Kneehill County had some major accomplishments over 2023. They have significantly increased public consultation and opportunities for ratepayers to have input on county policy and direction regarding the potential for a Three Hills East water system. Successfully lobbying the Province to replace the bridge on Hwy 587 at the Bigelow Dam and to maintain and upgrade their road network, including new asphalt and major culvert replacement near Swalwell.
They have established six working groups and held two working sessions, allowing ratepayers to give input into the ongoing Municipal Development Plan, and hosted an information session on renewable energy.
A project with the Town of Three Hills and Prairie College is in the beginning stages to explore options for efficiency in operation of the Three Hills Airport and trade connections between the airport and local businesses.
The development of Horseshoe Canyon has been and continues to be in discussion with Council and they will be looking at options for the future, including updates to the Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan.
Their ability to plan and budget successfully earned the County the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award for the third year.
The biggest challenge for Kneehill County in 2023 was the drought affecting their livestock farms. Pasture and feed supplies had varying impacts on crop production, with the greatest impact on the East side of the County. Drought and water supply issues remain a concern for 2024, and the County will be closely monitoring fire hazard conditions due to this worrying issue.
At the end of November, 2022, Deputy Reeve Ken King replaced Jerry Wittstock as acting Reeve of Kneehill County. During his first year, King earnestly accepted and settled into his new role.
“The role of Reeve is an honor for me, and I accepted the role at the request of the former Reeve, Jerry Wittstock, and with the support of the rest of Kneehill County Council. I have the utmost respect for Mr. Wittstock, and his work as the Reeve has allowed Kneehill County Council to develop as a strong team with a very good working relationship with each other and our administration. Being the Reeve is a responsibility that I take seriously, and I have pledged to do my best to serve the Council and County residents,” states King.

Local organizations in the Drumheller Valley have collaborated to find a solution to a long-term issue – a severe seasonal housing shortage.
Area residents expressed enthusiasm for the idea of introducing a home share platform to the region. Support for the project has resulted in a commitment from the Prairies Rural Opportunities Fund (ROF 2.0) which will allow the home share concept to soon become reality.
The lack of short-term housing has been identified as a major roadblock to the growth of the region’s tourism businesses and attractions. The Drumheller Valley Housing Strategy and the Travel Drumheller Destination Development Plan identified “securing housing for seasonal employees”, as a very high priority. The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) proposed a home sharing platform to help address labour shortages and housing constraints – major obstacles limiting the delivery of a world-class tourism experience.
Two Canadian companies, Happipad and Canada Home Share, recently announced a partnership that will introduce a home share platform to the region. Home sharing connects homeowners with an extra room in their home with seasonal employees looking for rental accommodation. The support that is now in place means funding will be available to the first fifty homeowners who sign onto the home share platform and are matched with renters. Grant funding will cover program fees for the first two years of the project (through to March 31, 2026). happipad.com/drumheller
The Happipad home sharing platform allows hosts to set their own terms, establish their own rules, and connect to renters who are looking to make a positive contribution to the community. The platform screens renters and hosts, conducts background checks, prepares rental contracts, and matches for compatibility. This thorough approach ensures that accommodations are safe, secure, and sustainable.
The home share program will benefit business and tourism operators as well as residents who are looking to supplement household income. The local economy will be strengthened as additional resources become available to support local businesses. The program will also create opportunities to build community, whether it means vulnerable residents requiring modest support are able to continue to live independently, or those seeking social connection are able to find it by opening their homes to those in need of accommodation.