1. Healthcare

December 2014
BIGHORN
In This Issue:
LNE 2015 Poster...........................2
Goodbye not Farewell.............3
Bylaw News..................................4
Community Services..............6
Municipal Calendar.................8
NEWS
Photo Courtesy: Cliff Hansen
Page 2 of 8
Bighorn News
Presented by the MD of Bighorn, Bow River Basin Council and our Generous Partners
Living in the Natural Environment 2015
Friday February 6, 2015
The Land Supports Us All
Cochrane
RancheHouse
101 RancheHouse Road
5 – 9 pm
Doors open at 4pm
Tickets $35
Includes dinner (6:30)
and cash bar
Tickets available by
phone or in person at:
Rocky View County
*in person only
(403) 520-7273
Mountain View
County
(403) 335-3311
Ext. 184
MD of Bighorn
(403) 233-7678 or
(403) 673-3611
More Details:
www.mdbighorn.ca
5:00 pm
The Flood, Land Uses, and Landscapes of the Upper
Bow River Basin
Causes, Consequences, and Risk Mitigation
Presenter: Dr. Brad Stelfox, adjunct professor at the University of
Alberta and the University of Calgary
The recently completed Phase 3 study of the Upper Bow River Basin
provides a unique glimpse into the history and future of the landuses
that deine this basin. The 2013 lood was a blunt reminder of both
the magnitude and frequency of natural events. Incorporating the best
available data and knowledge of future land use trajectories, Brad will
explain how the dificult conversation of land use has just begun.
6:00pm Special Presentation by the BRBC
7:30 pm
Biology and Conservation of Alberta Bats
Presenter: Cory Olson, Wildlife Ecologist at Tannas Conservation
Services and Grassland Ecologist with the Glenbow Ranch Park
Foundation
As the second most diverse group of mammal, bats are a critical
component of Alberta’s biodiversity. The beneits to humans alone are
estimated at several billions of dollars’ worth of ecological services. In
this talk, Cory will provide an overview of the amazing diversity of bats
found in the province and throughout the world, and discuss why bats
are a critical component of the ecosystem and human economy.
4:00 - 7:30 pm Visit our Trade Show in the Hall of Vision
Page 3 of 8
Bighorn News
GOOD BYE NOT FAREWELL
By Dwight Tannas, Environmental Fieldman MD of Bighorn
Well my decision has been made and I have decided to retire on March 2nd 2015. It was not an easy decision but I will
be 65 and my health has not been the best the last few years. I will miss the day to day interaction with ratepayers and
municipal staf but I will not miss the getting up at 5:00 AM and not getting home till ater 6:00 PM. However this does
not mean that I will not be involved in some way with residents.
Volunteering and public service have always been an important part of what our family does. Examples would be my
cousin Don being Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Edmonton, my father being a Councilor in the MD
and my volunteer work as President of the Junior Forest Wardens of Alberta. Volunteering has allowed me to meet a
great many very interesting people. I will continue to be involved with instructing the Alberta Conservation and Hunter
Education Program and the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. I may do some consulting and have been surprised as to
others wanting to utilize my abilities. he diference from working full time is that I will be able to set my own pace and
get caught up with things at home I have not had time to accomplish.
One of the things I will miss is the networking with colleges from other municipalities, provincial government employees
and non government organizations. I have worked with and employed many extremely bright and energetic young people.
he agricultural industry and the environment are in good hands with this young crop of facilitators. his is another
reason why it makes retiring easier. I am sure that my succession will be smooth and residents will be well served. I am a
strong believer in mentoring. I believe in young people.
In closing; I would like to thank you all. Serving you has been a privilege and an honor. Remember I am only saying
Good-Bye for now.
(Dwight has served as the M.D. of Bighorn’s Agricultural Fieldman/Watershed Coordinator since March 2002. Council and
M.D. staf wish him well in his retirement.)
Finances
Alberta Seniors Beneits
Stay informed about the inancial assistance available to seniors in our province, through programs such as
Dental and Optical Assistance and Alberta Aids to Daily Living. Learn all the details about the newly created
Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program, as well as information about protecting yourself from inancial, physical
and mental abuse. Exshaw Seniors Centre, Canmore Civic Centre, Banf Seniors Centre
Facilitator: Emily Motycka – Alberta Supports
January 27 and January 28 Exshaw Tuesday, January 27 1:30-3:00pm No Charge, call 403-673-3611 to register
Canmore Wednesday, January 28 10:30-noon No Charge, call 403-609-3743 to register
Banf Wednesday, January 28 2:30-4:00pm No Charge, call 403-762-1251 to register
Page 4 of 8
Bighorn News
Bylaw News
FAQ: Pet Licensing
Why does my dog have to be licensed?
he goal of licensing programs is two-fold. First, licensing your pet increases the chance that you will be reunited with your pet in the
unfortunate event he or she is lost. When you license your pet, your contact information is on ile with the M.D. of Bighorn No. 8,
allowing us to contact you if your pet is taken to an animal care facility.
