Special Areas launches into 2024 with a busy January

Although 2024 has just begun, Special Areas is already busy getting key pieces moving for the year ahead. First up in the new year is the updating of appointments to the Special Areas Board. There are three locally elected Advisory Council members who serve on the Board, each representing one of the Special Areas. Board members can serve for a maximum of 10 years, based on appointments made by the Lieutenant Governor. Beginning this April, board members are expected to include Brad Slorstad representing Special Area No. 2, Kevin Wilson representing Special Area No. 3, and Doug Noble representing Special Area No. 4.

Administration continues working on applications submitted for the 2023 Tax Recovery Land Sale (TRLS) which was approved last summer. This program is designed to support the stability and security of agricultural producers in the region. The TRLS allows eligible agricultural disposition holders to change tax recovery land into deeded land at the cost set out in the sale policy. Applications for the 2023 TRLS Policy will be accepted until July 2026. To learn more about the 2023 TRLS Policy, producers should reach out to their local district office for more information.

The 2024 budget was recommended for approval by the Board after being reviewed by Advisory Council late last year. This budget includes expenditures which will continue drawing down the accumulated operational surplus while focusing on the completion of deferred projects and capital purchases. One of the notable projects planned is the paving of 28 kilometres on Highway 855 through a cost-sharing partnership with the province, along with over 70 kilometres of road surfacing, construction, and recrowning work. Local road committees will review the proposed 2024 road program this spring and sharing feedback ahead of the Spring Advisory Council meeting scheduled in March.

Included in the 2024 budget is a continuation of an increased transfer of industrial tax revenue from Special Areas to urban municipalities in the region. The Industrial Tax Transfer program is a way for Special Areas to partner with our urban neighbours to support the delivery critical services and amenities in the region.

The 2024 budget also reflects new funding to the Consort Medical Board to support the hiring of a Nurse Practitioner. Announced last month, the Consort Medical Board has successfully recruited a Rural Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner who will be delivering medical services in the community beginning in May. This innovative solution was identified by the Consort Medical Board through extensive engagement with the community and is an exciting addition to existing health services for Consort. As the province continues their work in refocusing Alberta’s health care system, the Board will look at longer-term opportunities to partner with the province on community led solutions like the Consort Nurse Practitioner program.

Special Areas continues to work with the Government of Alberta, Canada Infrastructure Bank, and the M.D. of Acadia on exploring how new irrigation could be delivered to the region. This work builds on the initial feasibility investigation completed in 2022 and is expected to be completed in early 2025. Beyond the regional irrigation project, the Board is focusing on opportunities to develop infrastructure that supports water security throughout the region. With drought conditions persisting throughout many areas of the province, there is an increased focus on identifying ways to help increase water security and resiliency in the Red Deer River basin. Special Areas continues to work with organizations like the Red Deer River Municipal Users Group (RDRMUG) to advocate for critical infrastructure on the Red Deer River, including projects like new reservoirs.

The next meeting of the Special Areas Advisory Council will be later this month. The Special Areas Board meets bi-monthly throughout the Special Areas.

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