Bashaw town council gave initial approval for their local fire department to provide a new type of out-of-town service, but included a few conditions.
The decision was made at the regular Nov. 6 meeting of council.
In a phone call to the ECA Review Nov. 8, Town Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller noted that a proposal from the Bashaw Fire Department returned to council for discussion: the idea of their organization offering “wildland” firefighting services.
The issue of wildland firefighting has gained a lot of traction over the last few years as drought and dryness, has gripped not just rural but some urban areas in Alberta too.
It was noted offering another service would also bring in revenue for the fire department.
Wildland firefighting requires specialized training and equipment and when this proposal previously appeared at Bashaw council equipment was one of the key discussion points.
The CAO noted the Town of Bashaw was seeking to access funds through Camrose County to acquire a wildland firefighting vehicle, sometimes called a “bush buggy,” but according to the CAO that idea hasn’t borne fruit.
Fuller confirmed that councillors did pass several resolutions related to approval of Bashaw Fire Department’s wildland firefighting service proposal; essentially councillors approved the local fire department and town staff to update operating guidelines to include wildland firefighting services as per the Alberta Wildland Urban Interface guidelines.
Councillors previously heard a presentation about these guidelines.
Fuller stated that councillors also clarified that wildland services must not leave Bashaw itself short of firefighting coverage.
“The fire chief would coordinate who can/would be deployed and ensure that adequate staffing resources are available to attend local fire-related events,” stated the CAO’s report to council.
Councillors also instructed staff to obtain approval from Camrose County for the Bashaw Fire Department to utilize that municipality’s wildland vehicle.
Fires such as the one that devastated the Town of Jasper last summer became national news, and while fires often ignite in wildland areas they can move quickly to threaten urban communities too.
Motions rescinded
Councillors rescinded two resolutions related to a venue located in a direct control (DC) zone after the CAO notified them said motions dating from 2016 and 2017 weren’t a “proper process.”
Fuller noted two resolutions related to the Bashaw Retreat Centre located at 5430 51A Street in Bashaw weren’t proper.
“The motions passed were not a proper process, as the information was not in a development permit format,” stated the CAO’s report, which quoted section 640 (2)c and 641 (3) of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) as background.
DC zones are somewhat different from typical zoning in that councillors directly hear applications within DC zones; a municipal planning commission (MPC) is not necessarily involved.
During discussion councillors heard that development permits are required whenever changes in a development’s use are proposed.
The CAO noted the Bashaw Retreat Centre, which was also referred to as the Bashaw Valley Lodge in council documents, can submit new applications for its operations in the future.
New foreman
Fuller confirmed Patrick Taylor recently resigned as Public Works foreman; she noted a new foreman has been hired.
Councillors were introduced to Rick Schmidt. It was noted he has considerable experience in Public Works and looks forward to new training opportunities.
Closed session
Fuller stated councillors, after exiting closed session, passed a resolution to accept a $20,000 offer to purchase lot 9 block 48 plan 8020160.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
