Parkland County

How time flies! It's the two-year anniversary of the West Central Fire Hall (WCFH)'s Grand Opening. This Fire Hall, located in Wabamun, has become a base for our Fire Services who work hard to keep our community safe. Within two years, crews from WCFH have responded to: 📞 320 Calls 🚗 75 Motor Vehicle Accidents 🌊 18 Water Rescues 🔥 17 Structure Fires Ever wonder what it’s like to work there? Check out our Recruitment page!

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Division 6 Councillor Allan Hoefsloot. Allan passed away Saturday, August 10, after a battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Allan’s wife, children, grandchildren, as well as his many friends throughout the community. “Allan was a wonderful Councillor and colleague, but he was an even better friend. We have shared many laughs together, both in and outside the office, and I will miss him dearly,” said Mayor Allan Gamble. “I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know and work alongside someone as genuine and caring as Allan.” “All of Council feels the weight of this loss. He was a teammate who brought a joyful but determined approach to work. We all admired his commitment to serving residents and his advocacy as he worked to make positive changes for our community.” Allan was an active member of Parkland County’s agricultural and industrial community. He lived with his family out west on their farm in Tomahawk, where they raised cattle and farmed hay. His passion for agriculture made him a strong voice for farmers throughout the region, and his advocacy for the industry will ensure that future generations will prosper. He loved the rural way of life. When Allan wasn’t working in the office or on his farm, he could often be found enjoying a meal at the Gainford Hotel. He could also be found attending local rodeos and spending quality time with his beloved family and friends. Allan will always be remembered for his incredibly kind and gentle spirit, and his warm smile. He will be greatly missed. In honour of Councillor Hoefsloot, flags at the Parkland County Centre will be lowered to half-mast.

Fire Chief Brian Cornforth appeared on Real Talk with Ryan Jespersen to discuss Parkland County’s role in the firefighting efforts in Jasper. The conversation touched on how our fire crews were able to assist and the dedication of the Jasper crews who were relentless in their efforts to save the community despite their own personal losses happening in real time. Chief Cornforth discussed lessons learned from the RR63 and RR70 fires including valuable information about the FireSmart program and Parkland County’s extensive efforts to increase resident participation. Visit our FireSmart web page to learn about how you can protect your home and community through a free FireSmart advanced home assessment.

We'd like to congratulate everyone who attended the third annual Tri-Region Mayors' Golf Classic tournament. We're pleased to announce that we raised $20,000 for NeighbourLink Parkland - an organization that supports the people in the Tri-Region communities through compassion. Thanks again for everyone who attended!

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Andrea Wichuk, a firefighter with Parkland County’s Fire Services, has been selected as a Mental Health Champion recipient by the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment. As the lead for the Fire Services peer support team, she advocates for mutual support and understanding to promote well-being and mental health support. Want to learn how Wichuk promotes peer support as a mental health champion? Check out the Summer 2024 Issue of the Your Parkland newsletter.

We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who joined us last week for the third annual Tri-Region Mayors’ Golf Classic tournament. Together, we raised $20,000 for our charity partner Neighbourlink Parkland. Check out these photos for a look into the event! ⛳

On behalf of Parkland County, we’d like to extend our thoughts to the community of Jasper, its residents and businesses, and all Albertans who hold it close in their hearts. Earlier this week, Parkland County Fire Services deployed Fire Crews and equipment to Jasper to assist and we appreciate their efforts as they are working tirelessly to suppress the fires. We’d also like to express our appreciation to the Fire Crews and First Responders from other municipalities as well as internationally who have rushed in and placed themselves in harm’s way to protect this national treasure. As we wait for more news to emerge, the lack of information and sudden nature of this event can be stressful. If you are needing support, please visit the Red Cross’ Coping with Crisis page for further resources.

We'd like to extend our gratitude to everyone who came out on Emergency Preparedness Day to learn about Emergency Preparedness and Fire Smart. Thank you to Parkland County Fire Services for organizing this event!

We are updating our Municipal Development Plan to guide future growth and economic diversification in the County. Join us at our Open House tomorrow, July 23, from 5-8 p.m. at the Parkland County Centre to provide your input. Can't make it? Visit yourparkland.ca/mdp for more feedback opportunities.