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Town of Eckville
5023-51 Avenue, P.O. Box 578
Eckville, AB T0M 0X0
Phone: (403) 746-2171 Fax: (403) 746-2900
WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR
Proud home of skeleton racer, World Cup Champion, and Olympic Bronze Medalist, Mellisa Hollingsworth, Eckville is a small community, but one of which we are very proud. Our gratitude goes out to the many folks who came to this land in the early years who with perseverance and determination made Eckville what it is today - a vibrant community with warm hospitality.
Today, this prosperous growing community is the center for agriculture, oil and gas, and lumber enterprises as well as a major center for people to live in and enjoy the "small town atmosphere" with the "big town amenities."
Eckville offers the visitor and resident alike a full range of retail businesses, shopping, restaurants, public services, banks, excellent sporting facilities, a Community Centre, Seniors' Friendship Centre, Seniors' Lodge, and two golf courses, just to name a few. Annual events include the Dance Jamboree, Winter Carnival, CARA Rodeo, Bull-Arena, Curling Bonspiels, Canada Day Celebrations, Annual Parade, Municipal Breakfast, and various tournaments including hockey, baseball, and school sports.
A short drive from Eckville in any direction brings many attractions from the Rocky Mountains, back country, to ski hills, major lakes, trout ponds, and many campgrounds. Eckville is located in the heart of the Parkland off Highway 11 between Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House and is surrounded by scenic rolling hills, winding rivers, rich mixed farmland, and a thriving oil and gas field. Please take some time to explore our newly renovated website. It provides information on our Town's municipal government council, committees, bylaws, services, announcements, businesses, community groups, and recreation as well as many other aspects of life in Eckville. Try the virtual tour of Eckville by clicking on the seevirtual360 icon.
Please feel welcome here. YOU ARE!
Helen Posti, Mayor of Eckville
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HYDRANT FLUSHING
The annual Fire Hydrant flushing will take place on May 22nd. Residents may experience low water pressure and/or discolored water during the flushing.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION WEEK
The Town of Eckville would like to recognize the many volunteers in our community. Your time and commitment are sincerely appreciated and your efforts make Eckville a great place to live, work and play. Thank you!!
CEMETERY CLEAN-UP
The Town of Eckville will be doing a Cemetery Clean-up the last 2 weeks of May. Please remove any items off plots that you wish to keep. Thank you for your cooperation. Cemetery Bylaw
LACOMBE COUNTY REGIONAL RECREATION PLAN - TOWN HALL MEETING (JUNE 4TH - ECKVILLE ARENA)
There will be a "Town Hall Meeting" at the Eckville Arena on June 4th at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the needs for a Regional (Lacombe County) Recreation Plan. Provide your input by attending.
ASSESSMENT NOTICES were mailed on April 5, 2013. If you wish to appeal your assessment an appeal form can be picked up at the Town Office during regular office hours or by calling the Town Office 403-746-2171. The completed form, relevant documents and the filing fee must be filed with the Clerk of the Assessment Review Board by June 4th, 2013. Fees are $50 for residential properties and $650 for commercial properties.
NEW CAO
Council is pleased to announce that Jack Ramsden started with the Town of Eckville on February 1, 2013 as the new Town CAO.
Please feel free to stop in and meet him at the Town Office.
SYLVAN LAKE & AREA URGENT CARE COMMITTEE UPDATE......UCC Update April 2013
4th CHARITY REGIMENTAL BALL
The Sylvan Lake RCMP in partnership with Sylvan Lake & District Victim Services will be hosting their 4th Charity Regimental Ball on May 25th. All proceeds will be donated to Sylvan Lake & District Victim Services. For more information please contact Jennifer @ 403-858-7255 or 403-858-7200.
EARTH DAY CANADA
Celebrated every April 22nd, Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide. Each year more than 6 million Canadians join 1 billion people in over 170 countries in staging events and projects to address local environmental issues. Earth Day provides the opportunity for positive actions and results. Learn about the simple things you can do and take action. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs, walk and cycle more, use less water, buy local produce and foods. Do your part one small step at a time.
2013 BUSINESS LICENSES AND ANIMAL TAGS ARE NOW DUE
NEW BYLAW IN EFFECT - REGULATING BURNING & FIREWORKS BYLAW
Please refer to the Bylaws & Policies section to review this new bylaw.
TOWN OF ECKVILLE BOARD REPRESENTATIVES NEEDED
If you are interested in serving on any of the following Boards please contact the Town Office at 403-746-2171
Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) - meets monthly as required
Subdivision & Development Appeal Board (SDAB) - meets as required
Eckville Emergency Management Agency - meets bi-monthly
For more information on any of these Boards please contact the Town Office
ECKVILLE LIBRARY
New board members are urgently needed. If you are interested in serving on the Board please contact the Library.
Call the Library @ 403-746-3240 for more information.
ECKVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Eckville Volunteer Fire Department is recruiting new members. If you are interested in serving on this vital organization please contact Stuart at 403-746-2578.
