The Special Areas Board is in the process of updating the Land Use Order and is looking for feedback on proposed changes from the public.
The current Land Use Order was last updated in 2015 and needed to be reviewed to help streamline regulations, reduce red tape and support clear and understandable development processes. The review process first began in 2021 and has included members of administration, development officers and planning staff from Palliser Regional Municipal Services.
With the initial draft of the updated Land Use Order now complete, Special Areas wants to hear from the public on proposed changes to this important municipal planning document.
To ensure the updated Land Use Order considers the impacts and opportunities for Special Areas residents and stakeholders, a two-phase engagement process is being planned.
The first phase of this engagement will take place over the fall and will include both online and in-person engagement opportunities. The draft Land Use Order document is currently available on the Special Areas website, along with a summary report that highlights some of the major changes being proposed. Residents, businesses, and other affected stakeholders are encouraged to review these documents ahead of the information open houses being planned later for this fall. Feedback provided during public engagement will help inform revisions to the draft document.
Once the draft document has been finalized based on feedback from this public engagement, it will be taken to the Special Areas Board for first reading in early 2024. As a part of Special Areas regular consultation process, a public hearing will be scheduled to allow members of the public to share feedback on the draft document directly with the Board.
This public hearing will take place ahead of any additional readings of the Land Use Order document and will be widely advertised to make sure interested parties can attend or send in written submissions. The Board will use feedback received throughout the public consultation process to make sure the updated Land Use Order aligns with the community’s wants and needs.
Special Areas encompass East Central Alberta from the Hanna area to the Saskatchewan Border, South of Jenner and North of Consort.

On Sept. 15, 2023, at 8:51 a.m., Drumheller RCMP received a report of individuals discharging a firearm at another vehicle and driving dangerously on Highway 56 North of Drumheller. Both occupants of the vehicle were observed entering a residence in Rumsey, Alta.. Upon police arrival, both suspects exited the residence and were taken into custody.

RCMP executed a search warrant at the residence and vehicle. A firearm, as well as ammunition and spent shell casings were located.

Stettler resident, Crystal Anne Primrose (30), has been charged with:
· Discharge firearm with intent
· Firearms offences (x6)
· Recklessly discharge a firearm
· Fail to comply with probation order
Rumsey resident, James Hussey (49), has been charged with:
· Dangerous driving
· Discharge firearm with intent
· Firearms offences (x6)
· Recklessly discharge a firearm
· Fai to appear in court (x2)

Both Hussey and Primrose were taken before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody with their next court date set for Sept. 18, 2023, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Didsbury.

Although charges have been laid, Drumheller RCMP continue the investigation into this incident. RCMP are asking for vehicle dash camera footage depicting a white/blue Chevrolet truck on Sept. 15, 2023, between the hours of 8:30 a.m., and 9:30 a.m., in the area of Highway 56 to Highway 9, Range Road 210 to Highway 839 and Highway 839 to Rumsey.

If anyone has information about this incident, please contact Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-7590. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play store.
To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.