MD of Bighorn

Did you feel that?

Children and youth are allowed to practice minor sports starting Monday (Feb. 8).

The MD of Bighorn has hired a consultant to conduct a needs assessment and look at possible future sites for new municipal buildings like an operations centre, central office, fire hall and library.

"People are standing around their vehicles with doors and trunks open, walking on the highway in order to access the recreation areas, many appearing to forget or disregard that they are on a primary highway."

The 10-year funding agreement between STARS air ambulance and Alberta Health Services expired in 2019. However, before a new one can be finalized, a provincial review of helicopter emergency medical services must be completed first. The non-profit also has another $15 million to raise to complete its $135 million campaign to replace its nine BK117 helicopters in western Canada with the H145 model.

The MD of Bighorn has a new emergency management plan and bylaw, approved at council's December meeting. A sole-sourced $25,000 contract is being considered to develop a comprehensive evacuation plan.

In a letter to the MD of Bighorn requesting the penalties be waived, a representative from the company explained that 2020 tax bill was mailed to the Calgary office, which has been empty due to COVID-19.

“That means trying to push them to make changes for the better where we can, that means trying to criticize with the intent of seeing improvement to the programs that exist, that means pushing them to get our economy reopened, to have a vaccine plan. All of those things that I’ve talked about, that is the first and foremost job.”

Homeowners in east Exshaw who suffered a financial loss due to groundwater flooding in 2020 will have until March 9 to submit proof of those circumstances to the MD of Bighorn to receive a 50 per cent reduction on last year's municipal property taxes.

Coun. Lisa Rosvold put forward an unsuccessful motion to hold an online town hall for residents to put their questions directly to the consultant.