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KOMUNIKATY, WIADOMOSCI SRODOWISKOWE
July 25, 2007
Province tightens fire ban for
southwestern Alberta
Edmonton... A prolonged heat wave in southern
Alberta has prompted Sustainable Resource Development to further
restrict the use of fire in the forest protection area stretching from
the north border of Waterton Lakes National Park to just west of
Longview. The fire ban also includes an area known as Poll Haven located
outside the southeast corner of Waterton Lakes National Park.
All open fires, including campfires, are now prohibited in the area
and any existing fires must be extinguished immediately.
The only exceptions to the ban are:
- fires in appliances that are fuelled by fluids or gasses (i.e.,
propane heaters and gas barbecues); and
- fires contained in industrial facilities or industrial sites
approved by a forest officer.
The fire ban does not cover the cities, towns, villages and summer
villages in the area, but these jurisdictions may issue fire bans of
their own.
Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture has also expanded the fire ban
in provincial parks and recreation areas in the region. These parks are
in addition to the 18 already under a ban, bringing the total up to 36.
The additional locations now under a fire ban are:
- Beaver Mines Lake Provincial Recreation Area
- Beehive Natural Area
- Black Creek Heritage Rangeland
- Bob Creek Wildland Park
- Castle Falls Provincial Recreation Area
- Castle River Bridge Provincial Recreation Area
- Chinook Provincial Recreation Area
- Don Getty Wildland Park
- Dutch Creek Provincial Recreation Area
- Honeymoon Creek Provincial Recreation Area
- Island Lake Provincial Recreation Area
- Little Fish Lake Provincial Park
- Livingstone Falls Provincial Recreation Area
- Lynx Creek Provincial Recreation Area
- Mt. Livingstone Natural Area
- Oldman River North Provincial Rec Area
- Racehorse Provincial Recreation Area
- Syncline Provincial Recreation Area
Hazardous conditions in the area will continue to be monitored on a
daily basis. Albertans who live in or are visiting the fire ban area are
urged to use extreme caution. Off-highway vehicle users are reminded to
make sure hot spots, such as the engine and exhaust, are free of
burnable material such as dry grass and twigs.
To see the status of fire bans throughout the entire province, visit
www.albertafirebans.ca.
To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
July 25, 2007
Cougar caught in Fish Creek Provincial Park
Calgary... A cougar that was spotted in the
southwest part of Fish Creek Provincial Park has been captured and
relocated to a safe new home near Nordegg.
Late Tuesday night, July 24, Park Conservation and Fish and Wildlife
Officers were able to locate the cougar that had been frequenting the
Bebo Grove and Marshall Springs area of the park. Officers were able to
get the cougar into a tree, tranquilize the animal and transfer it to a
vehicle to take it to a safe location away from close human contact.
“Our conservation officers took great care to capture the cougar in
the most humane way possible,” said Jim Stomp, site manager for the
park. “In the park setting, there will always be the possibility of
human to animal interaction; and our goal in this situation was to
ensure the safety of both the cougar and the visitors to the park. We’ve
accomplished that goal.”
For more information on cougars, visit
www.tprc.alberta.ca/parks/cougar.
July 24, 2007
Cougar sighted in Fish Creek Provincial Park
Calgary... Visitors to Fish Creek Provincial
Park are being advised to exercise caution and avoid the park area
between Bebo Grove and Marshall Springs where a cougar has been spotted
over the past few days.
To date, the cougar has not demonstrated any aggression towards
people. Park Conservation and Fish and Wildlife Officers are monitoring
the situation and will attempt to capture the cougar if opportunity
allows. Cougar capture is extremely difficult as these animals are wary
and highly capable of evasion.
If you are planning a visit to the park, remember:
- Avoid using the park at dawn or dusk when cougars are most
active
- Make noise and keep children close to adults
- Follow park regulations and keep your pets leashed
- Carry a stick or pepper spray as a deterrent
If you encounter a cougar:
- Raise your arms or a stick in the air making yourself appear as
large as possible
- Make eye contact, shout, be aggressive, and demonstrate you are
dominant
- Keep small children and pets close by and do not allow them to
run
- Throw rocks and fight back with any available tools
- Call the park office at (403) 297-5293
Cougars are rarely seen in Fish Creek Provincial Park and in the past
have been quick to leave the area. There are significant populations of
cougars throughout the nearby foothills and eastern slopes of Kananaskis
Country. For more information on cougars, visit
www.tprc.alberta.ca/parks/cougar.
