THE DIAMOND VOL. 8| MARCH 2021 - Town of Black Diamond
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VOL. 8| MARCH 2021
THE DIAMOND
The information source for Residents & Business in Black Diamond
On the move! Warm temperatures mean that there will be a steady decrease in the amount of snow
Breeding season began in February for skunks
around Town. Consistent temperatures above zero cause ice to melt fast which poses
and they will be more visible than normal as they
a safety hazard, especially around the Sheep River. Please use caution.
look for mates. It’s common for skunk odor to be
more noticeable at this time of year as males may Spring is a time where the wildlife starts
spray one another as they compete for females emerging and moving. There are a higher
and territory. Additionally, females that don’t number of sightings of wildlife this time of
want to mate will spray males. year, a reminder to proceed with caution and
do not feed them under any circumstances.
Skunks are incredibly important to our eco-
Remember as well to keep your pets close and
system and often people are unaware they have
safe at all times.
them in their area. Removing skunks from an area
will only free that area for different skunks and Also, a reminder that all dogs MUST be under
other animals to move in, it is not a permanent the control of their owner and on a leash while
solution. off of their property. The Dog Park located at
Please call the Alberta Institute for Wildlife the north end of 2 Street NW is the only area
Conservation if you need help at 403-946-2361. that dogs may be exercised off of the leash.
Just a reminder that the Transfer Station is
open November 16 - April 14; Friday/Saturday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm for garbage only.
Keep up with what is going on in Town by
checking out the social media or the Town
website.
We are always seeking content! Please forward newsworthy items to
info@town.blackdiamond.ab.ca.
A New Ride in Town
The Sheep River Shuttle was officially launched on February 18, 2021, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the Town
office. The Shuttle is the new community transportation service connecting Black Diamond residents of all ages and abilities to
local shopping, services and social outings. The Shuttle also offers regional connections to destinations in the Town of Okotoks.
The Shuttle operates Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering door-to-door services
Passenger trips operate together where possible as a 'shared ride' system
Trips can be booked ahead or on the same day
Due to Covid-19 face masks must be worn by all passengers
The Shuttle is fully accessible and equipped with a rear wheelchair lift
Groups and individuals can also charter the vehicle outside of the Shuttle days and times to provide additional mobility in
town and to further destinations such as Calgary.
Shuttle Service
The Sheep River Shuttle is a cashless system: you pay for your trip when boarding the bus by debit or credit card.
Cash is not accepted.
All Shuttle trips will depart from Black Diamond.
Fares (one way):
Local: Black Diamond/Turner Valley $3.00
Regional: Okotoks and surrounding area $7.00
Children 5 and under FREE
Charter Service:
One shuttle transports up to 9 people
Trips must be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance and will
not impede the regular schedule
A credit card deposit of $40 is required at the time of booking
Any trip must be cancelled at least 24 hours prior
The rate for Charter is set at $.80/km + $25/hr. Return trip must be paid.
To book your ride today: 403-861-2081
The Sheep River Shuttle is a Community project partnership of:
Working Parents Benefit On the Road with Protective
The Working Parents Benefit provides a payment of $561 Services
per child to parents who used licensed or unlicensed child Black Diamond Protective Services would like to remind residents
care between April and December 2020. about stop sign safety and the basic rules. Although some may think
the reason for coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or red light is
Starting March 1 to 5, parents will be able to apply based on
to avoid a ticket, it is more important to avoid a collision with a
the area of the province they live in. Application intake
pedestrian or another vehicle. Driver s need to be coming to a
closes March 31.
complete stop before they cross the limit line both at crosswalks and
The full list of eligibility requirements can be found at where signs require drivers to stop. Basic rules to remember:
alberta.ca/WorkingParentsBenefit.
Stop before the crosswalk or
intersection
Do not block crosswalks
A stop sign means that vehicles must
come to a complete stop. Slowing
down or yielding is not enough
When you are stopped behind another
vehicle at the sign be sure to make
another stop at the marked line or
before the intersection if a line is not
present or is covered by snow
Mental Wellness Movement
When we go through challenging times it can be easy to forget two essential things; Friends and Purpose. A new movement is
being developed in virtual spaces that are finding new ways of connecting people in their communities and bringing back a
sense of purpose into people's lives. It is now the time to look out for one another as friends, neighbours and community
members and it begins with answering for yourselves the following questions; What can we do here in Alberta? In Black
Diamond? What can you do in your local community? Can you create a network to support? What you can visualize this looking
like? How can we find more ways to be more 'human'? Email your ideas to diamondvalleystrong@gmail.com.
Business is Booming
There's a new development on Government
Road!
This multi-use building has 3 commercial bays
and 3 one-bedroom apartments. On the lower
level, the retail spaces are already spoken for!
Black Diamond welcomes newcomers Magpie
Maggie & Glenda Sutherland Real Estate. Taking
up the anchor is the expansion of local business
Rollick Co.
The one-bedroom apartments are a boost to the
local rental market. Each unit has a full kitchen
and bath, along with in-suite laundry.
Check it out!
What's Up in the Community
Need a hand with a basic tax return?
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)
is a FREE service available to residents who have a simple tax
situation and a modest income. Qualified residents of Black
Diamond can drop off their T-slips when they come to the Town
office to fill out and sign the required forms. The paperwork is e-
filed by volunteers who have been pre-screened and approved for
the program by The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Residents will
The Diamond Valley Community Garden is now open for
be contacted when the taxes are complete.
registration.
Eligibility Criteria Each raised garden bed is a 16'x4' bed that will now cost $60.00
Volunteers cannot prepare complex returns or returns for deceased to rent for the season. This is the same amount for those who
persons. You will not qualify if you have self-employment income;
plant in the fall for next season. The fee includes access to
business or rental income and expenses; capital gains or losses;
water, a variety of garden tools, a compost bin, berries & fruit,
employment expenses; or have filed for bankruptcy. Residents must
strawberries & rhubarb, straw to cover the garden, good quality
provide all employment T-4s, government tax slips and previous
loam & manure to dress the bed.
year's notice of assessment.
Please contact Jane Toews for registration at 403-620-1316 or
Maximum Income Levels email diamondvalleygarden@gmail.com.
Registration forms are to be returned with the bed payment to
the Town Office.
If special circumstances prevent you from coming into the Town
Office or if you require additional information on the CVITP
program, contact FCSS Coordinator Suzan Nagel 403-933-4348
or email SuzanN@town.blackdiamond.ab.ca.
Affordable Housing Coming
Coolest Soon
Storefronts
A Mainstreet Village expansion is progressing quickly with a new
complex along 2 Street SE. Mainstreet Village currently has two
buildings with 28 affordable living units, and this will increase the
number of suites by 16. There has been a shortage of units in the
area and this addition will ease some of the strain on the rental
market.
This newest addition contains apartment style units, with 6 of the
8 ground floor units being wheelchair accessible. The 16 units will
offer 1, 2 and one 3 bedroom units at near market value for those
needing affordable housing.
The project was made possible by a grant through Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The Town of Black Diamond
301 Centre Avenue
Black Diamond, AB T0L 0H0
(403) 933-4348
www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca
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