By Kevin Sabo For the Castor Advance
The County of Paintearth council has approved Policy 570, the Public Participation Policy.
The policy, which was required to be put in place due to the Municipal Government Act (MGA), outlines to the county administration when public engagement opportunities need to be offered and the type of engagements that different situations may require.
Acting Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Brenda Hepp informed council that this policy has been, “Months in the making,” due to the policy needing to be compliant with several other pieces of legislation, such as the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP).
The MGA is Alberta’s largest piece of legislation and provides a framework for municipal governments of all sizes. An ongoing review of the MGA has been underway for several years and amendments are slowly being introduced, requiring policies such as the Public Participation Policy to be introduced. The updates to the MGA also lay down a requirement that the all policies introduced under its framework be reviewed every four years.
June 19 council highlights:
• The consortium of municipalities involved in the aerial photography and LIDAR survey of the region has decreased by two municipalities, which increases the cost of the project to $47,243. The council passed the adjusted price for the project.
• Coronation Seniors Housing Authority is merging with Coronation Regional Health Services Board.
• Brock Rock Aggregate Supplies is seeking a contract extension with the County of Paintearth for 2019 and 2020. Council has directed Acting CAO Hepp to draft a letter of intent to extend the contract.
• REACH program presentation occurred in Castor after Coronation meeting was canceled with about 30 people in attendance.
• Battle River Watershed Alliance made a presentation to council in regard to the 2017 “Energy Future” bike tour, which occurred last fall, and the Watershed Festival occurring at Big Knife Provincial Park in August.
• A delegation from the Castor Arena Project provided an update to the county on the current progress of construction and fundraising.
• Council was informed that Clearview Public Schools is spending about $90,000/year in carbon tax on the district’s bussing program alone.
• Discussion of “Work Alone” legislation, which is ongoing.
• An Inter-Municipal Development Plan with the M.D. of Provost has been approved to provide a framework for long-term land use planning on the eastern border of the county. Developed as per an MGA requirement.
• The County of Paintearth will receive $1.1 million in MSI funding, and $150,000 in gas tax refund for 2018.