Going to bat for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne
By Oneil Carlier, MLA for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne
I’ve seen some interesting things, living near Lac Ste. Anne over the last eight years, but never anything as strange as the ice quake that impacted the residents of Alberta Beach early this year.
Throughout the winter and up until today, I have heard from many concerned citizens about the challenges caused by the ice quake. During my visit in late winter to Alberta Beach, I was able to see some of these challenges with my own eyes: damage to personal and village property, erosion of the public beach, lakeside properties, and the boat launch, as well as the economic concerns of small businesses.
Something had to be done to address these challenges, and both the Alberta Beach residents and Village Council have been strong advocates for their community. Hearing their voices and concerns, I worked hard to encourage faster approval of the permits needed for beach reconstruction. This action ensured that the beach was open to residents of Alberta Beach and folks from around the province for the Canada Day long weekend.
During my visit earlier this month, I was glad to see that the reconstruction work on the public beachfront has allowed the return of many summer visitors. Albertans are again able to access the beautiful lakefront, and support the local businesses and economy of Alberta Beach.
One of the most important and satisfying parts of my job as your MLA is going to bat for my constituents to get the investments and services we need in rural Alberta. I’m proud of the work I’ve done for constituents from one end of the constituency to the other – whether it’s working to help expedite the permit process for Alberta Beach, advocating for the recently opened dialysis unit in Whitecourt, or helping to secure the investment to improve traffic safety in Mayerthorpe with lights at the intersection of highways 43 and 22.
But time and time again, we hear Jason Kenney and the UCP opposition calling for major cuts – cuts that would jeopardize much of the good work we’ve been able to accomplish since 2015. I’m proud that our government has roundly rejected this approach, and has instead been focused on standing up for Albertans and the services they need.
The story that I see unfolding in Alberta Beach, and all across the constituency, speaks to the power of a community coming together to address the challenges that they face. The Government of Alberta and I continue to seek to make the lives of Albertans better – we are here to listen and support you in the challenges that affect your community.
If you are a resident of Alberta Beach or the surrounding area looking for information on permits to clean up your shoreline, I encourage you to get in touch with Alberta Environment & Parks at 1-877-944-0313 or AEP.infor-Centre@gov.ab.ca. If you live in the constituency and you’re looking for information or support, you can reach me at my constituency office at 780-786-1997 or by e-mail at whitecourt.s teanne@ assembly.ab.ca.