Season s Greetings ~DISTRICT DIALOGUE~ 2017 Winter Edition. M.D. of Fairview Holiday Hours

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1 ~DISTRICT DIALOGUE~ 2017 Winter Edition Season s Greetings M.D. of Fairview Holiday Hours We will be CLOSED Monday, December 25th, 2017 Until Monday, January 1st, 2018 North Peace Regional Landfill Hours Inclusive for the Holidays The Landfill will be CLOSED: The office will re-open January 2nd, 2018 Dec 23 Dec 26, 2017 Jan 1-2, 2018 OPEN: Dec REMINDER TO ALL PET OWNERS IN BLUESKY & WHITELAW BE A RESPONSIBLE AND RESPECTFUL PET OWNER Dog & Cat License Fees: Before January 31st, 2018 After January 31st, 2018 In recognition of the Christmas & New Year Statutory Holidays. Regular Winter Hours will resume: Wednesday, Jan 3, 2018 $10.00/per dog/cat Regular Winter Hours: $20.00/per dog/cat Tuesday Saturday 9am-5pm FOR ANY MISSING PETS IN THE M.D. OF FAIRVIEW PLEASE CONTACT THE TOWN OF FAIRVIEW OFFICE OR CHECK THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE. Sunday & Monday CLOSED Statutory Holidays CLOSED M.D. of Fairview No. 136 Box Avenue Fairview, AB T0H 1L0 Ph: Fax: mdinfo@mdfairview.ab.ca Website:

2 As 2017 comes to an end and the possibilities of 2018 unfold, this time of year becomes a time of reflection and planning. Reflecting on accomplishments as well as ideas we were unable to achieve and at the same time planning for revised and new goals for the future. In a long list of interesting things in the world of government, the amendments to the Municipal Government Act of Alberta, finalized in the legislature this fall, will prove to have an impact on how municipalities and elected officials go forward. New rules, regulations and requirements to enhance accountability, transparency, public participation and community viability will strengthen the relationship between municipalities and their taxpayers. New requirements for intermunicipal collaboration and planning will strengthen relationships with our municipal neighbors. However, as with any new growth plan, to be successful a lot of behind the scenes tasks must be undertaken. To comply with new requirements of the MGA, 2018 and 2019 will be very busy putting new policies, bylaws and intermunicipal plans into place to meet deadlines put forward in the provincial legislation. It will be a very busy governance time for us. Having said that, we can not forget the day to day operations of our municipality. Staff are busy finalizing and recording 2017 projects and preparing for yearend closing. At the same time, we are working on 2018 planning and budgeting. It is too soon to be able to provide concrete information on either of these but I look forward to sharing more information on both in an upcoming newsletter. On behalf of all staff and Council at the MD, I wish you all a wonderful Christmas season with family and friends and the very best in the New Year! Like us on Facebook! Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on news and events in the M.D. of Fairview. Like our Flyer s Post s for a chance to win a pair of Fairview Flyers Game tickets! M.D. OF FAIRVIEW LAND OWNERSHIP MAPS Last Updated: June 2017 MAPS: $20.00 MAP BOOKLETS: $25.00 Sandra Fox, CAO

