Bergen NewsThePage 12 January 2011

Bringing Bergen Together

January 2011 Bergen News

The

Notes From a First Time Farmerby Sandy Easterbrook, Kettle Crossing Farm

Ride With MeSights and Impressions

by Donelda Way

We notice black smoke billowing upward into the distant skyline. Closer, we can see two brush piles, one burning well. The second brush pile must be too damp—no flames... Driving down the entrance lane, I slow. Chuckling, I watch my daughter’s dog chase a magpie. Up, down, around, over. Lets do it again, and again. A game of tag or torment?…. We crest the hill and immediately notice a pick up truck parked on the right hand edge of the road, emergency flashers on. As we slow our vehicle we are thrilled to view a female, riding bareback, on a very black horse. She is leading another very black horse. The horses really have to work to make it through the snow-filled ditch. The driver of the truck—a friend waiting for the female rider?... Three deer in the field turn toward me. In a flash of white tail, two of these deer turn and disappear into the trees... My husband and I have to make an early morning trip toward Didsbury. It seems the hoar frost has formed overnight, just for us. Another day, the pale, pale sky seems almost invisible as a backdrop to the hoarfrost poplar branches and trunks... Our day begins with almost blinding, full, bright, orange sun. This sun becomes a blotchy pink-orange line over blue. It diminishes, hidden behind some clouds. Gently the sun eases into a visible half-circle of white with bluish imprints. Visible, thenhidden then visible. I don't ever remember experiencing before, the sensation that the sun was moving at the same speed as our vehicle—in and out of the clouds. Amazing! Our day ends with a too-bright-to-look-at yellow glow that becomes a full circle of brilliance... A dog running full speed along a fence-line toward a driveway gate. A second dog, sits waiting on the outside of the same gate.  Like life-long friends they greet each other... There are fluttery, bright orange multi-ribbon flags fluttering at the end of two logs that extend furthest from the rear of a fully-loaded logging truck on Hwy 22... Leaving a mall in Calgary, my husband explains: The loader dumps the snow into that machine. The machine melts the snow and forms steam. Fewer snow piles in the parking lot, fewer dump trucks. Less expense. Imagine... Driving toward Edmonton I decide to note what flatbed trailers haul—a wide-load crane, a damaged pick-up truck, long and short 8X8 square beams, casing pipe, rig mats, and a burnt-out semitrailer. A blue pickup truck passes us. It has the cab of a red pick-up truck positioned sideways in its box. Did you know that long trailers with the curve upward (when empty) flatten out when loaded? Did you know heavy-load trailers have pivots at the ends for cornering? On our return trip there is a semitrailer unit perpendicular to the highway, in the ditch. No damage, no injuries... This morning, we are in a hurry to leave. The defrost warmth, ever so slowly widens the minute area of clear glass framing what appeared to be patches of grass. Frost can be so picturesque... There in the open. As our vehicle eases into the valley a buck raises its head. The sun back-lights its perfectly formed rack. Itsgraceful, dark form strides across the white frozen pond. So awesome.

