Hardisty celebrated their 70th annual rodeo on July 20-22. The street fair started the weekend off with over 30 vendors, a fashion show, pet contest, hoop dancers, chilli cook-offs, jam sessions, dance performances and many more activities.
“It was a very good rodeo weekend. People put a lot of effort into it,” said Mayor Doug Irving when council discussed the rodeo and street fair.
Rodeo performances were held, there was a parade on the Saturday and the weekend winded up with the combine crunch. A combine crunch is like a smash-up derby with cars except old combines are used.
Councillor Penny Wurz and Deputy Mayor Dean Lane both commented on the high attendance and full stands for the rodeo performances and combine crunch.
Local Authorities Election Act
The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Act (AUMA) sent council some information to review on some proposed changes to the Local Authorities Election Act which will make the rules for local elections similar to the process used for provincial elections.
The use of electronic voting, ability to set bylaws to address tie votes, and being able to set up voting stations in supportive living facilities were discussed as ways to get a higher level of voter turnout.
Council discussed that in small rural communities electronic voting could be beneficial as residents who are working away for an extended period can still vote in their local elections and this ultimately makes them feel like they are a part of the decision making in their community.
Regional Emergency Services
Mayor Doug Irving and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sandi Otto attended the Regional Emergency Services meeting on July 18. Irving explained that Transitional Solutions, a consultancy group from Edmonton, was awarded the contract to research the Flagstaff Regional Fire and Emergency Services Project.
They will consult with the regional emergency services committee, each fire departments fire chief, and each municipalities CAO to prepare for the new regional system and determine requirements for occupational health and safety.
Transitional Solutions will also address the issue of recruitment and retention of firefighters, ensure liability is minimized to the members of the municipalities, identify previously unidentified financial impacts, and work on a business plan.
