Gull Lake stabilization discussed
Lacombe County wants to meet with other Gull Lake communities to discuss a provincial proposal to get them to pick up some of the cost of a long-running program to stabilize water levels.
The Alberta government has paid to pump water out of the Blindman River into the lake since the 1970s. Lake levels can drop dramatically during dry periods because the lake is not fed by a river.
In the fall of 2009, the province sent word it wanted the four municipalities around the lake, Lacombe and Ponoka Counties, and the Summer Villages of Gull Lake and Parkland Beach to share some of the costs. Lacombe County commissioner Terry Hager said on Thursday that the province had not budged from that position at a meeting earlier this month that included representatives from the four municipalities, Alberta Environment and Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
The annual estimated cost of the stabilization pumping program is $100,000 to $150,000. The province has offered to continue to manage the program and look after maintenance.
Communities around the lake are reluctant to take on the cost because the lake is a resource enjoyed by many Albertans, not just members of the municipalities. Council passed a resolution to arrange a meeting with other municipalities to discuss the issue. No date has been set.
RCMP seek break-in suspects
Innisfail RCMP are requesting the public’s help in identifying a vehicle that is suspected of being involved in a rural break-in of a residence earlier this month that netted thieves several thousand dollars in merchandise.
Const. A.C. Methven said the break-in occurred near Dickson and the vehicle involved was a dark pickup, which was captured on wildlife camera set up by the residents. The pictures were taken on Oct. 13 at 9 a.m. and show the vehicle in the driveway.
Methven said jewelry, expensive bottles of wine, a cellphone charger and other items were stolen.
Anyone with information is urged to phone 403-227-3342 or Crime Stoppers at l-800-222-8477.
RDC open house on Saturday
See what Red Deer College has to offer during this Saturday’s public open house.
Visitors are invited to tour the Four Centres (far east end of campus) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On hand will be current students, faculty and staff at more than 60 displays highlighting every program and various campus services.
People can also watch Kings and Queens basketball games and performing arts rehearsals.
Free food and door prizes round out the event.
Future students who register before Saturday to attend the open house will go in a draw to win one of four $1,000 tuition vouchers. For more information, go online at www.rdc.ab.ca/openhouse.
Local woman on provincial committee
An executive with Catholic Social Services in Red Deer was named to a committee to advise the province on issues facing the non-profit and voluntary sector.
Karen Murphy, chief operating officer of the West Central Region of Catholic Social Services, is one of 12 community leaders named to the new Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Citizens’ Advisory Committee.
Murphy has worked with Catholic Social Services for about 13 years and is a former board member with Wild Rose Foundation.
The committee will begin by reviewing information gathered from the Department of Culture and Community Spirit’s recent regional and online dialogues with the non-profit and voluntary sector to develop recommendations.