Big Issues, Small Moves For this month’s column, I thought I would review two of the sessions at the recent National Farmers’ Union convention. Maybe the majority of Bergen News readers aren’t farmers. But I figure that if you eat, you are part of the agricultural picture. And there aren’t too many people who can forego food and live on love alone. The most pressing issue from the conference actually extends beyond agriculture to trade, investment and intellectual property. It’s an agreement being proposed between Canada and the European Union, called the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). More trade with Europe would be great if it meant more decent jobs and better social services. But, like telemarketing “freebies”, there is a catch with free trade. It supports the interests of corporations, not regular citizens and especially not farmers. As if farmers haven’t faced enough challenges with multinational corporations taking over most parts of the food system, they could be forced to buy gene-patented seed at high prices. Genetically modified food all round?—yum! If a farmer was caught saving his/her own seed, the farm, crops and equipment could be confiscated. Even precautionary seizures for alleged infringements would be permitted. Other measures would forbid elected governments—including municipal—to favour locally procured goods and services. While more and more Canadians are climbing on the Food Sovereignty bandwagon, Harper and his government are working in the opposite direction. Food safety may be threatened too, as Canadian standards would not be allowed to exceed international ones. CETA could also threaten our water ownership, as E.U. trade negotiators have requested that drinking water services be included in the agreement. European health care service companies would have greater access to our medicare system, adding to the pressure for privatization. Drug companies would extend their patent monopolies, keeping out or delaying generic drugs. Pharmaceuticals have already gone up 73% per capita in the last ten years, and Canadians already pay more for drugs than any other first world country! And we couldn’t expect our communication networks to inform us of these injustices, because there would no longer be a requirement that telecom and broadcasting companies be majority owned and controlled by Canadians. But apparently our journalists don’t give a hoot anyway, or we’d be hearing a lot more about CETA. In contrast to the depressing talk on CETA was a presentation by Wayne Roberts of the Toronto Food Policy Council, on “The Power of Food: an Alternative Approach”. Roberts pointed out that food production is the biggest occupation in our country (probably any country) if all its subsidiary industries like processing and trucking are taken into account. Consequently, eaters have tremendous influence on national and local policy. Every individual makes about 200 food decisions a day. Should he/she have a coffee or tea? Should it be caffeinated or decaf? Fair trade or non fair trade? With whole milk or skim? See what I mean? If everyone considered social, ecological or ethical consequences, their small decisions could affect the planet. One example was the decision by Ontario grocery stores to cut down on plastic by charging five cents per plastic bag. Use of the bags has now gone from four billion to one billion, making a huge impact on landfill.

Will this local produce soon be banned?

continued on page 2

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GUEST EDITORIALBy

Marilyn Halvorson

January is my least favourite month. It’s cold and dark—and I have a birthday. The presents and coffees and dinners are pretty nice; (thanks for them all, my wonderful friends!) But, the downside is I get another year older which is no fun when you’re at the awkward age where another year brings more aches and pains but no pension. And why can’t we get some decent weather for a change? If I have to get old couldn’t I do it in balmy temperatures? There, so much for my little pity party. Maybe you’re having one of your own this cold, stormy, bill-paying month. If so, I have a couple of questions for you as well as for myself.

1. If you don’t like the weather why don’t you move to a place with no weather problems—Australia, for instance? Or, how about most of Europe and some of Eastern Canada and the Eastern States? You could have joined the festive parties in the airports over Christmas. Haiti is nice. I’m sure it’s not freezing cold there. Brazil had only limited flooding and mudslides. There might have been a safe place somewhere there.

2. And how about this aging thing? I know of a nine-year-old girl in Tucson who will never have to face the problem. Or the thirteen-year-old boy in Australia who was swept away by flood waters after insisting that rescuers save his younger brother first. He died a hero, but he died. And what about all the people with terminal diseases? What would they give for one more day of even marginal health, complete with odd aches and pains and a little snow and cold?

So, how’s your life looking now? Mine is looking wonderful. I have great friends, beautiful animals, a home I wouldn’t trade for a castle in Spain, a big woodpile, a freezer full of food, enough money for what I need, reasonable health, and faith that God is looking out for me. What do you have that you wouldn’t trade for anything on earth? Think about it—and have a wonderful 2011.

Submissions of articles or comments can be sent via email to ljsyer@telus.net snail-mail to Marilyn Walker, The Bergen News, Box 21, Site 9, RR2 Sundre, T0M 1X0 or call Marilyn Halvorson at 638-2245. If you would like a subscription it is $15 and can be sent to our snail-mail address. Remember, subscriptions are coming due for this year. Your subscription expiry date will be highlighted on the label. Thank you for your continued support.

