MD of Foothills No. 31

M.D. of Foothills No. 31Box 5605, 309 Macleod Trail

High River, Alberta T1V 1M7Tel: 403.652.2341 or

403.931.1905 Fax: 403.652.7880 mdfoothills.com

NEWSMD of Foothills No. 31MD of Foothills No. 31

InsideSecondary Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Dog Bylaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Community Standards Bylaw . . . . . . . . . . 2

Parades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Proposed Name Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Property Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Property Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Scott Seaman Sports Rink . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Northwest Rec Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Dunbow Recreation Board . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

FCSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Landfill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Champion Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Archie & Janet Hogg Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Calls for Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Fire Burning Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

First Responders Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Public Works Road Maintenance . . . . . . . 6

Municipal Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Weed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ASB Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

BMO Farm Family Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Invasive Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Council Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Moving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Protecting Your Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Spring 2018, Issue 35

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Public Engagement: June Open Houses

During the month of June, the MD of Foothills will be hosting a series of public engagement sessions on a number of topics that are relevant to landowners throughout the MD. These open house events are scheduled from 4-8 pm.

At all four events, information will be presented and feedback requested on the following topics:

• Proposed changes to the Dog Bylaw

• Changes to the Community Standards Bylaw

• Policy direction regarding secondary suites

• Policy direction regarding the sale and consumption of cannabis

• Proposed name change to Foothills County

Come and talk with usOPEN HOUSES, 4-8 pm:

Monday, June 11 - East Longview Hall Thursday, June 14 - Scott Seaman Sports Rink

Monday, June 18 - Priddis Community Hall Tuesday, June 19 - Crescent Point Field House

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NEWS M.D. of Foothills

P L A N N I N GOpen Houses

Secondary SuitesThe municipality has been engaging the public about legalizing secondary suites within the MD of Foothills.

Secondary Suites are a use that the municipality receives many inquiries about. People are searching for means of creating more affordable housing options, allowing for aging in place, and making living more affordable.

Our Land Use Bylaw does not currently allow for this use, however we acknowledge that secondary suites are being built in the Municipality regardless of the Land Use Bylaw. Some may be in compliance with all the necessary Alberta Building/Fire Code requirements; others may not. Secondary suites that do not meet safety codes, the building code, and fire codes can be a safety concern and a liability for property owners.

The MD recognizes the need to develop a strategy to move forward with secondary suites, either through legalizing them or commencing stronger enforcement of unpermitted suites.

Three open houses were held during the last week of March 2018, to initiate discussion about secondary suites with our residents. Residents were encouraged to complete a questionnaire either at the open house or on-line in order to give their feedback.

A summary of “What we heard” will be available online in May 2018. Council will review this summary and provide

staff with direction on how to proceed. Staff will present the proposed policy direction at the Open Houses in June for consideration prior to drafting new policy for inclusion in the Land Use Bylaw.

Please visit mdfoothills.com for updated information on secondary suites and the process moving forward.

Any questions regarding secondary suites in the Municipal District of Foothills may be addressed to Coreena Carr by email at [email protected] or by phone to 403-603-6245.

Responsible Dog Ownership BylawThe proposed new bylaw focuses on providing clear language and direction to dog owners within the MD, as to their responsibilities that ensure responsible ownership and control of their dogs.

Clear parameters will outline the classification of different types of dog aggression are outlined.

The authority of peace officers to con-duct effective enforcement in relation to nuisance and aggression issues related to dogs are more clearly defined.

Community Standards BylawMinor revisions to the Community Standards Bylaw are in the works. This will include a review of the operational procedures and methods to deal with noise complaints, including issues such as snow removal equipment, use of firearms, noise, nuisance and more. Come and talk to us at the open houses in June.

We will also be inviting the local Rural Crime Watch Associations to offer memberships, signs and information about crime prevention in rural areas.

For more information visit the municipal website at mdfoothills.com or call Julie McLean at 403-603-6239.

