Friendly reminder: 2024 taxes are due Tuesday, October 15. A 12% penalty on all outstanding taxes will be levied on October 16.
For more information about taxation, click HERE.
Flagstaff Celebrates Success on Oct. 24
Flagstaff County is thrilled to host a dinner gala on Thursday, October 24 at the Killam Community Centre to honour and celebrate the remarkable small businesses in the Flagstaff Region. This year’s event is dedicated to recognizing YOU — our resilient and dedicated entrepreneurs — for your hard work, determination, and achievements. Your contributions are vital to our local economy and have helped our region gain recognition for its collective strength and mutual support.
Join us for an inspiring evening filled with networking opportunities, a locally made dinner, small business awards, and an engaging keynote address by James Boettcher, Chief Empowerment Officer and Custodian of Culture at Righteous Gelato. Known for his visionary leadership and dynamic approach, James will share his insights and inspire us all.
Don’t miss out on this special night of celebration and inspiration!
Click HERE for tickets!
Itinerary on Thursday, October 24
🕔 5:30 PM: Guest Arrival
- Doors open, and guests are welcomed with refreshments and an opportunity to network.
🍽️ 6:00 PM: Seated Dinner
- Guests are seated for dinner, with a brief welcome from Flagstaff County to kick off the evening.
🎤 7:00 PM: Keynote Address by James Boettcher, Chief Empowerment Officer of Righteous Gelato
- James will deliver an inspiring address on entrepreneurship, creativity, and community impact.
🎁 8:15 PM: Flagstaff Crafted 2025 Gift Guide Launch
- The new Gift Guide will be revealed, showcasing this year’s curated selection of local businesses and products.
🏆 8:25 PM: Award Presentations
- A celebration of the amazing achievements of Flagstaff Region’s deserving business owners, with a brief background on each award and winner.
🎉 9:25 PM: Closing Remarks & Networking
Electoral Boundary Review
Electoral Boundaries Bylaw
At a Special Council Meeting on October 7, 2024, Flagstaff County Council approved first reading of the Electoral Boundaries Bylaw 08/24 (Version 1 utilizing five divisions based on a balanced population and five councillors).
The next step is to host a Public Hearing in December.
Public Hearing
Proposed Bylaw
Click HERE for the proposed bylaw.
Survey Results
Click HERE for results of our public engagement, including the survey.
Background
The Need for a Review
Years of population change, including the more recent incorporation of the Hamlets of Strome and Galahad, have left an uneven distribution throughout our seven electoral divisions.
It’s time to redraw our electoral boundaries to give residents the best possible municipal representation.
Flagstaff County Council is conducting an Electoral Boundary Review based on the results of our recently completed census – and we’re looking for public feedback.
Electoral boundaries distinguish the divisions represented by our councillors. Our boundaries haven’t changed since we became a County in 1968. Currently, the County is divided into seven electoral divisions, each represented by a single councillor.
This Electoral Boundary Review is occurring not only to help ensure fair representation, but also for efficient delivery of public services.
What Was Considered?
Council has been considering the option of reducing the number of divisions within the County from seven to five.
Budget Implications of Reducing Council to Five Councillors
The annual estimated cost to support one councillor position annually is approximately $56,925 ($227,700 over four years), which includes wages, travel, conference, benefits, laptop, and reimbursed expenses. Over a four-year electoral term, decreasing from seven councillor positions to five councillor positions equates to an estimated cost savings of $455,400 for the County.
Who’s Affected?
Amending the electoral boundaries may impact a portion of residents within the County, as their current elected official may change if their land is amended to a different division. The change in electoral boundaries may also impact nominations and candidates in upcoming elections for Council. As such, residents have an interest in understanding how the change in electoral boundaries may impact them.
The Review Process
This process began this past spring with the municipal census, which provided insights into demographic changes and population distribution.
The results of the municipal census provide the Current Division Boundary Information as follows:
Proposed Concept Maps
Using the 2024 population census data, along with pre-determined criteria agreed upon by Council, four concept maps were established. Council decided to put forth to the public two of these options, as well as the option to stay with the current electoral boundaries with seven divisions.