Another small decision: Roberts showed photos of a Lutheran church in suburban Toronto, which had a large, grassy lawn that no one used. Parishioners voted to turn it into a community garden, despite vehement protests by one church member, who objected that the users would probably not be Lutheran. The plot is now a United Nations of gardeners, all sharing food, stories and traditions. Community bonds have tightened. The objecting church member now claims that it is the best idea the church ever came up with. Roberts himself has overseen a highly successful food initiative. His Food Policy Council persuaded the University of Toronto to purchase 25% of its cafeteria food locally. A large number of medium-sized Ontario farms are benefitting (medium-sized because they have to be able to guarantee a fixed amount of food). The cafeterias have not had to increase their budgets because what they lose in slightly higher food costs, they gain in lower packaging and shipping expenses. Let’s hope that such positive initiatives will not be derailed by CETA. For those interested in learning more about this proposed agreement, check it out on line. I like the the website of the Council of Canadians, www.canadians.org/trade/issues/EU/index.html. And while you’re at it, contact your politicians—federal, provincial and municipal—ask how the agreement would affect our community, and let them know your opinion. Many small moves can produce some mighty results.

Notes From a First Time Farmer continued from page 1

CELEBRATING OUR RESIDENTS

DENNIS AND POLLY HOUSEMANBy

Marilyn Halvorson

The smell of coffee and fresh-baked cookies drifted out from the kitchen as Laurie and I were welcomed into the beautiful, chalet-style cabin of Dennis and Polly Houseman. Dennis is the president of the Bergen Springs Condo Association and we had come to learn more about both the Housemans and life in the Bergen Springs development. Polly was working in Calgary today and unable to join us but we were royally entertained by Dennis and his two dogs—particularly the tireless Jack Russell who insisted that we simply must play ball with him. Having formerly lived in Calgary, Dennis now works mainly from their home in Didsbury, consulting and estimating for a firm involved in roofing and siding. Polly works as a bookkeeper for a Calgary engineering firm. Between them they have five children in a blended family and are blessed with ten grandchildren who delight in spending time at the cabin. Before establishing their part-time home at Bergen Springs, Dennis and Polly had spent a number of summers camping at Westward Ho Park and they had fallen in love with the area. They were searching for a place to build when an opportunity arose at Bergen Springs. With events in their life showing them that pushing all their dreams aside for “later” when they retired would be a mistake, they purchased a lot and hired a contractor to build their cabin. Eventually, they realized that this person was not working out and, while living for seven months in their holiday trailer, they tackled the job of building themselves. Looking around, it is obvious to see that they did an excellent job. Dennis says that one of the main reasons for their enjoyment of life in Bergen is the low-stress, slower pace here. He doesn’t miss the Calgary traffic. “When I go to Calgary, I know why I don’t live there,” he says. They love seeing the wildlife up close at Bergen Springs, often finding deer and moose grazing nearby. With 17 acres of land reserved in its natural state, Bergen Springs offers many opportunities to hike and explore, two of Dennis’s favourite pastimes. There is room on the Houseman’s site for gardening with many flower beds and a patch of peas as well as phenomenally prolific strawberries. With Dennis’ position in the governing of Bergen Springs he has come to know many of the 160 families who make their full or part-time home there. The Housemans are also interested in becoming better acquainted with the people of the rest of the Bergen community. They enjoyed attending the “get acquainted” pot luck held at the hall last year and look forward to more similar events. They, like many others from Bergen Springs, were eager supporters of The Bergen Market last summer and hope for it to continue and expand next year. As much as possible they patronize local businesses, particularly the Bergen Store and Sobey’s in Sundre, as they appreciate the generosity of such merchants toward good causes in the community. Bergen Springs also welcomes Bergen residents to share some of their facilities. In particular, everyone is welcome to take advantage of the skating ice on the large pond on the property. During one especially busy winter, 2005-2006, Dennis estimates as many as 50 skaters and hockey players shared the ice there on weekends. The pond is also at the community’s disposal in another capacity. In cooperation with the fire department, an area above the pond is kept clear of vehicles at all times so that, if needed, pumper trucks attending a fire anywhere in the area can take advantage of a special pipe through which they can pump pond water to fill their tanks. Also, the Bergen Springs Fire Smart committee is currently registering an approved landing site with Stars Air Ambulance that will be available for any local emergency.Our visit ended with the cookies seriously diminished, the dog worn out, and Laurie and I much better informed about our Bergen Springs neighbours.

