Municipal District of Fairview No. 136

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1 Municipal District of Fairview No. 136 INFORMATION & SUMMARY OF FACTS VISION & CURRENT SITUATION BUDGET & TAXES AIRPORT AGRICULTURE PLANNING PUBLIC WORKS CONTACT INFORMATION mdfairview.com 1

2 Municipal District of Fairview No. 136 Information Land Area sq. kms (358,744 acres) The M.D. Boundaries Include: 2 Hamlets (Bluesky & Whitelaw) Council Structure: 5 Councillors including Reeve Neighbouring Municipalities: North is Clear Hills County, East is Municipal District of Peace No. 135, West and South is Saddle Hills County and South is Birch Hills County/M.D. of Spirit River. 2

3 M.D. Boundaries Historical School Sites, Current Community Halls & Cemeteries Population Information Total population is 1604 (2016 Federal Census) Private dwellings occupied is approximately

4 Municipal District of Fairview No. 136 The Municipal District of Fairview No. 136 Council has adopted the Code of the West as a philosophical guideline for our Municipality. To view a copy please visit our website at Council meetings are held every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. If you would like to be put on the agenda as a delegation please Executive Assistant at: sandra.rendle@mdfairview.ab.ca or contact the office at

5 Vision The M.D. of Fairview exists to provide a high quality of life and services for all residents while maintaining that strong sense of community pride and natural beauty. We will continue to preserve agriculture as top priority, encouraging progressive development, economic growth and an environmentally responsible approach that helps move us towards a financially sustainable future. We will strive to have a strong, informed, effective leadership and responsible governance in the present and future. Current Situation The Municipal District of Fairview No. 136 is bordered by the Mighty Peace River on the West and South side. Upon entering the M.D. you will cross the Peace River on the Golden Gateway to the North also known as the Dunvegan Bridge which is the longest gravityanchored suspension bridge in Alberta. The M.D. consists of two Hamlets, Bluesky and Whitelaw and the rural area surrounding the Town of Fairview. The main economic activities within the municipality include agriculture, agricultural processing, oil and gas services, trade, tourism and manufacturing. Agriculture is still the number one driver for our local economy, however the agricultural industry is experiencing challenges as smaller farms are being bought out by bigger ones and the majority of the younger generation is not attracted to the farming industry. Many family farms have diversified their mixed farming operations by expanding to ventures in garden nurseries, outfitters, sand & gravel, oilfield services and commercial operations. Many residents take advantage of the recreational and cultural activities in the area including rivers, lakes, The Maples Park, Pratt s Landing Recreation Area, Historic Dunvegan, Fairview Amateur Rodeo, Skating, Curling and Skiing. Residents have expressed interest in increasing recreational activities such as playgrounds, walking/biking trails, and maintaining outdoor/indoor facilities owned by the M.D. 5

6 Operating Budget $8.6 Million Capital Budget $2.3 Million TOTAL $10.9 Million Not included in the above numbers: Amortization Expense 2017 Budget Distribution of Municipal Operating Expenditures (Out of 100%) Transportation Services 41% Utility & Environmental Service 13% General & Administrative Service 12% Recreation & Culture 8% Agricultural Services 6% Planning & Development Services 6% Protective Services 3% Airport Services 3% Council & Legislative Services 2% Family, Seniors, & Community Support 1% 6

7 2017 Budgeted Property Taxes Total Taxable Assessment $342,482, Municipal Tax Levy Farmland $606,437 Residential $1,455,393 Commercial $187,543 Industrial Machinery & Equipment $1,551,489 Power, Pipeline & Telecommunications $2,335,144 Total 2017 Municipal Tax Levy $6,136,006 Municipal Tax Rate per $1,000 of Assessment Residential 8 Farmland 14.5 Non-residential (Commercial/Industrial) 20 Non-residential (Linear) 20 Machinery & Equipment 20 7

