updated regularly with the surrounding municipalities to assist in a coordinated approach with municipal resources if the worst happens.

In 2015, Flagstaff County purchased an Emergency Management Response trailer that will carry the equipment and supplies needed for large-scale emergency events. The types of equipment will include barricades, signage, lights, etc.

Contact

County Office: 780-384-4100

Toll Free: 1-877-387-4100 | Fax: 780-384-3635 | www.flagstaff.ab.caBox 358 | 12435 Twp Rd 442 | Sedgewick, AB T0B 4C0

Administration

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: Shelly Armstrong | 780-384-4101

ASSISTANT CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: Brent Hoyland | 780-384-4104