F O O T H I L L S P A T R O L

...continued from page 1

Open house, fall 2016

2018 PARADES Saturday, May 19

High River, Little Britches Parade @ 10:00 am

Saturday, June 2 Black Diamond

Parade @ 10:00 am

Saturday, June 16 Okotoks

Parade @ 11:00 am

Sunday, July 1 Blackie Canada Day Parade @ 10:00 am

Saturday, July 21 Longview, Little New York Daze

Parade @ 10:00 am Building Beautiful Communities

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NEWSM.D. of Foothills

A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

A S S E S S M E N T

Municipal District of Foothills Versus Foothills CountyThe Proposed Name Change

Council for the MD of Foothills first proposed a name change over five years ago. On the 7th of February this year, Councillors for the MD of Foothills passed a resolution to submit an application to the Province of Alberta to change the name to Foothills County.

Council felt this was an appropriate time to revisit the proposed name change for several reasons.

Cost is usually the most obvious and significant issue to consider. One of the larger costs is signage. The MD has gateway signage on the main highways that pass through our area. This signage has needed to be replaced for some time now, as some signage has come down due to age and deterioration. Replacement of the gateway signage has been budgeted for, whether the name changes or not. Other signage on MD rural roads would only be replaced as needed.

Decals on municipal vehicles would be replaced as needed, when they are worn

and need replacing, or when a new vehicle is brought into the fleet.

Stationary used to be a significant cost, however, as most documents are now digital, very little stationary is preprinted. Business cards are only printed as needed.

MD or County will have no effect on the mailing address of residents. Canada Post now uses “Foothills” or the “hamlet name” for some areas of the municipality.

Council also feels that with a name change, there may be some positives to the economic development within this municipality. It has been suggested that the title of county is more self-

explanatory with regards to the type of government and the area covered. More than two thirds of rural municipalities in Alberta have included county in their titles.

The proposed change is about the name only - the logo will remain the same. The brand image of the municipality will remain as it is.

Council has asked that this proposal be presented to the public once again. A survey for the proposed name change is available on the MD website at mdfoothills.com. Residents are asked through the survey to let us know which name they support. The results of the survey and any other feedback will be provided to council to make a decision. (This survey will only allow one vote per computer/tablet/smart phone.)

Regardless of whether this municipality is called the Municipal District of Foothills No. 31 or Foothills County, its form and powers remain the same.

2017 Property Assessments For 2018 TaxesThe market value assessment used to calculate your 2018 taxes will be based on a valuation date of July 01, 2017. The chart shows the sale price trends between July 01 valuation dates. The sales indicate less than 1% change from July 01, 2016 to July 01, 2017 for properties in the municipality, however, some areas may experience

something different.

After receiving your Assessment and Tax Notice, please contact the Assessment Department with any questions or a request for information.

T: 403.652.2341 F: 403.652.7880 Email: [email protected]

Receive your Tax Notices and Utility Invoices by email.

Sign up for eSEND online at mdfoothills.com.

T A X E SProperty Taxes DueProperty taxes are due annually, on or before September 30. Payments are accepted at any time. If the payment is made after September 30, your tax account will be subject to penalties.

Complete the survey at mdfoothills.com

survey closes June 29, 2018

The 2018 combined Assessment and Tax Notices were mailed on May 15, 2018. Assessments may be appealed until July 23, 2018.

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C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E SScott Seaman Sports Rink Spring UpdateThank you to all the groups for a great season and WOW!! Five seasons have gone by so fast!

2017-2018 highlights:• Ice went in on September 5, 2017 and

will be removed on June 29, 2018.• We were very excited last September

8 - 9 when we hosted Junior A hockey with the Okotoks Oilers playing host to the Calgary Mustangs and Calgary Canucks. 400 fans attended both nights and a great time was had by all!

• St Francis of Assisi Academy and Heritage Heights Elementary school offered ice related activities to utilize the daytime Monday – Friday ice.

• The facility is 100% booked from October- March with VERY limited availability in September, April, May and June.

