Effective 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, the County of St. Paul has initiated a fire restriction to mitigate the risk of wildfires within the region. The fire restriction mandates the following measures.

Safe campfires are permitted solely within approved pits located in campgrounds and designated areas. These pits must be constructed using non-combustible materials, and the use of a spark arrester or metal guard is mandatory while the fire is active.  

Open fires are strictly prohibited in all areas within the County, including brush piles, grasslands, and fields. 

No new burn permits will be issued, and all existing permits are hereby revoked until further notice.  

The County urges all residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities responsibly. It emphasizes the necessity of continuously attending campfires and ensuring they are fully extinguished upon completion. 

For inquiries or clarification regarding the Fire Restriction, individuals are encouraged to contact the County of St. Paul at 780-645-3301 or St. Paul Fire Services at 780-645-4100.  

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The county of St. Paul has finalized its 2024 Municipal Operating and Capital Budget, shedding light on the financial landscape the region faces, including increased costs, loss of revenue, and the impact of provincial mandates.  

During its monthly Public Works meeting on April 23, the county council approved the budget, which outlines operating expenditures of $31.07 million and capital expenditures of $9.9 million.  

Operating expenditures, vital for daily operations such as public works services, dominate the budget, while capital expenditures cover equipment purchases and reserve allocations.  

“The tough part of the budget... is we know people are really, really struggling right now,” acknowledged Reeve Glen Ockerman, recognized the challenges faced by taxpayers amidst rising costs.  

The total budgeted expenditure amounted to $42.6 million, a notable increase from the previous year, primarily attributed to rising operating and capital costs. To finance these expenditures, the county anticipates $36.7 million in operating and capital revenues, primarily sourced from taxes. However, revenue is expected to decrease by $1.9 million compared to the previous year, partly due to the closure of the Lindbergh salt plant and reduced grants.  

Reeve Glen Ockerman highlighted additional financial challenges, including increased contributions to the M.D of St. Paul Foundation for seniors’ housing and rising policing costs mandated by the provincial government.  

The county’s response to these challenges includes a 4.75 percent tax increase, consistent with projections made following the approval of the interim budget in December 2023. Ockerman expressed empathy for taxpayers grappling with the increased cost of living, acknowledging the strain the tax hike may impose on households already facing financial difficulties.  

Despite efforts to minimize costs, challenges persist, particularly regarding equipment replacement and maintaining service levels. Ockerman emphasized the dilemma of repairing versus replacing equipment, recognizing the long-term implications of short-term cost –saving measures.  

Moreover, manpower shortages pose additional hurdles, particularly in maintaining essential services like road maintenance, further exacerbating financial constraints.  

“As we face these challenges, it’s critical that we prioritize our spending and make strategic decisions to ensure the continued well-being of our community,” concluded Ockerman, highlighting the county's commitment to prudent financial management amid mounting pressures.  

The approval of the 2024 budget underscores the county’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while striving to address the evolving needs of its residents amidst economic uncertainties and fiscal constraints.  

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On April 23, the county of St. Paul received a comprehensive presentation detailing the assessment of designated industrial property and non-designated industrial properties within its jurisdiction, revealing an overall uptick in property assessments.  

Assessments, conducted annually for taxation purposes, play a crucial role in determining municipal revenues and funding allocations. Centralized Industrial Property Assessment presented the county’s designated industrial property assessment, revealing that 331 inspections were conducted last year, encompassing approximately 47 percent of the county's industrial properties.  

Provincial Assessor and CIPA Director Mike Minard disclosed that Alberta’s provincial roll for both linear and industrial properties surged to $196 billion this year, reflecting an increase of around six percent from the previous year. This substantial growth translates to approximately $2 billion in tax revenue for Alberta municipalities and contributes $339 million toward the Alberta School Foundation Fund.  

In the county of St. Paul specifically, this year's designated industrial assessment soared to $777 million, marking an increase from $763 million in 2023.  