3 Property Assessment in the MD of Fairview Property assessment is the process of assigning a dollar value to a property for taxation purposes, and it is legislated through The Municipal Government Act. There are specific standards, accreditations, and provincial regulations that Assessors must adhere to. The MD of Fairview contracts the services of KCL Consulting Ltd. from St. Albert to perform our annual assessment. KCL Assessors are often in the MD of Fairview to perform inspections of properties. This is necessary to obtain accurate information to provide ratepayers with a fair and accurate assessment. Please assist them in obtaining the property information they require such as property size, age, and use. Photographs may also be requested. Be sure to contact the Assessor if there have been any recent changes to your property (removal or addition of buildings, change of use of the property, etc.) Basically, the Assessors have the right to ask for property information, and you have an obligation to provide it under The Municipal Government Act. Your assessment is only as accurate as the information provided to, or gathered by, the Assessor. Please assist our KCL Assessor in doing his or her job. What gives the assessor the right/permission to enter onto private property? The Municipal Government Act states in Part 9 Division1 section 294 (1), (2), (3) 294(1) After giving reasonable notice to the owner or occupier of any property, an assessor may at any reasonable time, for the purpose of preparing an assessment of the property or determining if the property is to be assessed, (a) enter on and inspect the property, (b) request anything to be produced to assist the assessor in preparing the assessment or determining if the property is to be assessed, and (c) make copies of anything necessary to the inspection. (2) When carrying out duties under subsection (1), an assessor must produce identification on request. (3) An assessor must, in accordance with the regulations, inform the owner or occupier of any property of the purpose for which information is being collected under this section and section 295. Does a property owner have to answer questions or provide information on their property? The MGA says it best in Part 9 Division 1Section 295 (1) & (4) Duty to provide information 295(1) A person must provide, on request by the assessor, any information necessary for the assessor to prepare an assessment or determine if property is to be assessed. (4) No person may make a complaint in the year following the assessment year under section 460 or, in the case of linear property, under section 492(1) about an assessment if the person has failed to provide the information requested under subsection (1) within 60 days from the date of the request. KCL Consulting Ltd. can be contacted by phone or info@kcl-consulting.com Carol Ruether Director of Corporate Services and Finance

4 REEVE S MESSAGE Thank-you to the Ratepayers of the M.D. of Fairview for putting your faith in the team of councillors who were elected in October Our team will continue to strive to provide the best governance and services to you. Thanks to Ernie Newman for his many years of service and best wishes in his future endeavours. Welcome to James Adams, our young and energetic new councillor who is representing ward five and six. So far James has added a new dimension of discussion to our meetings. It is great to have a different perspective when making decisions. The Alberta Legislature has passed the amendments and regulations for the Municipal Government Act (MGA) after a few years of consultation. There are challenges to fulfilling these obligations and changes which will affect how we do business. The 2018 Budget planning process will be upon us soon. Requests for budget consideration have been forwarded to us and we will continue to work within a balanced budget.

5 The M.D. of Fairview continues to collaborate with the Town of Fairview. We provide regular funding to the Arena, Swimming Pool and the Fire department including the purchase of the new fire truck. In our 2017 budget we approved funding for the arena ice plant upgrade and swimming pool phase two pool resurfacing. Funding for the Day Care also was part of this budget. Support for our community is very important to the M.D. Council. The airport taxiway widening is complete, so our airport can now accommodate larger planes for medivac services and other flights. Ongoing maintenance such as crack sealing, painting, and seal coating on the runway and tarmac were completed this summer. The Bluesky street paving and Maples trail paving projects will be completed in The contractor was unable to get to it this fall but will complete the project once the snow and mud are gone next spring! The M.D. continues to work with our engineers to find a solution to the sliding and erosion on Range Road 51. We will address this situation once the engineers advise us how to proceed. In July 2017, the Dunvegan River Rats (DRR) took over maintenance of the Dunvegan Boat Launch. This had been a win-win situation for the M.D. who was previously cleaning it on behalf of the Peace Valley Conservation Recreation & Tourism Society. Community support for the DRR would be greatly appreciated. Thank-you to the DRR who have kept the Boat Launch cleared and garbage picked up, etc. Upgrading at the Maples this last summer included the installation of very nice new fire pits during the staff team building exercise. Thanks to our staff for their efforts in making the Maples a welcoming area to visit. The M.D. continues to work closely with the Ski-Hill board on maintaining the hill by providing financial assistance to mow the hill this summer and supporting their snow making proposal. The Ski-Hill is a very valuable recreation facility for our community and by having it open in years with low snowfall, it will make it a more viable facility. Council wishes to thank our excellent staff who carry out the operation of our great municipality. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. ~Peggy Johnson