8 Fairview Municipal Airport The Fairview Municipal Airport is approximately 2 miles west of the Town of Fairview. It is solely owned and operated by the M.D. of Fairview, however the Town of Fairview contributes 50% of the operational costs back to the M.D. The Town of Fairview and Clear Hills County have also contributed on a case by case basis for some capital costs. Airport Elevation: 2166 ft. Runway dimensions: 3492 x 75 (1064.3m x 22.86m). The Fairview Municipal Airport (CEB5) is equipped with an automated lighted runway, GPS approach landing and an automated weather station. Weather info can be accessed by calling A new 2000 sq. ft. terminal was built in The terminal includes accessible washrooms, pilots lounge area, public waiting area and a meeting room for up to 15 people, available for rent. A shipping/ receiving room with overhead doors is also available in the terminal on a lease basis for an airport related business. There is a fuel cardlock system available at the airport for sale of AV Gas fuel and Jet B fuel. There is no passenger service at the airport, however the terminal has been built with a general waiting area. There are 10 hangar lots available for lease at the airport. All are currently leased. Approximately 280 acres of land surrounding the airport is vacant and leased for farming, however portions of this land that is owned by the M.D. may be suitable for an airport related purpose. The Fairview Municipal Airport allows under wing camping. For further information please contact the Municipal District of Fairview No. 136 Office at Canadian Owners & Pilots Association Dunvegan Flight #174 COPA Dunvegan Flight #174 actively participates in COPA for Kids. These flights are provided free of charge by our local branch to youths age eight to seventeen wishing to become a junior aviator. COPA Dunvegan Flight #174 also hosts an annual Fly-In Father s Day Breakfast. For more information please contact Greg Wieben at

9 CANSO PBY-5A The Canso PBY-5A C-FNJE started its life as RCAF11094 and had its first flight in 1943 as a patrol bomber during WWII. After the war, it was converted for civilian use, mostly as a water bomber to help fight forest fires first in Newfoundland and later in western Canada. In 2001, while fighting fires in the Inuvik, NWT area, it started taking on water while loading and sank in about 100 feet of water. It was floated to the surface and pulled to the north-east shore of Sitidgi Lake where the engines were removed and salvaged. The aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network, was written off, and left to decay. WRITTEN OFF, BUT NOT GONE Six Fairview, AB farmers heard the Canso s distress call and decided to step in. Led by vintage aviation enthusiast Don Wieben, the Canso crew hauled the bird from the tundra to a farm in Fairview. For nine years, they went to work on restoring the plane to her former glory. The team formed the Fairview Aircraft Restoration society to source donations of all sorts, and the community of Fairview and those outside of it banded together in hopes of seeing the Canso take to the sky. It all paid off on June 18th, 2017, when the Canso PBY-5A fired up and lifted off at the Historic Wings Over Canada 150 Celebration at the Fairview Municipal Airport. We think it s more then just a coincidence that the rebirth of the Canso falls on the sesquicentennial anniversary of our nation. The CANSO PBY-5A, as well as FARS next aircraft restoration project, sits at the Fairview Municipal Airport. Read more about the Save The Canso story at savethecanso.com Doug Roy Fairview Aircraft Restoration Society

10 M.D. of Fairview Agriculture Research Farm The M.D. owns land which is utilized for agricultural research. In cooperation with Grande Prairie Regional College Fairview Campus and Peace Country Beef & Forage Association, the farm area includes research and plot tests for agricultural product growth as well as the GPRC beekeeping program and honey production site. The Peace Country Beef & Forage Association is a non profit, producer group that strives to provide leading edge, creditable and local viable information to Peace Country Producers. This is achieved through applied research and extension programs. Their vision is to create agriculture systems that are profitable, regenerative, selfsustaining and self-maintaining. They bring together a network of innovative producers to discuss ideas and develop profitable and sustainable ways to produce forages and livestock. For more information please visit: ww.peacecountrybeef.ca/ 10

