LSARA is a Not For Profit Association. We are all Ratepayers and Volunteers! The Ratepayers of Lac Ste. Anne County have made it clear that they want to be heard! LSARA is an important voice as we speak for a large number of people. 2500 people reading our blog posts in less than 24 hours tells us we are on the right track. IT'S A MATTER OF DOLLARS AND SENSE. 2023 Memberships are now available. $10 each or $20 per Family


Sunday, September 10, 2017

No Endorsements


May the Best Candidates Succeed!

While LSARA is actively participating in providing information on the candidates for the upcoming 2017 Election and providing candidate forums, we wish to ensure impartiality.

Several of the candidates are members of LSARA, with some holding Director positions.

Saturday, September 9, 2017

So, I ask you. Who is facilitating rumors? Who is being transparent?


So, I ask you. Who is facilitating rumors? Who is being transparent? 

As we review some of our Articles that we have posted in this last year, we see that some have come full circle. What does that mean? 

Well, the group that is now LSARA petitioned against the new Administration Building. Why did we do that? We did it because we believed (and still do) that much more research, review and consultation was required.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Update LSAC Administration Building Project Status

LSAC Administration Building 

Project Status Update

LSAC updated their Administration Building Project Status Update on their web site today. Too bad they did not use the "Correct Date"!

Here we have another attempt to avoid the disclosure of the real Issues and what is being done about them.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Special Concessions for Some LSAC Businesses


Let's talk about the Public Notice that was placed by LSAC Council and Administration in the August 28, 2017 edition. In the notice, they indicate that there are two portions of land, SW-01-57-07W5 and NW 36-06-07W5M that they are considering a "SPECIAL DEAL" on. 

Saturday, September 2, 2017

NEW BUILDERS LIEN $1,356,151.00 Filed By Casman on LSAC Administration Building

GOING TO COURT???

LSARA has been trying to obtain the "STATUS OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING" and we have been told if we want it, we "MUST FOIP IT".  "FOIP IT" we did and 60 DAYS LATER LSAC still has not released the information that we have asked for!!!

It has been 99 DAYS SINCE THE LAST ATTEMPT OF  AN UPDATE TO THE " Latest status reports, budget updates and more." ON THE LSAC WEBSITE!!

Friday, September 1, 2017

Election 2017 – Last Chance to Save the County

Election 2017 – Last Chance to Save the County


A final appeal to Business, and Home Owners......

Has there been a more important election in the County of Lac Ste Anne, ever?  I doubt it.  During the most recent Information Event the County held in Darwell, Planning Manager Matthew Ferris declared the County as the new RV Recreational County.  I am not aware of another declaration of this type anywhere in Alberta, and for good reason.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Letter from Elvira Adams Whitecourt, AB

Letter from Elvira Adams Whitecourt, AB

August 26, 2017

To the LSAC Councillors: Matthew Ferris and LSARA

RE:  RV’s on Vacant Residential Land

We have owned a lot in the Lessard Lake Estates for over 30 years.  A little history – the county was pretty happy to see the lots in this subdivision sold (the initial developer went into receivership) after several years in limbo they would finally receive some tax revenue.  The lots were mostly treed and only had services to the lot.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

RV or NO RV Another type of "Recreational User"

Letter to LASRA

When we purchased our land in 2013 the owner  had 2 RVS parked on bare land.  I specifically asked him is this ok and he said oh it is fine but feel free to call the county. (Thank god) I did call the county and was told under no circumstances could we just park our RV there.  

Monday, August 28, 2017

RV BYLAW OPEN HOUSE Wednesday August 30th 5-8 PM Darwell Hall

RV BYLAW OPEN HOUSE 

Almost a month has gone by since the Open House for the Proposed changes in our Land Use Bylaw. Lac Ste. Anne County has not published any new information on their Web Site regarding the Summary of these changes or a reminder of this "Open House".

Sunday, August 27, 2017

LSAC Now Wants to "STRAIGHT TALK"?

LSAC Now Wants to "STRAIGHT TALK"?

