Elk Point residents are set to see an increase in property tax bills for the second consecutive year, despite the efforts of the town council to mitigate the rise.  

General Municipal rates on Residential and Farmland will climb from 10.0234 mills to 10.6048 mills, while Non-Residential rates will increase from 22,0080 mills to 23.2845 mills. Additionally, Non-Residential Vacant properties will see a hike from 24.3020 mills to 25.7115 mills.   

The Alberta School Foundation Fund levies will also experience an uptick, with rates for Residential and Farmland rising to 2.5348 mills compared to 2.5412 mills in 2023, and Non-Residential rates climbing to 3.7569 mills from 3.7059 mills. 

Despite last year’s decrease on Designated Industrial Property, which dropped to 0.0746 mills from 0.0766 mills in 2022, this year sees the tax increase back up to 0.0765 mills, just slightly below the 2022 figure. Similarly, the MD of St. Paul Seniors Foundation levy, which dropped last year to 0.2725 mills from 0.4068 mills 2022, has now increased to 0.5043 mills. 

These tax increase adjustments were made following detailed discussions on income and expenses during Elk Point Town council's recent meeting.  

In addition to financial matters, discussions also touched upon the town’s involvement with Elk Point Airport. Despite consideration withdrawing from the airport's operation, the council ultimately voted to rescind the resolution to partner with the County of St. Paul and notify the county and province of their decision to cease operations at the airport as of June 1, 2024.  

Other notable discussions included the approval of the 2024 Operational Budget, which dropped expenses to a 5.8 percent increase from 8.2 percent with the removal of the airport costs. The town also addressed the establishment of the Municipal Controlled Corporation, Elk Point investment corporation, following an oversight from previous approvals.  

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In response to escalating dry conditions, the County of St. Paul has raised its Fire Advisory to Level 2 effective March 25. This precautionary measure aims to mitigate the risk of wildfires in the region.  

Under the Level 2 Fire Advisory, safe wood campfires remain permitted on private land and within designated campgrounds. The County defines “safe wood campfires” as those contained within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring, in accordance with the County’s Fire Advisory Activities Policy.  

Residents are still eligible to apply for fire permits for “any other open-air fire,” although the issuance of such permits may be subjected to restrictions. It's important to note that open-air fires do not include those fueled by propane or natural gas appliances.  

While existing fire permits remain valid, the County may suspend issuing new permits. County residents holding fire permits are strongly urged to exercise caution and refrain from burning during adverse weather conditions. Following Alberta's safe burning practices, including immediate fire extinguishing if wind gusts exceed 15 km/h, as outlined on the provincial website, is essential.  

Although the County will continue to accept fire permit applications, the process will be subject to heightened scrutiny on a case-by-case basis. The County solicits the public's understanding during this time, recognizing the necessity of prioritizing fire prevention efforts.  

It’s important to note that the Town of St. Paul and the Town of Elk Point are exempt from the Fire Advisory at this time.  

As the County of St. Paul remains vigilant in monitoring local conditions, residents are encouraged to stay informed and compliant with all fire safety regulations to ensure the community’s well-being.  

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Elk Point recently made waves at the Future is Here Conference on Industrial Hemp by teaming up with Frog Lake First Nations, Natural Fiber Technology and ALLIVE. This collaboration, known as the Nikawiy Askiy Micisowin Project, is set to revolutionize the industrial hemp industry.

During a town council meeting on February 26 Elk Point CAO Ken Gwozdz praised Mayor Tung and Frog Lake First Nations for their roles in making the hemp alliance a reality. This partnership aims to create a supply chain centered around industrial hemp, bringing economic benefits to the region.

Key to the project is the development of processing and manufacturing facilities within Elk Point’s industrial park. The town has set up two Municipal Controlled Corporation to drive job creation and economic progress.

Asnikahtamwak LP Ltd., a company formed by Frog Lake First Nations and Natural Fiber Technology, is gearing up for production in Elk Point. They plan to produce advanced natural fiber cement products, like cladding and sound barriers, using hemp and other materials.

Recently Asnikahtamwak secured a property for production, with plans to start pilot production in April and full operations by fall 2025.