• Public and family skate are finished for the season but will return in September (check the MD website for dates and times closer to September)

• The walking track continues to be a popular place to exercise, especially on cold or very wet days (new hours for April, May and June, check the MD website for updates).

The facility offers different programs and activities and if you require information on any please call: 403.995.7397 or visit their websites.

Skating & Figure Skating lessons: Okotoks Skating Club www.okotoksskatingclub.comDaytime boot camp: Janelle Halbert, [email protected]: Janelle Halbert, [email protected] n Learn Dewinton: Tracy Marshall [email protected] hockey: OMHA okotokshockey.com

Dunbow Recreation BoardCommunity Recreation SupportDoes your community group have a recreation project or program that could use a bit of support? The Dunbow Recreation Board (DRB) has two community recreation funding application intakes per year.

No project or program is too small to be considered. 2017 projects included:

• Playground Structure Upgrade: support provided to access the Com-munity Facility Enhancement program through Alberta Culture and Tourism

• Canoes and Casting: (canoes and fly fishing kits) The Lake at Heritage Pointe Owners Association

• Icy Winter Fun: (hockey nets) The Lake at Heritage Pointe Owners Association

• Storage for Sports Equipment: Davisburg Community Association

The next scheduled intake is September 5, 2018. The board may consider interim applications, forms are available at www.dunbowrecreation.org or contact [email protected]

A DRB subcommittee is beginning to explore the concept of pathways in the Dunbow Area.

North West Foothills Rec Board Welcome Spring!The baseball diamonds at SSP along with any sports fields in the MD have endured a long winter and will need a bit of extra time for drying up to help ensure the fields are not damaged during spring sports. Your patience with this spring and Mother Nature is appreciated. The ball diamonds can be booked through the Millarville Sports Association www.millarvillesports.ca

The NWFRB is exploring the concept of developing approximately 1.5 kilometers of an internal pathway system in the Seaman Sports Park(SSP) near the Millarville Racetrack. For updates on this project find NWFoothillsRec on Facebook. For information regarding sponsorship email: [email protected]

Cemetery UpdateSpring cleanup at Blackie, Cayley, Foothills and Pine Creek cemeteries began once the grounds were clear of snow.Please remember only memorial items within the in-ground vases are allowed on burial plots in order that proper spring cleaning and summer maintenance can proceed.

A number of projects will be ongoing throughout this spring and summer in the cemeteries; from landscaping to the installation of signage and columbaria. Monument work permits are now available on the MD’s website. Please note the permit process with your monument company should begin before design, fabrication and installation or repair as there have been changes to the allowable sizes.

The Highlands and the Foothills Lookout in the Foothills Cemetery are nearing completion with reservations now available.

For more information regarding the Foothills Cemetery and the MD cemeteries visit mdfoothills.com or contact the Cemetery Specialist [email protected] or 403-603-6205.

Community AssociationsPlease remember to update your contact information on the MD website.

If your Community Association is not listed on the MD website, email: [email protected]


Nestled along the Highwood River, Archie and Janet Hogg Park offers rustic family camping. Dip your toes in the river, bring your fishing rods, experience nature.• Sites: $20/night - self registration

(2 tents or 1 RV + 1 tent per site)• Picnic shelters• Picnic tables• Fire pits• Group camping - pre-registration

required, call 403-652-2341• Day use area (7 am - 10 pm)

594200 64 St W, Foothills located between High River and

Longview

403-558-2035 [email protected]

Archie & Janet Hogg Park CampgroundC O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S

F C S S L A N D F I L L

Champion ParkThe lengthy process of transitioning from privately-owned land to publicly-owned continues. The Friends of Champion Park Society is overseeing the transition and development of the future model and activities for the park.

Champion Park Heritage Day 2017 event Park hosted by the Society was a great success with capacity attendance.

Champion Park will host a Heritage Day 2018 event again this year. Watch for details to be released this summer.