6 MAPLES DAY-USE AREA The Maples Day Use area is located on the west side of the Dunvegan Bridge, approximately 26 km south of the Town of Fairview on highway 2. Visitors may investigate numerous stories about the fascinating history of this area by touring both the Maples and Historic Dunvegan which is located on the east side of the bridge and has great camping and picnic facilities, commercial gardens, ice cream, golf and a gift centre. Historic Dunvegan was established in the late 1700's and one of the first areas to be settled in the region. The First Nations peoples used this area as a meeting point for hundreds of years. Large day use area equipped with fire pits and picnic tables New cookhouse shelter Horseshoe pits Stocked Fire Wood Walking trails and lookout areas nearby Fishing Outdoor toilet facilities The area is available for public use for a variety of functions. For any inquiries please contact the M.D. of Fairview Office at FAIRVIEW SKI CLUB The Fairview Ski Club and Terrain Park s annual general meeting saw a number of new faces show up to check out how the club was doing and in some cases volunteer their services for the upcoming year. Following the election of directors it was down to business. Returning hill president Darian Armstrong told the meeting that they ve been busy this summer making preparations for the hill opening, which is projected to be the Dec. 9. weekend, or by Boxing Day at the latest, but added that there was still some work to do getting the tow lines ready. Also on the agenda was the need for a St. John s Ambulance Basic First Aid course for new patrollers and for those that need to recertify. Ski patrol director Zander Robertson is planning for a one-day course in early December. He noted that the course is free to those who will commit to ski patrolling and entitles the patroller to a free season pass. Armstrong told the meeting that at the last meeting prior to the summer break, the club decided it would continue pursuing snow making for the hill. He noted that Mother Nature can not be counted on to provide the hill with enough snow for it to consistently operate. To that end, he said, a feasibility study was undertaken for installing a large water supply and adequate pipes and snow cannons to cover the hill. He says that he now has commitments from both the Town and M.D. of Fairview to partially fund the project and because of this it appears there is a good chance of obtaining a CFEP Grant for a large portion of the costs. We will still have to go out and raise money for the club, and urged all of the board members to talk to businesses or anyone who could help the cause. He pointed out that when there is snow the Fairview Ski Hill is one of the best hills with the most variety of runs anywhere and that it also boasts one of the foremost terrain parks north of Edmonton. He recalled how in the past families would buy a season pass as one of their Christmas presents but the last two years has brought the practice to an end. If we could guarantee we would be open for Christmas every year the hill s popularity would be renewed. Hill manager Gord Nicholson, said considering the time lapsed since the hill last operated almost all of the lift operators and inside workers will be new and the new minimum wage would have a significant impact to operational costs. He added that he has the jobs posted onto the Fairview Buy and Sell Facebook page and that he s had considerable interest so far. The M.D. of Fairview appreciates funding assistance from CANFOR for the ongoing maintenance of the Maples and Pratt s Landing recreation areas. Also attending the meeting on behalf of the Dunvegan Nordic Ski and Cycle Club was its vice-president Jeremy Peters who told the meeting that he and president Armstrong had met over the summer to see if there were possibilities of incorporating the hill s terrain and facilities for nordic or cycle use. The discussions are to be ongoing. The meeting concluded with a number of volunteers agreeing to attend a work bee on the weekend to work on tow lines and maintain the Snowcat.

7 Bluesky Skating Rink LIGHT UP THE HAMLETS CONTEST Bluesky & Whitelaw Judging on Saturday, December 16, :00-9:00 p.m. Prizes: 1 st $100.00* ~ 2 nd $80.00* ~ 3 rd $50.00* *Chamber Change *Please have your Christmas Lights on Judges will be presenting prizes at the door that evening. BLUESKY & WHITELAW OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS The outdoor skating rink in Whitelaw is in as of December 1st, and is ready for use. Crews have been working on the outdoor rink in Bluesky, and are planning to have it ready for use by Christmas Break, weather permitting. Water at the Maples Park and at the Sani/dump station in Bluesky is shut off for the Winter. Water at the Maples Park and at the Sani/ dump Station in Bluesky is SHUT OFF for the Winter.

8 Fire Burning Procedure Call the MD of Fairview office prior to starting a controlled burn. We will ask you for the following information: The date(s) you plan to burn Your name Phone number Land Location What you are burning Once the MD has obtained this information, we will inform the appropriate authorities of your plan to burn. For more information on local fire bans please go to or call FYI-FIRE ( ) Please note: Landowners are responsible to ensure adequate fire guards are constructed and measures are in place to keep your fire controlled at all times. USE RESPECT ASK FIRST Hunters, snowmobilers and others who access any land that is privately owned, or leased, must have permission from the landowner or leaseholder before entering or they could be charged under the Wildlife and Petty Trespassing Act.

