Well it has been quite a summer so far. It started out with one of the wettest Julys in the last century, we didn’t do so bad in Langdon considering the thorough drenching we got. The water ways seemed to flow reasonably well and I don’t think there were any widespread catastrophes like we have seen in 2013 or last year in the monsoon we got hit with in June. Some of the acreages haven’t done so well, the water table is as high as it can be, the land has soaked in as much moisture as it can physically hold. The challenges we face with varying weather patterns certainly serves to exploit and magnify the shortcomings of stormwater planning from before the turn of this century. I can see some needed improvements that hopefully can be accommodated somehow over the next decade. Somehow I don’t think we will ever run short of projects in the County.
It looks like a lot of people are getting some camping in, other than the rumour of office chair races in the Crossing somewhere, the Hamlet is looking fairly quiet for the most part. I think in Langdon we probably break a few unofficial records for Alberta Communities in a few categories. Most trailers per capita, most boats for being so far from a lake, most Harleys hidden away in garages (we know they are around though from the poker runs), most dogs that go for walks (I see them daily), most used firepits (Hanson Park), I am sure I am missing a few. We probably have the fewest mosquitoes, except for when Fletcher the wonder dog and I go to get the mail. I notice the mosquitoes swarm me, probably as revenge for the Langdon Mosquito program, I swear I lost a few pints this year from those militant little buggers, the rest of you probably are fine. The one award we probably would be most proud of is the most caring community award. Every time I see something anyone is having trouble with on Social Media there seems to be a frenzy of available help, it is Omni-impressive, what a great place to be!
Council is reasonably quiet; there are no Council meetings in August. I have a few Development Appeal Board meetings since I am the Chair, but even those haven’t had any real challenging appeals. All in all a pleasant summer by most accounts.
As expected I get my share of calls where people have concerns. As always, I encourage anyone who has any concerns with Rocky View County to send me an email describing what the problem is and what you would like to see. Having a written record is the best way I know of tracking progress when it comes to wanting to effect change. I don’t mind taking the time to get the word to the right department. Many people know the limitations of the position of Councillor but I do get the attention of the County upper management with a well presented request when Residents have a need.
Let’s hope it dries up a bit, I know the agriculture producers out there are itching to get in the fields. I hope the crops are good and the equipment runs fine. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
