As we enter 2025, I would like to look back and reflect on another year that has drawn to a close.
The winter of 23/24 was one to remember, apart from an extreme cold snap in mid-January, we had long mild spells and very little snowfall. Although it was nice to enjoy such a mild winter it certainly was not good for replenishing water sources. Spring started out very dry but farmers were able to get their crops seeded earlier without many rain delays. The dry start to spring and lack of rain caused concern for wildfire potential. The Keg River and Weberville areas did have fires threaten some residences but fortunately, there were no other major wildfires throughout the municipality. The County did eventually get timely rains as the summer went on and most areas saw near record yields of both crops and hay.
The County’s long serving Chief Administration Officer (CAO), Theresa Van Oort, officially retired at the end of April and council welcomed her replacement in May. Gerhard Stickling took on the role of CAO after previously working in an administration position with a rural municipality in Northern Alberta. Council has been very pleased with his performance and look forward to his continued leadership. He and his wife have settled in Manning, and they will be great assets to the community.
The County of Northern Lights continues to collaborate with 4 neighbouring municipalities in the south end of the County to see what opportunities there may be for economic stimulation in the region. Councils gathered together in late 2023 and again in early 2024 to brainstorm ideas to advocate and lobby for. This group of municipalities then formed a Regional Energy Committee after we learned that there was the possibility of a nuclear power generation plant being constructed in the region. The committee will serve as a liaison for residents and businesses, to foster engagement, communication, and transparency, should such a project become a reality.
Councillors continue to serve on various boards and committees and attend district and provincial meetings and conferences. We have also had the opportunity to meet with the Premier and several Cabinet Ministers and MLA’s at various times throughout the year along with industry and other organization leaders. Through this representation by Councillors, we have been diligent to advocate for the funding and recognition of our region and to make sure we can continue to maintain the levels of service we value.
Inflation over the last year has had no boundaries and has impacted the cost of just about everything: fuel, utilities, equipment, general supplies, labour, have all seen an increase. Council is pleased, that even with the challenges of rising expenses and capital purchases, they have approved a preliminary balanced budget for 2025.
There is still an ongoing legal claim by the County regarding the arbitration award that we notified residents of back in early 2023. This is proving to be a very slow process that involves legal representation from all parties involved. Council remains optimistic that a favourable judgment for the County will be reached soon.
The old saying is that after the storm clouds pass there will be sunshine. Here is looking forward for brightness to shine on the best place to live, work and play. On behalf of the Council for the County of Northern Lights, all the best in the year ahead.
Reeve, Terry Ungarian