July 23, 2007
West Nile
virus confirmed in Alberta mosquitoes
Edmonton... Mosquitoes with West Nile virus
found in several surveillance stations in the southern half of Alberta,
are a reminder to Albertans about the importance of taking precautions
against the disease.
Mosquito pools positive for West Nile virus were collected in Provost,
Taber, Raymond, Calgary, Brooks and Burdet. These mosquitoes are
Alberta’s first confirmed evidence of the West Nile virus this year.
“Although we have no reported human cases of West Nile virus
infection yet, Albertans, especially in the south, should now be taking
precautions,” said Dr. Shainoor Virani, Acting Deputy Chief Medical
Officer of Health. “The most effective means of reducing the risk of
infection is to take simple personal precautions to avoid being bitten
by mosquitoes, such as using a mosquito repellent containing DEET.”
Other ways to protect oneself include avoiding outdoor activities as
much as possible at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes
are most active, and wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks and/or
netted protective clothing.
Warm weather conditions have been ideal for the development of
Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, which commonly
carry the virus. Culex tarsalis numbers are
increasing from the eastern border of the province across to the
foothills, and positive pools are likely to be found in more northern
areas including Edmonton. These mosquitoes are expected to reach the
peak of their reproductive and biting activity during the first two
weeks of August.
Now in its fifth year, Alberta’s mosquito surveillance program is run
by participating municipal authorities and overseen by Alberta
Environment. Since June 19 when this year’s monitoring began, over
40,000 mosquitoes have been captured, sorted and tested.
The virus was first detected in Alberta in 2003. Of the 1,417
mosquito pools sampled province-wide that year, 31 tested positive.
- 2004 - only one of 2,144 mosquito pools collected tested
positive for West Nile virus.
- 2005 - one pool positive among 636 sampled.
- 2006 - with more consistent heat and weather conditions, 117
mosquito pools tested positive of 933 sampled.
For more information on West Nile virus and personal protection, please
go to
www.fightthebite.info.Information Bulletin
Building a stronger Alberta
July 19, 2007
Seeing red in Alberta’s
forests
Signs of mountain pine beetle infestation
increasing across the province
Edmonton... Albertans will soon be able to see
more evidence of the spread of mountain pine beetle in the province’s
pine forests.
“The signs of infestation are going to be very visible - trees attacked
and killed last year by pine beetles are fading and turning red,”
Provincial Mountain Pine Beetle Coordinator Dan Lux says.
Lux also notes that the offspring of beetles that attacked Alberta pine
trees in 2006 are now emerging and are flying in search of other trees
to infest. Each beetle-attacked tree contains enough insects to infest
five to ten more trees.
The number of beetle-attacked trees in Alberta has increased from 19,000
a year ago to more than three million today. The increase is the result
of a massive flight of beetles from B.C. to the Grande Prairie and Peace
regions of northwest Alberta in July 2006. There are also significant
pine beetle populations in southwestern Alberta.
Surveys of over-winter survival rates of beetle larvae conducted this
spring indicate infestations continue to threaten the province’s pine
forests, particularly in southwestern Alberta. There are six million
hectares of pine trees in Alberta, approximately 15 percent of the
province’s forested land base.
Alberta Government actions to control the spread of mountain pine beetle
include monitoring to detect beetle populations and single-tree cutting
and burning. Forest companies have also been asked to alter their
harvesting schedules to focus on infested and at-risk pine stands. As
well, Alberta has developed a strategy to reduce the potential for
future outbreaks by replacing some of the older pines with younger trees
that are less vulnerable to infestations.
For more information on the mountain pine beetle please visit:
www.srd.alberta.ca/forests/health/pestalerts/mountainpinebeetles.aspx
Taking aggressive action to manage mountain pine beetle infestations is
part of Premier Stelmach's plan to build a stronger Alberta. Other
priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and
transparency, manage growth pressures, improve Albertans' quality of
life and provide safe and secure communities.