The park remains closed to the public ex-cept for the Heritage Day event. Visit md-foothills.com and okotoks.ca for updates.

Thank You for helping us help others

The MD of Foothills staff and council would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who donated their time, energy and money to the 2017 Christmas Family Program.

With your help we were able to help twelve local families.We would especially like to thank our donors,

for without all of you, this program would not be as successful as it is.5 Star Trees Ltd.A. Leduc Developments Ltd.Aecon Group Inc.Agriterra EquipmentAlpine Water Works Ltd.AMEC Foster WheelerAnchor D Guiding & Outfitting

Ltd.ArmtecBee Green RecyclingBehind The Scenes Interiors Inc.Big Sky BBQ PitBlack Diamond Auto Parts &

Recycling Ltd.BLM ConstructionBow Mark GroupCanadian Rocky Mountain

ResortsCatNaps Boarding Exclusively

for CatsChickadee Glass - Dianne Riva

CambrinChinook Honey Company Ltd.Corry KortenschylDave & Carrie LemonDee-Alta Tires Ltd.

deVries Bros. Sand & Gravel Ltd.EcoBorealis Consulting Inc.Finning (Canada)Foothills Lions ClubGlobal WormingGloria WilkinsonGregg Distributors (Calgary) Ltd.Heritage Pointe Family MedicineHigh Country Vac ServicesHigh Pro Nutreco Canada Inc.High River TractorlandHouse of BloomsInland AggregatesInterstar Materials Inc.JT RV & Boat StorageK2 Engineering Ltd.Lionhead Mechanical Plumbing Little Monkey Metal WorksLogan CoxMargo Supplies Ltd.Mariah Projects Ltd.McAsphalt Industries /

Ambertec Ltd.Moodys EquipmentMPE Engineering Ltd.Niemans Drilling & Sons Ltd.NSC Minerals Ltd.

Okotoks Agricultural SocietyPetra ProductsPrism Custom Coating Inc.Quigley Electric Ltd.Ralph Nelson & FamilyRandle Handles Horticulture

Ltd.Rocky Mountain Distributors

Inc.Scott Builders Inc.Shawne Excavating & Trucking

Ltd.Suzanne OelSwan Roof Consulting Inc.The De Paoli FamilyThe Edgington FamilyThe Elveden AssociatesThe Fitzgerald FamilyThe Stash Inc. Luxury GaragesThunder Controls Inc.Tiptin Truck & TrailerTRECC ElectricUniquely Iron by 4E Welding &

Design Inc.Whiteline Shelters & Tarps Ltd.Your Custom Home Inc.

www.mdfoothills.com

LandfillExtended Landfill HoursExtended hours: May 7-June 7, Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am-6:30 pm Friday - Saturday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Extended hours are for smaller residential loads, leaf and yard waste and recycling. Large commercial loads will not be accepted after 4:30 pm.

For more information, visit foothillslrrc.com or mdfoothills.com

StyrofoamWe now accept residential quantities of polystyrene (Styrofoam) at the landfill for recycling. We only accept extruded polystyrene, which is typically used as insulation in building construction and expanded polystyrene (white cups, coolers, appliance corners and packaging). Large commercial loads can call Pro-tek directly to arrange delivery, as the landfill setup is meant for small residential quantities. Standard garbage rates apply.

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P U B L I C W O R K SF O O T H I L L S F I R ECalls For Assistance A call is notification of an incident for a station to respond. Incidents may have multiple stations respond which amounts to a call per station. In 2017 we had 1267 incidents with 1613 calls. This translates to 346 incidents that had more than one station respond.

The Foothills Fire Department’s highest call volume is medical calls at 38.20%. These calls are attended by our staff if the ambulance is greater than 10 minutes away. The second highest call volume is motor vehicle collisions (MVC’s) at 20.99% of the total call volume. The third greatest call volume for the Foothills Fire Department is fires in the MD of Foothills at 18.53% of the total call volume. This top three split in calls has been consistent for the last 6 years. We have little to no data prior to 2012.