Lac Ste. Anne Ratepayers Association has been seeking Open and Transparent discussions and Information regarding LSAC Finances since our formation in 2016. We have been told if we 'WANT IT" we must "FOIP IT". So FOIP it we did and we are still waiting for it.

Friday, August 25, 2017

WHAT ARE THE COUNCILLORS RESPONSIBILITIES

DUTIES OF A COUNCILLOR

Why is it important, as a Ratepayer, to fully understand the Duties of Councillors?

In order to fully understand what the "Duties Of The Councilors" are, one must refer to Alberta Municipal Government Act as the Act (MGA) which is the legislative framework in which all municipalities and municipal entities across the Province of Alberta operate.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

County Considers $1 lease on Sangudo Speedway

Brad Ellis (left) and Nancy Herelein of Doing it Right Track Promotions present at the Lac Ste. Anne County Council meeting on Aug. 10. The business seeks to take over the management and lease of the Sangudo Speedway (Joseph Quigley | Mayerthorpe Freelancer)

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

LSARA MEETING ANOTHER GREAT TURNOUT!!!

LAC STE. ANNE COUNTY RATEPAYERS AGAIN SHOW 

 "THEY DO CARE" 

Approximately 93 LSAC Ratepayers attended LSARA's 6th meeting. We were very pleased to have 8 of the current 15 Candidates vying for your vote present at the meeting. 

Monday, August 21, 2017

LSARA Meeting Today 7 pm August 21, 2017 at the Gunn Hall

Hurry UP! Don't be Late! LSARA Is holding a PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING in Gunn Today 7 pm August 21, 2017 at the Gunn Hall.

Find out what we have been up to! Find out where we are headed and join our Association. Lots of HOT TOPICS! Hope to see you all there. 

Friday, August 18, 2017

Part 4 LSAC "ACTIVITY REPORT" TIME FOR TRANSPARENCY

Another Report To Compare

Once again , to keep the comparisons fair, we utilized the Lac Ste Anne Activity Report from 2011/2012 to compare the Planning & Development Report. Tanya Vanderwell was the Planning & Development Manager and had prepared the report for the 2011 calendar year. Tanya was Recognized in the 2016 LSAC Service Awards and was Congratulated for 15 years of service, hard work, and dedication. Tanya's report clearly followed the direction set forward by the County Manager at that time, Len Szybunka. 

Part 3 LSAC "ACTIVITY REPORT" TIME FOR TRANSPARENCY

Here We Go Folks With Our Next Comparison

This time the focus is the County Managers Report. In 2011/2012 it was know as the County Managers Report. Now in 2016 it is reported as "Message from your CAO". 

Len Szybunka spent many years as the County Manager  not entirely sure why it is that the title had to change for the position. Does this make the position any more important?

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Part 2 LSAC "ACTIVITY REPORT" TIME FOR TRANSPARENCY

Fluff or Transparency – The Reeve Report

When determining whether an article is Fluff or actually transparent or an attempt at, it behooves the writer to provide some quantifying information on both. For the purpose of these articles, we utilized the 2011/2012 Activity Report as there are some clear distinctions between how things used to be reported vs how they are reported now.

NEED MORE CASH NOW??? JUST BORROW IT!!!

County to Borrow $1.9 Million for Paving Project

Mayerthorpe Freelancer Article

County Manager Mike Primeau said:
“It frees up money because there's a lot of this road included in future years. By getting it off the books, it allows us to look at the capital road plan and move projects up,” Primeau said. 

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

PART 1 LSAC "ACTIVITY REPORT" TIME FOR TRANSPARENCY

WHY IS OUR LSAC COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COVERING UP THE FACTS WITH FLUFF!

The Ratepayers have our 6th Informational Public Meeting on August 21, 2017 and we have a LSAC Municipal Election on October 16, 2017. 

Now more than ever has it become "IMPERATIVE" that you the Ratepayers attend our next LSARA Meeting. Why you ask?

Vote! Vote! Vote!


Vote!  Vote!  Vote!

It is nice to see that more individuals are interested in running for council.