Minard also highlighted factors contributing to future assessment increases, such as the expiration of the three-year tax holiday, which exempted new wells and pipe assets from taxation to stimulate industrial development. The conclusion of this tax holiday is anticipated to result in an influx of new pipes and wells into the assessment roll next year.  

Addressing inquiries from county officials, Minard affirmed that while the assessed value of wells may depreciate over time based on production, pipelines maintain their assessed value without depreciation. Additionally, he confirmed that power generation technologies like solar panels depreciate in assessment value, aligning with machinery equipment depreciation schedules.  

Accurate Assessment Group presented the county’s non-designated industrial property assessment for the 2024 Tax Year, reporting a six percent increase in residential assessments from 2022 to 2023. This increase, attributed to market inflation and new construction, underscores growing confidence in rural properties.  

Despite the surge in property assessments, mill rates for the county of St. Paul are expected to remain relatively stable, with an increase of less than one percent across the board. County Reeve Glen Ockerman attributed the rise in residential assessment to an influx of people migrating to Alberta and rural areas, a sentiment echoed by assessment specialist Bob Daudelin, who emphasized the confidence in rural property evident in the assessment trends.  

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In response to heightened fire risks, the County of St. Paul has announced a comprehensive Fire Ban effective Monday, April 22. The ban encompasses all areas within the county, excluding the Town of St. Paul, which retains autonomy over its restrictions. 

The Fire Ban, implemented by local authorities, imposes strict regulations to prevent open fires that could potentially escalate into unmanageable blazes. Key provisions of the ban include:  

Prohibition of Open Fires: No open fires, including campfires in campgrounds and random camping areas, are permitted within the County of St. Paul. This prohibition extends to charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers, and tiki torches.  

Suspension of Fire Permits: All permits are suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued during the ban.  

Ban on Fireworks and Similar Items: Fireworks, flying lanterns, and exploding targets are strictly prohibited under the Fire Ban.  

Despite the stringent restrictions, certain exceptions are allowed to ensure essential activities can proceed safely. Portable propane fire pits and gas propane stoves designed for cooking or heating purposes are permitted within the ban.  

While the ban is currently in effect throughout the County of St. Paul, the Town of St. Paul remains exempt. However, municipal authorities retain the prerogative to enforce their restrictions should circumstances warrant.  

Authorities urge residents and visitors to adhere strictly to the Fire Ban guidelines to mitigate the risk of wildfires, which could have devastating consequences for property and lives.  

For further information or inquiries regarding the Fire Ban, individuals are encouraged to contact the County of St. Paul at 780-645-3301 or St. Paul Fire Services at 780-645-4100.  

As the fire season progresses, vigilance and cooperation within the community are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors in the County of St. Paul.  

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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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St. Paul county as unveiled plans for a major infrastructure project aimed at upgrading water distribution and wastewater collection systems in Ashmont, Mallaig as well as the water distribution system serving Lottie Lake. The proposed project, estimated to cost $23 million, seeks to address the aging infrastructure in these rural hamlets.

Deputy Reeve Maxine Fodness emphasized the urgent need for replacement during a series of open houses held across the affected areas. However, she acknowledged the funding challenge, stating that reliance solely on residents for funding is not feasible.

Golnaz Azimi, a consultant for the county, outlined the project's cost breakdown, highlighting the reliance on general tax revenue for a portion of the expenses. Nonetheless, significant funding would need to be secured externally to cover the remaining costs.

Residents were concerned about potential financial burdens, particularly due to recent utility bill increases. Fodness assured them of the county’s commitment to exploring provincial grants and other funding avenues to mitigate costs.

With approximately 80 attendees participating in the open houses, community engagement underscores the importance of the proposed infrastructure overhaul. St. Paul county remains dedicated to securing funding and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water and wastewater systems crucial to these rural communities.

