The “dust bowl days” reminiscent of the dirty 30’s are being relived right here in 2010 in west Taber, Alberta. 
The dirt destroying our property (homes, vehicles, yards, etc.) can be seen as a result of Mother Nature at her finest, poor municipal planning and a perceived lack of concern by the owner of Westview Estates.
Thousands of dollars have been spent over the past two years replacing decorative rock, sod, mulch, shrubs, plants, etc. not to mention hours of labour –  pressure washing houses and cleaning the dirt inside homes, garages, vehicles and recreational vehicles.  It is not acceptable that the home owners affected (Town of Taber taxpayers)  are out of pocket with expenses and labour while the land owner continues to  benefit from the sale of lots on the land in question.
When the Town agreed to the development, there should have been some rules in place for the protection of neighbouring homeowners and the current erosion of land.  Upon examination of the town bylaws – many of them have not been enforced in this development. I don’t possess an agriculture degree, but it seems rather obvious if you strip off the topsoil – destroying any natural grasses that keep the soil and moisture in place –  there will be erosion. 
The Town has received numerous complaints of the situation and after two years of destruction, the dirt continues to blow. No communication has been offered from either the landowner or council.  As far as we can tell -  as of March 28 the only action taken has been a snow fence and the occasional use of water trucks. Water trucks  that quit at 4 p.m. even when the dirt is so thick you can’t see across the street and only after area residents have again called to complain.
And last week the latest  solution was to till up the field once again and plant some grass. As I sit looking out the window on Sat., April 3,  I am having a problem seeing the neighbours house across the street for blowing dirt. No water has been put on the field since seeding so how do you expect to stop the freshly tilled dirt from blowing and the grass to grow? That is if there is any seed left. Without irrigation this latest "bandaid to appease the neighborhood" is just that.
This problem is not going to go away anytime soon.  With the economy just recovering and numerous lots for sale in town this problem is here for many more years. With the black cloud of dirt hanging over Taber’s west side on a regular basis  it is impossible for members of council and the management of Westview Estates  to even pretend the situation is under control.
A representative of the development  has stated that "we’ve spent over $7,000 in water trucks.”  I  guarantee you $7,000 is chump change compared to the cumulative property damage of hundreds of west side properties.
Two years of MY time and MY money has been spent to repair damage as a result of the landowner and council’s negligence. The latest deposit of dirt will probably require the service of a vac truck to remove. So, Council and Mr. Landowner where would you like this bill sent?
It would be encouraging to hear from the owner of  Westview Estates and council regarding their intentions to solve the problem and what assistance with labour and material will be provided in the cleanup of the displaced dirt and destruction of our property. I am tired of complaining, paying for  and fixing someone else’s mess. 
I encourage residents to dust off a sticky note and write down October 18, 2010. This important date is Taber’s civic election.  It might prove rather difficult for council members seeking re-election to include in their campaign that they  "listen and act on the concerns of taxpayers". Maybe a change in government is exactly what’s needed to put an end to the black clouds drifting over our community.
MALCOLM WIEBE