Sept 26 Update (4min) - Federal Livestock Tax Deferral Program and Millarville Waterline

Note: If your are receiving this in your email and the video below does not show up, click the headline above it to be taken to the website to view it.

Federal Livestock Tax Deferral Program

It was brought to my attention by a resident that the MD of Foothills is not currently included in the current map put out by the Federal Government for drought affected areas therefore, ranchers in our area do not currently qualify for this program.

I have discussed this issue with numerous people and some MD staff was able to reach staff at the Federal Government to voice our concerns and was not able to get much information.  What he did learn was the map is purely a preliminary map and it will be updated as forage numbers are evaluated.  They would not tell him where the received their data on what areas suffered drought conditions.

See the above video for more information.

Millarville Waterline

The line is nearing completion.  MD staff stated that they would be doing a flush of the line later this week.  They have stated that they are currently on track with construction projections of completion to the water treatment plant by beginning of October and still are hoping for the beginning of November for the extension to the Millarville Community School.

There may be some traffic interruptions in the hamlet as they start work on the distribution line for the hamlet but as I receive information, I will do my best to keep you up to date.

REMINDER - RAO Howdy Neighbour BBQ This Thursday, Sept 20th!

It is that time of year again!  Get to know more about the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory and meet some of your neighbours.  

This is a great event to get to learn about a number of initiatives going on at the RAO.  Also, a great event for families.

If you are interested in attending, be sure to RSVP!

Sept 19 Update - Emergency Preparedness Funding, Calgary Metropolitan Region Board, and Millarville water line

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Emergency Preparedness Funding

Back in May, I reported on the MD receiving grant funding from the Province for Emergency Preparedness.  The MD has been awarded $525,000 in funding from this grant.  Details will be released shortly.  Watch here and the Western Wheel for more information when it becomes available.

Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (CMRB) - 1:10

Council discussed the current proposal for the Interim Growth Plan for the CMRB.  A sub committee of the board will be discussing it on Friday and if they approve it, the CMRB will discuss and make a decision on it Oct 2.

Millarville Water Line - 2:14

The Millarville line is still progressing and hoping to be connected to the treatment plant the beginning of October with the extension to the school scheduled to be completed in November.  This is weather dependent, so hopefully the weather will cooperate.  As a clarification, for those that sign agreements to connect to the line and pay the connection fee, the MD will be bringing the line directly to your property line.  The landowner is responsible for taking the line from the property line and connecting to the residence.

Construction is currently under budget and when it is complete, if it is still under budget, Council may look at the possibility of lowering the connection fee accordingly.  This is a Council decision, so no guarantees at this point, but I am hopeful!

Recycle Your Electronics

It's that time of year again...

(If image below is too small, click on it to enlarge.)

Recycling Roundup Event

Bring your old computers, TVs and old paint to:

Black Diamond Transfer Station
Hwy 22 & 402 Ave W
(west side of Black Diamond)

Priddis Transfer Station
Priddis Greens Dr W & Hawk’s Landing Dr
(south east of the Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club)

Saturday, September 22, 2018  from 10 am - 4 pm

These materials can be recycled at the Foothills Regional Landfill year-round at no cost.

Sept 12 Update - Secondary Suites, Millarville Waterline and Roadside Mowing

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Secondary Suites

MD Staff presented their report from the second round of public engagement to council today.  Council has made the report public so you can see the feedback.  It should be posted on the MD website shortly at: https://www.mdfoothills.com/services/planning-and-development/secondary-suites.html

Millarville Waterline

Today MD Council approved the proposed extension for the water line to include the Millarville Community School and residents in the hamlet.  As the project was under budget, they were able to move forward on this with in the previous approval.

Roadside Mowing

The MD's Ag Services department is currently mowing north of Highway 549 W and making their way north.  The large mowers have already been through and the small mowers are now making their way in the northwest.  Their goal is to complete all the mowing by the middle of October.  If AFTER that time, there are areas they have not completed, feel free to contact them by calling the MD office at 403-652-2390.

Landfill Extended Hours

(Information from: http://foothillslrrc.com/hours/)

Extended hours are back! September 17 – October 18, we will stay open from 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM on Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday are regular hours for the site. 

Note, only the Throw & Go area stays open past 4:30 for small residential loads, recycling, and yard waste. Large commercial loads for the landfill will not be accepted after 4:30.

Regular landfill hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Saturday. 
The landfill is CLOSED on Sunday and all statutory holidays.

Regular hours of operation at MD of Foothills transfer stations:
Priddis Transfer Station
SE-29- 22-3- W5M (264 St. W. & 178 Ave)
Open Tuesday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone 403-931- 3266

Black Diamond/Turner Valley Transfer Station
SE-17- 20-2- W5M (168 St. W & 402 Ave) west of Black Diamond
April 15 – Nov 15: Open Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Nov 16 – April 14: Open Friday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

*Bags can be purchased at the Priddis transfer station for $2 per bag. Bags for use at the transfer stations are also available at Millarville General Store, Hi Ho in Turner Valley, and the Esso in Black Diamond. Sale prices of bags at retailers is at the discretion of the retailers and may be more than $2 per bag.

RAO Howdy Neighbour BBQ

It is that time of year again!  Get to know more about the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory and meet some of your neighbours.  

This is a great event to get to learn about a number of initiatives going on at the RAO.  Also, a great event for families.

If you are interested in attending, be sure to RSVP!

Big Announcement Re: Rural Crime

MD Council Votes in Favour of "Enhanced Policing" Pilot

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Rural Crime has been a very important topic over the last number of years.  MD Council has hosted a number of meetings over that time to get feedback from residents as to what they would like to see done.  In addition, Council has met with RCMP representatives from the Province along with local detachments to get their feedback as well.

You the residents have spoken loudly and MD Council has listened.  After all of the feedback we have received from all parties, MD Council has decided to move forward with an "Enhanced Policing" Pilot project.

What does this mean for you?

Basically, it means that we will have a designated RCMP officer for the MD of Foothills (not shared with the towns) that the MD can use on an almost daily basis.  It means increased presence in the MD (even the more remote areas) for crime reduction, to help with increased intelligence for the Crime Reduction Unit implemented by the province in the Southern Alberta region, along with enhanced policing for traffic violations (watch out speeders).

The pilot project will run from October through December and then will be reviewed by staff of both the MD and the local RCMP detachments to determine the success of the program and see if the focus needs to change.

Council looks forward to having a safer community for you and think this is a step in the right direction.

FIRE BAN LIFTED!

As of 04:13 p.m. September 4, 2018,  the Municipal District of Foothills No. 31, by order of Council, has lifted the fire ban imposed on August 8, 2018.   All open fires will now be allowed by obtaining a burning permit issued by the MD of Foothills Website. Fire Inspectors may request to inspect your burn pile before issuing a burn permit. Burn Permits are available free of charge.  Click here for more information on burning permits.

The burning of prohibited debris is against the law. Prohibited debris includes but is not limited to this list:

Tires, Plastics, Household Garbage, Paint and paint cans, Used motor oil and filters, Furniture, Treated Products, Animal Carcasses

Please only burn clean burnable debris. All other material can be disposed of at the Foothills Regional Landfill.

Fire Ban Lifted – Media release - pdf