SUNDRE – While expressing confidence in emergency preparedness plans outlined by Sundre Forest Products – West Fraser, council nevertheless opted to extend an invitation to have a delegation of company representative attend an upcoming meeting.
Mayor Richard Warnock had requested a discussion on Oct. 28 during a regular meeting to bring his colleagues up to date on a recent presentation the company had been a part of in Caroline outlining highlights from its forest management agreement.
Much of the information presented was fairly self explanatory but there were a couple of items of potential interest to council, said Warnock, citing more specifically issues pertaining to water and fire.
The mayor expressed confidence based on the presentation in Caroline that the company has a good handle on preparedness planning, and added he had raised a question about forest fires.
“Because wildfires are definitely a concern for most municipalities that live in the bush, and I think we really are very close to that,” said Warnock, adding he had also inquired about public participation and next steps.
“They offered to council that if we have concerns, they’re willing to set up as a delegation,” he said, seeking to determine whether council was interested in taking up the company on its offer.
“I’m actually quite happy with what they’re doing, but it would be nice to have a delegation just so we can hear it,” said Coun. Chris Vardas, adding that a presentation to council would by extension also make the information more publicly available.
“It would be a bonus to have them here,” said Vardas.
“In the past, they have come as a delegation and spoke to us,” added Coun. Paul Isaac, who sits as council’s representative on a committee with Sundre Forest Products.
“When the pine beetle was a huge issue, they came and presented to us when they started the program with the federal government,” said Isaac.
“I think they’ve proven themselves to our community that they know what they’re doing, but there’s nothing wrong with having them come once a year,” he said, adding it provides members of council with further opportunity to discuss issues in more depth or even ask questions and possibly raise concerns.
A motion by Coun. Owen Petersen directing administration to invite a representative of Sundre Forest Products as delegation to a future council meeting carried unanimously.
