A delegation from Chevron Canada provided Council a presentation on their proposed pad site to be located just southeast of the town at 16-14. The site will consist of twelve wells, three of which will transverse under the town’s boundary, around the airport area. The wells will be drilled in two phases, 6 wells one year, and the last 6 around a year after that. Throughout the process, Chevron will be utilizing their Modified Traffic Light Protocol Mitigations for the 16-14 location, which residents should note is ten times more conservative than the AER guidelines.
Council also welcomed a delegation from Northern Gateway Public Schools which included outgoing Superintendent Kevin Andrea, Director of Facility Services Randy Lovich, and our local Principal Ian Baxter. Their attendance was regarding the ongoing Fox Creek School track and field project and to request support from the Town of Fox Creek to bring the project to completion. Support requested is in the form of funding as well as water via a nearby hydrant to help the field’s grass germinate successfully. Council raised concerns around potential impacts to surrounding residences who may experience discolouration in the water and lower pressures. After discussing, Council agreed to direct Administration to gather additional information to address their concerns and bring their findings back for deliberation at an upcoming Council Meeting.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) announced on behalf of the Director of Community Services that the Community Resource Centre has been successful in obtaining the 2021-2024 Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) grant.
The CAO also reported that the work for the Demolition and Removal of the Derald Palmer Memorial Arena is near completion, and that Administration has been impressed by the crew’s efficacy during the process. Final hydroseeding is expected to occur prior to Canada Day.
To help our local small businesses recover post-pandemic, Council has directed Administration to compose a letter to the Premier, our MLA, and our MP requesting that additional funds be designated to rural small businesses. This was in response to a letter received from the Town of Ponoka who had done as much and is requesting other rural municipalities follow suite in an effort to bring more attention to the issue. It has been an ongoing concern, not only for the Towns of Fox Creek and Ponoka but all rural communities in Alberta, that support and services are disproportionately provided to larger centers over that of small rural towns.
Council has also directed Administration to support and advertise the province-wide initiative Walk to Breath. This initiative encourages awareness, participation, and to raise funds to support The Lung Association of AB and NWT. More information on the program and how to participate will be advertised on the Town’s social media accounts over the next few weeks.
With the resignation of Fire Chief Les Paul, Administration conducted interviews for the vacant position. Careful consideration was given to the candidates, however, during Council Closed Session, they appointed Captain Shawn Watson as Fire Chief beginning July 1st. Captain Watson has stepped down from his position as Councillor for the Town of Fox Creek to accept this position. He brings 16 years of experience as a volunteer fire fighter and the Town is excited to welcome him into his new role.