9 SNOWPLOWING PRIORITIES As Policy No. 32-S-3 sets out, the priorities for snowplowing are as follows: 1) School Bus Routes 2) Dell Hill 3) Airport 4) Green Island Road 5) Other Roads & Hamlets of Whitelaw & Bluesky 6) Residential Driveways* *Private Driveway snowplowing service is no longer available for Winter, the deadline was October 31 st If you are interested in purchasing this service next year the applications are available in the fall, with the deadline always being Oct Note from Public Works The crews are off to an early start snowplowing with all the snow we have gotten so far this season. Staff put in many long days trying to keep our 900 kilometres of municipal roads clear of snow. However, Mother Nature is not always on our side. We ask all residents and travellers to be patient as we do the best we possibly can. I would like to remind motorists that the speed limit on all municipal roads is a maximum of 80km/hr unless otherwise posted, but please drive according to the road conditions. Also, at any unsigned intersection you must yield to the traffic on your right. Have a safe winter! Happy Holidays!

10 AGRICULTURAL FIELDMAN S DESK This 2017 season, the two M.D. of Fairview weed inspectors performed 1038 field inspections, 59 Clubroot surveys, 59 Blackleg surveys, monitored 2 Bertha Armyworm traps including collection and storage of insects, and 1 (suspected) Fusarium Head Blight survey that was sent out for verification and came back negative. Also, 25 seed samples from the Fairview Seed Cleaning Plant were inspected, 792 Town of Fairview weed inspections were completed by M.D. Weed Inspectors as we are contracted to assist the Town with their weed control program. Twelve grasshopper surveys were completed in the townships across our municipality and 30 grasshopper collections for Alberta Pest Surveillance for identification purposes. The grasshopper collection was also important this year because the forecast map put out by Alberta Ag and Forestry Pest Surveillance Branch hasn t been accurate about the predictions for this area. Scott Meers with the pest Surveillance branch is hoping to identify a type of grasshopper that is not used as a basis number for the map to show pest outbreaks. The culprit may be the Bruner s grasshopper. Their eggs have the ability to keep through the winter and not mature until spring. 2 Bertha Armyworm traps were set up for weekly counts also for the Pest Surveillance Branch. We mowed approximately 1250 ditch miles this past summer plus other areas such as the airport and hamlets. We did 593 ditch miles of herbicide application for noxious broadleaf weeds plus a spot spray program for Toadflax and brush. This year, Clubroot has been found in the Peace Region, High Prairie and north east of Valleyview. We hope the realization that this devastating problem can move so quickly will remind everyone to be careful when they travel around the province. It doesn t take much to transfer this disease from field to field with any equipment, vehicles, ATV s or even footwear. I am looking forward to what 2018 may bring as every year is a challenge in one way or another. We, the Agricultural Service Board wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas holiday. -Submitted by Fred Sawchuk Did you know a number of trial quinoa fields were grown in the M.D. of Fairview in 2017? Production results were very good. Who knows what new crops may be next. Quinoa Growing Tall at 4 Feet High ~July 2017

