Since the implementation of the new Town of Hanna rebranding done in 2019, administration came to council at their regular Aug. 10 meeting with a few adjustments to the current designs for ease of flexibility to incorporate partners.
Administration has been delayed in the full roll-out of the plan as a result of COVID-19 initiatives and the branding and marketing work being conducted by Cactus Corridor Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC).
This branding and marketing work has led to a brand identity change for CCEDC, of which the town is a partner, to the newly branded Harvest Sky Economic Development Corporation from CCEDC.
Through this process and part of the marketing strategy for the region, there is a recommendation that the partners amend their own brand identity to identify that they are part of the Harvest Sky Region.
Council after discussion agreed to approve the revisions as presented to incorporate the Harvest Sky region into some town branding.
It was added by a couple of councillors to maintain autonomy over the phrase ‘live the lifestyle’ underneath the logo but administration shared that this will still be used in many circumstances but now gives them the flexibility to put in ‘Partner of the Harvest Sky Region’ when wanted.
Municipal election preparation
Hanna council passed four separate motions to be prepared for elections come October.
Besides the usual motions pertaining to the election, council established a motion that in order to take the vote of an elector who, because of physical incapacity, is unable to attend a voting station, the Returning Officer shall provide for the attendance of election officers at an elector’s place of residence on Election Day (October 18).
In this manner, a resident who is unable to leave their home or is a resident of the Nursing Home, Hospital or the Acadia Lodge in Hanna may request an opportunity to vote without leaving their residence.
A $250 fee will be given per election officer to work the election with an additional $30 fee if an election officer assists with a ballot recount, if required, following election day.
Compensation was increased to $250 in 2017, an increase of $25 from 2013.
Lastly, it was agreed after a proposition posed by Prairie Land School Division that the division and town hold this year’s election together by having the same voting stations.
The joint election will have electors voting for Hanna council members and Prairie Land trustees.
Additionally, this year will have voters will also have questions on a referendum recently announced by the provincial government.
This referendum portion will ask two referendum questions with yes or no answers to them.
The first question is: ‘Should section 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982 – Parliament and the government of Canada’s commitment to the principle of making equalization payments – be removed from the constitution?’ and secondly: ‘Do you want Alberta to adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time, which is summer hours, eliminating the need to change our clocks twice a year?’
The election takes place October 18.
Victim Services funding reduction concerns
Council agreed to have Mayor Chris Warwick send a letter to Drumheller-Stettler MLA Nate Horner expressing the Town of Hanna has concerns with the recently passed Bill 16 – The Victims of Crime (Strengthening Public Safety) Amendment Act and the negative effects it has on local Victim Services Units.
This letter initiative is one from the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) who has rallied up municipalities to share their individual concerns regarding this change.
In June 2020, the provincial government passed Bill 16, the Victims of Crime (Strengthening Public Safety) Amendment Act.
The Victims of Crime and Public Safety Act came into effect in December 2020.
Changes include the expansion of scope of the Victims of Crime Fund to include public safety initiatives.
Alberta is the only province that does not restrict the use of its Victims of Crime Fund to services that support victims.
It also includes replacement of financial benefits for victims with an interim program while the province develops the new victims’ assistance model.
The town does not have a victim services unit currently but is looking at bringing it back.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
