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Special Areas Water Supply Project public consultation report released

Figure 1.1. SAWSP map

   Special Areas shared their report on the recent public consultation for the Special Areas Water Supply Project (SAWSP), available at www.specialareas.ab.ca.
   This report summarizes feedback provided during March’s consultation, including what people thought the next steps should be for the project. This feedback will be used by the Advisory Council and Board to help inform their decision on whether Special Areas should move ahead with additional investment in the project.
   “We were pleased to see how engaged ratepayers and other stakeholders were during our consultation on SAWSP.” said Jordon Christianson, Chair. “From attending community information sessions to sharing their thoughts on the survey, people throughout the Special Areas provided clear feedback on what we should be doing next for SAWSP. This feedback will be critical in helping the Advisory Council and the Board make a well-informed decision that considers potential impacts to different project stakeholders.”
   The consultation included three community information sessions hosted throughout the region and a survey that gathered specific feedback. The survey, which was available online and at District Offices, asked for feedback on whether Special Areas should continue investing in the project.
   Special Areas presented the three options being considered, including shelving the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, requesting a technical review on the EIA by Alberta Environment and Parks, or pursuing a formal public interest determination from the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB). These options had estimated costs which ranged from nothing up to $10 million dollars.
   Stakeholders throughout the region shared their feedback on next steps for SAWSP, and most responses came from ratepayers residing in the Special Areas.
   Responses were divided between not wanting the Board to make any further investment in the project to asking for a public interest determination by the NRCB. The last option, which included requesting a formal determination by the NRCB, was estimated to cost between $2 million and $10 million dollars.
    For more information on the SAWSP, or to view the report on the consultation, contact your local District Office or head to www.specialareas.ab.ca.

Fox family entertains neighbourhood

A few residents of Drumheller near the Ramada Inn were treated to a special opportunity to view wildlife. Amie Courtenay shared these photos of a fox family that took up residence in the parkland along 2nd Street East and have been sneaking in and out of the neighbourhood. Courtenay estimates they saw a family of about four cubs. However, sightings have disappeared, making her believe the foxes may have been relocated or have moved on.
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Dear COVID-19

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Dear COVID-19:

   I need a vacation. Away from the bustle of day-to-day duties, the stress of home-schooling, the constant emails and phone calls, and the never-ending laundry. Is it just me or has laundry doubled during the pandemic?
   Yet I can’t help but wonder: am I allowed a vacation? The media and health officials are pushing for staycations, despite the reassuring numbers these past few weeks, because so much remains uncertain. Festivals have been cancelled. Many parks are closed. Camping sites are limited in number. It would make sense to just stay home and enjoy some downtime. However, what about those of us who can’t actually relax or have official time away unless we physically leave our town? Can we go camping? Can we go visit family at their cabins in a nearby province? Can we stay in a hotel? Or Airbnb? And even if we can, should we?
   The worry of harassment if you’re pegged as a tourist resounds with many of us, especially after all the stories of others being threatened for having out of province license plates. Some provinces, like Manitoba and Nova Scotia, still require visitors to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. PEI and Newfoundland still have their borders closed to access, even by other Canadians. Doug Ford told Quebec that they love them in Ontario, but to please wait before they visit their neighbours.

How could we vacation during the pandemic and do our best to stay safe? Here are some suggestions:
• Well, the borders remain closed to unnecessary travel at this time, so Canada it is, eh?
• Start planning and keep track of what’s currently happening with outbreaks and numbers in the areas you’re considering visiting. Make sure to check the rules from the province before you leave.
• Outdoor vacations are your best and safest option. For those of you with an RV, you’re in luck because you have full control over that space, keeping it clean, and restricting access to others. Camping can also be safe, but the struggle becomes communal areas, such as common bathrooms for those of you who usually tent.
• Keep numbers low. If you do plan to visit family or friends, be selective. The fewer people, the lower the risk of exposure.
• Hotel vs Airbnb? Both will have to adhere to strict cleaning protocols; however, a house rental is limited to just you and your own. You can easily go in and clean it on arrival, controlling the disinfection of each area, versus managing the hygiene of a hotel and the other patrons coming-and-going.

As I write these suggestions, I find myself anxious and discouraged, rather than excited to getaway. We may be itching to get out of town, but all the rules and restrictions put too much of a damper on a holiday. Is it worth it? Or should we just wait?

Dear COVID-19 is a weekly column supplied by
Drs. Rithesh and Veronique Ram

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