Oilfields - Concerns raised
over amalgamation
By Laurel Nadon
Staff reporter
Black Diamond residents questioned if Turner Valley would bring an unfair
burden to the proposed amalgamation with its “aging infrastructure”
during an animated open house at Oilfields High School in Black Diamond
on
Nov. 8.
Approximately 110 people braved the snow to voice their concerns or learn
more about the proposed joining of the two towns.
Black Diamond Mayor Rolly Magee called on residents to bring forward comments
and concerns to help the councils make the decision.
“I guarantee that both councils don’t have all the answers.
We need your help,” Magee said. “This is a very big issue
in front of us. We want to have all the information possible and hear
what our residents have to say.”
However, in a surprise move Black Diamond Coun. Dean Anderson voiced his
opposition to amalgamation.
“The Town of Black Diamond shouldn’t be held responsible for
the aging infrastructure and other problems of Turner Valley,” Anderson
said.
Black Diamond resident Lou Patterson echoed this sentiment, saying, “I
want to know what exactly the benefits are to me as a Black Diamond taxpayer.
(Turner Valley’s) downtown is dying and you’ve got gas plant
issues. I’m just wondering if Black Diamond is willing to take on
those issues.”
Turner Valley Coun. Dona Fluter said that the municipality is working
on several projects such as a raw water reservoir, but is having problems
finding contractors.
“The money’s in the bank, we’re ready to roll,”
Fluter said.
Turner Valley Coun. Barry Williamson added that Turner Valley is working
on a revitalization plan for its downtown. He noted that Black Diamond
was able to spruce up its look thanks to the Main Street Program, but
Turner Valley didn’t qualify due to its lack of heritage buildings.
He also noted that work being done at the Turner Valley Gas Plant, such
as the containment system, is positive.
Although there have been some concerns raised including policing, Williamson
said they learned through discussions with Crowsnest Pass there really
wouldn’t be a significant change.
“You generally don’t do it for money,” Williamson said.
“At the end of the day, they’re quite happy with the outcome.”
The municipality of Crowsnest Pass was created in 1979 through the amalgamation
of five towns (Blairmore, Coleman, Bellevue, Hillcrest and Frank) and
other smaller communities.
Black Diamond resident Edna Spicer, who has lived in town since 1993,
said she supports amalgamation and the Crowsnest Pass solution is a comparable
blueprint.
“I think it’s an important issue for both towns. We’re
three miles apart and have two distinct little communities,” Spicer
said, adding that she feels amalgamation will happen sooner or later.
“I think the Crowsnest Pass is very successful with their amalgamation
and I believe it’s made the communities stronger.”
Williamson, who presented some background on the topic along with Black
Diamond Coun. Sharlene Brown, said what they’re really talking about
is one government and one municipality.
“There was obvious fits between the two towns. I don’t think
the Friendship Trail was built for no reason,” Williamson said,
referring to the pathway which links the two communities. “We’ve
invested a lot of time in this and rightfully so, it’s a big issue.
What we’re really looking at is eliminating duplication of costs.”
Brown noted that the communities are still looking at the financial implications
of amalgamation.
In a written statement to the Okotoks Western Wheel, Black Diamond Coun.
Joe Patterson states that he’s opposed to the amalgamation.
“I’ve lived in this town for the past 16 years and have been
on council for 5.5 years and I cannot see how we can achieve this without
destroying our community, our present council and the committee volunteers
who actually give the town its direction,” Patterson states. “Personally
I don’t want to lose the friendship of all the great people (staff
and volunteers) I work with in our community. I see no benefit to any
taxpayer of Black Diamond to go ahead with this proposal at this time.”
A list of frequently asked questions, presented at the open house, states
that:
• Debt levels for both towns are almost identical. Black Diamond
has an additional small debt with an annual payment of $5,000 related
to fire services which could be managed fairly by a payout of the loan
prior to amalgamation or a special levy for the Black Diamond community.
• The present Black Diamond town office would become the municipal
office for the new municipality and the Sheep River Community Library
would move to the Turner Valley municipal office building.
• Uniform municipal tax rates would be phased in over two to three
years and uniform utility charges and user fees would be phased in over
one year.
• Policing was an issue raised as there are extra costs once a community
reaches 5,000 people. The amalgamated population would be approximately
3,600. It is an issue that would be negotiated with the province.
A second open house was held in Turner Valley at the Flare ‘n’
Derrick on Tuesday, but comments made at that event weren’t available
as of press time.
The information gathered from the open houses will be brought to the restructuring
committee, which is a joint committee between the town councils.
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Armed men rob local pizza shop
By Pamela Roth
Staff Reporter
Two men armed with an object that resembled a grenade walked into a local
pizza shop last Friday and robbed the take-out restaurant before fleeing
the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Okotoks RCMP responded to the call of an armed robbery at Chicago Deep
Dish Pizza in the downtown area around 9:15 p.m. after it was reported
that two suspicious males had entered the store.
According to police, one male stayed by the door while the other approached
the counter. He then displayed an object resembling a grenade and demanded
money, threatening to pull the pin if the clerk did not obey his demand.
After receiving the cash, the two males exited the store and ran to a
vehicle that was parked in an alley at the back of the building. The vehicle,
driven by a third suspect, then headed west down the alley towards Northridge
Drive.
The man holding the grenade is described as Caucasian, aged 20 to 25,
5’5’’ tall, 170 lbs with a medium build. At the time
of the robbery, he was wearing a dark blue hoodie with a bandanna on his
face, a dark ball cap and dark sunglasses. The male standing by the door
was wearing a brown jacket. The getaway vehicle was descried as a mid
1990’s Ford SUV four-door, blue in colour with a dirty appearance.
Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact the Okotoks
RCMP detachment at 938-7046 or Crimestoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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In this issue...
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Top Marks
Local schools recognized for academic excellence
• See News
Falcons soar
Composite earns spot
in South final
• See Sports |
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