Lac Ste. Anne County Activity Report LSAC_Flipbook_Activity Report 2016-17_FINAL_HiRes | Page 8

REPORT FROM COMMUNITY & PROTECTIVE SERVICES Through its Community & Protective Services departments, the County provides a spectrum of customized services designed to address community issues, support local producers, and maintain regional safety and security. TRISTA COURT General Manager, Community & Protective Services [email protected] 780.785.3411 TF 1.866.880.5722 Community & Protective Services (CPS) encompasses the dynamic and dedicated individuals within the County’s Fire Services, Agricultural Services and Community Services departments. These teams endeavour to create positive experiences for ratepayers, and work diligently to meet the needs of a growing community. 2016 was a year of significant challenges for CPS. Yet our departments have collectively persevered in the face of adversity, and I’m proud to report the achievement of several milestones as a result. I am extremely proud of each and every member of our CPS team, and I wish to take this opportunity to say thank you for your consistent hard work and dedication. FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES As reported by County Fire Chief Randy Schroeder, Fire Services dealt with a record number of wildfire and emergency calls in 2016. The outcome of three such fires resulted in the opening of the County’s Emergency Coordination Centre. Overshadowed by the Fort McMurray fire, the County itself was involved in the opening of reception centres for evacuees from both the LSAC ACTIVITY REPORT | County Progress 2016/17 780.785.3411 www. LSAC .ca Mayerthorpe trestle fire and the Glenevis/Alexis fire. I often joke about firefighters being their own breed — yet anyone who has seen them in action knows this to be true. The devotion and perseverance displayed by every one of our firefighters is undeniable! It brings such a sense of pride to County staff and the community at large that these people — these hundred-plus firefighters of their own breed — bring such fierce commitment to their roles. The amalgamation of two fire stations into the County’s East Station was realized in early 2016. Additionally, our Casual Program was implemented. Designed to enable quick response for daytime emergencies, the Casual Program was piloted in early 2016, and grew significantly throughout the summer months. In 2016, the addition of a full-time Deputy County Fire Chief position was a welcome addition to this ever-evolving department. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES Devastating crop production was endured by many agricultural producers in 2016, resulting in County Council declaring a State of Agricultural Disaster. It is estimated that 50% of cropped acres County-wide remained in fields at the end of the year. Early in 2017, Agricultural Services launched its “Don’t Go Where We Grow” campaign, with a message discouraging trespassing on cropped fields. In the wake of these events, the knowledgeable Ag Services team is ready and able to discuss a number of “what now” options with producers. Producers are encouraged to contact the Agricultural Services department to have these types of helpful conversations. Discussions early in the year instigated a contemplated move to restructure the Agricultural Services Board to include a combination of members-at-large and Council members (previously, membership was restricted to Council members). A bylaw to establish the new framework was presented to Council early 2017 and the subsequent member application was successful, yielding six (6) new members eager to share their insights.