MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Council members will be participating in upcoming engagement sessions with local producers, community members and others to discuss emerging or existing issues related to confined feeding operations (CFOs).
The decision to take part came by way of motion at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting and also includes a request that administration also take part.
On Aug. 24, representatives from the Intensive Livestock Working Group (ILWG) presented its proposed pilot project to council.
“The ILWG identified an erosion of public trust in confined feeding operations and recognized the potential impact that it could have on current and future operations in Alberta,” Jeff Holmes, the county's chief administrative officer, said in a briefing note to council.
“To address this issue, the ILWG developed a three-phase project plan in which the industry would take a transparent and collaborative approach to connect with stakeholders and build a shared path forward.”
As part of the process, municipal elected officials will engage with industry members to “build on existing and develop new relationships and communication channels.”
“This process will present stakeholders with opportunities to have collaborative discussions around current issues within their local municipalities. The desired outcomes of this process are the development of consensus building process and informed decision making that engages all relevant stakeholders.”
Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers said participating in the engagement session will be worthwhile and positive for the community.
“We are one of two municipalities that have been approached to participate in this,” said Aalbers. “I am excited to participate.”
County administration will be encouraging members of the agricultural service board to participate in the engagement sessions.
The agricultural operations practices act sets out the requirements for confined feeding operations, under the regulatory responsibility of the Natural Resource Conservation Board.
Approvals officers take into consideration municipal development plans, land use provisions and legislated standards that address the effects on neighbours and the environment, council heard.
The ILWG consists for representatives from Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Cattle Feeders, Alberta Port, Alberta Milk and the Egg Farmers of Alberta.
Groups approved as additional insured
Meanwhile, council reviewed and approved the list of 2022-23 additional named insured (ANI) insurance renewal groups.
The non-profit organizations on the county’s insurance policy include the Bearberry Wapitana Sociey, Bergen Community Association, Big Prairie Community Association (including cemetery operations), Cremona Community Engagement Site, Cremona Gold and Silver Society, Didsbury Search and Rescue Association, Dogpound Community Association, Eagle Valley Community Association, Fallen Timber Community Association, First Alberta Two Cylinder Club, Graham Community Association, Hainstock Community Association, Innis Lake Ladies Club, James River Community Association.
Other organizations approved for coverage in 2022-23 include Lions Youth Camp Society, Sundre Community Van Association, Sundre Rodeo and Race Association, Sundre Volunteer Search and Rescue, Water Valley Arts and Wellness Foundation (previously called Chinook’s Creative Arts Foundation), Water Valley Community Association, Westward Ho Campers Association, and Zella Community Association.