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NOVEL IN PROGRESSby Marilyn Halvorson

Working Title: TEACHER SYNOPSIS: The long-awaited visit of Kate’s much-loved aunt and uncle to her place in Lundhill has finally taken place.

Then, Aunt Nettie stepped out of the car and I was in her arms and, much to my surprise and embarrassment, crying on her shoulder. “Oh, Aunt Nettie,” I blubbered, “I’ve missed you both so much.” “There, there, Katie,” she soothed, stroking my hair, “We’ve missed you, too, but we’re here now. Don’t waste time in tears.”“Aye, that’s well said,” boomed Mr. Mac, giving Uncle Evan a hearty handshake that almost lifted him off the ground. “Come in, come in. You must be starving. Mother, can you find a wee bite for these weary travellers?” Mrs. Mac was away ahead of him, already leading the way into the kitchen where she quickly set two more places at the table. Her Scottish sense of humour had triumphed over her earlier dismay at the disarray of her house. “We’ve just done a big washing and things are in a bit of a mess but my husband won’t let me draw attention to it so I’m sure you’ll never notice,” she told Aunt Nettie in a conspiratorial whisper. “Mess, what mess?” queried Aunt Nettie, matter-of-factly, casually removing a pair of Mrs. Mac’s large and freshly-washed bloomers that were drying over the back of her chair before she sat down. The men came in and Mr. Mac busied himself building up the fire and refilling the teakettle while Mrs. Mac sliced more of her delicious bread. I had no sooner found a less conspicuous home for the bloomers when I was dispatched to the dark and cobwebby cellar to bring up another jar of home-canned chicken soup and one of wild raspberries. Within minutes Aunt and Uncle were enjoying their hot soup and there was a fresh pot of tea steeping. Amid much chatter and laughter, lunch was quickly dispatched, the dishes done, and the last of the clothes-washing water hauled outside. Then began the exciting business of unpacking and sorting the treasure trove of used clothing Aunt and Uncle had collected for the poorly-clothed children of the Lundhill district. So many bags and boxes were disgorged from the Model T that I was amazed that there had been room for the people. Soon there were piles of assorted apparel spread across the living room. Mr. and Mrs. Mac enthusiastically joined in the spirited sorting and from those of us who knew the families of the district there were cries of, “Oh, this will fit Ruth perfectly!” or “Look, a pair of warm boots just right for John!” A couple of items had notes attached. One, on a beautifully knit little baby sweater, brought tears to our eyes. To whoever

receives this: My darling baby, Emma, died last year at the age of three months. I gave away all her clothes but this sweater which I kept as a remembrance of her short and precious life. However, when I heard that there were children in the homestead country going cold I realized that I was being selfish. God bless whatever darling baby gets this and may you have a long and happy life. The other item was an extra-large green plaid woman’s dress. The note attached to it brought us gales of laughter. Dear New Owner of this dress: Our church has been collecting clothes for our missionaries to give to the starving Africans. I have dutifully sent them all my children’s outgrown clothes but I am afraid that I, personally, have outgrown this dress. Upon looking it over, I realized that any African who is starving will certainly not need this size. Wear it in good health and bon appétit! All too soon the short November day was waning and Aunt and Uncle wisely declared they

must leave to avoid being caught on these narrow country roads in the dark. It was sad to have to say good-bye again so soon but anticipating sharing this wonderful collection of clothes softened the blow. Mr. and Mrs. Mac and I sat late into the evening as we planned a clothing extravaganza for Lundhill.

Welcome Wagon If you are new to Sundre or the

surrounding area, have a new baby or are

getting married, we have free gifts and information for you.

Please call Bobbi Jean at 403 637-2441

FRESH SNOW

By

Marilyn Halvorson

The single footstep

In the newly fallen snow...

A desecration.