11 QUINOA Quinoa, (pronounced keen-wa), is a gluten-free, protein and vitamin rich substitute for flour, rice and oatmeal in your diet or just something new to try. The Peace Country area was approached for growing Quinoa by the Northern Quinoa Corporation (NorQuin) based in Saskatchewan. This area was attractive for two reasons our climate and the Seed Cleaning Plant. Why is this crop a good option for the farmers in this area? First is the addition of a new crop in the rotation schedule. Second is the local delivery point, the Fairview Cooperative Seed Cleaning Plant. Third is that you get a guaranteed price per pound after it is cleaned in our local plant at your time of delivery in the contract. So far, the production is about a quarter of what the NorQuin company is hoping to achieve in this area. The crop has around 110 days to maturity, it is a high nitrogen user, requires good weed control in fields as it does not compete well and shallow seeding. It is very similar to canola in terms of equipment needed & settings for planting and harvesting. Quinoa is also frost tolerant down to -6.7 degrees Celsius once it is at the soft dough stage, so it can be harvested later and not affect the quality of the seed. In 2016 the contracts were paying about 0.60 cents/lb of seed once it was cleaned. Expected yield pounds per acre can vary from lbs. The crops in this area are expected to yield about 1000 lbs/acre for The NorQuin website ( has the application for 2018 contracts if you are interested in growing this crop. Good information can also be found on the previous website & on the Ag Canada website. The Next Agricultural Policy Framework (Growing Forward 3) The Next Agricultural Policy Framework (NPF) will replace Growing Forward 2 April 1, Currently, Agriculture and Forestry (AF) officials are in the process of seeking authority to begin the provincial consultation process that will complement the national initiatives, and help refine and focus the six national priority areas to the needs of the Alberta industry. What are the Key Areas of Focus for the Next Policy Framework? The Calgary Statement highlights that FPT governments and industry share a collective vision of creating the most modern, sustainable and prosperous sector in the world. The Calgary Statement identifies the following six key priority areas that will guide the development of the next agricultural policy framework. 1. Markets & Trade 2. Science, Research & Innovation 3. Risk Management 4. Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change 5. Value-Added Agriculture & Agri-Food Processing 6. Public Trust How can I stay informed? Stay informed about the NPF by visiting the new tab on Alberta s Growing Forward 2 website and subscribing to receive notification of updates.

12 Why did we Decide to Grow Industrial Hemp? -Article submitted by Erin Moskalyk About two years ago a friend of mine started making home based creams and salve with cannabis sativa oil, in other word, hempseed oil. A by product from the oil pressing are biomass pellets that can be used for animal feed. My friend asked me if I d like to try her pelleted feed and I ve fed our performance horses hemp ever since. We love the equine product so much we decided to grow it ourselves. Industrial hemp production is regulated by Health Canada. Unfortunately, there is still a negative stigma associated with industrial hemp due to its similarity to marijuana and this keeps it regulated by the government. Our carbon credit advisor helped us navigate the licensing requirements as he had his own license for Darren and I met Jesse Hahn through Carbon Credit Solutions Inc and together we are working with others to help develop the fledgling international market. Hemp has tens of thousands of products or uses including food, fuel, bio-composites and plastics. For example, the inner hemp seed, the hemp ear has superior health and nutritional benefits and the many other oil seed crops to the presence of the omega fats. The inner core of the hemp stalk is a very porous cellulose material that produces excellent absorptive bedding, the oil field products and building material including type of concrete. Hempcrete is unique that during earthquakes, the structures built from it will not crack and the buildings are more resistant to damage then regular concrete. It is also proving to be fire retardant and antimicrobial. If processed mindfully, the hemp plant is an example of what is possible in the circular economy where nothing is wasted. We are excited for the prospect of value added agri-processing opportunities in Alberta. And hope it can ease some of the effects of a volatile oil and gas economy.

13 As a cash crop, hemp is good for the environment because it is fast growing and yields significant grain and fiber biomass. Its growth rate is second only to bamboo. Hemp supports efficient land use. It has the ability to sequester significant amounts of carbon and has additional carbon benefits along the product supply chain. Once established, the hemp plant thrives well against competitors, therefore lessening the introduction of chemical inputs into the hemp industry as compared to some other commercial crops. Due to its broadleaf nature, a rotation of industrial hemp following a cereal crop will help control volunteer cereals. Hemp does have a hefty nitrogen requirement and organic hemp is best preceded by perennial alfalfa, legumes and other nitrogen fixing plants. Hemp is well adapted to growing on the Canadian prairies. It survives dry conditions better than most crops yet it does not thrive in water saturated soil due to its well developed fibrous roots. For juvenile plants, frost tolerance is similar to other crops. Hemp can withstand colder temperatures in the fall and is a suitable crop to plant late. Darren Moskalyk and myself, Erin, are happy to answer any further questions Feel free to contact Jesse at Carbon Credit Solutions Inc

14 M.D. of Fairview Council: (Left to Right) Councillor Phil Kolodychuk (ward 2), Councillor James Adams (ward 5&6), Reeve Peggy Johnson (ward 4), Councillor Ray Skrepnek (ward 1), Councillor Bev Wieben (ward 3), CAO Sandra Fox. STAFF AND COUNCIL OF THE M.D. OF FAIRVIEW #136 WISH EVERYONE HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A HEALTHY, HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 2018!