In a time where a change in leadership is essential for the well-being of Lac Ste Anne County, it would be nice to have some more competition for those divisions where the current Councillor appears to be the only one in the running!

Monday, August 7, 2017

Letter to LSARA

Letter to LSARA

August 7 2017

As there are two sides to every story, the same can be said of the current RV situation. In 2005, we were looking for a property that we could use recreationally and eventually build and retire on. Prior to the purchase of our property, I called the county and spoke with a development officer. I explained our intentions and was advised that it was fine as long as we were not running a campground. We proceeded with our purchase and developed the land. If only I could turn back time and ask for that in writing.

Land Use Bylaw Proposed Amendments Summary

Land Use Bylaw Proposed Amendments Summary

Over a week has gone by since the Open House for the Proposed changes in our Land Use Bylaw. Lac Ste. Anne County has not published any information on their Web Site regarding the Summary of these changes. This was requested by LSARA prior to the first meeting that took place so we would have an opportunity to review and understand the proposed changes and share the information with the Ratepayers.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

LSARA Brings to You "MEET THE CANDIDATES"


LSARA is proud to present 

"MEET THE CANDIDATES"

As the Candidates submit their Bio's LSARA will add them to this Post to inform the Ratepayers who is running and what they stand for. If you are a Candidate please submit your Bio, Picture and which Zone you represent in a "Word File" by email to lsaracares@gmail.com and we will ensure to add it to our Post as they are received.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Letter From Lessard Landing Resident

New slogan for the
County of Lac Ste. Anne
“We only want you to come for the weekend”

I know there has been much debate over the contentious RV issue within the County. But now the very way of life that many residents enjoy could be coming to an end with the proposed land use bylaw changes.

Friday, August 4, 2017

LSAC Land Use Bylaw Amendments Open House Update

LSAC Land Use Bylaw Amendments Open House Update

Lac Ste Anne County hosted an open house on July 30th at the Gunn Hall. The purpose of the Open House was to promote open discussion on a possible ByLaw Change, specifically speaking to the RV Issues.

Good Leaders Have Ideas - Great Leaders ask Questions Excellent Leaders Listen

What are the benefits of public participation?

Public participation is not simply a nice or necessary thing to do; it actually results in better outcomes and better governance. When done in a meaningful way, public participation will result in two significant benefits:

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Homeowner Billed $27,000 for Fire Service Charges after Home Fire

Homeowner fights over $27,000 in fire service charges after home destroyed

Saturday, July 29, 2017

LSAC Open House at Gunn Today Sunday July 30 1-3 PM

These Open Houses are NOT Structured Meetings. 

They are for Ratepayers to provide their feedback on what they think should be in the bylaw regarding some of the issues which had many folks who own properties and RV's very upset.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

LSCA Announces July 27 2017 Council Meeting

LSCA Announces July 27 2017 Council Meeting


"Please be advised that the July 27, 2017 County Council Meeting will be held at the New County Administration Building (56521 Range Road 65) at 9:30 am."

From looking at their "LSAC July 27 2017 Agenda" and their "Project Status Updates" on the Administration Building, we the ratepayers still have not been told since May 26 2017, 

Saturday, July 22, 2017

LAND USE BYLAW AMENDMENTS "REALLY???? MONTHS BEFORE AN ELECTION????"

Open Houses:     July 30th 1-3 Gunn Hall and Aug. 30th 5-8 - Darwell Hall

LSARA Posted on June 23 2017

"WHAT THEY TOLD YOU THEN and WHAT THEY SAY NOW"


Then: 
Bill Hegy, Lac Ste. Anne County mayor, said "council’s remaining agenda for its term is not so large that it requires additional Councillors".
“It’s not like we have been discussing things like we have in the past with the land use bylaw,” Hegy said.

Employee Benefits


Employee Benefits

When most of us consider what "perks" we may have with our employment, we may consider things like additional health care spending accounts, training allowances, coffee provided. 

What most of us would not consider a "normal perk" would be for our employer to hire legal defense on our behalf due to assault!

LSAC Election Is Coming in October

We need to carefully consider how we, as Ratepayers wish to be represented. 

