Chris Clegg
The shocking letter from the M.D. of Smoky River to the Town of Falher June 18 is no doubt sending shock waves throughout the Smoky River region, assuming the Village of Girouxville, Village of Donnelly and Town of McLennan received a similar letter.
The M.D. served formal notice required in its agreements it may – and we stress the word may – withdraw from agreements with their neighbours to provide services. Included in the Falher letter are the Smoky River Regional Health Care Professionals Attraction and Retention Committee, local libraries, the Falher pool, Family and Community Support Services, Smoky River Transportation, and Smoky River Economic Development.
There is little doubt this will trigger major change in the region in regard to services or else the remaining towns and villages will pay more. These are all vital services in the region which add greatly to the quality of life for all residents. This is no joke. It must have been difficult for the M.D. to send the letters.
The M.D. was honest in its reason for the decision, which they know will bring a lot of sad faces around regional council tables. At stake is the approximate $7.4 million in uncollected oil and gas taxes “that severely hampers our financial flexibility and capacity to maintain present service levels,” the M.D. letter reads.
The M.D. added it already impacted its 2025 budget. Capital transfers were cancelled, mowing programs reduced, and operational cutbacks implemented.
“Should we not see meaningful progress in our tax collection efforts further reductions will likely be necessary in 2026,” the letter concluded.
An election occurs in 2025. So, you want to be an M.D. of Smoky River councillor? What a pot of boiling water to step into!
It is difficult to believe such a large unpaid tax bill could occur in such a small municipality. Considering if even 20 per cent of taxes were paid, it’s over $1.4 million which would have council jumping for joy. It would at least be a good start.
Was the M.D. so incredibly unlucky to have so many deadbeat oil and gas companies set up shop in Smoky River?
This problem is not new. Municipalities all over Alberta have complained to the big wig decision makers in Edmonton about this problem. Obviously, nothing has been solved leaving the M.D. in an extremely unenvious position, and Smoky River residents facing decreased services.
Why hasn’t anything been done? The ruling United Conservatives are in bed with the energy industry and will do anything to appease its financial lifeline.
Energy companies should not be allowed to set up businesses anywhere in the province if they have unpaid tax bills in any M.D. or county. But hey, if no one forces you to pay the bills. . .
It is incredibly ironic the industry which makes Alberta so wealthy is also its curse when it comes to the financial well-being of the M.D. of Smoky River. Think you can’t be rich and poor at the same time? Just ask the M.D. of Smoky River.