Town halls about grazing leases empowered important discussions 

By  Nerissa McNaughton
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A proposed project between the MD of Taber and Bow River Irrigation District (BRID) has sparked discussions among several groups for and against Bylaw 2022, which seeks to enable the MD to borrow up to $6 million to convert 23 quarters of grassland to irrigated cropland.

A series of public meetings were held between September 9-12 to give all sides a chance to discuss the issues. A key stakeholder is the Vauxhall Stock Grazing Association, who hopes to have the original bylaw, which states the grasslands remain as such, upheld.

Daryl Johnson, Association representative, shares, “The meetings went pretty well. Lots of people had questions – lots of people were not aware of the issues. So, we did help to meet our goal of getting information out so people could learn about the project and see the plans for the future of the grasslands.”

Town hall meetings were held at the Vauxhall and District Senior Citizen Center, Enchant Hall, Hays Civic Center, Grassy Lake Community Hall, and Taber United Church Hall.

“Counsellors and Administration attended the town halls, and we were able to have good discussion with them as well,” Johnson adds. “We were very glad for the community’s input and questions into the topic. I think there was more discussion than we’ve had along the way so far.”

He notes that not every town hall was a “packed house,” but they are pleased with the high level of attendance and interest. Vauxhall, Taber, and Hays had the highest number of attendees.

Johnson concludes, “There was lots of good discussion around the whole situation. We hope to dialogue and work towards a solution, together, in the near future.”