Courtesy: MD of Peace
Good afternoon, Here are the highlights from the MD of Peace Council meeting held earlier this week. Have a great weekend!
Council engaged in a general discussion and reviewed the initial financial expenses incurred from the Shaftesbury Fire. Council, CAO and various key partners involved in responding to the fire will meet in the near future for an official debrief of the response. Council extends deep gratitude to firefighters, emergency personnel, Alberta Emergency Management, Alberta Forestry, residents, volunteers, farmers and ranchers, local businesses, neighboring municipalities, government agencies and officials, RCMP, ATCO, AHS, and countless citizens and groups who stepped up to help during this emergency. If it were not for the collective response and coordinated efforts of everyone involved, the situation could have been significantly worse.
Council declared their willingness to be a host community for nuclear development and designated Reeve Robert Willing, Deputy Reeve Sandra Eastman, and CAO Margaret McClarty to represent the MD of Peace at future regional committee meetings regarding possible nuclear projects in the Peace Region.
Council passed all three readings to the MD of Peace 2024 Property Tax Bylaw. The bylaw authorizes different rates of taxation to be levied against assessable property within the MD for the 2024 taxation year. Residents can expect to receive tax notices by May 3rd.
Council set dates for their annual road tour around the municipality. The tour includes councillors, the CAO, the MDโs Public Works Foreman, and the MDโs Water Operator. It fosters increased understanding, and a deeper awareness of public works and water-related operations, infrastructure, projects, successes and challenges within the MD.
Edward Telford, JDP Wasserman and Associates, shared the results of the MD of Peace audited financial statements for the 2023 fiscal year. The financial statements will be made available on the MD of Peace website atย mdpeace.com.
Council approved Administrationโs request to commission interactive fire hazard signs for the MDโs entrances and parks, in principle. However the CAO must gather additional quotes and present them at the next Council meeting for final approval. The interactive signs will visually show the current fire hazard risks to residents and visitors, and MD staff will be able to adjust them when the hazard risk changes.
The council reviewed and approved design proofs for new signage for Brownvale Park and new raised lettering to be placed directly on Lac Cardinal Hall, pending budget approval.
Council approved a request to write a letter of support for the Lac Cardinal Regional Economic Development Board (LCREDB) to become a designated community participating in the Alberta Rural Renewal Stream (RRS) Program. The RRS program addresses current labour needs and skill shortages in rural Alberta communities and helps newcomers settle into the community. The Lac Cardinal Regional Economic Development Board is a partnership between the Town of Grimshaw, the Village of Berwyn, and the Municipal District of Peace #135 formed to nurture an economically strong and diverse region that enhances the quality of life for residents in our communities.
The next council meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2024 at 9:00 am at the MD of Peace Administration Office in Berwyn (5240-52nd avenue).