Secondly, the proceeds garnered from licenses are used to fund community enrichment services such as doggie waste stations (bag
dispensers). In instances where no owner can be located, the funds may be used to pay for veterinary care and the perpetual housing of
the animal by a non-proit organization such as the SPCA or Humane Society, saving them from being euthanized!
What is the beneit to me?
If you’re like us, your pet is part of your family. Licensing your pet acts as a form of insurance, enabling animal control oicers to
contact you if your pet becomes lost. Additionally, by purchasing a license for your pet, you are helping to ensure that all lost pets are
given the appropriate attention and medical care while waiting to be reunited with their owners.
What are the consequences of not licensing my dog?
In the M.D. of Bighorn No. 8, a pet owner who chooses not to license their dog can be ined $75, almost four times the cost of the
license itself. Licensing your dog is a quick and easy way to avoid a ine down the road.
More importantly, a pet without identiication is less likely to be reunited with its owner and may ultimately be euthanized if a suitable
home cannot be found. In many cases, pets without a license or microchip are held at the shelter for a shorter time period before being
made available for adoption or being euthanized. Licensing your pet could provide you with a longer timeframe to be reunited with
your pet.
My pet never leaves my property, why should I buy a license?
Animals are resourceful! Although many people believe that their pet will never leave their property, dogs have a way of getting out
from a “secure” yard by digging, jumping over a fence, or exiting through an open gate. Natural disasters, aberrant weather, and loud
noises also oten cause animals to become anxious and lee their property. A license identiies you as the pet’s owner and provides
animal control oicers with the necessary information to reunite you and your pet.
And, of course, because it is required by law! Even if your dog is a total homebody, and never wanders of without you, if you’re ever
stopped by an Animal Control Oicer you can be ined for failing to comply with the law.
My pet is micro-chipped. Do I need to buy a license too?
Yes. In addition to the fact that licensing is oten required by law, a microchip is invisible to the eye and can occasionally go undetected.
A license is visible proof of ownership, which lets animal control oicers and members of the public know that your pet is owned. It is
highly recommended that all pets be micro-chipped and wear a valid license.
How oten do I need to license my pet?
Every year: on or before the irst business day in the new year.
How much does a license cost?
If your animal is neutered or spayed the license fee is $20.00. For regular males and females, $100.00.
Page 5 of 8
Bighorn News
Community Services
Managing the Holiday Season ~ Strategies Following a Loss or Natural Disaster
Each day of our lives is illed with many rituals: reading
the paper while drinking a cup of cofee, feeding the
dog, watching the evening news. hese simple rituals
give our lives structure, familiarity, and comfort.
Special occasions, like birthdays and holidays also give
direction, meaning and connection to others in our
lives. Many come to rely on these personal holiday
traditions and look forward to them from year to year.
• Let others know what you want or need from
them during the holidays. It’s OK to set some
personal and family boundaries. For example,
decide when, where and for how long you like to
attend a function.
However, when life is disrupted by a crisis, special
occasions and holiday rituals are profoundly afected.
For those who have experienced losses associated with
a disaster, holiday seasons can be a painful reminder
of the losses and the hole that has been let. Getting
through the holidays the irst time can feel like walking
into the wilderness; having to learn new survival skills
that ofer safety and comfort in unknown territory.
• Spend time with people whose company you
enjoy, and bow out if you need to. Send last
minute regrets if the celebrations prove too
much.
Remember that the losses associated with a traumatic
event can impact you physically, mentally, emotionally,
socially and spiritually, so be realistic with your
expectations and allow yourself to choose those
activities that are most meaningful to you. Family
members and friends may wish to honor the holiday
season diferently than you. Plan to do what is most
reasonable and most comfortable for you and your
family.
MANAGING THE HOLIDAYS
Acknowledge that this holiday will be diferent. Planning
for it is better than taking a “wait and see” approach.
A Few Suggestions:
• Remember, that it normal to have less
motivation and low energy levels. he challenge
is to balance sociability with solitude.
• Prepare responses ahead of time to questions
about how you are doing.
• Decide what traditions will stay the same and
what will change.
• You may have to change your emphasis on
decorations, preparations, and git giving.
• Plan your shopping in advance. Try to
consolidate the stores you want to visit, or ask
friends to help you out.
• Give yourself permission to have some fun
during the holidays. his does not mean that
you don’t place any less value on your loss
experience and grief.
• Break down your goals into small, manageable
pieces that you can accomplish at one time.
Don’t take on too much.
Take time for your own self-care and time to
grieve. Grief is not a sign of weakness.
• Possibly attend a religious service with family,
friends, or those who also experienced the loss.
• Recognize that various elements of the holidays
can cause a surge of grief and pain no matter
what you do. hese surges can evoke powerful
emotions of anger, guilt, depression, and anxiety
or panic. hese are normal responses to an
abnormal traumatic experience.
Special occasions and holidays can give those
recovering from a loss or a disaster a sense of how
they are doing. If your intuition suggests that you
are not doing as well as you think or feel you should
be, give yourself permission to reach out and access
a helping professional in your community
Page 6 of 8
Bighorn News
Community Services
For free, conidential support over the 2014 Christmas Break:
he MD Oices will be closed December 24-26 and Jan 1. Community Services will be closed December 20 - January 4
inclusive.
