Teck Mine Presentation – Representatives from Teck Resources Limited presented to council about the conclusion of their mining operation in the region. Teck intends to cease all work at their Cardinal River Operations and have put forward a land reclamation plan for the affected regions. Numerous regional stakeholders were consulted in the process, including First Nations. Teck’s mission in reclamation is to return affected lands to a healthy ecosystem suitable for use by animals, fish, and human. Reclamation is expected to conclude in 2032.
Bighorn Trail Upgrades – The Foothills Recreation Management Association (FRMA) requested a further $30,000 investment in the Bighorn Trail. In 2019, county council approved a $30,000 grant to FRMA for initial work on rehabilitating the trail. The motion to support the Bighorn Trail Rehabilitation Project Phase Two, which includes a $30,000 grant deliberation, was not passed by council, effectively denying the grant request.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline – Council directed administration to send a letter of support for the federal government’s establishment of one consistent number (988) as a national suicide prevention number. The letter will be forwarded to MP Gerald Soroka, MLAs Shane Getson and Martin Long, Minister Patti Hajdu, and the CRTC.
Edson Shelterpod Pilot Project – A delegation from the Edson Shelterpod Project recently presented their pilot project to council. The pods, being constructed at the Edson Recycling Centre, will house 5 individuals upon their completion in March. The project is expected to cost $18,000 to $24,000 a year to operate. The Shelterpod committee has requested a grant from county council to support their operational costs. Approximately 30% of the unhoused and at-risk population served by the program are county residents. County council carried a motion to request further cost, usage, and demographic data in six months for consideration in the 2022 budget process.
Land Use Bylaw 16.13 Amendment – The landowners of two titled properties have jointly applied to the county to create a six parcel country residential subdivision. In order to subdivide the lands, the lands must be redistricted from Rural District to Country Residential District. Council gave first reading to Bylaw 4.21 amending Land Use Bylaw 16.13 for Part of NE 31-53-16-W5M and Plan 902 0512, Block 2, Lot 1 from Rural District to Country Residential District. A Public Hearing will be held on March 23rd, 2021.
Request for Waiver of Taxes – Silverleaf Resources Inc has requested that council waive property taxes on 2 tax rolls that they are interested in purchasing. Council declined to waive the current outstanding amounts of the properties if purchased by Silverleaf Resources Inc.
The next regular Council Meeting is on March 9 at 1:00 PM, followed by March 23 at 9:30 AM.
The next scheduled Governance and Priorities meeting will be held on March 18 at 9:30 AM.