11 Agriculture Farm operation and crop production: Certified seed (fescue, brome, timothy, wheat, barley, oats, canola) Cattle, pure bred & commercial Forages (alfalfa, forage grasses, clovers) Cereals (barley, wheat, oats, rye) Oil seeds (canola) Specialty crops (peas, flax, quinoa) Market gardens (potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes, herbs, strawberries) Greenhouses (bedding plants, trees) Honey Production Services Offered: Roadside mowing/weed control/brushing Program Weed inspection Pest & disease inspection Problem wildlife management Farm family recognition Vet Services Insurance (VSI) Extension Services Environmentally sustainable program by PCBFA Rental equipment Public awareness & education Weed management education Pest/Weed identification Agricultural Boards: Agricultural Service Board Weed Notice Appeal Board with 3 members Watershed Conservation Groups (independent of M.D.) Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance ASB Rental Equipment Applause Wash Stations (2) (Does not leave the MD of Fairview) Grass Seeders Livestock Scale Loading Chute c/w 2 Panels Cattle Panels c/w 20 panels on a trailer Calf Table Leon Scraper Model 1350 Pull-type (Does not leave the MD of Fairview) Gallagher Tag Reader Cattle Squeeze Sprayers BBQ & Trailer (Does not leave the MD of Fairview) Water Pump Tree Planter Scare Cannon (x 2) Fencing Stapler NOTE: For a Complete list with prices please see our webpage or contact us Total Arable Acres (Farmland)= Improved Pasture Acres (Made/Built)= Natural Pasture Acres (Crownland)= Waste Acres (Creeks/roadside Edges)= 5502 Yard Sites Acres=

12 MUNICIPAL UTILITY SERVICES WATER SERVICES: Whitelaw Spring The M.D. of Fairview No.136 has a natural spring water well which provides untreated natural spring water. Water quality is excellent but with provincial regulations, as it is untreated, the site must be posted as unpotable water. There is a truck fill station at the site which allows for loading of water trucks & tanks free of charge. Bluesky & Whitelaw The M.D. also pumps water from the Whitelaw Spring to the hamlet of Whitelaw where it is treated with chlorine and distributed to hamlet households. Water distributed in the hamlet of Bluesky is transmitted from the Town of Fairview Water System. The MD of Fairview also operates treated water loading stations in the hamlets of Bluesky and Whitelaw. A nominal fee is charged. WASTEWATER SERVICES: The M.D. of Fairview #136 wastewater infrastructure includes approximately 9kms of wastewater lines and two sewage lagoons. SOLID WASTE SERVICES: Bluesky and Whitelaw receive contract garbage pickup weekly. Rural residences can contact local waste service contractors for bin rental services. The M.D. of Fairview is a member of the North Peace Regional Landfill Commission which operates the landfill located four miles north of the Town of Fairview. 12

13 Development - Permit Requirements DEVLOPMENT PERMIT PROCESS If you are planning to construct a new building, move in a building, alter an existing building or change the use of your property, you are required to obtain a Development Permit. Development permit application with all required information is submitted. Application is reviewed by the Development Authority. A Development Permit is written approval from the M.D. of Fairview No. 136 ensuring that your plans comply with the Land Use Bylaw. Failure to obtain a Development Permit may result in a STOP ORDER to stop development, or demolish/ remove/replace the development. The following applicable permits must also be obtained: Building / Electrical / Plumbing / Gas / Sewage Development Application is REFUSED Appeal the decision or conditions to the Development Appeal Board within 14 days of notice of the decision Development Application is APPROVED Application will be advertised for 14 days the decision can be appealed by the public within 14 days. The permit becomes effective 17 days after the date of issuance. A Development Permit is required from the M.D. before obtaining the above permits. Development Appeal Board hearing Obtain other required safety code permits Refused Approved Begin construction 13

14 Public Works Maintains 880kms of developed roads And has 350kms of undeveloped roads Maintains Bridges in the municipality Maintains Airport Services Cost-shared Dust Control Program for M.D. residents by application. Utilities Airport Maintenance Storm Sewer & Drainage Water and Wastewater Transmission and Distribution in Bluesky and Whitelaw Maintain Water Treatment Plants Three Recycling locations: Bluesky, Whitelaw & MD Office Ave, Fairview Fairview Rural Water Co-op also owns & maintains water transmission lines within areas of the M.D. Of Fairview, providing water supplied by the Town of Fairview. Fairview Rural Water Co-op Contact: Patty Clyde