- Option 1: Five divisions based on balanced population. The electoral boundaries would result in the following population/residences split per division:
- Option 2: Seven divisions based on balanced residences. The electoral boundaries would result in the following population/residences split per division:
- Option 3: Seven divisions with no changes. Leaving the current electoral boundaries with no changes would result in the following population/residences split per division:
Online Survey
Your voice is important in this process. A two-question online survey will be available until October 2, 2024, and the County wants to hear from you. Click the red button below to make your opinion heard.
Residents are also welcome to email their feedback to: PublicInput@flagstaff.ab.ca by Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Public Open House
There will be a Public Open House from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at the Flagstaff County Administration Building.
Timeframe/Process
The following timeframe allows for the input to meaningfully influence Council’s decisions:
- The Electoral Boundary revision concept maps and information will be advertised, and feedback options made available for a minimum of three weeks.
- A public open house will be held at the administration office on Tuesday, October 1, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- The results of the public engagement will be presented at a Special Council Meeting on Monday, October 7, 2024.
- First Reading of the Electoral Boundaries Bylaw with a single boundary map to present to the public at the October 7th Special Council Meeting.
- Public hearing to consider a new Electoral Boundary Bylaw: Rescheduled Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 (to allow for the 60-day petition period).
Bid on used equipment
Flagstaff County invites tenders for the sale of the following used miscellaneous equipment:
EX115 – 2015 130GLC J.D. Excavator – comes with weldco beales 54” twist bucket with thumb, 60” bucket, 30” dig bucket, Groeneveld Auto lube system and Webasto heater. Approx. hours: 4,917. Ser.#: 1FF130GXTFD040816.
FAE Mulcher Attachment – Ser.#: 14-049. Model #: UML/HY 100VT.
T052 – 2005 Dodge 1/2t, Quad cab, 4×4 short box – Ser.#: 1D7HU18D85S270888. Kms: 244,502. Box is badly rusted.
T073 – 2007 Chevrolet 1/2T, Extended cab, 4×4 short box – Ser.#: 1GCEK19D57Z548178. Kms: 267,852. Damage on box panel and rust.
T096 – 2009 Dodge 3/4T, Regular cab, 4×4 long box – Ser.#: 3D7KS26T29G559368. Kms: 148,659. Using excess oil.
T210 – 2010 Ford F150 1/2T, Super cab, 4×4 short box – Ser.#: 1FTFX1EV2AFC08542. Kms: 368,100. Lots of rust.
T416 – 2016 Dodge 1500, Quad cab, 4×4 short box – Ser.#: 1C6RR7GT1GS317846. Kms: 390,000. Engine needs rebuild.
ASB114 – 2014 Kubota RTV X900 With Canopy and Manual lift box, Diesel engine – Ser#: 13879. Hours: 763. Kms: 3,322
1,200 gallon water tank
1,000 gallon water tank – Missing lid.
Stihl FS56C Weed trimmer #1 – Runs but trimmer head noisy.
Stihl FS56C Weed trimmer #2 – Runs but trimmer head noisy.
Stihl FS56C Weed trimmer #3 – Runs but trimmer head noisy.
Truck mounted sprayer with 110-gallon water tank – No motor or pump.
Truck mounted sprayer with 110-gallon water tank – Comes with Honda GX160 motor and pump. Runs.
1 New, Carlisle Multi Trac C/S Garden tractor turf tire, 26×12-12.
2 Michelin Air 31×13-12 tire on 6-bolt implement rim, 1 new and 1 used.
1 Used Carlisle All trial 25×10.5-12 ATV Tire.
WT11 – 1989 Case IH 9170 4WD Tractor – Ser.#: JCB0004456. Hours: 12,661. Kms: 2,715.
- This equipment can be viewed at the County Shop in Sedgewick and will be sold on an “as is basis”. Kilometres and hours may vary slightly depending on time of sale.
- Download a tender form HERE or contact our Administration Office at 780-384-4123 to receive a tender form.
- Please send bids in a sealed envelope marked “USED MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT TENDER” to Flagstaff County Administration Office, Box 358, 12435 Twp Rd 442, Sedgewick, AB.
- Closing date for bidding on items is Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 11:00:00 a.m. MST. The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.