Provincial Archives Botanical Lantern Slides
exhibit - opening May 16
Images of plants and flowers dated from 1914
to 1938 are featured at the Provincial Archives'
newest exhibit, Immortal Nature's Ageless Harmony:
The Botanical Lantern Slides of William Copeland
McCalla, which opens May 16 and runs until
September 1, 2007. William Copeland McCalla was an
Alberta botanist, photographer and author who
photographed black and white glass lantern slides,
which he then hand-coloured. The exhibit is open
Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and
Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. For
more information, visit
www.tprc.gov.ab.ca/paa.
Canada
And Alberta Sign New Immigration Agreement
Calgary, May 11, 2007... The
Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, the
Honourable Ed Stelmach, Premier of Alberta and the Honourable Iris Evans,
Alberta Minister of Employment, Immigration and Industry, today signed a
new Agreement for Canada-Alberta Cooperation on Immigration.
"Canada's New Government is committed to working with
Alberta and committed to helping newcomers," said Minister Finley. "This
agreement will help Alberta attract immigrants more quickly and ensure
our immigration programs meet Alberta's needs and the needs of newcomers."
"This agreement fulfils my commitment to pursue a
made-in-Alberta approach to immigration," said Premier Stelmach. "It
sets out a framework for enhanced federal-provincial immigration
cooperation and partnerships, and is a prime example of what can be
accomplished by working together."
"Since Alberta represents 10 per cent of Canada's
population, Alberta's goal is to receive at least 10 per cent of
immigrants to Canada," said Minister Evans. "This agreement takes us one
step closer to that goal as well as addressing our labour shortage."
The new agreement means:
- Alberta will be able to nominate more immigrants
possessing skills needed in the province, for quicker processing by
the federal government.
- A new pilot project to speed up the entry of
certain foreign health-care professionals who have applied to come
to Alberta.
- Enhanced cooperation between Canada and Alberta
in overseas immigration marketing initiatives.
- A commitment to establishing mechanisms that
would make it easier and quicker for Alberta to get the foreign
workers it needs to meet its growing labour force demands.
"Taken together, the agreement and the related
initiatives speak to the strength and flexibility of our relationship,"
said Minister Finley. "I look forward to continued progress as we build
and expand our partnerships for the benefit of newcomers and Albertans
alike."
The agreement formalizes and builds on the existing
collaborative relationship between Canada and Alberta on immigration
matters, including the delivery of settlement and integration services.
It also recognizes the importance of involving community stakeholders,
including service providers, municipalities and the private sector, in
welcoming newcomers.
May 11, 2007
McKnight Boulevard lanes
narrow
Calgary...
Bridge deck rehabilitation work and other miscellaneous work will occur
in the City of Calgary on the Deerfoot Corridor starting May 14 with
an anticipated completion date of August 15. The work will take
place on McKnight Boulevard eastbound and westbound over Nose Creek and
the CPR tracks.
Eastbound and
westbound McKnight Boulevard traffic will be accommodated in two narrow
lanes in each direction. The speed limit will be reduced to 30 km/h
throughout the construction zone.
Travellers in
the area are advised to watch for workers and flagmen, and obey all
signs, message boards, and other traffic control devices.
Travellers are
further advised to expect delays or take alternate routes.
Alberta Parks
Campers flock to Alberta's great outdoors.
Alberta Parks and Protected
Areas
There are a number of
resources available to help in planning a visit to one of Alberta's more
than 500 parks and protected areas, or more than 250 campgrounds.
The 2007 Alberta parks guide
- Breathtaking Moments - and the 2007 edition of the Alberta's
Parks & Protected Areas map are now available. The map and guide promote
nature-based outdoor recreation in Alberta and are available free of
charge at parks and protected area offices, as well as at Travel Alberta
and other visitor information centres throughout the province.
You can order the parks guide
and map, and get up-to-date information on park closures, restrictions
and campground reservations at
www.albertaparks.ca or by calling (780) 427-3582 in Edmonton or
1-866-427-3582 toll-free in Alberta. Fees apply for camping, but there
are no entrance or day use fees in Alberta Parks.