If you are considering running in one of the seven divisions, you must complete a Registration of Notice of Intent to become a Candidate. This must take place prior to accepting funds or using for the purpose of campaigning.

Friday, July 21, 2017

YOUR VOICE DOES MATTER! WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

LSAC Backtracks on Tree Clearing on Agricultural Land


They say there was an error in the recent add that was placed for the Planning and Development Open Houses.
"There is no plan at this time to change any regulations in tree clearing. Please note that this reference was made in error. The County apologizes for the confusion this reference may have caused."

Thursday, July 20, 2017

LSAC Council and Administration to Take Possession of the New Administration Building

LSAC Council and Administration to Take Possession of the New Administration Building

Council and Administration has placed an announcement in the Lac Ste Anne Bulletin indicating their intent to move into the New Administration Building and open the doors to the Public on July 26th, 2017. As per the notification, all staff from Administration will not be available to the Public during the move while they vacate three offices. This brings forward a number of questions that LSARA had asked but has yet to receive a response.

Monday, July 17, 2017

Landfill User Fee Update

So, you think that the debate surrounding the landfill user fees was over? Think again.  

Recently, a County Ratepayer, one that has paid their fee to use the landfill, observed a truck inside the Transfer station on 777 or the Onoway location for those not familiar with the road numbers.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

LSAC Council Approves New Boundaries

County Council has approved new boundaries that will take effect for the municipal election being held in October this year.


Thursday, July 6, 2017

ALBERTA MINISTERS in Premier Notleys NDP Cabinet Busy Looking for the Next Photo Opportunity

ALBERTA MINISTERS in Premier Notleys NDP Cabinet Busy Looking for the Next Photo Opportunity

Today, Onoway was host to not one, but two MINISTERS in Premier Notleys Cabinet. One, O'Neil Carlier is the Minister of Agriculture & Forestry. He is also the MLA for Whitecourt Ste Anne. The other is none other than Shaye Anderson, the MLA for Leduc-Beaumont and the Minister of Municipal Affairs. 

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

LSAC Council Meeting June 8 2017

LSAC Council Meeting June 8 2017

Periodically, when time permits, all Ratepayers that have the availability should attend a County Council meeting.

They are very revealing as to how the county is run and who is running it. 

The Municipal Government Act is very detailed in the responsibilities with respect to Councillors and to the County Manager. Currently the County has a Total land area of 3,004.71 sq. km. with County roads: 1,263 mi. / 2,033 km that we are responsible to maintain.

Tax Time

For those residents that don't have a monthly withdrawal set up or haven't already paid their property taxes in Lac Ste Anne County, they are due on June 30th.

Council and Administration told you that there is a zero percent increase in your taxes. That would not be the truth. If you compare last year to this year, you will see a slight increase in mill rates. What you may also see is a reduction in actual assessment.

Friday, June 23, 2017

Remember When

WHAT THEY TOLD YOU THEN and WHAT THEY SAY NOW 

BY- ELECTION: We Asked For One! In a contested 3-2 vote, council decided not to hold the by-election, which would fill the seats for Division 4, Sangudo and Cherhill, and Division 5, Lac Ste. Anne South, in the county.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Let the Campaigns Begin!


The first candidate has been declared and he is in Division 3, George Vaughan, a long time resident of Rich Valley will be filing seeking nomination in the 2017 County of Lac Ste Anne fall election. 

LSARA welcomes all those that will be seeking nominations to provide their names and we will publish them.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

How Are Your Road Conditions

How Are Your Road Conditions

Those of you who live in Lac Ste Anne County may be  aware there is a calcium program that you can "buy" the service from the County for dust control. The cost is $420 per 100 meters to the Ratepayers. This does not cover all the costs. There is the staking by the county staff prior, then the gravel, the grading, the water truck and then maintenance.

Increasing Our LSAC Debt by Leaps and Bounds

This excerpt was recently shared with me by one of our LSARA Directors. 

