Rocky View County council approved a motion, June 4, to proclaim June 3 to 9, 2013 as Senior’s Week in the county. Administration said the purpose of the proclamation was to generate greater awareness of seniors and the contributions they have made to Alberta communities.
Councillor Lois Habberfield questioned why the proclamation wasn’t brought to council for approval sooner.
“We need to set the week before we make the proclamation. It loses its status if the public is not made aware of it in advance,” she said.
Sue Graham, community services coordinator with the County, said the County is “working with the community to develop a strategy to go forward to make sure people in the County are aware.”
The proclamation is signed into affect by Reeve Rolly Ashdown with council’s approval.
Council also approved a motion to proclaim June as Recreation and Parks Month in Rocky View County this year. Administration said the purpose of the proclamation is to provide Albertans with an opportunity to celebrate the successes of recreation and parks contributing to the quality of life in Alberta. It also intends to make residents aware of the importance and benefits of recreation and parks to families, neighbourhoods and communities.
“I think we should be doing something to make sure everyone is aware that it is Recreation and Parks Month instead of just giving lip service,” said Habberfield.
With the general election for Rocky View County on Oct. 21 this year, council approved the advanced, housebound and incapacitated voting dates at the meeting. Administration has not confirmed the exact locations for the advance voting, but said the stations will be scheduled around the County in centralized locations in order to conveniently service all the residents.
Nona Housenga, legislative manager, said the number of advance dates has increased since 2010.
“Our objective is to try to capture more people to increase our voting percentage, and to capture some of those snow birds before they leave for the season,” she said, adding that advance voting is more cost-effective than mail-out votes.
The approved dates are:
• Oct. 4, 8a.m. to 1p.m.
• Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Oct. 7, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In a split vote, council denied a funding request by the Airdrie Air Show Society (AASS) to support its bi-annual air show held July 12 to 14. The application presented to council June 5, requested about $47,000 to cover the cost of road closures and provide emergency services for the three-day event.
AASS is a non-profit organization that donates the profits from ticket sales to community organizations in Airdrie. The City of Airdrie will provide a portion of the required emergency equipment and staff but requested Rocky View County for additional support.
Administration estimated the cost of allocating three pieces of the County’s fire and policing equipment to the event at about $31,000, and overtime salaries for the staff to operate the equipment and to be on hand at the event at about $15,700. AASS also proposed closing three junctions near the Airdrie Air Park, at a cost of $400, to make sure people attending the event park in the designated lots.
Despite the motion being voted down Reeve Rolly Ashdown was in favour of providing the support.
“If there was a problem, we’d be there anyhow so I don’t really understand what the problem is. This is a good thing for the area and for the region and for the neighbours that we’re working with,” said Reeve Rolly Ashdown.
Councillor Kim Magnuson, Lois Habberfield, Al Sacuta and Deputy Reeve Paul McLean were opposed to the application. They expressed concerns about the risk of allocating County equipment to the event in case something happened in its intended coverage area.
Council said AASS was encouraged to submit an alternate funding proposal.
Councillor Liz Breakey was absent.