Park closures at Miquelon and
English Bay
Closures are in effect for
the following parks and recreation areas:
-
Miquelon Lake Provincial
Park will continue to be closed until the
later part of June. When it opens, there will still be some
construction work taking place; this work will continue throughout
the 2007 camping season. Construction notices will be posted in the
park.
-
English Bay Provincial
Recreation Area will remain closed for the
2007 season because of additional on-site archaeological work prior
to site upgrade work planned for 2008.
Important safety information
Campers reminded to be extra
careful and avoid bear encounters
Bears will be at lower
elevations this time of year looking for easily available sources of
food. To ensure a safe, enjoyable camping experience, follow these
BearSmart tips:
-
Always store food out of
reach of bears, preferably in airtight containers in the trunk of
your vehicle. Never store food in or near a tent or tent-trailer
where you are sleeping.
-
Never cook or eat in or
near your tent. Do not bury food scraps.
-
Do not litter. Place all
garbage in suitable containers provided in campgrounds or take away.
-
Clean fish at designated
cleaning stations. If no station is available, dispose of fish
remains in proper garbage containers.
-
At night, move about the
campsite cautiously. Always use a flashlight.
-
If camping with a dog,
keep it on a leash or in your vehicle. An unleashed dog may irritate
a bear and bring it back to camp.
-
Keep young children close
to you.
-
Keep a can of bear "pepper"
spray handy and in your tent at night. Know how to use it!
To learn more, visit the Fish
and Wildlife site at
www.srd.alberta.ca.
Respect the land while
driving off-highway vehicles
Heavy snow over the long
winter and recent rain have resulted in very wet ground conditions,
which create a fragile ecosystem. Off-highway vehicles (OHV) can
seriously impact riparian areas, fish habitat and downstream water
quality.
When using OHVs, Albertans
are reminded to stay on designated trails in approved areas and avoid
shorelands, streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. All outdoor users are
asked to be courteous and respectful of others. Find out more through
the Respect the Land site at
www.srd.alberta.ca.
Help Alberta's forests by
reporting mountain pine beetle
Albertans can do their part
to help manage mountain pine beetle in Alberta's forests by reporting
signs of beetle-infested trees.
Pine trees are evergreen
trees with long needles attached to branches in pairs. Signs of
infestation include sawdust in crevices and around the base of the tree,
and pitch tubes - irregular creamy globs on the outside of the tree bark
that look similar to crystallized honey. To report any of these signs,
phone 310-BUGS with the location of the suspected infestation. Albertans
also should not transport any pine, such as firewood, that still has the
bark attached.
Barbecue and camp with care
this summer
Summer outdoor enthusiasts
often use propane to fuel barbecues, heaters and appliances in their
recreational vehicles (RVs). When used with care, propane is a safe and
convenient fuel, but it does not take much to create a hazardous
situation in an enclosed space. Before using propane-fuelled equipment
for the first time this season, take the time to have it inspected by an
RV dealer, a major propane distributor or a qualified gasfitter.
Follow these propane safety
tips to ensure an enjoyable and safe summer season:
-
Do not
use unvented portable propane heaters, radiant heaters or torches
inside campers, tents, vehicles or other unventilated areas.
-
Do not
use propane cooking appliances as heating equipment.
-
Do not
smoke while handling a propane cylinder, and keep it away from all
other ignition sources.
-
Do not
allow children to play or tamper with propane
cylinders.
-
Make sure appliances are
certified for their intended uses, and consult manufacturers'
instructions before using an appliance for the first time.
-
Keep propane cylinders in
a secure, upright position for both transport and storage. Transport
cylinders in a well-ventilated space. If transporting in a vehicle
trunk, prop the trunk open. Never transport a propane
cylinder in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
-
Never
use a match or open flame to check for a propane leak. Instead,
brush a soap and water solution over the suspected area; bubbles
will form if there is a leak.
-
Propane has a distinct
odour, similar to cooked cabbage. If you suspect a leak, leave the
area immediately and remove any possible sources of ignition,
including cigarettes. If possible, shut off the propane supply and
leave doors and windows open. If necessary, call 911 from a
neighbour's house.
For more information on
propane safety and other safety topics, please visit
www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca.
...