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Bergen Church News by Betty Josephson

The Bergen Church is located on the Bergen Road one mile west of the Bergen Store. Our Sunday Worship time is 10:30 a.m. with Sunday School for all ages starting at 9:30 a.m. Children's church is offered during the message and there is a nursery for the small children and their moms. We extend get-well wishes to Jean Strauss as she has seen the inside of three hospitals these last two weeks. I hope you are feeling better, Jean. Helmut continues his excellent messages on the Book of Romans. I was reminded recently to consider the reason we go to church. I don't believe it should be a social club or a community center, but a place where we go once a week to worship our Creator and the Creator of this planet, the Savior who gave up everything for us. Are we preparing our hearts and minds before we walk through the doors of our church? Church is the people. Are we living our lives as reflections of the One who loves us so deeply? Are we loving Him with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength—our neighbors as we love ourselves? If we aren't, I would suggest that we be on our knees in repentance, seeking His forgiveness. He promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all our unrighteous living. The WMS ladies meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. All ladies are welcome. The 55+ was January 27th at 11:00 a.m. where a lovely lunch was served, music was enjoyed, and a short talk by someone special was heard. The Youth Group is busy. Tanya Jackson is teaching their Sunday School class and doing an excellent job. Way to go, Tanya. Please contact Amy and Trevor at 403-638-2759 for more details. Moms and Tots meet the second Friday morning of each month. Olwyn is in the Church office Tuesdays and Fridays 10-4 p.m. Helmut and Jean can be reached at 1-403-852-5380 or 403-638-5775. Liz and Allan Cunningham are the Church Administrators prepared to help anyone in need. They can be reached at 403-638-4188 or 403-636-1157 (local number). They are doing a good job. The Church's number is 403-638-4010 and the fax number is 403-638-4004 and the email address is bergenchurch@xplornet.ca

I like to think of the above picture as the moon’s “morning after” picture, taken the morning after the first total lunar eclipse to occur on the Winter Solstice since 1638 (372 years)! This picture captures the unique combination of mountains, morning sun, foothills, trees and sky we sometimes forget we are so totally fortunate to have in the Bergen area. Yup, the evening of Dec 20th/morning of Dec 21st was the night to be out watching the moon over Bergen. The picture to the right was taken at about halfway into totality which then lasted almost three hours before the moon was back to its normal self. The distinctive red color of the moon going into, during and coming out of totality is due to sunlight passing through and being scattered by the earth’s atmosphere before hitting the moon, i.e.: the blue light in the sunlight has been filtered out. I imaged the full eclipse, right through a chinook cloud bank moving through the area. For those of you with an internet connection, my lunar eclipse animation can be found at http://tinyurl.com/bwaEclipseAnimation .

BERGEN COMMUNITY CONCERT By Marilyn Halvorson

The Bergen Community Christmas Concert, held on December 17, was an unqualified success. Organizer, Shelley Ingeveld, had lined up an array of excellent local talent, both young and less young. (You didn't think I'd say "old" did you?) Performers included, on the young side, Taylor Guzmanuk, Clayton, Kyle, and Gavin Chalmers, and Kita and Cage Stokalko. On the less young side were Elaine and Norman Erickson, Chelsea Cunningham, Pat Gibbs, Patti Ball, Gerald and Shelley Ingeveld, and last, but certainly not least, Bergen's elder statesman of song, 90-year-old Jim Haug, who performed our perennial favourite, The Marvellous Toy. The audience's enthusiastic participation in several carols, plus Six White Boomers and The Twelve Days of Christmas added to the fun. The evening ended with a much-anticipated visit from jolly old Santa Claus and treats for all.

Bergen-grown carrotsNo herbicides or pesticides

$1.25/lb.