The project also ventures into hemp food production, with Elk Point partnering with Frog Lake First Nations and ALLIVE for farming and processing. The town is establishing a new MCC to oversee farming and distribution and processing with public hearings scheduled for May.

This initiative not only promises economic growth but also emphasizes sustainable development and community empowerment, as it focuses on organic hemp cultivation on chemical free lands, benefiting residents and the environment alike.

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Four people are facing a slew of charges after their alleged involvement in a kidnapping, and several vehicle thefts earlier this month.  

Elk Point RCMP was first alerted to the situation following a report of a theft of a motor vehicle and kidnapping on February 8th. According to authorities, an adult victim had been sleeping in the backseat of an SUV when it was stolen from a gas station in Elk Point. The victim awoke to find a stranger driving the vehicle, and despite pleading with the suspect to stop, the perpetrator continued driving. Fortunately, the victim managed to escape when the suspect briefly reduced speed.  

Further investigation revealed the involvement of multiple suspects in the theft. The stolen vehicle was later parked in Clandonald, where RCMP officers apprehended three suspects without incident.  

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Break-ins were reported in Derwent and a residence south of Beauvallon, where one suspect nearly struck a resident, Despite RCMP intervention the suspect evaded arrest and stole another vehicle from the same residence.  

The pursuit continued to a third residence near Highway 870 and Highway 631, where the suspect attempted yet another vehicle theft. The RCMP officers resorted to vehicle contact to disable the stolen vehicle and prevent further offences.  

The suspect then fled to a shop where they stole a fourth vehicle, ramming police vehicles in the process. The pursuit finally ended near the Saddle Lake Cree Nation townsite, thanks to the tire deflation device deployed by St. Paul RCMP.  

In total, four individuals have been charged in connection with the incident. Cormac Crawford, 26, Kiyana Hunter,25, and Britanny Gosselin-Redcrow, 18, all residents of St. Paul, face charges of kidnapping and theft of a motor vehicle. Preston Halfe, 26, a resident of Goodfish Lake, has been charged with a staggering 22 criminal code offences, including multiple counts of kidnapping, lefts of motor vehicles, mischief, and break and enter.  

While Crawford, Hunter, and Halfe remain in custody, Gosselin-Redcrow has been released pending further proceedings. All four will appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in St. Paul on February 15.

“The suspects put countless lives at risk on his criminal rampage, victimizing numerous individuals along the way,” stated Sgt. Bobby Burgess of St. Pual RCMP detachment. “Our members did everything possible to prevent the continuation of the offences, ensure public safety, and bring this series of events to a timely, safe conclusion.”  

Editors note: The original version of this article indicated three people were charged. It has been updated to correctly state four people have been charged as a result of these incidents.

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The St. Paul Regional FCSS is leading a tradition aimed at spreading joy throughout the community with its annual Community Christmas Hampers program.

This unique program serves a dual purpose, as it ensures that families have the ingredients for a Christmas meal through the "food hamper". The "Santa's Elves ToyDrive" collects monetary donations for items such as toys, clothing, and books to brighten the lives of children and youth.

Organizers have joined forces with local grocery stores to assemble the essential ingredients for a festive meal.

Those in need of a food hamper can register from November 13 to December 14, FCSS will also accept donations during that period. The actual delivery of these hampers is scheduled for December 19.

To register, residents can contact the St. Pal FCSS office at 780-645-5311, or the Elk Point FCSS office at 780-724-3800.

The Christmas hamper program does not limit itself to food alone, it also includes a food drive. FCSS has partnered with St. Paul Regional High School to ensure that every child receives a gift during the holidays. The high school takes responsibility for handling all toy donations.

While FCSS encourages monetary donations that enable Santa's Elves to purchase specific items to meet the needs of children in the community, they warmly welcome all donations. FCSS also suggests group donations, such as setting up a donation box within your office and contributing to the school for purchasing gifts.

You can drop off donations for Sanat's Elves at the St. Paul Regional High School's main office. You can also send an E-transfer to santaselves.sprhs@gmail.com before noon on December 14.

For further inquiries, community members can contact the school at 780-645-4491.

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