2012 Totals – 922 calls 2013 Totals – 1302 calls 2014 Totals – 1482 calls 2015 Totals – 1363 calls 2016 Totals – 1284 calls 2017 Totals – 1613 calls

Burning PermitsPlease stay tuned to the MD of Foot-hills website mdfoothills.com for an-nouncements to the upcoming changes to the burn permitting system.

Alberta First Responders Radio Communications SystemThe Foothills Fire Department is happy to announce that as of February 2018 we have transitioned to the Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System. This will allow First Responders the ability to have more stream line communication amongst first responder agencies and mutual aid partners in and around our area.

Water SafetyOpen Water• Never underestimate the power of

current. Swimmers or waders can be swept away in an instant, particularly if non-swimmers or weak swimmers get caught by current in rivers or out of their depth in abrupt drop-offs.

• Always swim with a buddy and check the weather conditions before venturing into the water.

• Be cautious about swimming in currents, and know what to do if caught in a current.

• Lifejackets are like seat belts - they only work if you wear them, and wear them properly.

• Have a plan when rafting or tubing and let others know your plan.

Road MaintenanceStreet Sweeping ProgramStreet sweeping of paved roads and internal subdivisions has started and is expected to be complete by mid-May. This program includes all hamlets with paved surfaces.

Road Graveling ProgramRoad graveling is scheduled to start on May 14 and be complete by late fall. Temporary gravel patching is underway in problematic areas.

Maintainable Road Oiling Program (MRO Permanent Dust Control) Repairs to the MRO roads are sched-uled to start May 14 and be completed by late fall.

Spot Treatment Program (Temporary Dust Control) The spot treatment program is sched-uled to start May 14 and be complete by late summer.

Pothole Patching ProgramPothole patching is underway and will carry into late fall.

Culvert And Drainage ProgramThe culvert and drainage program is scheduled to start on May 14 and be complete by late fall. Temporary work is underway in problematic areas.

Chip Seal ProgramThe chip seal program is subject to changing road conditions and approval by Council. The MD contracts out between 20 to 30 kilometers of this sur-face application annually, with a start date of early summer and a completion by early fall.

G I S2017 Municipal Maps AvailableMunicipal Maps are available for $15 each + GST.

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ASB Scholarship

The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) will be awarding two $2500 Scholarships in 2018. Deadline is September 30, 2018Qualified Applicants are students who have not previously received an ASB Scholarship from the MD of Foothills and are or will be enrolled in post-secondary education in the field of agriculture, veterinary studies, or studies intended to effect change on the agricultural landscape. These scholarships will be awarded upon proof of post-secondary education registration and must be used in the year awarded.

Visit mdfoothills.com for details.

A G R I C U L T U R A L S E R V I C E SWeed ControlAgricultural Services will be conducting weed and brush control on municipal right of ways, May through to October.

Vegetation Control on Roadside PolicyPolicy Statement:

The Municipality reserves the right to maintain its right of ways property line to property line in regards to vegeta-tion management and to comply with the enforcement of the Weed Control Act of Alberta. Vegetation includes grass, weeds, brush, etc.

Under the Weed Control Act of Alber-ta, it is the responsibility of the MD to control and eliminate the growth of Noxious and Prohibited Noxious weeds on their right of ways. If these weeds are left unchecked they will create many problems for the MD ratepayers and the motoring public.

Pest Control Agricultural Services will be facilitating the 2% Liquid Strychnine Concentrate Program for the control of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels again this spring. This product will only be available to BONA FIDE farmers and ranchers. This is an emergency registration only. The farmer or rancher must have an economically significant infestation of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels of at least 1 hole per four strides walking in 100 meter’s or 20% crop damage in 100 meter strip of crop land.

Strychnine can be picked up at the Agricultural Services Shop in the MD of Foothills yard in Aldersyde between the hours of 7 am and 3:30 pm. Please contact the Agricultural Services Department at (403) 652-2423 to set up a time for pick up.

