The Community
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Press 115 Years of Telling YOUR Story
Volume 116 Issue 04
www.thecommunitypress.com
New Gazebo at Daysland Hospital - P16
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 s
Flagstaff County proposes noxious weed spraying along provincial highways Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Local takes home two Bronze medals at North American Indigenous Games SUPPLIED PHOTO
Twelve-year-old Destiny Castagna returned from the North American Indigenous Games on Sunday, tired but proud of her results. Competing in the 14U category, Castagna won two bronze medals, one in the 14U 200m backstroke competition, and a second on the Alberta U19 Freestyle 4x50m relay. Above, Castagna shows off her two bronze medals. The games featured over 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756+ Indigenous Nations coming together in Halifax, NS from July 16 to 23. See the full story on Page 17.
AHS issues water quality advisory for Shorncliffe Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued a new water quality advisory on Monday, July 24, for Shorncliffe Lake near Czar. AHS says, “Due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria currently present in the water of Shorncliffe Lake, located near by Czar, AHS is advising the public not to swim or wade at the lake’s beach, effective immediately. “At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from contact with the water and there is the possibility of skin, ear, and eye infections with water contact. “If members of the public do decide to access the lake,
they should take precautions to protect themselves. Avoid contact with the face/mouth and ensure hands are washed after being in the lake. “Hand washing can also help protect against skin, ear, and eye infections.” AHS adds a warning that visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any river, lake or reservoir, at any time. Water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. AHS Environmental Public Health officers will continue to monitor the water quality along the beach at Shorncliffe Lake and signage has been posted at common access points.
Flagstaff County Council made a decision during the July 12 regular meeting to prepare a proposal to Alberta Transportation (AT) for roadside noxious weed control along provincial highways in the region. The Provincial Weed Control Act states that noxious weeds must be controlled, and that prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed. When AT was made aware of noxious weeds along areas of HWY 13 near Daysland, and secondary highways 856, 872, and 881. County weed inspectors notified AT of the weeds; however AT indicated they do not have the resources to complete this work. Council agreed to prepare a proposal to perform roadside spraying along these provincial highways, on a full cost-recovery basis, for submission to AT. Council also heard that a 2021 resolution of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) was passed by members, to advocate for the return of a provincial vegetation management plan, also enhancing the Province’s approach to noxious weed management as well as unsafe vegetation. The resolution also asked the Province to ensure that the new plan include highways, ensuring an appropriately timed herbicide application, and focus on timely mowing right-of-ways to limit the spread of weed seeds. In response to that resolution, AT says it plans to conduct a review of current resources and practices around vegetation management, including weed management along roadsides. Council heard that as of spring 2023, that review has not been started. Inconsistent vegetation management along provincial highways has been an issue since the province privatized Alberta Transportation services in the mid-90s, says the RMA. Flagstaff County’s roadside spraying program is on track for the 2023 season, and the county has the capacity to complete this additional spraying work. If the proposal is accepted by AT, Flagstaff County will enter into a Municipal Access and Work Agreement with Alberta Transportation. Prohibited Noxious Weeds are those that are generally not found in the province, or are found in few locations such that eradication could be possible, according to Alberta’s Weed Control Act. Common noxious weeds in Flagstaff County include White Cockle, Scentless Chamomile, Absinthe Wormwood, and Toadflax. The county offers a program where a spray crew will spray infestations, with landowners responsible for labour/chemical costs. Leafy Spurge is another noxious weed found in the region, with the County is currently combining chemical, biological, and grazing to help control spurge.