For further information, please contact: Kevin Kinzer at 780-390-0312 or Trevor Levitt at 780-390-0340.
The Flagstaff Fitness Challenge
No matter your fitness level, you can join the Flagstaff Fitness Challenge by downloading the Strava app onto your smartphone and searching “Flagstaff Fitness Challenge“.
Here, participants can share their activities, cheer on others and compete on the weekly leaderboards.
All participants who log at least one workout in a week will have their name entered in a draw for that week’s weekly prize package (the challenge runs for six weeks). Please note that participants are only eligible for one weekly prize pack.
If you log at least one activity in all six weeks, your name will be entered into the grand prize draw! It’s that easy!
The six-week Flagstaff Fitness Challenge started July 1, 2024. We urge you to rise to the challenge!
General Guidelines
- Participants do not have to live in Flagstaff County to take part in the Flagstaff Fitness Challenge.
- Winners are responsible for prize pickup at the Flagstaff County Administration Building.
- A photograph of each winner will be taken when picking up a prize.
- All participants are encouraged to cheer on your fellow fitness enthusiasts through Strava, while also sharing photos and feedback from your workouts.
- And most importantly, all participants are encouraged to have fun!
2024 Weekly Prizes
Each week, any participant who has logged at least one activity in our group on Strava will be entered into our weekly draw! The weekly prize package includes:
💪 Free bicycle tune-up from Grizzly Country Bike Shop
💪 Flagstaff County hoodie
💪 Flagstaff County water bottle
💪 Flagstaff County toiletry bag
💪 Flagstaff Region adult colouring book and crayons
💪 Flagstaff Region journal (featuring Kristen Kueber artwork on the cover)
💪 Flagstaff Region candle (from Creations by Kim)
💪 Flagstaff Region lip balm
💪 Gritin resistance bands or Jessica Janzen’s Bring the Joy book
Note: Participants are only eligible for one weekly prize pack. Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna will reach out via email (ccastagna@flagstaff.ab.ca) to each week’s winner to confirm pickup details.
2024 Bonus Prizes
The bonus prize sponsor of this year’s six-week Flagstaff Fitness Challenge is Daryl Parr of Forestburg-based Flex Fitness!
We are going to be drawing five names for a one-month membership to the fitness centre in Forestburg (courtesy of Daryl). All you have to do is follow Daryl Parr on Facebook and DM us through our Facebook page “FITFLAGSTAFF” for your chance to win!
Special Offer
Daryl Parr of Flex Fitness is offering 30 days of FREE custom coaching towards his Metabolic Fat Loss System. Simply apply at: https://flexfitnesscoach.com/coachingapplication.
2024 Grand Prize Draw
If you log at least one activity in all six weeks, your name will be entered into the grand prize draw
2024 Grand Prize
Shirley Damberger of HOM of Well Being is donating a massage along with a gift basket that includes things to help take care of the body and muscles such as Cryoderm (a topical pain relief product), muscle and joint bath bombs, a cork roller, and a routine natural deodorant sample.
Flagstaff County will also be giving out Flagstaff Bucks as part of the grand prize!
Grand Prize Winner
The winner of our grand prize draw in 2024 is Becky Erickson!
Sponsors
The following local businesses are generously sponsoring prizes:
History of the Flagstaff Fitness Challenge
The Flagstaff Bike Challenge was established in the summer of 2020 as a way to encourage the region’s residents to get outside, get active and feel connected to the area in a safe manner during the pandemic. It was designed for participants of ALL ages and abilities. The Flagstaff Bike Challenge continued in 2021 with a few minor tweaks.
In 2022, the challenge was expanded to include a variety of activities, including walking, running, hiking, swimming, weight training, yoga and much more! It was rebranded the Flagstaff Fitness Challenge. The aim of the Flagstaff Fitness Challenge is to encourage residents to move more, resulting in a healthier region!
About Strava
Tell officers about positive deeds!
Nominating a child in Flagstaff for a positive ticket just got easier.
Now you can do it online at: https://lf.flagstaff.ab.ca/Forms/PositiveTicket.