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At a recent Public Works meeting on January 30, a group of concerned residents called Wind Concerns addressed the County of St. Paul council regarding their apprehensions about the proposed Northern Valley Wind Project. More than 20 people attended the delegation, with Mark Mallett speaking on behalf of the group.   

Elemental Energy, a Vancouver-based company, has proposed a 75-megawatt wind power facility in the Northern Valley, located 15 minutes south of Elk Point.  

Mallett expressed concerns about the potential health effects of wind turbines, citing discussions with an expert on vibroacoustic disease. He emphasized the groups' opposition to what they perceive as part of a human experiment and stressed the importance of the municipality's voice in such matters.  

Mallett referenced the Foothills Solar Project, which the Alberta Utilities Commission rejected last year due to concerns raised by Foothills County, suggesting that the AUC does consider municipal input.  

Following discussions, Wind Concerns presented proposed bylaws, including restrictions on where industrial wind turbines can be erected and setbacks from residences, businesses, and environmentally sensitive areas. They also proposed bylaws related to landfill disposal of turbine components and site reclamation.  

Deputy Reeve Maxine Fodness inquired about the feasibility of passing these bylaws. County of St. Paul CAO Jason Wallsmith indicated that most could be included within the municipality’s existing Land Use Bylaw. 

Mallett urged expedited consideration of the proposed bylaws, emphasizing their scientific basis and similarity to existing municipal regulations in Canada and the United States. Wallsmith explained the procedural steps required for amending the LUB, including a public hearing, indicating that changes might not be reflected.  

The delegation was accepted as information, indicating that the council will further deliberate.

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During the county of St. Paul council meeting on December 12, approving the proposed interim municipal budget for 2024 set the stage for an anticipated five percent tax hike. Despite removing most of the capital equipment from the preliminary budget, the council needs to address the increased costs indicated in the operating budget.

CAO Sheila Kitz explained that the decisions to cut certain capital expenses were made in anticipation of the final budget discussions scheduled for March 2024. Kitz’s expressed hope that these efforts might result in fewer tax increases for country residents. Additionally, any surplus from the county’s 2023 fiscal year, yet to be finalized, could potentially be transferred to the 2024 budget.

The proposed Interim Operating and Capital Budget for 2024, outlined during the meeting, includes operating and capital revenue of $37 million, funding from reserves totaling $2.9 million, operating expenditures of $30 million, and capital expenditures of $8.7 million. A small surplus of $3,655 is projected in the interim budget.

Councilor Louis Dechaine moved to pass the interim budget during the meeting, and the motion was carried out.

The council also addressed administrative changes. A Services Contract with CAO Sheila Kitz was approved, effective January 1, 2024. Kitz is set to retire on December 31 and will assist in transitioning to the new CAO Jason Wallsmith, scheduled to begin on January 8. Kitz has also agreed to provide consulting services to the county at $130 per hour for the following year.

The council deliberated on financial decisions, including the write-off of 18 outstanding invoices totaling $153,051.52, dating from 2013 to 2022. The uncollectible amounts include penalty charges, exceeding the budget for uncollected invoices. Owners of these invoices are on the county’s “no services” list.

CAO Kitz clarified that the invoices remained uncollected due to reasons such as bankruptcy, relocation of customers, exceeding the time limit for legal actions, absence of a tax roll to transfer to, or undeliverable statements.

Councilor Dale Hedrick moved the item to the table for further review and additional information on all 18 outstanding invoices. A closed session at the January 7 council meeting is scheduled to discuss this matter, considering the sensitive nature of the personal information involved.

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McRae Area – St. Paul RCMP is currently investigating extensive damage and the theft of construction equipment belonging to the County of St. Paul.

The alleged crime occurred near the intersection of Highway 866 and Township Road 622 on December 15. The stolen items included crucial equipment batteries, a heater, and significant damage to the machinery. The estimated cost for repair and replacement exceeded a staggering $10,000.

Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or possesses information about this incident to contact their local RCMP Detachment promptly. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be reached.

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