WHITECOURT TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE

A significant sewer blockage has occurred in a trunk sewer main that services the Hilltop area. After inspection, the majority of the 750mm concrete sewer pipe was blocked by a variety of waste products improperly disposed of into the sewer system (i.e. rags, sanitary/baby wipes, sand, gravels, oils). Infrastructure Services crews have been working to clear the blockage, and estimates that there is enough “unflushable” waste to fill two tandem trucks (18 cubic yards of waste). The estimated cost to clear the blocked line is $60,000. Whitecourt recently produced an information sheet on what can and can’t be disposed of through the sewer system, and will be work- ing to develop an educational campaign that will inform residents on how to properly dispose of “unflushable” items. Follow Whitecourt’s Facebook page and website for information on where wastewater goes and what should not be disposed of in your toilets, sinks or storm water drains.

Whitecourt property owners will receive their combined 2017 property assessment and tax notice this month. Changes have been made to the notice to provide additional information to ratepayers on the annual tax levy and what their tax dollars are utilized for. For more information on 2017 municipal taxes, and payment information, please visit www.whitecourt.ca. Property taxes are due Tuesday, July 4.

The new St. Joseph School will open in September 2017 and will provide enhanced opportunities for students to pursue trades training. Living Waters is looking to partner with local businesses and organizations to equip the Career and Technology Studies Suite with apprenticeship level equipment. If you are interested in sponsoring or partnering with Living Waters Catholic School Division to provide this programming, please contact the Division at 780-778-5666.

A representative from Alberta Health Services attended the May 8 Regular Meeting of Council to provide a report on local emergency medical services (EMS) in 2016. Local EMS personnel responded to 368 emergency events, and provided 429 inter facility transfers last year.

Plans are being finalized for this year’s Run 4 Fun event on June 3. This year’s event includes a kid’s marathon, and 5km and 10km races for people of all ages.  Council has approved street closures to accommodate the events, and details on the routes and registration can be found on Whitecourt’s website at www.whitecourt.ca. Seniors’ Week is June 5 to 11, and a variety of events and activities are planned to celebrate our local seniors. Details on the week’s events can be found on www.whitecourt.ca.

The Town of Whitecourt has entered into an agreement with municipalities throughout the north-west Alberta region for emergency service mutual aid. The agreement, spearheaded by the Town of High Level, allows for the pre-approval and coordination of services in the event that a participating municipality requires resources to deal with a fire emergency. The Agreement will allow for quicker access to outside emergency services if and when required.