Hello Drayton Valley – Devon constituents. It is with great sadness I begin this article speaking of the tragic gas and dash episode that happened recently in Thorsby. The shock wave was felt across the entire constituency over the death of Ki Yun Jo. It was an emotional day as I attended the memorial and extended my heartfelt condolences to the family.
There is a definite need to address this growing problem happening across our province. On the day Jason Kenney came to Drayton Valley for a whistle stop meeting, members from town council strongly expressed a need for a pre-paid system of gas delivery as well additional funding for police service especially in rural areas.
UCP Calgary-West MLA Mike Ellis, Justice Critic and myself met with Thorsby Town Council to have a conversation regarding how we can move this issue forward into the fall session at the legislature.
I met with several constituents and spoke at the flag raising ceremony at the Drayton Valley Town Hall for Foster and Kinship Care Week. Thank you to all Foster/Kinship Care families within the constituency for your incredibly important contribution to the lives of some of our most vulnerable Albertans, our Foster children. Nothing could be more important than providing stability and the love of family in these children’s lives so thank you very much!
I attended an open house for Trans Liquid Loading. One issue examined was the significant cost that counties are going to face as they ensure safe access where roads and railways intersect.
I was proud to attend the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Leduc #1. I had the opportunity to speak of the importance of the oil industry in Alberta, which began, with the drilling of Leduc #1. After the celebration I then attended the Devon Business Expo where I had the opportunity to speak with many constituents.
Later in the week I met with several companies trying to promote the repurposing of 23,000 abandoned and orphaned wells to produce geothermal electricity. I also met with a company that toured the constituency from Leduc to Drayton Valley looking to build a hemp processing plant called a decorticator. If they choose to locate within the constituency this will be a key player for developing our local industrial hemp supply chain as it will produce fiber for a wide range of local businesses including Bio Composite Group in Drayton Valley. It will also be encouraging for local farmers to join to produce local hemp for this facility.
Congratulations to the Warburg Bottle Depot on receiving the Provincial Service Award for exemplary service. This fascinating business consists of a carwash, store, bottle depot, Laundromat as well as pet washing facilities.
Lastly, congratulations to the newly elected Mayors, Councils, Reeves and School Board Trustees. I look forward to meeting and working with you all!!
As Always, I am here to ensure the Alberta Government is working on solving issues you may have, please contact my office @ 780-542-3355 or 780-987-3666, my door is always open.
MLA Mark Smith
Drayton Valley-Devon