Town of Raymond council briefs from March 5

By Heather Cameron
Westwind Weekly News

The following are select briefs from the Town of Raymond council meeting that took place on March 5.

Delegation – Sgt. Brad Noss, Raymond/Magrath RCMP Detachment Commander

Sergeant Brad Noss, Detachment Commander for the Raymond/Magrath RCMP visited Council and reported that the detachment is going downwards in crime trends which is positive. Noss also reported that the detachment’s annual performance plan includes we have Crime reduction as one of their initiatives, along with increasing proactive patrols. On the detachment’s resourcing front, Noss said, Corporal Don Nelson has submitted his retirement papers, and will be discharged from the force at the end of May. The search for a replacement has already begun, Noss said, and Constable Sean Smith has one month left with us before he’s headed to Manitoba, as he had the opportunity to head back home to where his family and grandkids are. The detachment, Noss said, also has a Constable named out of Brooks who has ties to the area named Travis Norton on his way to the area that should be arriving by the summertime. 

Another objective Noss said he had for the detachment was focusing on more community engagement, especially getting involved with the school level, as they have missed out on that during the pandemic, and they want to get the detachment members back into the schools, whether it’s on an informal or formal basis, just to make those connections and see what they can do to make life a little a little better. 

Library Board Member Reappointment – Cara Hartley

Council discussed how library board member Cara Hartley’s current term ended February 28, so a motion needed to be made to reappoint her to the library board. Councillor Jensen made a motion to reappoint Cara Hartley to the library board and the motion was carried.

Intercollaboration Framework Survey – Minister McIver

Administration reported to Council that the Town of Raymond had received a letter from Minister Ric McIver inviting them to participate in a review of the Municipal Government Act requirements relating to Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks, which encourage both integrated and strategic planning, delivery, and funding of intermunicipal services. Administration explained to Council that Minister McIver’s letter stated that he wished for Chief Elected Officials to participate in a survey, which is available online at extranet.gov.ab.ca/opinio6//s=ICFReview, that will help ensure that future legislative changes consider the needs of municipalities. The survey, according to Minister McIver’s letter, will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete and will be available until April 12, 2024. The letter also indicated that Ministry staff will also be seeking input from Chief Administrative Officers via discussion sessions to supplement the survey and the outcomes from said engagements will inform legislative changes targeted for 2025. The letter concluded by saying those with questions could email ma.engagement@gov.ab.ca. Council discussed the survey briefly and ultimately agreed to examine the matter further in closed session.

Councillor Kindt Report

During the Committee Reports, Councillor Kindt shared that The Farm Safety Centre in Raymond has transitioned to Heartland Training and Support Hub, and the facility’s strategic plan is to include a broader mission encompassing rural health, well0-being, and support for newcomers. The plan that the hub has, Kindt said, is a response to the evolving needs of rural communities and the challenges faced in maintaining relevance and securing funding in a changing landscape, and their new direction reflects a commitment to not only continue their work in farm safety, but to expand their services to address a wider range of needs within rural communities. Kindt emphasized that their legal name, Raymond and District Futures Society will not change. The change in name to Heartland Training and Support Hub, Kindt says, is a move to better reflect their expanded scope and mission, while maintaining their already established legal and organizational structure.

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