Call 403 638-4776

Bergen NewsThe

A FRIENDBy Pat Gibbs

I’ve been making friends with a cheeky fellow, who lives close by our house,It’s not a bird and it’s not a skunk and it’s certainly not a mouse.I call him Baby though he’s really not, he’s as big as he can be;

He likes to work every single day, as he scampers from tree to tree.Our friendship began with some sunflower seeds that I put out just for him;

As time went on he would watch for me as he sat on his favourite limb.Now he loves peanut butter on a piece of apple; this I give him for a treat,

He takes it carefully from my hand and sits close by while he eats.He comes when I call and is ever so friendly—I don’t know if it’s a “him” or a girl,

But this cute little creature, you will know by now, is none other than a brown-eyed squirrel.

Bergen NewsThe

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Birds, Beasts and Botany in Bergen by Robert Griebel

Old Man’s Beard (Usnea) Any hunter or hiker in the spruce forests of this area will have noticed pale green, hair-like tufts hanging from the dead lower branches of the conifers. Commonly known as Tree-moss or Old Man’s Beard, this lichen is very prevalent, growing on trees in all continents with the exception of Australia and Antarctica. Lichens are the result of a unique biological partnership between fungi and algae. I have seen them described as fungi that have discovered agriculture. Rather than scavenging for a living like other fungi (mushrooms, moulds), the fungi in lichens cultivate algae on their fibrous surface. Algae, unlike fungi, are able to photosynthesize and share the carbohydrates, vitamins and proteins they produce with their fungal hosts. Lichens come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes – crusts, scales, leaves, clubs and shrubs. The hair lichens are referred to as Usnea and are members of the lichen family Parmeliaceae. Old Man’s Beard can be distinguished from other hair lichens by peeling back its outer algal sheath to reveal a fibrous, somewhat elastic cord running through the main stems. It usually hangs 10 to 20 cms. from its attachment to a spruce or birch branch. Its pale yellow-greenish color does not change throughout the growing season. This lichen reproduces mainly by fragmentation or by small powdery propagules. Raw lichens can be eaten but they are quite bitter, a defense mechanism which probably evolved to protect them from grazers. I have tried eating them off the branch and didn’t find them too revolting. The taste improves if soaked for a lengthy period in fresh water or boiled with baking soda. In the wild they provided a useful emergency food. Although of questionable nutritional value they do contain high levels of Vitamin C. The medicinal qualities of Usnea were first referenced as early as 300 BC. It was used as medicine by the ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks and Chinese, and continues to be used in Europe and China. Lichens contain usnic acid, which possesses antibiotic properties more potent than penicillin. It is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria (staph and strep) and has been used to treat infections of the respiratory and urinary system. Old Man’s Beard was used to treat wounds by North American natives and has proven to be efficacious in preventing wound infection and gangrene. The Chinese use usnic acid in the treatment of tuberculosis. Apart from food and medicine, this lichen is useful in the production of dyes, as kindling, and as diapers. Squirrels use the material to line their nests, as do approximately 50 species of birds. Because lichens absorb water and minerals directly from the air, they are very sensitive to air-borne pollutants, especially sulfur dioxide. Air pollution has been blamed for the virtual disappearance of Usnea in Europe. Let us hope that a similar fate doesn’t befall our local “beards”.

Here is another tip from the River Valley School Environment Club “Earth in Our Hands” Radio Presentation

Jessica: We’re here to deliver a message about plastic. Hailey: Did you know that there are places in our oceans as large as a province that are filled with plastic? Jessica: We don’t live next to an ocean here in Alberta, so what does that have to do with us? Hailey: Well, our rivers and streams eventually end up in an ocean and Alberta has rivers and streams so it does have to do with us. It has to do with each person on earth. Jessica: Also, the ocean currents all follow a pattern. Much of the plastic floating in the ocean ends up in Hawaii because of the ocean currents. Hailey: How does that affect the ocean? Jessica: The salt water tries to break down the plastic but it takes a very long time. Sea creatures end up eating plastic and it makes them sick. Sea turtles see a floating plastic bag filled with water and it looks like a tasty jellyfish to them. They end up suffocating on the plastic after they swallow it. Hailey: That’s horrible! What can we do? Jessica: We can try not to use plastic. Think of alternatives like reusable bags or carrying your own water bottle with you when you travel. Hailey: I bet that would make our sea creatures happy and the oceans a healthier place. Jessica: It sure would! Think about how you can be the difference for our earth.

