The new year has just started, but the Special Areas Board is already busy getting ready for 2023 projects.
After a return to pre-pandemic operations in 2022, 2023 continues to be a year of catch-up for the Board, both in projects and capital expenditures. With the proposed 2023 budget recommended by the Board for approval, administration is getting a jump-start on major capital expenditures.
“One of the defining features of living in the Special Areas has always been figuring out how to get things done, despite any challenges or shortages faced. For us, 2022 was no different,” said special areas board chair Jordon Christianson. “2022 sometimes felt like we were almost getting back to normal; however, we continued to face many of the same challenges since 2020. From shortages in parts and equipment to difficulties in fully staffing operations, 2022 was a year where many people were asked to do more, often with less resources.”
With supply chain issues continuing to cause significant delays, many of the larger capital purchases are needing to be ordered months (sometimes years) ahead of their expected delivery. For 2023, Special Areas continues to focus on protecting municipal infrastructure investments while delivering critical services and programs to ratepayers.
In January, local road committees will be reviewing the proposed 2023 road program and providing feedback for the spring meeting of Advisory Council. Enforcement will continue to be a top priority in 2023, especially related to some of the renewable energy project developments in the region. The Board is looking at ways to make sure the right resources are deployed effectively, including collaborating with other enforcement agencies.
Work on the regional irrigation project with the MD of Acadia, Government of Alberta and the Canada Infrastructure Bank will be a key priority for the Board Office this year. This work is funded by all project partners and is expected to deliver important answers on how regional irrigation could be designed while reducing costs. This work, which builds on the feasibility work completed in 2022, is expected to take around 24 months to complete. Work on a proposed tax recovery land sale policy will continue early in the new year, and the Board continues to investigate ways to bring this policy forward in 2023.
As we move into 2023, here at Special Areas we are focusing on strengthening relationships with our urban neighbours while continuing to leverage regional partnerships. We are excited to get started on the next phase of the regional irrigation project and are committed to making this once-in-a-generation opportunity as affordable as possible for local producers,” said Christianson.
For more information on your upcoming local road committee meeting or to learn more about Advisory Council meetings, contact your local district office.

The Village of Rockyford has celebrated several successes over the last year, from a successful return of the Rockyford Bull-A-Rama and Rockyford Rodeo, to the delivery of a new fire truck, and members of the community receiving esteemed awards.
Rockyford cancelled its annual rodeo event in 2020 and 2021 due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, though it was able to proceed with its Bull-A-Rama in 2021. This was the first year since 2019 the village has held both events, with the Bull-A-Rama held at the end of June followed by the 63rd annual Rockyford Rodeo taking place a few weeks later in July; this was the first year the Rockyford Rodeo was recognized as a professional rodeo event, and council says there was great attendance at both events.
Mayor Darcy Burke was recognized for his more than 20 years of service on municipal council with the Alberta Municipalities Distinguished Service Award in August. He was one of eight people across the province to receive this award, and the only recipient from a village municipality.
This was not the only award Mayor Burke received this year as he, and sitting mayors across the province, received one of 7,000 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award medals. Long time Rockyford resident Odo Melcher was also nominated for and received a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal for his many years of volunteerism to the community; Mr. Melcher received his medal at a ceremony in Calgary in early December.
The village received a new fire truck in September, and welcomed residents to an open house at the Rockyford Fire Hall in October to get a look at the new apparatus.
Also in October, a new 32 niche columbarium was installed at the Union Cemetery northwest of the village. The purchase of the columbarium was approved in January 2022 at a cost of $20,000 and will offer residents an alternative option for their final resting place.
The Rockyford Lions Club has spent the year fundraising and giving back to the community with donations to support the Drydale family. Ward Drydale suffered a fall in the summer and was badly injured, and the Rockyford Lions gave the Drydale family $6,000 from its medical fund to help support them shortly after the accident; the Lions Club then held a fundraiser dinner in October and raised another $14,200, which was presented to Ward and Kim in November. A few short weeks after the Drydale fundraiser, in November, the Lions Club held its annual Maritime Madness dinner, which had a full house of residents enjoying a steak and lobster dinner. This event helped raise $52,437 which was presented to the Ag Society to pay off its loan for ice plant repairs at the arena.
Looking forward to 2023, the village aims to complete concrete and lighting along a block of Main Street.
This was a project slated for 2022, however, there were some delays which caused a temporary pause in construction as concrete for the sidewalks could not be poured until the lighting was installed. It is anticipated the lights will be installed in January 2023, with the whole project set to be complete by spring 2023.
The village is also looking forward to hosting another successful Bull-A-Rama and rodeo, and plans are already in the works for these events.