Revised Electoral Boundaries if approved before December 31, 2024, The proposed new boundaries would be in effect for the Oct. 20, 2025 municipal election. A public hearing was held to receive input on new geographic boundaries for nine electoral divisions within the County of Newell. A resident from Tilley was there to voice their surprise in learning at a Hamlet meeting that the proposed changes include moving the Southern border of Tilley, north to Highway 535. Family and neighbours were also unaware of the proposed change to the south border. They are strongly opposed to moving the border. It divides their community and would have someone from the community of Rolling Hills representing Tilley. The question was raised as to why population numbers matter. Councillor Neil Johnson took the question as he was a big proponent of making the change. “Division 10 has 1300 people which means that a vote from a smaller Division that has 500 people in it their vote actually counts three times and you can't have that kind of disproportion. Votes are made on every motion at every council meeting.”

County of Newell residents have the right to petition against the bylaw. A valid petition must be signed by at least 10 percent of the population or 747 electors. The deadline for submitting a petition is June 17, 2025.

The bylaw and related information is available on the County of Newell website.

Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce has changed its name to the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce. ‘We recognize we need to be responsive to the needs of our Southeast Alberta region, we are fortunate to have boots on the ground with Naomi Zacharias, a previous business owner in the region, as our Brooks-Newell Business Development Coordinator. It is important to have local connections and a local presence, and we are pleased to have someone in the region, with the extension of the full wrap-around support from our existing team members.’ Executive Director, Lisa Dressler. The boundaries now include Bassano, Brooks, Cypress County - which includes Wild Horse, Seven Persons, Elkwater, Irvine, Walsh, Dunmore, Schuler, Hilda, Suffield, Ralston, Veinerville and Desert Blume, Duchess, Medicine Hat, County of Newell, Redcliff and Rosemary.

Rural Beautification Awards criteria were revised to emphasize conservation efforts amid drought conditions. Councillor Adena Skanderup proposed the amendments to prioritize conservation efforts. This change will recognize practices like rain barrel utilization and xeriscaping while maintaining the awards' spirit of gratitude for yard upkeep. County residents with more than a one-acre yard have the opportunity to be recognized for their efforts. The 2023 winners were: 

• 1st Place Scott and Kristi Good

• 2nd Place Ken and Dollie Link

• 3rd Place Devon and Candice Buteau

Tap for REASON #3 You deserve a break!

➡️ Vendor Earlybird Rates end this Thursday, May 2

Mutual Agreements are being updated with neighbouring municipalities for mutual aid in case of emergencies like fires or major incidents. The agreements establish parameters for sharing resources and responsibilities when local forces cannot handle a situation alone. These agreements are common and considered good practice for effective emergency response. Agreements are in place with neighbouring areas like Cyprus, Vulcan, Taber, and Special Areas. Councillor Christman highlighted the absence of a mutual agreement with Siksika Nation “we have helped over there, unmutually agreed”. Regional Fire Chief Stewart Luchies confirmed that communication has been initiated with fire chiefs in the nation, with hopes of reciprocation for services provided.

The Patricia fire a few years ago started with the County of Newell resources but very quickly required Special Areas and Cypress County to assist with the 5,000-acre fire, that's where the Mutual Agreements have benefited the County.

County of Newell 2023 Annual Report Highlights

County Hamlet Populations (Total County population1382)

• Bow City 16

• Cassils 22

• Gem 29

• Lake Newell Resort 437

• Patricia 88

• Rainier 21

• Rolling Hills 263

• Scandia 169

• Tilley 335

Top 10 Tax Payers:

1. Torxen Energy Ltd.

2. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

3. Nova Gas Transmission Ltd.

4. Atco Electric Ltd.

5. Altalink Management Ltd.

6. Cardinal Energy Ltd.

7. JBS Food Canada ULC.

8. IPC Canada Ltd.

9. Foothills Pipe Lines (Alta) Ltd.

10. Inter Pipeline Ltd.

Revitalizing the Crop Diversification Centre South (CDC) - the County is in lease negotiations with the Government of Alberta (GoA) to take over management of the CDC facilities. In December, Council formed a committee comprising four Councillors and two experts in agriculture and research to maximize the facility's potential for agricultural research.

Emerson Bridge Park Campground is owned by the County and located where Highway 36 intersects the Red Deer River. Revenue for the 2023 season was $127,000 with an increase in private groups and single units taking advantage of out-of-season camping. The occupancy last season was 40%.

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