Bergen NewsThe

Page 6 January 2011Bergen News

Page 7 January 2011

The

Have you tried the new beef jerky crunchies?

Great for your munchies!

"Healthy Eggs from Happy Hens"For sale: Chicken eggs, also duck eggs.$3.50 dozen—chicken$3.60 half dozen—duck

Kettle Crossing Farm403.638.1283

March 5 & 6 2010 Sundre, Alberta

Round Robin TournamentGuaranteed 3 GamesCarded Umpires$300.00/team(includes entry to cabaret)Olympics Theme

Cabaret @ Sundre Community Centre8:00 pm – 2:00 am18 years +$10.00 EntryRaffles & Door prizesMusic by Road Tracks

On-Site Beer Gardens and Grill @ Ball Diamonds10:00 am – 6:00 pmHosted by the Sundre Fire Rescue Society &Sundre 4-H ClubRock 104.5 onsite

For more information contact Kim or Chad at403.638.5379 or 403.638.7872kcomfort@sundre.greatwest.ca

Help others win – Play ball for CHARITY

OLD EMERALD EYESBy

Marilyn Halvorson

He lies by the fire

Composed and serene,

Vibrating gently

Like a well-oiled machine,

He tolerates tameness

At times, when he tries,

But the tiger-fire burns

Deep in Old Emerald Eyes.

A Word From Our Councilor

A Little Slice of Paradiseby Bruce Beattie

In the months leading up to the last municipal election, a major topic of discussion was the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and the Land Use Bylaw (LUB). We are not immune from the pressures of a rapidly increasing world population. As a wise fellow once said, “Buy land, they ain’t makin’ it anymore”. As a result, in Canada and across the world, land use continues to be a hot topic, with statements of concern, and the oft repeated phrase, “We must preserve our farmland”. While the words are spoken, actions are often lacking. Where municipalities have tried to exercise their power to limit development, they are met with strong pushback from developers. These “developers” may be our neighbours looking for ways to generate income from lands that do not provide an adequate return from agriculture production, or sometimes the same people who purport to support the preservation of “farmland”. In British Columbia, the Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) was introduced by an NDP government that did not last past the following election. The ALR has lasted, but there is constant pressure to have it relaxed or repealed. In Quebec, a unique program has been introduced in the Laval area, where funds are collected through a taxation scheme to buy up land that may be potential development property, and preserve it for agriculture. Attempts by our provincial government to lay groundwork for long range land use planning and conservation are criticized as an attack on property rights. The widely criticized Bill 36 in Alberta, while far from perfect, does allow for the introduction of new land use policies like Tradeable Development Credits, Conservation Easements and Conservation Directives. It is estimated that for every acre taken out of agricultural production another three to ten acres are affected by that development. How long can we continue on that path? The recent weather events in Russia and Australia demonstrate how vulnerable we are with a population of almost seven billion, and a rapidly shrinking land base upon which to produce food. Only 5% of Canada’s land is arable, and a very small portion of that is of high quality and in a favourable climate. Much of the rich soil of Southern Ontario, with a climate to rival California, has been covered in houses and asphalt, never to return to food production. Is this what the future holds for Alberta? Our County supports a diverse blend of agriculture including crop and forage production, beef and dairy, and a variety of specialized operations. However, demands for recreation and residential development continue to grow. Will we have the political will to develop clear and concise policies that will protect our treasure? I believe that if society wishes to preserve land for agriculture and recreation, then society must be prepared to compensate the present owners of the land for their contribution toward a sustainable future Over the next few months, your County Council will go through a process of examining the current MDP, talking and listening to residents, followed by a rewriting of our land use legislation. The intent is a common sense document that should reflect the views of the landowners, and balances the desires of current residents with the need to preserve and protect this resource for future generations. Make sure your thoughts are added to the discussion. Please take part in a workshop or talk to your local Councilor about your vision for this little slice of paradise called Mountain View County.