Lac Ste. Anne County Activity Report LSAC_Flipbook_Activity Report 2016-17_FINAL_HiRes | Page 9

The Agricultural Services department is involved in
several undertakings to assist landowners in the
County — including maintenance and control of
noxious and prohibited weeds; management of
bounty programs (beaver, wild boar and gopher);
and equipment rentals. In addition, the department
supports and promotes recognition of County
landowners and producers through a number of
awards — such as the 100 Year Homesteaders
Award, Rural Beautification Awards, and Student/
Producer Bursaries.
Two supplementary sectors that complement the
Agricultural Services department are the Horticulture
and Conservation unit, and the Alternative Land Use
Services (ALUS) unit.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
During 2016, the Community Services department
saw significant changes in the operational model of
its Family & Community Support Services (FCSS)
unit. The County worked with municipal neighbours
to create a system that is similar in nature, yet
administered separately. Though there was a delay in
deployment, the new structure has been favourably
received by Community Services staff, clients and
partners alike. Our first year into this new structure
presented some challenges, but certainly none that
can’t be overcome. The department continues to
evaluate the FCSS framework, seeking to identify
issues and create solutions respectively.
FCSS grant funding continues to be made available
to community organizations providing programing
and services that meet the provincial mandate. Some
allocations are directly funded to organizations; there
is also a program to allow for additional and/or new
funding requests.
As always, the Early Childhood & Parent Link,
Summer, and Playschool programs continue to
flourish. With the new operational model, the
department can focus on additional direct program
delivery to meet growing community needs. Two
new programs in 2016 — Home Support and Snow
Angels — reflect this growth in service delivery.
Recreation Services is a fundamental component of
the Community Services department. Noteworthy
milestones from this sector include expansions and
improvements to prized County facilities: Paddle
River Dam Campground, Sangudo Riverside
Campground and the Lessard Lake Campground
& Outdoor Education Centre. These facilities
continue to be a vital recreational amenity for
residents and tourists alike. Further development and
improvements of these facilities continue to evolve.
The Recreation Services department is also
responsible for the Space Camp program where two
County students are selected annually to attend the
Cosmodome Space Camp in Laval, Quebec. This
program continues to draw the interest of our young
residents by offering this one-of-a-kind experience.
The County provides several grant programs,
providing funding to local community organizations/
agencies to assist with all aspects of recreation,
culture and social programs and facilities, topped at
more than $415,000 this year!
Each year, when I review the submissions within this
Activity Report, I am amazed at just what has been
achieved. Certainly, lessons were learned along the
way, but through the celebration of successes and
acknowledgment of setbacks, we continue to grow.
— Trista Court
General Manager, Community & Protective Services
Operations
9.