Page 8 - September 18, 2017
P. 8
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 8 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 PAGE 9
County Council Update:
Peers Area Structural Plan moves ahead
No early completion of Rosevear Bridge happening this year he was shocked and disappointed, "I have asked
repeatedly and was assured it was on track and
by Dana McArthur well-being of residents through cooperation on would open this fall. Suddenly in one email we
recreational programs, services, and infrastructure learn that it will be postponed. I think this
During the Yellowhead County Council meeting which are intermunicipal in nature and which may administration should post a public explanation in
held September 12 a public meeting was held extend significantly beyond the IDP land use the newspapers as to why this is not going to be
regarding the Peers Area Structural Plan that has planning area. As well as "Continue to develop and open for another year."
been in development. maintain effective and open communication to Russell explained he has constituents who farm
The Plan provides a framework for the long‐term resolve issues and embrace opportunities to on both sides of the river and its a long trip around.
growth and development of the lands in the hamlet. enhance the local economy and quality of life for "I have repeatedly told them the progress of this
The goal of this plan is to establish policies that the area residents," stated Lovatt. bridge and in one email those plans are torpedoed."
identify and encourage new residential and non- Mayor Gerald Soroka commented, "During the Mayor Soroka said they can immediately do a
residential development in the area, identify public hearing process everyone seemed pleased release and that there would be no vote needed. "I
opportunities to enhance existing commercial and with the changes. The only major concern we heard know it's not a very happy situation for anyone, and
public spaces and improve the quality of life for was with the proximity of landowners property the that is sometimes the joys of contacting and the
community landowners, residents and visitors. Edson and Hinton landfills and the amount of weather. But communication is always an
Planning & Development Manager Brent setback of property lines." important part of what we do here," said Soroka.
Shepherd with Yellowhead County, stated, "The Lovatt explained that instead of putting absolute
purpose of the hearing is allow persons to make boundaries on the map, as waste storage and
known their views with respect to the proposed shipping created a 'moving target', the best choice Rosevear Bridge
bylaw." was the use of policies by the municipalities for
The area plan includes develop community any further development. Construction Update
capacity to eventually undertake a locally based There were no written submissions to council
seniors housing project in Peers with consideration regarding the plan and no one from the community Fall 2017
for the use of “Park model” manufactured homes turned out to voice any concerns. Work on Yellowhead County's new
as an appropriate and useful form of housing, Rosevear Bridge Construction Rosevear Bridge has ended for the 2017
especially for independent seniors living. During the September 12 County Council construction season and will begin again in
The plan also calls for the continued meeting, Councillor Shawn Berry stated he 2018.
improvement of internet and cell phone services in received an email last Friday at 4:30 stating the The contractor for the Rosevear Bridge has
Peers as well as identifying future parks and Rosevear Bridge project had come to a stop and shut down work on the project for the year
recreation plan amendments and initiatives in the won't be started again until next year. "I was with plans to start up again in spring 2018.
area. assured by administration that it would be The seasonal shut-down is due to concerns
There were no letters of concern submitted to completed this year. I was shocked when I got this with the contractor not being able to complete
council regarding the plan and no one from the email. I would like answers to what is going on." the Highway 748 road tie-in before winter.
community turned out to voice any concerns they Don Quinn, County's Director of Infrastructure The construction process that is being
may have regarding its adoption. Services responded, "The tender has the completion managed by Stantec and overseen by
Intermunicipal Development Plan date of August 31, 2018 and that has never Yellowhead County has to take into account
Olga Lovatt of Lovatt Planning Consultants changed. The contactor was hoping to have it done various weather conditions and is required to
presented an overview of the highlights and this year, but they are just running out of time. meet strict environmental requirements
changes to the Edson Intermunicipal Development Ripping up highway 748 could not happen unless during all phases of the building of the new
Plan (IDP) to the Yellowhead County Council on the contractor assured us he could guarantee getting bridge.
September 12. the work done. The contract is still within the The project remains on track and is
The Town of Edson and Yellowhead County are timeframe." scheduled to be completed by the 2018
in process of updating the Edson Intermunicipal The construction is being managed by Stantec contract completion date.