Both boat launches in the Ghost Reservoir
Provincial Recreation Area and marina are closed for
refurbishment until further notice.Work will be completed as quickly
as possible, as weather and water levels permit. Another notice will
be issued when the work is completed and the launches re-open.
Construction was scheduled at a time when the water level in the
reservoir is at its lowest point and before spring run-off. Ghost
Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area is located 18 km west of
Cochrane on Highway 1A.
-
The Alberta government has
created two regional one-stop sources for information and assistance
aimed at Albertans facing housing pressures.
Several
government ministries assist individuals in a number of areas
including emergency housing, rent supplements as well as general
housing programs and services.
To improve
access to these services, some staff from Municipal Affairs and
Housing and Service Alberta have temporarily moved to Employment,
Immigration and Industry offices in Edmonton and Calgary to provide
a one-stop source for information and assistance for individuals
facing housing pressures.
|
Calgary
Staff from all three ministries will be at the Employment,
Immigration and Industry office |
100 Fisher Park 2: 6712 Fisher Street
Calgary
Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Call toll-free, 1 (866) 644 5135 |
|
Edmonton
Staff from all three ministries will be at the Employment,
Immigration and Industry office |
10242-105 Street
Edmonton
Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Call toll-free, 1 (866) 644 5135 |
Albertans
who require assistance are invited to visit the above locations or
call or visit any of the following government centres which will
also be staffed during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from
8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:
Municipal
Affairs and Housing for information on
government housing programs and services and the rent supplement
program that provides support for low-income families who have been
identified as being in critical need of housing assistance.
-
4th
Floor Standard Life Centre: 10405 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, (780)
422 0122
-
301
Centre 70: 7015 MacLeod Trail South, Calgary (403) 297 5399
Employment,
Immigration and Industry for information
on the new Homeless and Eviction Fund. The fund is intended to help
Albertans at risk of losing their homes due to rent increases and
significant arrears; people who need help to establish a home; and
people who have limited resources. An assessment of limited
resources will include such factors as family size, family situation
and other pending expenses.
Service
Alberta for information about proposed
changes to landlord and tenant legislation that will only allow rent
increases once a year and will require a full year's notice on
condominium conversions.
May 9, 2007
Learning about the environment, history and road safety contribute
to a great Alberta summer
Edmonton...
Here is information about special events, awards and safety reminders
for Albertans in June along with accompanying story materials and
further contact information.
Celebrate Environment Week: June 3-9
Environment Week 2007 will be
celebrated June 3-9. Wetlands are the theme this year, highlighting the
importance of preserving these ecosystems rich in biodiversity.
Albertans have a key role in protecting and restoring these crucial
habitats. For more information on wetlands and how to get involved in
Environment Week activities in communities across the province, visit
www.environment.gov.ab.ca and scroll down to "initiatives".
Celebrate Seniors' Week: June 4-10
Seniors' Week 2007 runs from
June 4-10, with events in communities across the province. This year's
theme Celebrate Seniors' Present and Future Contributions
reflects the difference that seniors continue to make in Alberta every
day. For more information on Seniors' Week events or to register an
event of your own with the Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta, visit
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca.
Get your tickets for the Emerald Awards:
June 6
The 2007 Emerald Awards take
place in Calgary at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on June 6. Albertans
from across the province will gather to celebrate environmental
excellence and recognize individuals and organizations whose dedication
and commitment to our environment is benefiting all Albertans. For more
information about the Emerald Awards or to book your tickets, please
visit
www.emeraldawards.com.
Nominate someone for a Recreation Volunteer
Recognition Award by June 22
Nominations are now being
accepted for the Recreation Volunteer Recognition awards for committed
volunteers who help Albertans become more active and lead healthier
lives. Nomination forms are available at
www.asrpwf.ca or by calling (780) 415-0276. The nomination deadline
is June 22.
Register now for children's summer camps at
the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Trying to "beat the train" could be a deadly
game
No matter how a driver weighs
the odds, ignoring the signals and disregarding safety at a railway
crossing is a deadly venture. The odds are not in a motorist's favour
with the average train weighing 110 tones. When travelling 100 km\h, it
takes a train the length of 14 football fields to come to a complete
stop.
