SUNDRE — Substantial erosion along the Red Deer River’s banks this season has resulted in a number of felled trees that pose not only a navigational obstruction, but also a potential safety risk for boaters.
“It has been brought to the attention of some of council that since the increase of spring runoff, there have been additional deposits of trees in the river, that may impact navigation of the river, which could impact users of the river,” said Linda Nelson, chief administrative officer, during council’s June 22 teleconference meeting.
While matters pertaining to the river are outside of the municipality’s jurisdiction, the issue was brought up sooner rather than later since once the felled trees have established a habitat, removing them without disturbing wildlife becomes much harder, said Nelson, who informed council the concern was raised by Coun. Cheri Funke.
Two motions recommended by administration were to either accept the report for information, or to direct administration to contact MLA Jason Nixon, who is also Alberta’s environment minister, to arrange a meeting to discuss options on tree removal in the Red Deer River. Funke moved the latter.
Coun. Paul Isaac said river matters are under the purview of Canadian Fisheries and Oceans, and has nothing to do with the MLA.
“I totally understand that when we went in the past, they wouldn’t let us in,” said Funke.
“But there was no navigational issues. There are some trees that are right in the middle of the river now,” said Funke, adding there’s also been an increase of river users in the last couple of years.
“It was just my attempt to bring it to the attention of our MLA, so that — conveniently him being the environment minister — would be able to tell us whether it’s something that Oceans and Fisheries would look at, or not.”
Mayor Terry Leslie, who has paddled in the river for 40 years, said the changing nature of the river requires users to navigate around obstacles.
“The position that I have heard from Alberta Environment for years through the Red Deer River Municipal Users Group and through the (Red Deer River) Watershed Alliance, is you don’t touch the river,” Leslie said.
While the mayor expressed support for contacting the minister to make him aware of the situation, Leslie said he was opposed to trying to set up a meeting.
Funke was receptive to that approach, and amended her motion to send a letter to Nixon.
Coun. Richard Warnock spoke in favour of the amended motion.
“We have an obligation to let our MLA know of concerns that we hear that affects his department as environment minister,” said Warnock.
Coun. Charlene Preston expressed support for the amended motion, and went a step further by suggesting MP Earl Dreeshen also be included as a recipient of the correspondence.
Funke’s motion was carried without opposition.