Development Plan (IDP) for the area surrounding and overseen by Yellowhead County. The seasonal Yellowhead County appreciates your
Edson. shut-down addresses concerns of not being able to cooperation during the construction of this
The goal of the plan, Lovatt explained is to, complete the Highway 748 road tie-in before project.
"Provide a land use planning framework which winter. For more information on this project, please
ensures a co-operative approach to the orderly "There is still a two month window for contact Don O'Quinn, Infrastructure Services
development of the planning area, and benefits the construction so I do not understand this, and cannot Director at the Edson Administration Office
residents of both municipalities." accept it," said Berry. by calling 1-800-665-6030.
The plan will also help promote the health and Councillor David Russell agreed with Berry that
County agrees to support letter on ‘Proposed Action Plan for Caribou’
by Dana McArthur most effective. The province has killed, on average, Not only would such a plan severely affect, both
100 wolves per year since 2005. Poisoning also directly and indirectly, too many Albertans; it also
During the September 12 council meeting, kills other non-target species. sets precedence for key industries and employers in
Yellowhead County Council agreed to offer support For a number of years industry has been working our region to be . easily sacrificed for similar
to a letter from the Town of Hinton, directed to the with new regulations to minimize its footprint with scenarios in the future. Moreover, it simply does
provincial government, concerning the province's the ranges. not appear to be the most effective option for
caribou action plan that has been proposed. The letter states: "The communities of west protecting the boreal caribou.
The province's Little Smoky and A La Peche central Alberta appreciate MP Eglinski's invitation Foresters and other experienced resource
Caribou Range Plan includes fencing off 100 to stakeholders to participate in the public managers are adept at carefully managing the forest
square kilometres of northern woodlands to consultation process for an action plan on the for all species and environmental components.
preserve the estimated 80 boreal caribou claimed to protection of boreal caribou. Forest companies conduct their work according to
be under threat from industrial and human We are also encouraging the Government of comprehensive, long-term plans that promote
encroachments on habitat, and the subsequent Alberta to ensure that a balanced approach is taken overall forest health and biodiversity. Incorporating
increase in pressure from predators, primarily when developing their caribou range plans. the skills and experience of these professionals, as
wolves. Environmental, economic and community- opposed to restricting industry, would result in a
These caribou ranges have been the topic of a level/societal impacts all need to be considered. more comprehensive and effective solution.
David Suzuki Nature of Things film “Billion Dollar With any large-scale plan there is the risk of taking The stakes in this case are high, and therefore
Caribou”. A small portion of the Little Smoky and a "one-size-fits-all" approach that lacks key we must conduct thorough and comprehensive
A La Peche Caribou ranges fall within Yellowhead considerations. As representatives of an Alberta research to analyze all aspects of this issue to
County's borders. communities, the current proposed approach is ensure that we find a solution that protects our
One of the areas of concern is that the roads and concerning to us, and to other stakeholders, due to environment and our people. If we do not take the
seismic lines in the area allow wolves to quickly the lack of consideration for the negative impact time to develop an inclusive plan that incorporates
infiltrate into caribou ranges. The old forest growth that the proposed plan may have on resource based feedback from all stakeholders, we will risk not
no longer provided refuge for the caribou, plus the activities, and in turn, on the socio-economic state only the socio-economic health of our province, but
lack of deep snow in recent years that caribou of Alberta as a whole. the effective preservation of the caribou as well.
relied on for protection, has tipped the balance in We are concerned that a generalized approach On behalf of our collective citizens and our
favour of the wolves. outlined in the action plan, which suggests that the communities as a whole, please consider the
The government has taken theses reasons to be removal of industry and the development of welfare of our ecosystem, our industry, and our
strong enough evidence for the ongoing wolf cull in undisturbed habitat for caribou is the solution to citizens in the implementation of this plan."
the area. Controversial helicopter shooting and caribou population loss, is deeply concerning to our
poisoning have been the methods chosen as the local citizens.
