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Last updateThu, 19 Sep 2024 5pm

Rockyford residents deal with ongoing water concerns

Copy of ROCKYFORD LIGHT

The Wheatland Regional Corporation (WRC) has been fielding complaints from residents in Rockyford regarding the unpleasant taste and odour of their water since August 31.
Numerous updates have been provided via the WRC’s Facebook page to address these concerns, and reassuring residents the water, despite the smell and taste, is still safe to drink.
“We realize there is still an odour and taste issue being experienced within Rockyford,” stated the latest update on Tuesday, October 13. “We wish we could give you an exact date as to when this will clear up, but we can’t. We can tell you our operators are working on the situation and we are doing everything we can.”
On September 1, a waterline in the village along Southview Drive was flushed to help address the issue.
In a Facebook update from the WRC on September 21 a hot and dry August was cited as the cause of the issue. The WRC noted they were treating the reservoir to remove the taste and smell, though they noted “it is a matter of time and patience.”
An additional update on September 25 noted a new treatment was suggested after consultation with a supplier. Over the following weekend, the new treatment was added to the raw water reservoir. WRC was also informed at this time “many other

communities throughout Alberta are experiencing the same issues as we are.”
Two fire hydrants in Rockyford were flushed on October 14 to help address the issue as well as cloudiness in the water.
Leah Jensen, general manager for WRC, provided the Mail with a statement citing, “The water is constantly monitored and tested, and meets all Alberta Health Service and Alberta Environment standards, and is completely safe to consume.”
There is currently no information on when the issue will be resolved.


Free public skating program in Delia receives support

Ag Society MVF Donation Sep 26 2020 0818

The Delia and District Agricultural Society had an eventful morning on Saturday, September 26.
The Ag Society’s free public skating program at the Delia Skating Arena received a cheque for $650 in support of this program from Delia Mountain View Financial branch manager Linda Seidler.
Ag Society President, Jason Reed, stated the arena would be opening soon for the 2020-2021 skating season under the guidelines as set out by the Province of Alberta COVID 19 protocols.
The Ag Society also conducted the raffle draw for the $5,000 raffle prize with Pat Hansen drawing the winning ticket. Congratulations to the winner, Barb Marshall of Delia.
Jason also presented Stan and Pat Hansen with a retirement gift from the Delia Ag Society in recognition of their years of service for caretaking, ice-making and concession management at the Delia Skating Arena.

Working together to boost Alberta's recovery

MinisterAllard

Alberta’s government is supporting the energy industry and municipalities to attract investment and create good jobs while delivering certainty for investors and taxpayers as Alberta recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supports to energy companies will include an exemption from property taxes for three years when drilling new wells and building new pipelines. The government will also eliminate the Well Drilling Equipment Tax provincewide for new drills.
Additionally, the government will lower assessments for less productive oil and gas wells while continuing the recently introduced 35 per cent assessment reduction on shallow gas wells for three years. These measures are to provide much-needed certainty to industry, investors, municipalities and other taxpayers now and into the future.
Arriving at a solution that benefits both rural municipalities and the energy industry is the result of a commitment to consult with and listen to our partners in both sectors. In the coming months, the government will be developing a plan for longer-term reviews of the regulated assessment system and remains committed to continued consultations and open dialogue.
“We are acting now to encourage new oil and gas development that will create jobs and boost Alberta’s recovery. Alberta needs to be as competitive as possible to attract investment into our communities. We know our municipal partners are committed to do their part to create jobs and support Albertans through this challenging economic time. We are working to secure a brighter future for our province by supporting both industry and communities,” said Tracy Allard, Minister of Municipal Affairs
“AUMA is encouraged Alberta’s government listened to feedback from municipalities and understands the importance of striking a balance between local government costs and industry competitiveness. We were pleased to be engaged in the consultation process and on working to strengthen the partnership between the province and municipalities,” said president of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Barry Morishita.
Through extensive consultations with municipalities across the province, Alberta’s government heard loud and clear that now is not the time to make comprehensive changes to the way it assesses oil and gas wells, the machinery and equipment at these wells, and the pipelines associated with them. Today’s announcement reflects our continued commitment to working with and listening to our municipal and industry partners.
Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.


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