Rocky View County (RVC) council provided endorsements to four different community projects during their Jan. 25 council meeting.
Council’s first endorsement was provided to the Bragg Creek Vegetation Management Project, which will assist homeowners in the greater Bragg Creek area in the reduction of fire risk.
The decision comes after council directed administration in September 2021 to apply for a Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) grant in support of the project.
The grant has been approved in the amount of $20,000, but still required a verification of council’s support.
“$20,000 will allow us to run two of the chipper days, where we set up and residents from the greater Bragg Creek area can bring cleanup from their properties and we chip it and haul it away,” said Randy Smith, RVC’s manager of fire services and emergency management.
With the assistance of the FRIAA grant funding program, this would be the third year the Greater Bragg Creek FireSmart Committee has run the vegetation management project, according to administration’s report.
Antique fire truck in Langdon
Council next approved a request from the Langdon Volunteer Firefighters Associations’ to purchase, restore, and donate an antique fire truck to RVC Fire Services.
Langdon station chief Ron Wenstrom located a 1964 IHC Loadstar 1600 in what appears to be good mechanical condition. Restoration of the truck will be completed in Langdon following the purchase and it will then be donated to the County, according to the Langdon chief.
The classic truck will be used in parades and community events across the county.
The County will cover the cost of insurance and maintenance of the unit, which is estimated to be between $3,000 and $5,000 according to RVC Fire Chief Randy Smith. He said the annual cost to maintain the antique fire truck is included in the 2022 Fire Services operational budget, under the category of volunteer appreciation.
“I think it would be something that would motivate the volunteers to be engaged across the county,” Smith said.
He noted it would be made operational and able to drive on roads and highways throughout the county.
Rocky View Bus receives support
The Rocky View Regional Handibus Society also received a letter of support from council on Jan. 25 for its Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF).
The society commonly known as Rocky View Bus fundraised $100,000 for the replacement of one bus in early 2022. However, an application to the RTSF program will allow the society to expand their program with additional buses in 2022.
According to Dimitri Dimopoulos, FCSS coordinator with Recreation, Parks and Community Support, it could increase their fleet by up to eight buses, expanding the program significantly.
“This is fabulous and the fact that we could potentially get up to eight more buses, that’s just unreal,” said Division 4 Coun. Samanntha Wright.
Specialized Transportation in RVC is predominantly provided by Rocky View Bus and offers county residents who face transportation barriers access to community support and services.
Based on current funding levels and working on a pre-booked, ride-sharing model, up to 20 one-way trips can be booked per month.
The RTSF federal government program will contribute up to 80 per cent of the costs toward rural transit-focused capital projects such as the procurement of buses or mini vans.
Non-profit organizations such as Rocky View Bus can participate in the program by submitting an application on behalf of an eligible municipality. If a municipality allows a non-profit to make a submission on their behalf, the non-profit assumes responsibility for all aspects of the grant.
The letter of support provided by the County does not commit RVC for future funding.
Wings Over Springbank
Council provided support to the Wings Over Springbank Airshow Society, which hosts an annual two-day air show, “Wings Over Springbank” in the summer to promote and inspire local aviation.
The society applies to the provincial Community Initiatives Program (CIP) to assist with event costs – an application that requires a letter of support from RVC.
The purpose of council’s letter is to confirm that RVC supports and commits to providing emergency services support for the event through RVC Fire Services and Municipal Enforcement Peace Officers.
Once the scope of the event has been confirmed, a cost estimate for resources, including the RCMP and RVC Emergency Services, will be provided to the organizer.
The airshow was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Division 1 Coun. Kevin Hanson noted that RVC has provided support for the event in the past and said it helps promote Springbank, the airport, and local businesses in the area.
