In Elk Point

The latest news and happenings in Elk Point, from the Regular Council Meeting on January 22nd, 2018.

There is no drone!

Contrary to rumours that the Town of Elk Point employs a drone to “fly over your houses and read the water meters” Councillor Debra McQuinn assures residents, “There is no drone!”

Bantam Avalanche hosting provincials

The Town of Elk Point  has pledged $1000 to sponsor a game at the Bantam D Provincial Hockey Tournament. From March 15^th to 18^th, expect to see lots of hockey players and fans in town as the Bantam Avalanche team (ages 13 & 14) hosts the final tournament of their season. Elk Point Minor Hockey is looking for support from other organizations, businesses, or individuals in the form of game sponsorship, advertisements in the program, silent auction items, gift bag items, and/or volunteer time. For further information, the tournament chair is Candace Bendixen: 780-646-0810.

Councillors’ remuneration

On-going discussion regarding compensation for councillors resumed at the Town of Elk Point regular council meeting on January 22. At issue is the question of where claims for mileage should originate – at the Town Chambers or at the councillor’s starting point. A decision was deferred to a later date.

Business licence fee negotiated

Shirley Harms, broker for Lakeland Realty, received two invoices from the Town of Elk Point, but requested they be reconsidered. One invoice was $100 for a business license, and the other invoice was $250 for access to the GIS (Geographic Information System, which provides information on land use) for the Town of Elk Point. In a letter to council, she pointed out that the Town of Elk Point is part of the County of St. Paul’s GIS system, the County handles all the administration of the system, the Town has only a fraction of the properties  on the system, and she is already paying $250 to the County. As a result of Harms’ letter, council approved an amendment to a bylaw, changing the GIS fee from $250 to $100 per year.

Growing industrial hemp seminar

Alberta HUB has issued an invitation to anyone interested in knowing the opportunities industrial hemp offers. A one-day free seminar is being offered in Vermilion (February 6) or Vegreville (February 8). Registration is required. At www.eventbrite.ca, scroll to the appropriate event, and click to register.