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 8 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 PAGE 9
County Council Update:
Peers Area Structural Plan moves ahead
No early completion of Rosevear Bridge happening this year he was shocked and disappointed, "I have asked
repeatedly and was assured it was on track and
by Dana McArthur well-being of residents through cooperation on would open this fall. Suddenly in one email we
recreational programs, services, and infrastructure learn that it will be postponed. I think this
During the Yellowhead County Council meeting which are intermunicipal in nature and which may administration should post a public explanation in
held September 12 a public meeting was held extend significantly beyond the IDP land use the newspapers as to why this is not going to be
regarding the Peers Area Structural Plan that has planning area. As well as "Continue to develop and open for another year."
been in development. maintain effective and open communication to Russell explained he has constituents who farm
The Plan provides a framework for the long‐term resolve issues and embrace opportunities to on both sides of the river and its a long trip around.
growth and development of the lands in the hamlet. enhance the local economy and quality of life for "I have repeatedly told them the progress of this
The goal of this plan is to establish policies that the area residents," stated Lovatt. bridge and in one email those plans are torpedoed."
identify and encourage new residential and non- Mayor Gerald Soroka commented, "During the Mayor Soroka said they can immediately do a
residential development in the area, identify public hearing process everyone seemed pleased release and that there would be no vote needed. "I
opportunities to enhance existing commercial and with the changes. The only major concern we heard know it's not a very happy situation for anyone, and
public spaces and improve the quality of life for was with the proximity of landowners property the that is sometimes the joys of contacting and the
community landowners, residents and visitors. Edson and Hinton landfills and the amount of weather. But communication is always an
Planning & Development Manager Brent setback of property lines." important part of what we do here," said Soroka.
Shepherd with Yellowhead County, stated, "The Lovatt explained that instead of putting absolute
purpose of the hearing is allow persons to make boundaries on the map, as waste storage and
known their views with respect to the proposed shipping created a 'moving target', the best choice Rosevear Bridge
bylaw." was the use of policies by the municipalities for
The area plan includes develop community any further development. Construction Update
capacity to eventually undertake a locally based There were no written submissions to council
seniors housing project in Peers with consideration regarding the plan and no one from the community Fall 2017
for the use of “Park model” manufactured homes turned out to voice any concerns. Work on Yellowhead County's new
as an appropriate and useful form of housing, Rosevear Bridge Construction Rosevear Bridge has ended for the 2017
especially for independent seniors living. During the September 12 County Council construction season and will begin again in
The plan also calls for the continued meeting, Councillor Shawn Berry stated he 2018.
improvement of internet and cell phone services in received an email last Friday at 4:30 stating the The contractor for the Rosevear Bridge has
Peers as well as identifying future parks and Rosevear Bridge project had come to a stop and shut down work on the project for the year
recreation plan amendments and initiatives in the won't be started again until next year. "I was with plans to start up again in spring 2018.
area. assured by administration that it would be The seasonal shut-down is due to concerns
There were no letters of concern submitted to completed this year. I was shocked when I got this with the contractor not being able to complete
council regarding the plan and no one from the email. I would like answers to what is going on." the Highway 748 road tie-in before winter.
community turned out to voice any concerns they Don Quinn, County's Director of Infrastructure The construction process that is being
may have regarding its adoption. Services responded, "The tender has the completion managed by Stantec and overseen by
Intermunicipal Development Plan date of August 31, 2018 and that has never Yellowhead County has to take into account
Olga Lovatt of Lovatt Planning Consultants changed. The contactor was hoping to have it done various weather conditions and is required to
presented an overview of the highlights and this year, but they are just running out of time. meet strict environmental requirements
changes to the Edson Intermunicipal Development Ripping up highway 748 could not happen unless during all phases of the building of the new
Plan (IDP) to the Yellowhead County Council on the contractor assured us he could guarantee getting bridge.
September 12. the work done. The contract is still within the The project remains on track and is
The Town of Edson and Yellowhead County are timeframe." scheduled to be completed by the 2018
in process of updating the Edson Intermunicipal The construction is being managed by Stantec contract completion date.
