Rocky View County has released its own “Code of the West,” a set of pointers aimed at making rural living easier for residents of the municipality.
The Code of the West, first chronicled by western writer Zane Grey, outlines the unwritten code that those who settled the west lived by.
The code centres on hospitality, loyalty and respecting the land.
Rocky View’s version aims to give rural residents some background on the area in which they live.
“We hope to identify ways to support existing agricultural operations and provide new opportunities for diversity in the agriculture sector of the county,” said Reeve Rolly Ashdown.
“Creating ‘Code of the West’ pointers is one way we can promote understanding amongst community members.”
The code includes some of the legislative rights of farmers, such as protecting agricultural operations from nuisance liability claims, the right to use firearms and to use herbicides to control weeds.
It also points out some of the benefits of living in the country, such as wildlife sightings, tranquility and open spaces, and some of the challenges, such as dust, smells and variable road conditions.
“People that are new to living in a rural setting are often surprised at how different it is from what they expected,” said Agricultural Fieldman Tim Dietzler.
“There are noises and smells that they didn’t anticipate.
Farmers and ranchers work around the clock during some seasons, and noise is unavoidable during such times as spring calving, seeding and fall harvests.
Roads get dusty, invasive weeds have to be controlled and residents have to be aware of wildlife.”
The code is another aspect of the County’s commitment to agriculture, which has shaped the cultural and social fabric of the area and is a major contributor to the economy.
County staff is also working on an Agriculture Master Plan, which will provide a framework of policies to support traditional and innovative farming operations in Rocky View.
For “Code of the West” brochures, visit www.rockyview.ca, or Rocky View County Agricultural Services department, located at 911 – 32 Avenue in Calgary.
