Advisory Council Welcomes Minister McIver to December Meeting

Special Areas Advisory Council concluded their final meeting of 2023 in Hanna, where they addressed various issues and provided guidance regarding the 2024 budget, road program, and key policies. Welcoming Minister Ric McIver, recently appointed as Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Council expressed their gratitude for his support on significant policies such as the 2023 Tax Recovery Land Sale policy. Concerns from residents and ratepayers regarding challenges posed by renewable energy development and the unique rural nature of the Special Areas were shared, emphasizing the need to develop infrastructure for water security and economic opportunities in agriculture.

Significant time was devoted to discussing concerns voiced by ratepayers in previous local meetings. These discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced throughout the region due to persistent drought conditions and their expected impact on producers and operations in the upcoming year. Council also reviewed the 2024 community pastures plan, which included a proposed reduction in stocking rates due to water shortages and challenging pasture conditions.

Council members were apprised of the findings from recent public engagement on proposed changes to the Land Use Order. Palliser Regional Municipal Services presented the proposed changes to the public through various channels, including online and in-person engagement opportunities. Feedback received during the engagement process, including concerns regarding renewable energy projects, was reviewed. Council acknowledged the draft planning document's benefit of enhancing the usability of the Land Use Order while reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks. They recommended that the draft document proceed to the Board's formal reading process, which includes public hearings and consultations.

Council welcomed presenters from several organizations, including the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Harvest Sky Ag Centre Project. These presentations offered insights into programs contributing to the region and provided updates on new opportunities and projects. Additionally, Council members met with representatives from Alberta Transportation to discuss infrastructure projects in the area, including critical bridges impacted by load restrictions and long detours. The Council expressed gratitude for Alberta Transportation's collaboration on the staged surfacing program for secondary highways and their cost-sharing on the planned paving project for Highway 855 in 2024.

The Council reviewed the proposed road program for the 2024 season, encompassing 39 kms of surfacing work, 31 kms of road recrowning and construction, regional economic development projects, and new resident access roads. Council recommended changes to the proposed road program and decided to present it to road committees in the new year. The final 2024 road program will be determined through inputs from local road committees and presented for approval at the spring 2024 Advisory Council meeting. The proposed 2024 budget was also reviewed, focusing on expenditures that would deplete the accumulated surplus to facilitate the completion of deferred projects and capital purchases, which were delayed due to ongoing supply chain challenges. The Council highlighted the importance of strong partnerships with municipal neighbours in supporting communities in the region, including recent increases in the industrial tax transfer program and recreational funding.

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