Message From the Mayor

Message from the Mayor 2020 Year in Review

Greetings from Mayor and Council.

A year to remember! COVID-19 pandemic has dominated the past year and has presented many challenges for our community. With the announcement of a vaccine on the way, this is good news as we move into 2021.

Council wishes to send out a big thank you to all of the front-line workers who, on a daily basis, are working to keep us healthy and safe.

Wembley Medical Clinic

The Wembley Medical Clinic opened its doors in August 2020 with one doctor to start and welcomed its second doctor in November. For a Town of our size, we are very fortunate to have this service in our community.

Municipal Development Plan (MDP) By-Law #726

On June 8, 2020, Town council adopted the first ever Municipal Development Plan as a requirement of the Municipal Government Act. The primary purpose of an MDP is to inform residents and developers of the Town’s future land use strategy and to provide clear direction to Council, Development and Subdivision Authorities, and the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board in making land use decisions. The plan is intended to guide the future growth and development of the Town by identifying policies regarding future land use, transportation, and servicing; and providing support and direction for the administration of the Land Use By-Law, and review of subdivision and development applications.

Land Use By-law #733

ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. was engaged by the Town of Wembley in March 2020 to review and re-write the Town’s Land Use By-law. The current by-law was 22 years old and there was a need to update, address gaps identified through technical review, input from administration and the public, and to reflect new requirements of the Municipal Government Act to reflect developmental best practices. The purpose of this by-law is to manage the use and development of land and buildings within the Town, to achieve the orderly, economical, and beneficial development of land in Wembley.

New Fire Truck

Wembley Volunteer Fire Department took possession of new rescue engine #622 for the safe and effective operation of our Fire Department, and with the sole purpose of giving our community the best level of fire protection. The rescue unit is set up for all firefighting capabilities for residential, commercial, and rural properties. The goal was to acquire a unit that will support all of our current needs for the units 15-year projected service life. The Fire Department currently has one full time fire chief and 20 plus dedicated volunteers.

Town Administration and Staff

It is another year of many challenges and learning to adjust to ever changing situations brought on by the pandemic situation. With the Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST), administration and staff can accommodate to the various requirements and restrictions to curve the pandemic. The Town is now able to provide virtual access to the public for Council meeting.

In closing, Council wishes everyone the very best for 2021!

Fire Ban	A fire ban prohibits wood campfires on public land, campgrounds, and private land including backyard fire pits. Fire permits will be suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued.

Fire Restriction	A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property. Fire permits may be restricted, suspended, or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.

Fire Advisory	A fire advisory is issued if the fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn't improve.

No Restriction	Normal burning rules apply.

The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is HIGH. Warm weather and windy conditions have increased the wildfire risk. Alberta Wildfireare asking residents and visitors to use caution with fire and take steps to prevent wildfires.

No precipitation is forecasted for the next 24 hours, gusting winds are expected to continue into tomorrow. High winds can cause extreme fire behavior and allow fires to grow rapidly.

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Wildfire Situation

So far this year, 104 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning nearly 434 hectares, two are listed as under control and all others have been extinguished. Of the 104 wildfires, 53 of them are consider lightning caused and 46 are human caused, 5 remain under investigation.

The wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, sizes, locations and more.

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Fire Permits

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit to burn within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire.

Albertans can request a free fire permit by contacting their local forestry office or using the online Fire Permit Portal. Contact your local fire guardian or visit a Forestry office for a permit. Albertans living outside the FPA must contact their municipality or local authority for more information about fire permit requirements for burning. If you are planning on burning debris, it’s important to keep safe burning practices top of mind. Check your burn site for heat multiple times in the following weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

Spirit River (780) 814 1983

Valleyview (780) 524 6576

County West (780) 814 1648

Thank you for doing your part to prevent wildfires. If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

Wildfire Prevention

Make sure your campfire is fully extinguished. A campfire can burn deep into the ground and flare up again in dry or windy weather. Soak the ashes and stir them. Keep soaking the ashes until they are cool to the touch. Even if you are going for a short hike, make sure your campfire is out. Learn more here.

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When wildfire danger is low to moderate, updates will be issued weekly. However, when the danger escalates to high or extreme levels, updates will be provided daily if fires are active and/or out of control. Expect your next wildfire update on September 18, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

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Message From the Mayor

Grande Prairie Forest Area Wildfire Update - September 16, 2024