Most train and motor vehicle
collisions happen during the daytime and when the train is travelling at
less than 80 km\h per hour. Common causes of collisions with trains
include drivers disobeying traffic control devices, failing to yield
right-of-way at uncontrolled crossings or driving while impaired.
Motorists should cross railway tracks only at designated crossings. When
approaching a railway crossing, be alert as trains do not always follow
set schedules. Obey all warning signs and signal devices. For more
information on safety at railway crossings visit
www.saferoads.com.
Alberta Parks and Protected
Areas
There are a number of
resources available to help in planning a visit to one of Alberta's more
than 500 parks and protected areas, or more than 250 campgrounds.
The 2007 Alberta parks guide
- Breathtaking Moments - and the 2007 edition of the Alberta's
Parks & Protected Areas map are now available. The map and guide promote
nature-based outdoor recreation in Alberta and are available free of
charge at parks and protected area offices, as well as at Travel Alberta
and other visitor information centres throughout the province.
You can order the parks guide
and map, and get up-to-date information on park closures, restrictions
and campground reservations at
www.albertaparks.ca or by calling (780) 427-3582 in Edmonton or
1-866-427-3582 toll-free in Alberta. Fees apply for camping, but there
are no entrance or day use fees in Alberta Parks.
Park restrictions/closures
Most parks will be operating
in full swing this May long weekend, however there are a few with
restrictions or closures, including:
Park liquor bans at Aspen
Beach and Wabamun - May 17 to 21
All campgrounds in Aspen
Beach and Wabamun Lake Provincial Parks will have a temporary liquor ban
in effect during the Victoria Day long weekend. The ban will begin at 12
noon on Thursday, May 17 and run until 6 p.m. on Monday, May 21.
In Cypress Hills
Interprovincial Park and Lawrence Lake Provincial Recreation Area,
alcohol will be allowed but staff are implementing a zero tolerance
policy.
Parks conservation officers
and other enforcement staff will be on-site and will respond to all
offences including liquor violations, vandalism, litter and
environmental damage. Depending on each situation, offenders could be
fined or evicted.
Park closures at Miquelon and
English Bay
Closures are in effect for
the following parks and recreation areas:
-
Miquelon Lake Provincial
Park will continue to be closed until the
later part of June. When it opens, there will still be some
construction work taking place; this work will continue throughout
the 2007 camping season. Construction notices will be posted in the
park.
-
English Bay Provincial
Recreation Area will remain closed for the
2007 season because of additional on-site archaeological work prior
to site upgrade work planned for 2008.
Special event - Spring bird
count at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park - May 20
Join the education team at
the park for this annual spring inventory of birds in southeast Alberta.
Enjoy a day of bird watching and exploring the hills. Parks staff will
assign routes and provide necessary assistance during the count.
Important safety information
Campers reminded to be extra
careful and avoid bear encounters
Bears will be at lower
elevations this time of year looking for easily available sources of
food. To ensure a safe, enjoyable camping experience, follow these
BearSmart tips:
-
Always store food out of
reach of bears, preferably in airtight containers in the trunk of
your vehicle. Never store food in or near a tent or tent-trailer
where you are sleeping.
-
Never cook or eat in or
near your tent. Do not bury food scraps.
-
Do not litter. Place all
garbage in suitable containers provided in campgrounds or take away.
-
Clean fish at designated
cleaning stations. If no station is available, dispose of fish
remains in proper garbage containers.
-
At night, move about the
campsite cautiously. Always use a flashlight.
-
If camping with a dog,
keep it on a leash or in your vehicle. An unleashed dog may irritate
a bear and bring it back to camp.
-
Keep young children close
to you.
-
Keep a can of bear "pepper"
spray handy and in your tent at night. Know how to use it!
To learn more, visit the Fish
and Wildlife site at
www.srd.alberta.ca.
Respect the land while
driving off-highway vehicles
Heavy snow over the long
winter and recent rain have resulted in very wet ground conditions,
which create a fragile ecosystem. Off-highway vehicles (OHV) can
seriously impact riparian areas, fish habitat and downstream water
quality.
When using OHVs, Albertans
are reminded to stay on designated trails in approved areas and avoid
shorelands, streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. All outdoor users are
asked to be courteous and respectful of others. Find out more through
the Respect the Land site at
www.srd.alberta.ca.