Bank of Montreal Farm Family Awards ProgramEach year the Calgary Stampede and their sponsor, the Bank of Montreal, honour families throughout Southern Alberta that ensure the agriculture industry continues to thrive. Each year Southern Alberta Agricultural Service Boards nominate a farm or ranching family in a specified MD or County. The nominees will be hosted at a recognition ceremony during the Calgary Stampede. As special guests they will enjoy a day of Stampede events, including brunch and tickets to the rodeo.

We are pleased to announce the MD of Foothills BMO Farm Family Awards Program Recipients for 2018 are the Campbell Family, Tullichewan Ranches.

Invasive Species to be aware of in the MDYellow ToadflaxYellow Toadflax is designated as a noxious weed under the Weed Control Act of Alberta. Noxious weeds are species that landowners must control to prevent from spreading.

Mechanical Control: Yellow Toadflax can be controlled by thorough hand pulling making sure to get all the roots.

Chemical Control: Always check product labels to ensure herbicide is registered for use on Yellow Toadflax.

Leafy SpurgeLeafy Spurge is designated as a noxious weed under the Weed Control Act of Alberta. Noxious weeds are species that landowners must control to prevent from spreading.

Mechanical Control: Hand pulling and mowing are ineffective on Leafy Spurge.

Chemical Control: Always check product labels to ensure herbicide is registered for use on Leafy Spurge.

Leafy Spurge

Yellow Toadflax

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If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you. www.mdfoothills.com

Safe Communities Alert Network - SCAN

Visit us on-line!Find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @MDofFoothills

C O U N C I LCONTACTDivision 1Rob Siewert, CouncillorC: 403.336.0576 [email protected]

Division 2Delilah Miller, Deputy ReeveC: [email protected]

Division 3Jason Parker, CouncillorT: [email protected] www.jasonparkermd31.com

Division 4Suzanne Oel, CouncillorT: [email protected]

Division 5Alan Alger, CouncillorC: [email protected]

Division 6Larry Spilak, Reeve T: 403.233.8577 [email protected] www.larryspilak.com

Division 7R.D. McHugh, CouncillorC: 403.336.4068 [email protected]

Moving? Let us know your change of addressNotify the MD of Foothills at: Email: [email protected] Mail: Erin Frey, MD of Foothills, P.O. Box 5605, High River, AB T1V 1M7.

Land Titles Office requires notifica-tion of a change of address from you to update your title information. Call Land Titles Office at 403.297.6511.

Rural Crime Watch meeting April 10, 2018 attracted over 400 residents.

Protecting Your PropertyRegister Your Security Gate with Foothills Regional 911 Dispatch CentreA security gate at the entrance to your property is the owner’s responsibility. When you provide gate information to Foothills Regional 911 Dispatch Center, they provide that information to emergency responders when there is an emergency at your property.• Provide your gate code or lock box code and details about the gate.• If a key required for the gate or lock, provide a lock box and place it near the gate.• Some gate manufacturers set their gates to open at the blast of our sirens (check

with your installer).• If no information about your gate security is available, as a last resort - the Fire

department will cut the lock, lift the gate off the hinges, pull the gate open with a chain from the fire truck engine, or various degrees of destruction to gain access. EMS and Police will not have that option. Sometimes they call the Fire Department for assistance when there is no code info on file. The destruction of the gate in the case of an emergency is also the owner’s responsibility.

• Remember to let your Alarm Company know if you have a gate and code.• Keep the information about your security gate current - remember to update 911

and alarm company with new gate codes.

To register with Foothill Regional 911 Dispatch Centre: send an email to: [email protected] Include your name, legal address, 911 address, phone number, type of gate and lock details. You will receive an acknowledgement.*

*Please note: Security gate information provided to 911 Foothills Regional Dispatch is confidential and will only be used in case of an emergency.

Documents

MD of Foothills No. 31