Special Areas’ Advisory Council welcomes Minister McIver
Special Areas Advisory Council held their last meeting of 2024 earlier this month in Hanna.
The group discussed emerging issues and provided direction on the 2024 budget, road program, and key policies.
Council welcomed Minister Ric McIver to the meeting, sharing congratulations on his recent appointment as Minister of Municipal Affairs.
The group shared their appreciation for having him back as Minister and thanked him for his support on key policies like the 2023 Tax Recovery Land Sale policy.
Council shared concerns from residents and ratepayers on challenges from renewable energy development, as well as challenges which stem from the rural remote nature of the Special Areas.
The importance of developing infrastructure that supports water security while creating new economic opportunities for agriculture in the region was emphasized.
A key part of the December meeting centered on motions from ratepayer meetings held earlier in the year.
The group spent considerable time discussing concerns ratepayers brought forward at these local meetings. Discussions from these motions highlighted ongoing challenges being faced throughout the region due to persistent drought conditions, as well as how these conditions are expected to impact producers and operations in the coming year. ‘The group reviewed the 2024 community pastures plan, including a proposed reduction in stocking rates due to water shortages and challenging pasture conditions. Findings from the recent public engagement on proposed changes to the Land Use Order were shared with Council. The group heard how administration and staff from Palliser Regional Municipal Services presented proposed changes to the public, including online and in-person engagement opportunities. Feedback collected during engagement with the public was reviewed, including concerns related to renewable energy projects.
The focus on making the Land Use Order easier to use while reducing red tape was noted as a key benefit in the draft planning document. Council recommended the draft Land Use Order document move forward to the Board's formal reading process, including a public hearing and consultation with the public.
Council welcomed presenters from a variety of organizations over the threeday meeting, including the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Harvest Sky Ag Centre Project. Presenters shared information on the different programs contributing to the region, and shared updates on new opportunities and projects. Council also met with representatives from Alberta Transportation to get updates on infrastructure projects for the region, including a discussion on critical bridges which are impacted by load restrictions and long detours. Council thanked Alberta Transportation for their ongoing partnership on the staged surfacing program for secondary highways in the region, as well as their cost-sharing on paving Highway 855.
This paving project is planned for the 2024 season.
The group reviewed the proposed road program for the 2024 season which includes 39 kilometers of surfacing work, 31 kilometers of road recrowning, and construction work on local roads, regional economic development projects, and new resident access roads. Council discussed the planned surfacing priorities and recommended a change to the proposed road program based on concerns raised about road condition.
The 2024 road program will be taken out to road committees in the new year. The final 2024 road program will be finalized based on input from local road committees and brought back for approval at the spring 2024 Advisory Council meeting.
Council reviewed the proposed 2024 budget with planned expenditures that will continue drawing down the accumulated surplus.
These expenditures will allow the completion of deferred projects and capital purchases which have been a result of ongoing supply chain issues over the past few years.
The strong partnerships Special Areas has with municipal neighbours was highlighted as critical to helping communities in the region, including recent increases to the industrial tax transfer program and recreational funding. The next meeting of the Special Areas Advisory Council will be held in the spring in 2024.
The Special Areas Board meets bimonthly throughout the Special Areas.