15 Municipal Gravel Pit NE & NW W6 The M.D. of Fairview owns and operates a gravel pit. Raw material is crushed on a 2-3 year cycle. The crushed gravel is used for our annual municipal road gravelling program. The municipality also sells raw, screened and limited crushed gravel from its gravel pit. Prices are set to not compete with local gravel pit operators but to offer a reduced cost for limited crushed gravel to our rate payers for use on their property in our municipality GRAVEL PRICES (Plus GST) 1 Tonne = 1000 Kg M.D. RATE PAYERS / NON-COMMERICAL- ONLY GRAVEL PER TONNE GRAVEL PER TONNE PIT RUN $3.30 REJECT $3.30 SCREEN PIT RUN $6.05 SCREEN ROCK 1 MINUS $6.60 SCREEN SAND $6.60 SCREEN 5/8 MINUS $6.60 PIT RUN $2.60 REJECT $2.50 PIT RUN SAND $2.50 5/8 INCH CRUSHED $11.00 (FOR SALE TO MD RATEPAYERS ONLY) CLAY $3.00 PEA GRAVEL $9.02 Gravel Pit Hours of Operation May 1 to Oct 31 Monday to Friday 7:30 AM 4:30 PM Phone:

16 Parks & Recreation The M.D. of Fairview continues to contribute to local organizations and neighbouring municipalities to support recreation, culture and community development. In the Bluesky Hamlet there is an outdoor rink and in the Whitelaw hamlet there is an outdoor rink as well as an indoor curling rink. Parks & Recreation provides opportunity to encourage an active lifestyle for residents and visitors. 16

17 The Maples Day Use Area The Maples is a large day use area equipped with fire pits and picnic tables and is located on the west side of the Dunvegan Bridge, approximately 26 km south of the Town of Fairview on highway 2, on the east side of the bridge. New cookhouse shelter / New fire pits / Horseshoe pits / Stocked fire wood / Walking trails and lookout areas nearby / Fishing /Outdoor toilet facilities To book The Maples for Special Occasions please contact the Municipal District of Fairview Office at Pratt s Landing Located on the shores of the Peace River, 26 river kilometres, upstream from Historic Dunvegan. Pratt s Landing provides an exceptional camping experience. To access this wilderness park you have to travel on secondary highway 682 west of the Town of Fairview for approximately 32 km. 15 overnight sites equipped with fire pits and picnic tables / Overnight Group use area / Day use areas available / Stocked Fire Wood / Boat launch / Kitchen shelter with stove / Children s playground / Fishing / Horse shoe pits / Nonpotable well water / Outdoor toilet facilities. 17

18 Have a Question? Talk to your Councillor! Ward #1 Councillor Ray Skrepnek Cell: rayward1@mdfairview.ab.ca Ward #2 Councillor Phil Kolodychuk Cell: philward2@mdfairview.ab.ca Ward #3 Councillor Bev Wieben Home: Cell: bevward3@mdfairview.ab.ca Ward #4 Reeve Peggy Johnson Home: Cell: peggyward4@mdfairview.ab.ca Ward #5/6 Councillor James Adams Cell: jamesward5-6@mdfairview.ab.ca 18

19 Some of the Many Services Your Tax Dollars Contribute Funding For: Public Safety Fire Protection Ambulance & Health Protective Services-Policing Transportation Roads, Bridges, Gravel, etc. Gravel Pit Operations Airport Operations Storm Water and Drainage Water, Wastewater and Garbage Utilities Municipal Planning & Development Economic Development Local Social Services & Community Organizations Agricultural Services & Information Cemetery Management & Maintenance Recreation & Parks Arts & Culture Tourism Finance & Administration 19

20 Contact Information M.D. of Fairview No.136 Administration Building st Avenue Box 189 Fairview, AB T0H 1L Office Fax Join the Conversation! Follow us on Facebook at Municipal District of Fairview No.136 mdfairview.com 20