Urgent Mental Health has walk-in counselling service at Banf, Canmore and Calgary hospitals, available seven days
perweek from 2-9pm. No appointment is needed
Cochrane Health Centre has a walk-in mental health clinic Mon-Friday (Mon-hurs: 11:00-5:00, Friday 11:00-3:00)
Cochrane Mental Health Clinic will close early at 4pm on Dec 24 and Dec 31. Closed on Dec 25, Dec 26 and Jan 1. he following Wellness Supports are available via phone, and in person by appointment:
Alberta Health Services - Provincial 24 hr Help Lines
Addiction Services 866-332-2322 Mental Health Services 877-787-2880
Bow Valley Victim Services 403-760-0197
Cochrane & Area Victim Services 403-851-8055 or 800-615-5984
Mental Health and Addictions Services Closed on Dec 25, Dec 26 and Jan 1
Canmore and Banf & Exshaw - 403 678 4696
Cochrane - 403 851 6000
Seniors’ Fall Prevention is applicable all year long
Anyone Can Fall: Prevent it From Happening To You
Seniors’ falls facts
1 out of 3 over the age of 65 and 1 out of 2 over the age of 80 will fall at least once a year
If you fall once, you are twice as likely to fall again
Women are 3X more likely than men to be hospitalized for a fall but men are more likely than women to
experience fatal falls.
Falls are not a normal part of aging
Ater a fall you may…
lose conidence
be afraid you might fall again
stop going out and doing things you enjoy
Take action to retain your independence
• Check your medications
•
Keep active
•
Watch your step
•
Speak up about dizziness
WARNING: he greatest health risk for older adults is living an inactive life.
M
Page 7 of 8
Bighorn News
Community Services
All it takes is one call for help and information... dial 211 today.
211 services are available in the east portion of the MD to help you ind the right community and social
services.
For Calgary & Cochrane service areas you can dial 2-1-1 to speak to an Information & Referral
Specialist, for the Clearwater County and Red Deer service areas you can search the online community
resource directory.
211 is a nationally recognized, call answer service that helps individuals navigate the complex network of
human services with local resource information quickly and easily, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in over 100
languages.
Search for information on: • Financial & social assistance • Housing & utility help
• Food assistance & meal programs • Seniors’ services & home care
• Parenting & family programs • Government program assistance
• Disability support services• Volunteer organizations
• Newcomer services • Mental health support • and much more...
For More
Information
go to
www.ab.211.ca
MD Transportation Assistance Program
We have a program to assist MD residents who are over the age of 65 or who have disabilities and have
little or very limited access to transportation. Eligibility is income and residency based and assistance
can be made by either by issuing Taxi Passes or refunding some per kilometer costs of volunteer drivers.
More information and applications are available through Community Services.
here is also a need for more Volunteer Drivers to register with Community Services. hat helps us
connect those who need a ride with those who can occasionally provide a ride and provide some
mileage compensation.
Community Services has more information and applications. Call Deb Grady at 403-373-3611,
extension 223 or email [email protected]
Page 8 of 8
Bighorn News
Municipal Calendar of Events
December 1st
December 8th
December 9th
December 17th
December 25th
December 26th
January 1st
January 5th
January 9th
January 12th
January 13th
January 21st
January 27th
February 9th
February 10th
February 18th
February 24th
Streets & Roads Committee
Municipal Excellence Committee
Regular Council Meeting
Municipal Planning Commission
OFFICE CLOSED
OFFICE CLOSED
OFFICE CLOSED
Heritage Resource Committee
Agriculture Service Board ( ASEAB)
Municipal Excellence Committee
Regular Council Meeting
Municipal Planning Commission
Finance & Economic Dev. Committee
Municipal Excellence Committee
Regular Council Meeting
Municipal Planning Commission
Finance & Economic Dev. Committee
9:00 am- Council Chambers
9:00 am - Council Chambers
9:00 am - Council Chambers
9:00 am - Council Chambers
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
New Years Day
9:00 am - Council Chambers
9:00 am - Council Chambers
9:00 am - Council Chambers
9:00 am - Council Chambers
9:00 am - Council Chambers
9:00 am- Council Chambers
9:00 am- Council Chambers
9:00 am - Council Chambers
9:00 am - Council Chambers
9:00 pm - Council Chambers
Municipal Website:
www.mdbighorn.ca
Municipal District
of Bighorn
@MDBighorn
Contact us
Council
Phone: 403-673-3611
Calgary Direct: 403-233-7678
Fax: 403-673-3895
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mdbighorn.ca
Reeve
Dene Cooper, [email protected]
Mailing/Civic Address:
Box 310 #2 Heart Mountain Drive
Exshaw, AB T0L 2C0
@ExshawFire
Deputy Reeve
Erik Butters, [email protected]
Councillors
Carolyn Montgomery, [email protected]
Paul Ryan, [email protected]
Paul Clark, [email protected]