Help Alberta's forests by
reporting mountain pine beetle
Albertans can do their part
to help manage mountain pine beetle in Alberta's forests by reporting
signs of beetle-infested trees.
Pine trees are evergreen
trees with long needles attached to branches in pairs. Signs of
infestation include sawdust in crevices and around the base of the tree,
and pitch tubes - irregular creamy globs on the outside of the tree bark
that look similar to crystallized honey. To report any of these signs,
phone 310-BUGS with the location of the suspected infestation. Albertans
also should not transport any pine, such as firewood, that still has the
bark attached.
Barbecue and camp with care
this summer
Summer outdoor enthusiasts
often use propane to fuel barbecues, heaters and appliances in their
recreational vehicles (RVs). When used with care, propane is a safe and
convenient fuel, but it does not take much to create a hazardous
situation in an enclosed space. Before using propane-fuelled equipment
for the first time this season, take the time to have it inspected by an
RV dealer, a major propane distributor or a qualified gasfitter.
Follow these propane safety
tips to ensure an enjoyable and safe summer season:
-
Do not
use unvented portable propane heaters, radiant heaters or torches
inside campers, tents, vehicles or other unventilated areas.
-
Do not
use propane cooking appliances as heating equipment.
-
Do not
smoke while handling a propane cylinder, and keep it away from all
other ignition sources.
-
Do not
allow children to play or tamper with propane
cylinders.
-
Make sure appliances are
certified for their intended uses, and consult manufacturers'
instructions before using an appliance for the first time.
-
Keep propane cylinders in
a secure, upright position for both transport and storage. Transport
cylinders in a well-ventilated space. If transporting in a vehicle
trunk, prop the trunk open. Never transport a propane
cylinder in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
-
Never
use a match or open flame to check for a propane leak. Instead,
brush a soap and water solution over the suspected area; bubbles
will form if there is a leak.
-
Propane has a distinct
odour, similar to cooked cabbage. If you suspect a leak, leave the
area immediately and remove any possible sources of ignition,
including cigarettes. If possible, shut off the propane supply and
leave doors and windows open. If necessary, call 911 from a
neighbour's house.
For more information on
propane safety and other safety topics, please visit
www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca.
May 2, 2007
Changes to landlord-tenant legislation to help stabilize rental market
Edmonton...
Proposed legislative amendments will limit rent increases to one per
year and require landlords to provide a full year's notice to convert a
rental unit to a condominium. The amendments will be retroactive to
April 24, 2007.
"Many Albertans across the
province are facing serious challenges with rent increases and finding
affordable housing. These changes are one action of many our government
is taking to help tenants," said Lloyd Snelgrove, Minister of Service
Alberta which is responsible for landlord and tenant legislation. "The
changes will help stabilize the province's rental markets. Rent will go
up less often and it will take more time to convert a rental unit to a
condo. That's good news for tenants."
The amendments to the
Residential Tenancies Act and Mobile Home Sites Tenancies Act
were introduced in the Legislature on May 2 as Bill 34. The following is
a summary of the proposed changes:
-
Rent can only increase
once per year. This will apply to both periodic (month-to-month) and
fixed-term tenancies. Three month's notice will still be required
before increasing rent on periodic tenancies (six month's notice for
mobile home site tenants).
-
Landlords will need to
provide one year's notice before ending a periodic tenancy for the
purpose of converting a rental unit to a condominium or to undertake
major renovations to a rental unit. No rent increases will be
allowed during that one-year period. One year's notice continues to
be required for converting a mobile home site to a condominium unit
or for other uses.
-
The changes will be
retroactive to April 24, 2007, when the government announced its
intention to revise landlord and tenant legislation. Any notice to
increase rent or end a tenancy that doesn't comply with the
legislation would be declared void and could result in a landlord
facing fines of up to $5,000 per tenant.
Addressing the need for
affordable housing is part of Premier Ed Stelmach's plan to manage
growth pressures. Other priorities for the government are to: govern
with integrity and transparency, improve Albertans' quality of life,
build a stronger Alberta and provide safe and secure communities.
More information about
landlord and tenant legislation and regulations is available by calling
1-877-427-4088 or at:
www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca
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