Development Plan (IDP) for the area surrounding and overseen by Yellowhead County. The seasonal Yellowhead County appreciates your
Edson. shut-down addresses concerns of not being able to cooperation during the construction of this
The goal of the plan, Lovatt explained is to, complete the Highway 748 road tie-in before project.
"Provide a land use planning framework which winter. For more information on this project, please
ensures a co-operative approach to the orderly "There is still a two month window for contact Don O'Quinn, Infrastructure Services
development of the planning area, and benefits the construction so I do not understand this, and cannot Director at the Edson Administration Office
residents of both municipalities." accept it," said Berry. by calling 1-800-665-6030.
The plan will also help promote the health and Councillor David Russell agreed with Berry that
County agrees to support letter on ‘Proposed Action Plan for Caribou’
by Dana McArthur most effective. The province has killed, on average, Not only would such a plan severely affect, both
100 wolves per year since 2005. Poisoning also directly and indirectly, too many Albertans; it also
During the September 12 council meeting, kills other non-target species. sets precedence for key industries and employers in
Yellowhead County Council agreed to offer support For a number of years industry has been working our region to be . easily sacrificed for similar
to a letter from the Town of Hinton, directed to the with new regulations to minimize its footprint with scenarios in the future. Moreover, it simply does
provincial government, concerning the province's the ranges. not appear to be the most effective option for
caribou action plan that has been proposed. The letter states: "The communities of west protecting the boreal caribou.
The province's Little Smoky and A La Peche central Alberta appreciate MP Eglinski's invitation Foresters and other experienced resource
Caribou Range Plan includes fencing off 100 to stakeholders to participate in the public managers are adept at carefully managing the forest
square kilometres of northern woodlands to consultation process for an action plan on the for all species and environmental components.
preserve the estimated 80 boreal caribou claimed to protection of boreal caribou. Forest companies conduct their work according to
be under threat from industrial and human We are also encouraging the Government of comprehensive, long-term plans that promote
encroachments on habitat, and the subsequent Alberta to ensure that a balanced approach is taken overall forest health and biodiversity. Incorporating
increase in pressure from predators, primarily when developing their caribou range plans. the skills and experience of these professionals, as
wolves. Environmental, economic and community- opposed to restricting industry, would result in a
These caribou ranges have been the topic of a level/societal impacts all need to be considered. more comprehensive and effective solution.
David Suzuki Nature of Things film “Billion Dollar With any large-scale plan there is the risk of taking The stakes in this case are high, and therefore
Caribou”. A small portion of the Little Smoky and a "one-size-fits-all" approach that lacks key we must conduct thorough and comprehensive
A La Peche Caribou ranges fall within Yellowhead considerations. As representatives of an Alberta research to analyze all aspects of this issue to
County's borders. communities, the current proposed approach is ensure that we find a solution that protects our
One of the areas of concern is that the roads and concerning to us, and to other stakeholders, due to environment and our people. If we do not take the
seismic lines in the area allow wolves to quickly the lack of consideration for the negative impact time to develop an inclusive plan that incorporates
infiltrate into caribou ranges. The old forest growth that the proposed plan may have on resource based feedback from all stakeholders, we will risk not
no longer provided refuge for the caribou, plus the activities, and in turn, on the socio-economic state only the socio-economic health of our province, but
lack of deep snow in recent years that caribou of Alberta as a whole. the effective preservation of the caribou as well.
relied on for protection, has tipped the balance in We are concerned that a generalized approach On behalf of our collective citizens and our
favour of the wolves. outlined in the action plan, which suggests that the communities as a whole, please consider the
The government has taken theses reasons to be removal of industry and the development of welfare of our ecosystem, our industry, and our
strong enough evidence for the ongoing wolf cull in undisturbed habitat for caribou is the solution to citizens in the implementation of this plan."
the area. Controversial helicopter shooting and caribou population loss, is deeply concerning to our
poisoning have been the methods chosen as the local citizens.
