Athabasca County council passed a new prohibited animal bylaw, which prohibits the ownership of wild boars within Athabasca County boundaries.
The bylaw’s first reading took place Dec. 13, and county manager Ryan Maier said during their July 20 meeting that further reading was postponed to give the public time to provide feedback.
“We really didn’t get much, and then it was kind of just left,” he said. “As far as we know there aren’t any (wild boars) in the area yet, but if they were to ever come we’re trying to get ahead of the game.”
Coun. Larry Armfelt moved second reading, which passed unanimously. The bylaw was passed unanimously after Coun. Warren Griffin moved third reading.
Council moved to support Shaw Communications’ Connect to Innovate project proposal, which if approved would extend a fibre optic network from Dawson Creek south to Boyle and Westlock.
A delegation from Shaw appeared before council June 29, requesting support for their project. Council directed administration to draft a letter and bring it back for approval.
The letter, brought forward to council July 20, states Athabasca County “fully supports” Shaw’s application for the Connect to Innovate grant program.
Coun. Kevin Haines made a motion to accept the letter of support, which passed unanimously.
“I really like their route through Tawatinaw valley,” he said. “It’s a good deal for us.”
A section of pavement in the White Gull subdivision of Baptiste Lake was approved for repair at a cost of $153,876 to Athabasca County.
Travis Wierenga, Athabasca County director of infrastructure services, told council that significant road cracking was discovered in June.
“I think just with the weather and the road, it’s been cracking,” he said. “Along with that, that road is travelled quite heavily by water and sewer.”
Council was presented with two options to fix the 450-metre road section – one an asphalt repair for $221,250 and the other a concrete pavement fix.
Armfelt moved that council accept the recommendation to accept the concrete pavement option to be complete by Paveit Construction, which was passed unanimously.