Positive tickets are issued for positive behaviour such as practicing personal safety, being a community hero and making smart choices. Our peace officers want to be notified by teachers, coaches, friends and neighbours throughout the Flagstaff Region who have witnessed a child doing a positive or helpful deed, or performing a safe act that would be worthy of receiving a positive ticket.
You can also contact Officer Skyler Zelinski or Officer Aaron Young if you know of a deserving youth! Officer Skyler and Officer Aaron can be reached by phone at 780-384-4100 or via email at szelinski@flagstaff.ab.ca or ayoung@flagstaff.ab.ca.
Positive tickets come with a $10 coupon that can be redeemed at participating businesses, as well as a bracelet for a free swim at the Killam Regional Aquatic Centre.
Let’s acknowledge the good that our young people are doing right here in Flagstaff!
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
By Nick Dunn
Our governing bodies wanted to help producers to become more sustainable, so they launched a partnership in 2023. This partnership, a joint federal, provincial, and territorial effort, represents a new chapter in Canada’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. The vision behind Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) has been built and enhanced from the previous framework Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). SCAP has a purpose to create an agricultural system that is not only economically viable but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. This vision aligns with Canada’s broader commitments to combat climate change, protect natural resources, and support rural communities. Sustainability is the ability to maintain or support a process continually over time. Sustainability can lead to conservation which will support our producers with their efforts to feed the world. From an agronomy background, soil conservation is key. Our relationship with our soils is still relatively early, and we have had many changes with new technologies and inputs over the past 100 years. Being aware of our soil health is essential for long-term food security; our soil is our foundation, and our foundation is life itself.
In April 2023, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) was launched with $500 million in new funds, representing a 25% increase in the cost-shared portion. This five‐year (2023-2028), $3.5 billion investment includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities by federal-provincial-territorial governments. The SCAP framework represents a cost-shared federal-provincial investment of $508 million over five years towards strategic programs and services for the agriculture and agri-food industry in Alberta.
These SCAP grant programs are accessible to Albertan farmers, ranchers and processors and include the following streams: Emerging Opportunities, On-Farm Efficiency, On-Farm Value-Added, Resiliency and Public Trust, Resilient Agricultural Landscape, Value added, Water, Accelerating Agricultural Innovations and Business Risk Management Programs such as Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC). It’s safe to say there are many opportunities under SCAP for producers to address challenges, seize new opportunities and open new markets (diversification), and strengthen their resilience. Take advantage of them; it is competitive for the limited funding.
One striking new program is the On-Farm Efficiency Program that opened for applications on August 14, 2024. The program has funding streams that include energy efficiency, farm security, efficient grain handling and smart farm technology, all of which seems fitting and current for eligible Flagstaff farmers, ranchers, and processors. The overall program funding maximum per applicant is $150,000 which also presents ample opportunities for increasing efficiencies within agribusinesses. For program eligibility, more information, and how to apply, visit their website at: www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap. Environmental Farm Plans do act as a pre-requisite for SCAP funding, and we can support you by developing those plans which have also moved to the online format. There are two upcoming virtual workshops for EFP on September 18 and 26, 2024. To register, you can email info@albertaefp.com or call 587-200-2552. Under SCAP, there are sources to help with risk management and financials that AFSC can provide. This can include crop and livestock insurance, income stabilization and lending. It’s important to stay updated with current programming as it can change year to year depending on the needs of Albertan producers.
Nick Dunn is Flagstaff County’s Agricultural Fieldman. He can be reached via email at: ndunn@flagstaff.ab.ca or by phone at: 780-384-4138.
Toso’s Tips
Learn from tree expert Toso Bozic on a wide variety of topics!
Drought Management
By Nick Dunn
This year’s spring started with drought being the top of conversations as we were all concerned about the current moisture levels and their potential impact on the upcoming crop season. This year’s winter again, lacked a snowpack and led to minimal run-off. The Battle River was running well below normal flow rate as it peaked in May at 7.5 cubic metres/second, when normal flow for May is around 15 cubic metres/second. The Battle River starts in Battle Lake and flows east throughout the plains of Alberta and into North Battleford, Saskatchewan, where it connects with the North Saskatchewan River. Water within the Battle River is fed from run-off, which makes this river unique and a tell-tale for run-off conditions. This year’s spring sub-surface soil moisture was rated moderately low to near normal. Meteorologists also forecasted El Nino to affect Canadian prairies throughout our most precipitated month of June. El Nino is a weather pattern that we typically see every 2-7 years and can last 9-12 months. It is naturally caused by oceans being warmer than normal by more than half a degree and lasting for several months. This delivers warmer temperatures and drought to Canada and northern states, as we were experiencing. Our sponge (soil) was empty, and we needed moisture to seed into.
