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Kneehill County targeting business, industry growth

Kneehill County Council

Kneehill County conducted an analysis of its industry sectors in 2020 to look at potential areas of growth for the county and the results were presented during the Tuesday, February 15 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Scollie Research project consultant Elan Buan shared agriculture processing, tourism, energy, and machinery manufacturing and repair were identified as having “potential high growth” based on the analysis.
“We wanted to further identify growth sector and create targeted sector profiles that highlight those industries that exhibit the greatest potential for growth in this region,” Ms. Buan explained.
Due to its proximity to the Calgary metropolitan area, and access to two major ports means Kneehill County is in an excellent position to grow its agriculture industry.
Ms. Buan noted tourism also had a similar potential for growth and could be paired with agri-tourism to showcase locally grown and sourced foods to capitalize growth opportunities.
The energy sector was also identified as a potential opportunity for the county, despite challenges in recent years. Although there are still some barriers and hurdles the industry is facing, there is a push for green, renewable energy, and Kneehill County could be a prime location for these developments.
While there is potential for growth, there are also some limitations.
Economic Development officer Jacqueline Buchanan shared there is limited land available in the county suitable for commercial development.
“You can look at the positive. If you have no land for sale it’s pretty safe to say your economy is not that bad; on the other hand, it doesn’t matter how much preparation we do, we aren’t going to attract anybody to a municipality that doesn’t have anywhere for them to land,” she said.
The number of publicly listed land available is limited to an existing business and two vacant lots in Torrington, and two rural lots totalling 8.6 acres which could be used for industry. While some landowners may be “willing to talk” to investors, these properties are not listed publicly.
Even if more land was available, the county could be looking at increased costs. County infrastructure could require upgrades to meet increased demands, and additional planning would be required for both emergency and social services. Growth would be dependent upon council’s interest in attracting investment and diversifying the current tax base.

Emergency services respond to South Hill rollover

Emergency Services were called to a single-vehicle rollover at the base of the South Hill Thursday afternoon, March 3. At approximately 2 p.m., members of the Drumheller Fire Department, RCMP, and EMS responded. A vehicle descending the south hill appears to have lost control in the winter driving condition and came to a stop on its side. The driver was the lone occupant of the vehicle and was assessed by EMS at the scene. The Fire Department directed traffic as the scene was cleared.

Stolen vehicle evades Drumheller RCMP

20180117 RCMP Stock TJH 0130

Drumheller RCMP were conducting proactive patrols on Sunday, February 27 just before 8 p.m. when they came across a suspicious vehicle driving with no tail lights.
Upon running the license plate it was determined the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Calgary and officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, though the driver did not comply and officers continued to monitor the vehicle from afar.
The following afternoon the Drumheller RCMP detachment received calls from the public reporting a vehicle with a blown tire was driving around on its rim.
Upon investigation, it was discovered the suspicious vehicle was the same vehicle from the previous night--described as an older model, approximately 2002, black Chevrolet Malibu with a low, sagging tailpipe, license plate BNJ 7658.
The driver had stopped in a farmer’s field to change the tire and once again evaded police. At this second scene, a stolen pickup truck was recovered, and Drumheller Staff Sergeant Ed Bourque says the forensics team is currently investigating.
At this time, the Malibu has not been recovered and RCMP continue attempts to locate the vehicle. Drumheller RCMP are asking the public not to approach the suspect vehicle if spotted and instead to call 911 or the Drumheller RCMP detachment 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.

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