Municipal Affairs confirmed last week that Kneehill County will undergo a preliminary review after a petition was submitted in September requesting a municipal inspection.
A cabinet communications official says there are a number of steps to go through before a formal inspection can begin. A preliminary review into the concerns of the petitioners will take place, including a review of municipal documents, as well as interviews with members of council, the chief administrative officer, and the petitioners. Municipal Affairs is in the process of scheduling this review.
“The purpose of the preliminary review process is to determine the underlying reason for the petition and to ensure an appropriate response is taken. The results of the preliminary review will help inform what further steps should be taken, including the possibility of formal inspection,” they said.
They expect to have the preliminary review completed with a decision on whether to proceed with a formal inspection in early 2019.
Over 1,100 ratepayers in the county signed a petition in mid-September requesting Municipal Affairs to inspect Kneehill County over concerns of how county council and administration handled a number of recent projects, including the budget for the Churchill Water Service Area Project, the county’s rural fire strategy, and the hiring of a county peace officer, among other things.

Alberta Infrastructure Minister Sandra Jensen (centre) visited the Royal Tyrrell Museum on Tuesday to view the expansion project currently underway.

“Our ability to take that information that you learn in Drumheller and to transport that around the world is wonderful, and that only happens when you have the right facilities and technology – and that’s what an expansion like this is able to do,” Jensen said.

The project has been a long time coming, and in the spring of 2016, the Alberta government committed to a budget for the project. The federal government is also contributing $3.95 million to the $9.3 million renovations.

The expansion is roughly 1,100 square metres and it will make more space for the distance learning center and additional classroom and laboratory space. It will feature a large multi-purpose room that can be used for programming and conferences. It will also expand on improvements that make visits a more positive experience including accessible washroom facilities, a hands-on discovery room, and a family rest area.

The expansion is on schedule for completion in spring.