For Barrhead County reeve Bill Lee 2012 was a year of personal pain – he broke his ankle in June after falling down steps while moving furniture at home.
The injury meant he was unable to join the Barrhead delegation that went to Japan in August to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the town’s twinning agreement with Tokoro.
Nevertheless, the setback does not cloud his assessment of 2012, which he sees as a year of accomplishment for Barrhead County. He is also optimistic about the outlook for 2013.
Here Barrhead’s reeve reflects and looks ahead:
Investment in land: In April, the county council approved the purchase of a quarter section of land for $575,000. The quarter at NE 27-59-3-W5 is south of the Northplex plant on Range Road 32 and includes such amenities as three-phase power, paved roads, sewer connections and water.
“We are looking at the potential for future development of the land,” said Lee.
One idea, added Lee, is to use the land as an industrial park.
July flooding: Heavy rain caused the Paddle River to burst its banks, causing severe flooding in farmland for the second year running. Farmers complained about the dikes being too low which in turn left their land swamped.
Lee said the county hoped that upgrades could be made to the dike system. The protocol of regulating water also needed to be looked at, he said.
Neerlandia’s celebration: Barrhead County took part in a spectacular parade of up to 50 floats that commemorated the founding fathers who sailed from Holland to realize their dream of a better family life. Old farming machines, tractors, horse-drawn carts and antique cars featured in the parade.
“It was a wonderful occasion,” said Lee.
Road construction: It has been a good year, says Lee. The county has started work on Township Road 604, between highways 769 and 33, in preparation for having it paved by the end of 2013. The phased project involves establishing a solid base for the pavement, before paving takes place, probably in 2014.
Misty Ridge: The County decided to invest $30,000 in Misty Ridge Ski Club for the 2012-13 season. The contribution is for capital expenditures, with funds taken from reserves. Councillors agreed to review funding after a year before deciding whether to continue it and recommended Misty Ridge directors take part in training to restructure their club, develop clear roles and responsibilities, set priorities and organize their accounts.
“It is a very exciting time for Misty Ridge,” said Lee.
County’s finances: “We are in a sound financial position,” said Lee. “Expenses are down and we have a good fleet of equipment.”
Relationship with the Town: “We have a great relationship with the Town and are looking forward to that continuing in the New Year,” said Lee.
An example of cooperation between the municipalities is the West Boundary Road project, which involves widening the highway and improving the base. The road belongs to the Town, but the residents along it are County ratepayers.
The 55-plus Summer Games: As Barrhead and Westlock prepare to co-host the 55-plus games, the towns can look forward to a huge influx of visitors. It represents an economic and tourism opportunity.
Elections: Election year for councillors, which will see four-year terms, instead of three. Lee said the extra year would give new councillors more time to familiarize themselves with council work.
Road construction: Continuing work on upgrading 604.
Water treatment plant: “It will be up and running and the water commission will be in control,” said Lee.
The $13 million project got under way in April and is slated for completion next year. The upgrade involves installing microfiltration and nanofiltration systems, which remove contaminants. A weir has already been put in place near the plant.
Gravel project: Gravel extraction is planned in the county. In November, Inland Aggregates received a development permit from the County for a pit northwest of Camp Creek. In another project, Fort McMurray-based Stony Valley Contracting plans to extract gravel from a 640-acre site about 30 miles from downtown Barrhead.
“I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year,” said Lee.