"I have often pointed out the fate of the city of Mainz"

They had their technological boom with the invention of the printing press there. The politicians couldn’t wait to spend tax money assuming the business cycle would never end. So they spend the money before the taxes were due and borrowed against future tax revenues. The debt quickly became a Ponzi scheme issuing new debt to pay off the old as we are doing today. The interest kept rising so they just raised taxes. The rich began to leave and the city was quickly left with the people who didn’t really pay taxes. The bubble burst when they could not sell the next new issue of debt to pay off the last one.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Municipal Election 2017

As we approach the election slated for October 16th , 2017 in our County, LSARA is beginning to focus on those that may be contemplating running for council.

The Municipal Government Act contains information to guide council with respect to their duties. Section 153 of the ACT specifically defines the General Duties of Council. We thought it prudent to identify these duties and attempt to speak to whether in our opinion, current council meets these guidelines.

Friday, June 2, 2017

What are Lac Ste. Anne County's CORE VALUES????


It's NOT too Late to CALL IN a Professional Geotechnical Engineering Firm such as this one to Assess the Damage, the Cause and Provide Recommendations for the Proper Solutions as an Unbiased Opinion of the Heaving Floor Issue !!!!

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

FLOOR HEAVING ISSUE COVER UP !!!!! THIRD PARTY INSPECTION MUST BE DEMANDED!!!!

FLOOR HEAVING ISSUE COVER UP !!!!! THIRD PARTY INSPECTION MUST BE DEMANDED!!!!

Lac Ste. Anne County has no idea what the real cause of the Floor Heaving is and wants to settle the issue with a Quick Claim Cover Up!!!!

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Straight from the LSAC Web Site

Administration Office Information

The County's New Administrative Home

Lac Ste. Anne County Council acknowledged the need to build a new administration office. Since that time, Council and staff have been touring other municipal offices to learn what's worked and what hasn't. They listened to suggestions during those tours, hired experts to help guide the process, manage the project, and develop a design that meets the County's growing needs.

Lac Ste. Anne Ratepayers Association Facebook

Please Join! We need your support.

Please Join! We need your support.

Please Inc.Ph#, Address, Legal Land Description, Division# of Each Member in the "Message" section.

Name

Email *

Message *

Payment for membership can be made via e-transfer to lsaracares@gmail.com

Payment for membership can be made via e-transfer to lsaracares@gmail.com

GET TO KNOW YOUR LSAC COUNCILLOR LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL

Joe Blakeman | Reeve, Councillor, Division 5

Email jblakeman@lsac.ca Ph. 780 918-1916


Lorne Olsvik | Councillor, Div. 1

Email lolsvik@lsac.ca Ph. 780 937-5360


Nick Gelych | Councillor, Div.2

Email ngelych@lsac.ca Ph. 780 9039393


George Vaughan | Councillor, Div. 3

Email gvaughan@lsac.ca Ph. 780 967-3469


Keven Lovich | Councillor, Div. 4

Email klovich@lsac.ca Ph. 780 785-8153


Ross Bohnet | Councillor, Div. 6

Email rbohnet@lsac.ca Ph. 780 786-4290


Lloyd Giebelhaus | Councillor, Div. 7

Email lgiebelhaus@lsac.ca Ph. 780 785-2095

WE WANT YOUR OPINIONS

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LESS PROVINCIAL FUNDING FOR RURAL LAC STE. ANNE COUNTY How does this affect your LSAC Tax Bill?

WHAT THEY TOLD YOU THEN and WHAT THEY SAY NOW

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WHAT ARE THE COUNCILLORS DUTIES

WHAT ARE THE COUNCILLORS DUTIES
COUNCILLORS RESPONSIBILITIES

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LSAC ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

LSAC ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
CLICK TO VIEW THE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART Welcome to the Lac Ste. Anne and Communities Ratepayers Association Web Site and Blog. The association will be a positive and credible advocate of Lac Ste. Anne County Communities. It will, by coordinated input, oversee that elected county officials are held to the terms and conditions of provincial laws and regulations. It will continuously strive to work for the betterment of all ratepayers. IT'S A MATTER OF DOLLARS AND SENSE.

THIS IS OUR COUNTY