NEW CEMETERY BYLAW
Cemetery Bylaw #709/12 was passed at the April 23, 2012 Council meeting. To review the Bylaw please go to "Town Office - Bylaws & Policies".
For 2011 CENSUS RESULTS go to.... http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/index-eng.cfm?rel=1203
Click on "more 2011 Census profiles" and type in Eckville, Alberta
BUSINESS LICENSES
As per the Town's Business License Bylaw #622/99, please be advised that no person shall carry on or operate any business within or partly within the Town of Eckville without first securing or holding a valid Town of Eckville Business License pursuant to the provisions of the bylaw and any amendments thereto, unless specifically exempted by law. Failure to purchase a Business License may result in a fine of not more than $500 and in addition to payment of the solicitor-client costs of the Town incurred in prosecution of the offence.
ECKVILLE CEMETERY - GATES
Please be advised that the two large gates at the Cemetery will now be locked. If you require access please contact the Town of Eckville with as much advance notice as possible. Thank you for your cooperation. Please note - the walk-in gate will remain unlocked.
ECKVILLE CEMETERY EXPANSION
The Town of Eckville and Lacombe County are presently working on an expansion project for the Eckville Cemetery. The first phase of the expansion will include approximately 160 single plots and a cremation circle with approximately 420 cremation plots. The plan also includes some off-road parking. Please drop into the Town Office to see the proposed Eckville Cemetery Expansion Plan.
COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE HELD THE 2ND & 4TH MONDAYS OF THE MONTH AT 6 P.M. (EXCEPT IF THE MONDAY IS A HOLIDAY, THEN THE MEETING IS HELD ON THE TUESDAY OF THE SAME WEEK). THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO ATTEND ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS.
THE NEXT REGULAR SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE MAY 27 AT 6 P.M.
RV PARKING ON THE STREETS - MAY 15-SEPT 15 ONLY. If you presently have your RV parked on the street we would like to remind you to move it as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation.
COUNCIL APPROVED THE 2013 Tax Rate Bylaw ON MAY 13, 2013. PROPERTY TAXES ARE DUE AUGUST 31ST UNLESS YOU HAVE ENTERED INTO A MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN (see below - Tax Prepayment Agreement)
2011 and 2012 Utility Rates - Water, Sewer, Garbage
Effective March 1, 2011 residential charges for the purchase of water, the disposal of sewage, and the collection and disposal of garbage for the Town of Eckville is as follows: Water (up to 20 cubic meters) $35 + Sewer $48.75 + Garbage $44.10 = $127.85 bi-monthly.
For more information on our monthly payment plans for Town Utility and Taxes please drop by the Town Office or call 403-746-2171.
Click here for more information on Utility Rates
Water Meters - Mobile Homes
Mobile home owners are reminded that if you have a water meter installed underneath your mobile home to please take extra precautions to ensure your water meter DOES NOT FREEZE. Ensuring that the plumbing underneath your mobile home is routinely checked (including your water meter) can reduce the risk of frozen water pipes and damage to your water meter during the winter. The cost of a replacement water meter is the responsibility of the mobile home owner.
Landlord/Tenant Situations
Landlords: Town of Eckville Water and Sewer Bylaw #692-09 states that "Every owner where there is a landlord/tenant situation must sign a Utilities Rental Agreement consenting to allow any unpaid utility account balances to be transferred to the property tax account plus any fees an penalties. Failure to sign a Utility Rental Agreement will result in the Town supplying utility services only to the owner in accordance with Section 42 of the Municipal Government Act." This agreement MUST be signed before the utility account can be put into the tenant's name.
Tenants: Once the landlord has signed a Utilities Rental Agreement and returned it to the Town Office for our records, all tenants who wish the account to be in their name must complete a Utility Service Application. A deposit of $250 is required for renters responsible to pay utilities and residents within a manufactured home park. The deposit will be due before water service is effective.
Tax Pre-Payment Agreement
A property owner can pay current year taxes on a monthly basis by signing an agreement to have your payments made to the Town of Eckville either by post-dated cheques or debit. (A Pre-Authorized Debit Agreement must be completed for debit services). In June of the current year, after the current year's taxes are levied on your property, the outstanding balance will be divided into six (6) equal payments which the Town requires on the first of each month from July to December. Visit the town office for more information, or click on the name for a copy Tax Pre-Payment Agreement.
Pre-Authorized Debit Agreement
Have your bi-monthly utility bill and/or monthly tax bill automatically withdrawn from your bank account. Applications are available at the Town Office, or click on the name for a copy Pre-Authorized Debit Agreement. A Monthly Tax Payment Agreement must be completed before applying for pre-authorized debit of property taxes.
Penalty on Outstanding Taxes
The Town of Eckville 2012 Tax Levy, made under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, has been completed and the Tax Notices will be mailed out in early June. Taxes are due August 31st unless you have entered into a Tax Pre-payment Agreement with the Town. On September 1, 2012, a 12% penalty will be added to any outstanding taxes. A further penalty will be applied to any outstanding taxes on December 31st and June 30th. Inquiries regarding your Tax Notice should be directed to the Town of Eckville at (403) 746-2171 or by fax at (403) 746-2900, or email us at info@eckville.com.
