This month signals the kick-off of the public forums for the Southern Foothills Community Stewardship Initiative, a regional citizen’s initiative to give voice to local priorities and recommendations for the Southern Foothills landscape and watersheds. The intent of the initiative is to inform land use planning and stewardship processes at the municipal and provincial level, and to contribute to building the long term, regenerative capacity of the region’s landscape. The Southern Foothills Initiative focuses on the Alberta landscape from Highway 22X south to Highway 3, and west of Highway 2.
The first round of community forums will be held between January 24 and 27, 2011 in the four communities of Turner Valley, High River, Nanton and Cowley. The forums are open to all – young and old, town residents and landowners, and those living, working and playing up and down the watersheds. Those who participate should come ready to share their views and knowledge of the area, and to engage in dynamic discussions and mapping activities.
The Southern Foothills Initiative is an eight month project winding up in July, 2011. A second set of community forums in the same four communities, to be held at the end of February, will allow citizens to engage in follow-up discussions based on the results of the first forums. Following that, a clear statement of priorities and recommendations will be developed based on local input and current scientific studies to inform land use planning and decision making that affects local landowners and communities.
The June 2007 landmark study ‘Changing Landscape of the Southern Alberta Foothills’ provides a solid foundation of public input and data for the Southern Foothills Initiative. As well, this initiative aligns with and supports the strategies outlined in the Alberta Government’s Land-use Framework as well as the goals and outcomes of Alberta’s Water for Life Strategy.
Locations and timing for the community forums:
- Monday, January 24 7:00 pm Flare ‘n Derrick Community Hall, Turner Valley
- Tuesday, January 25 7:00 pm Memorial Centre, High River
- Wednesday, January 26 7:00 pm Nanton Community Hall, Nanton
- Thursday, January 27 7:00 pm Cowley Village Hall, Cowley
The Pekisko Group and the Chinook Institute for Community Stewardship have partnered to deliver this initiative. For further information on the community forums and the project visit the Pekisko Group website at www.pekisko.ca or call Jacquie Nelson at 403–652-7477.
Come out and get involved to have your voice heard! Bring your neighbour as well.