The Reeve’s End of Year Message was posted in the Mile Zero Banner Post in December 2023. Our apologies, it was unfortunately missed on the County’s website and social media accounts.
Message from Reeve Terry Ungarian:
As we get ready to close out another year, I would like to reflect back on some of
the happenings in the County.
As I am sure most residents are aware, late in 2022 the south regional water
project had a substantial increase in cost as the result of an arbitration award
against the County. This unforeseen decision created a financial burden that
needed immediate attention. In January we met with provincial ministers and our
MLA to discuss options to assist in covering these unexpected costs. Council and
administration were most pleased with their response and subsequent financial
assistance.
Winter yielded below normal snowfall, making the usual spring runoff brief and
uneventful in most areas. An unusually hot and dry Spring, continuing into early
summer especially in the northern parts of the municipality, combined with the
lack of moisture and a severe grasshopper infestation led to council declaring an
agricultural disaster in August.
Despite the drought and heat we were fortunate not to have any major wildfires or
grassfires. One large wildfire in the north did cause some concern but thankfully
no evacuations were required. The entire north was enveloped in smoke for many
days from fires burning in just about every direction. Our county airport just north
of Manning was busy with air tanker traffic and helicopters as part of the effort to
control fires in the region.
The re-gravel program and roadside mowing in the northern wards went very well
without many weather-related delays. After a few years of postponements, the
Dixonville street re-paving was completed in October.
Council continues to build inter-municipal relationships with our urban and rural
neighbors and to look for efficiencies in delivering services. We also recognize
the importance of our industry partners and support and advocate for them
wherever possible. Forestry and energy both have made significant capital
investments this past year which will continue to provide jobs directly and
indirectly as well as provide a strong municipal tax base.
Council members also sit on numerous boards and committees throughout the
region such as Seniors Housing, Libraries, Health Care Attraction and Retention,
Family and Community Support Services, Northwest Species at Risk, Community
Rail Advocacy Alliance, Long Lake Regional Waste Management Commission, and
Economic Development just to name a few. The work of these boards and
committees is vital in providing services to residents not only in the County but
throughout the region.
On behalf of Council, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best in
the New Year.
Reeve Terry Ungarian