E-Waste Drop Off Now at Public Works Yard
The drop off for all e-waste (TV's, computers, computer paraphanelia) has moved to the north side of the Public Works yard.
Unsightly & Unsafe Properties Bylaw#618/99
To help beautify the Town we would ask property owners to remove old appliances, electronics, vehicles, litter and debris from yards and back-alleys. Items that can be disposed of at the Town Shop are white goods (nominal fee applies), e-Waste (TVs, computers), composting, paint, car batteries and hazardous waste. There are a number of companies that offer free pickup of old vehicles. Paper, cardboard, metals & #2 plastics are accepted at the Recycle Depot directly south of the Credit Union. Residents can also contact the Eckville Transfer Station at 403-746-5740 to inquire into what items are accepted at their site for disposal. The Transfer Station hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday mornings 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Also, if you have trees or shrubs that are encroaching onto the public sidewalk or street we would ask that you have them trimmed at your earliest opportunity in order that they do not interfere with pedestrian traffic or Town equipment, or impede visibility for traffic. Thank you for your co-operation.
Water Restriction Policy #4101 - Odd and Even Addresses
In an effort to conserve water and protect the environment, the Town initiated a Water Restriction Program. Watering of lawns, gardens and plantings will be implemented on a continuing basis. Occupants/owners with even-numbered addresses are permitted to water on even-numbered calendar days, and odd-numbered addresses are permitted to water on odd-numbered calendar days. Please water only in the early morning or after 6:00 p.m.
Off-Highway Vehicles - Bylaw #601/97
Any owner/operator of an off-highway vehicle is allowed to travel on roadways, lanes, and designated trails for the purpose of providing either a direct route of travel to areas outside of the Town limits, or a direct route of travel from outside the Town limits to a pre-determined destination within the Town. No person shall operate an off-highway vehicle between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and they are prohibited from school areas, all park and recreation areas, the cemetery, and the sewage lagoon area.
Recreational Vehicles - Bylaw #688/08
Recreational vehicles will be allowed to park on the street in front of the registered owner's residence in the Town of Eckville from May 15 to September 15 unless the recreational vehicle poses a traffic or safety hazard. The recreational vehicle may not be permitted to park on a public street location if at the discretion of a Peace Officer the recreation vehicle is considered a traffic or public safety hazard. Recreational vehices parked on private property must be fully contained within the property. No portion of a recreational vehicle is permitted to protrude into a public street, laneway, or sidewalk. No person shall use, ride, propel, or operate a bicycle, rollerblades, skateboard, inline skates, or scooter on any sidewalk in the Town of Eckville at any time. Baby strollers, children's wagons, walking aids, and bicycles that have a wheel diameter less than 50 centimeters are exempted from this provision.
Try to Keep the Noise to a Minimum - Bylaw #534/88
Summer is approaching, which brings more outside activities to enjoy. However, please be respectful of your noise levels within the Town limits. No person is allowed to make, continue, cause, or allow to be made or continued, any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise or any noise whatsoever which either annoys, disturbs, injures, endangers, or detracts from the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of other persons within the limits of the Town of Eckville.
Community Compost Pile
The Town of Eckville makes compost available to the public. Items not acceptable for compost have been found in the community compost pile at the Town Shop. The site is now in a fenced area just north of the Town Shop and must be unlocked by a Town employee for resident access. The ONLY materials acceptable for the compost pile are grass clippings, leaves, and garden/produce waste. There are separate piles for dumping of branches/brush and leaves/grass outside of the fenced compost area. We require your ongoing support in discarding only acceptable materials to ensure the continued success of our community compost. Help us help you.
Winter Ice Carnival - March 1-3
Emergency Preparedness Week - May 5-11
Municipal Breakfast - May 11
Bull-Arena - May 11
CARA Rodeo - May 31, June 1-2
Chili Cook Off - May 31
Annual Parade - June 1
Canada Day Celebrations - July 1
Fall Registration & Information Fair - September
Terry Fox Run - September
RECREATION/CULTURAL FUNDING PROGRAM
The Council of the Town of Eckville is committed to making a significant and sustainable contribution to the quality of life of its residents by supporting recreational and cultural services, facilities, programs, and events. The Recreation/Cultural Funding Program offers grants to community groups and organizations for recreational purposes. Projects focused on building a healthy community using recreation as a vehicle to attain positive outcomes for the community may also be funded through this policy.
Recreation/Cultural Funding Program - Guidelines and Information
| ARMS |
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| The green shield colour and the gold rears of wheat indicate the agriculture of the area |
The colours of the wreath and mantling are derived from the main colours of the shield
(green and gold) |
| The white on the shield represents peacefulness and serenity |
The blue flame represents the natural gas of the area |
| The jagged sawtooth line represents the Rocky Mountain range |
The locomotive wheel denotes the advantages and economic development of the area |
| The Red Griffin (animal-like figure) is taken from the Town's namesake in Scotland |
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| The helmet indicates friendliness |
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