In This Issue

• Message from the Reeve
• Public Works News
• Dust Control
• Roadside Weed & Brush Control Programs
• V.S.I. Services
• Fire Master Plan Survey
• Important Notice
• Fire Permits
• Landfill Hours
• Planning & Development
• Subdivisions

Wouldn't it be nice...

• if rainy mornings meant I could take the day off and snuggle up with a warm blanket.
• if my car had a "bottomless" tank of gas.
• if, hidden among the bills and junk mail, I found a letter from a friend.
• if the ambulance with its flashing lights were just rushing an expectant mother to the delivery room.
• if dust bunnies made good pets.
• If every weekend were three days long.

Message from the Reeve

Welcome to the second edition of Municipal Matters, the Municipal District of Smoky River No. 130's annual newsletter. In this issue, we have included an overview of events and accomplishments of the last year along with information that we consider noteworthy of our ratepayers.

I am pleased to notify you that the mill rate for 200 remains relatively the same as last year except for residences. Due to an increase in market value for residences, Council approved a separate, lower mill rate for these properties. Council tried to stabilize the 2000 property taxes as close to possible to the 1999 taxes.

During the summer months of 1999, Cemetery Road south of Falher (also known as Golf Course Road) was reconstructed for the first two miles off Highway 49. Another two miles of reconstruction is scheduled for completion this summer. Gravel hauling has been made more cost effective this year due to the purchase of a second Super B trailer this spring.

The Smoky River Ambulance Service Society has undergone major restructuring in its operations. There is now representation from all towns and villages as well as the M.D. of Smoky River. Duties previously undertaken by the Peace Health Region have now been assigned to the Smoky River Ambulance Service Society. To meet these new demands, a full-time manager, along with new emergency response staff, was hired. These changes have brought about a need for additional funding as reflected on your tax notices.

The Smoky River Airport Commission completed several long-awaited capital projects in 1999. The purchase of a new lighting system to meet provincial standards was made possible through a joint grant received from Alberta Municipal Affairs under the Municipal Sponsorship 2000 Program. A pavement overlay of the runway was also completed in the summer months. A cold mix application to the hangar area is scheduled this year. No major capital projects will be required for several years to come.

The Little Smoky Ski Area was also the recipient of several grants that made possible the purchase of several capital items. A snowcat purchase from Bombardier was funded by contributions from the MD of Greenview, MD of Big Lakes, Rio Alto Exploration and Anderson Exploration as well as a grant from the Municipal Sponsorship 2000 Program. Community Lottery Board grants and a contribution from Gascan Resources Ltd. funded the purchase of rental skis, rental boots and two snowmobiles used in operating the ski hill.

On April 1st, 2000, the provincial government took over the secondary highways in our municipality. LaPrairie Group has been awarded the contract for maintenance of these highways. This group has maintained the primary highways in our area for several years now. Any inquiries should be directed to LaPrairie Group at (780) 925-2077 in Donnelly or (780) 332-4452 in Grimshaw.

In closing, I would like to thank Council members, staff and ratepayers for their continued support.

Public Works News

• All Secondary Highways except 747 have become Provincial Highways effective April 1, 2000. The responsibility for maintenance and upkeep has been assumed by Alberta Infrastructure through their contractor LaPrairie Group.
• The MD will undertake 3.2 km of local road construction and rehabilitation this season.
• Three hundred and ten kilometers of local roads are to be graveled this year throughout the Municipality.
• This year, the large culvert replacement is in the Whitemud area on Whitemud Creek at a sit locally known as Stanley Baines. The estimated replacement cost is around $400,000.00. The Municipal District is replacing old culverts and bridges on an ongoing basis, many of which were constructed in the 1950's and have reached their service life expectancy.
• Alberta Infrastructure will be paying for the costs of work on the north hill slide area on 744 and also the overlay on 747 (Sunset House Road).
• More work is to be done on the Whitemud Creek Rehabilitation Project.

Dust Control

The Municipal District of Smoky River no longer subsidizes the cost of dust control. MD residents who require dust control adjacent to their residence can contact the following supplier:

Western Road Management
(403) 720-2344

Nation Wide Resources Inc.
(403) 279-1000

Roadside Weed and Brush Control Programs

The 2000 spraying program will start early June; Tordon 101 is the main chemical being used on roadside ditches. The MD does not spray in front of yards, shelterbelts, dugouts or registered no-spray zones.

These are the responsibility of the landowner. Please register any no-spray zones with the A.S.B.

The MD will be mowing roadsides in Division 5 in 2000. Please contact your Councillor or A.S.B. Representative with any comments regarding this new approach to weed and brush control. Primary and secondary highways are the responsibility of Alberta Infrastructure at (780) 624-6280.

Fill out the enclosed survey and return it in the self-addressed stamped envelope and your name will be entered to win a Panasonic 4-Head VCR! Draw Date: July 31, 2000.

Alberta Municipal Affairs have allocated funds to our local fire department protection unit to develop a Fire Protection Master Plan. Survey results will provide insight into the distribution of the fire protection information in the community. It will allow the Master Plan Committee to set goals, objectives and action programs responsive to the needs and concerns of the local citizens.

Good luck to all who enter!

Fire Permits
Call Before Your Burn!

You may need a permit. Call the MD to find out if you are in a permit area. Burning in a permit zone without a fire permit is illegal and charges may be laid.

Permits are issued Monday - Friday between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

For permits call Denis at 837-2455
or Dave at 837-2221

Important Notice

In times of extremely dry conditions in our municipality, water available for fighting fires is limited. Therefore, if your dugout is the nearest source of water, it will be used to help extinguish the fire.

Any water taken from dugouts will be replaced once the emergency situation is resolved! We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

For more Fire News, visit our website at

www.falherfire.com

MD of Smoky River
Landfill Site Hours

Whitemud (SW 08-74-22-W5)

Guy (SE 043-76-20-W5)

Jean Côté (SW 25-79-22-W5)

Open
Tuesday - 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Any changes in hours will be posted in the Smoky River Express!

Planning & Development

Planning to:

Subdivisions

A person wishing to subdivide a parcel of land must obtain subdivision approval from the MD The entire process can take up to three months to complete.

Approximate cost of subdividing a parcel can range from $500 - $2500.

Applications are processed by Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency in Berwyn, Alberta.

Phone (780) 338-3862

• Construct a new building,
• Build an addition,
• Move a manufactured home,
• Change the use of a property,
• Start up a home-based business,
• Develop intensive livestock operations,
• Expand existing operations,
• Excavate water reservoir or dugout?

Yes, You Need a Development Permit!

Development permits are written confirmation with the MD to help ensure that your development complies with the Land-Use-Bylaw

Permit Cost - $10.00