In Elk Point

There are lots of ways to be involved in Elk Point’s governance.

Engagement reminder

If you want a say in what happens in Elk Point, be at the April 23 council meeting when the budget will be discussed. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm in the council chambers on 50th Avenue. Or, add your views on cannabis sales to the on-line Cannabis Consultation Survey. And if you want to be really involved in the decision making, run for the open seat on council. Nomination day is May 15, so consider how YOU could help the town, and get your nomination papers in.

Alternatively, or as well, drop in to the open house on April 19 to learn about the Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) in which Elk Point is a partner with the County of St. Paul, Town of St. Paul, and Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay. Any time between 4 and 7 pm at the Seniors’ Recreation Centre is fine for this ‘come and go’ event.

 

Heritage Lodge funding request

Council received a letter from the Heritage Lodge Auxiliary requesting an operational grant to cover costs of activities. The town already has a line in the recreation budget to support the annual Grandparents’ Tea and provides funding for operation of the Handi-Bus. Also, the town pays a requisition of about $25 000 annually to the MD Foundation, which offers housing options for seniors, and Heritage Lodge is a member. Council has chosen to bring the issue to the budget meeting on April 23.

 

Fishing Lake administration building opening

Elk Point council will be sending a delegation to the opening of the brand new administration building in Fishing Lake on June 19. Town CAO, Ken Gwozdz observed that this opportunity fits perfectly into the town’s strategic plan goal #1: Partnerships and Collaboration, in which the town strives to build relationships with neighbouring communities.

 

National Day of Mourning

Council has proclaimed April 28 as the National Day of Mourning, as proposed by Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). Town Hall flags will be lowered to half mast on that day to recognize workers who were killed, injured or disabled at work. According to WCB, “In 2017, we lost 166 men and women to workplace injury or illness in Alberta.”  In their list of casualties are a number of people who were afflicted with mesothelioma and asbestosis resulting from years of working with asbestos. Trauma, motor vehicle accidents, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) also rank highly in causes of death related to work.

Consider water usage

Through determined effort and personal sacrifice, (see Right to his neck in sewage) Elk Point residents were not adversely affected by the failure of two pumps at the sewage lift station. However, until new pumps are installed, there is a burden on the current sewage system, so residents may choose to reduce their personal water usage. The Town has ordered replacement pumps which will affect the budget, although there is a possibility the upgrades will be funded by grants.

May council meeting date change

The council meeting regularly scheduled for May 14 has been moved to May 7.