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LETTER: Ponoka County’s exclusion zones are unnecessary red tape

Exclusion zones to different areas in Ponoka County aren’t needed
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Dear Editor,

The community we live in.

I am writing this letter over concerns of impact of Ponoka County new regulations being put forward on farming in our community of Ponoka.

This is in no way a snub to any facet of our community but I feel it is a very important subject that affects the future of Ponoka. I attended an information meeting on Aug. 13th regarding the limiting of farming operations in two areas of Ponoka County and have heard concerns on how this will affect residents or Ponoka, rural Ponoka and the business of farming.

The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB), which was established in the early 1990s by the Alberta Government is the governing body regarding decisions on how farms will affect the environment and surroundings. There is no reason for more government such as Ponoka County having its own set of regulations.

Farming is a business like any other that needs to remain viable. It has risks, debt, liability like any other business. Aside from that are residences for farm families. These are businesses big and small that employ local people, provide food locally and globally, buy goods and services within our community and are part the wellbeing of Ponoka.

Pushing farming operations to the outer realms of the county does not make sense logistically as they will be far away from supplies and from the schools which farm kids need to go to like everyone else.

If the farming limitation regulations pass for the two areas of Ponoka County then will other areas of Ponoka County become restricted too?

These farming businesses will have no choice but to expand or relocate in other communities, counties or provinces in order to remain competitive. The NRCB has this covered, no further government is required.

Proud and grateful Canadian, Albertan and Ponokan,

Gary Colyn