Just as anxiety reached its all-time high, we welcomed the early precipitation and to date we have received between 6-9 inches of rain within our borders. Crops are doing better than forecasted with many producers in the area applying fungicides to help suppress disease pressure from the warm moist conditions. Some pastures have rebounded from last year’s drought conditions with many producers completing their first cut of hay. We have also seen a slight increase in roadside haying due to the vigor within our roadsides. There are still variations within Flagstaff and across the province in terms of crop maturity and quality.
Producers know that nothing is guaranteed until it’s in the bin, or pile. We need continued precipitation throughout the rest of this year to help combat the heat and allow our crops to continue to mature. Some of the southern areas of our county are losing moisture rapidly with the heat and winds. Pictured in the map you will see that the Southwest corner of Flagstaff is experiencing extremely low precipitation accumulation once in 25 to 50 years.
We are also in need of future years of good snow pack and run-off, as the last 3 years have seen very little.
Drought management needs to be implemented on all levels so we can be better prepared to face it in the future. Flagstaff County started a draft drought management plan when municipalities were warned this winter from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas that they need to have a plan and review active water licenses and diversions. We are currently at Stage 4 out of 5 on the Alberta Water Shortage Management Plan, with Stage 5 being severe drought. For the first time since the drought of 2001, major water license holders were asked to reduce their consumption to ensure all users get water. Most large water license holders are from the south and are related to the irrigation districts throughout the province.
So, what can producers do? Producers need a plan specific to their operation that addresses soil and water conservation. Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation has created a template for Albertan producers to utilize and create their own Drought Management Plan that can be accessed through their website. Drought mitigation can be challenging and on a larger scale for land without irrigation, it can lead to adopting new soil management practices such as no-till, minimum till, variable rate applications, and crop rotation adjustments. Soil testing and improving soil organic matter will also help with retaining soil moisture.
For surface water, adding infrastructure like dugouts (1 per quarter), dams, pumps, wetlands, drainage systems, pipelines, tanks, water hauling equipment, and even shelterbelts are just some to list. Additional water wells to help feed infrastructure or fill reserves will also help to provide water when we need it most. For livestock producers, not only do you need to have water reserves but also feed reserves to get through dry spells.
Flagstaff County has 7 water loading stations, 5 of them open year-round that could be part of producers’ Drought Management Plan as a water source. These stations accept coins with $1 delivering approximately 150 gallons. The water is for agricultural purposes only.
Aside from infrastructure and equipment, producers also need to know their rights and the Water Act that falls under Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. Water is technically owned by the Crown, when it is frozen for winter, it is Crown land. Every human has the right to water, as human and livestock consumption is the priority. Producers can access 275,000 gallons of water per year without a license and can pull this from a creek or slough if the land around it is grazed. Water licenses and diversions can be permitted.
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation also has a Water Pumping Program that includes satellite pumps throughout the province that can be rented to producers to help fill rural water reserves. More information on the Water Pumping Program can be found on their website.
Nick Dunn is Flagstaff County’s Agricultural Fieldman. He can be reached via email at: ndunn@flagstaff.ab.ca or by phone at: 780-384-4138.
EcDev Team earns award
Congratulations to the Flagstaff County Economic Development Team, winners of a 2023 Minister’s Award for Municipal and Public Library Excellence.
The EcDev Team earned the award for their Flagstaff Crafted program in the Building Economic Strength Category.
The award recognizes their initiative to enhance the exposure of local makers, artisans, and retailers of local products within the Flagstaff Region.
Flagstaff County Reeve Don Kroetch presented the award last week to the EcDev Team (from left): Charlene Sutter, Kerri Lefsrud and Jenalee Waring. Not pictured: Shaina Dunn.