MD of Pincher Creek council addressed a mix of regulatory updates, financial decisions and community matters at its April 14 meeting, with several items carrying long-term implications for residents and local organizations.

Highlights include a public hearing on proposed land-use definitions for dugouts and agricultural reservoirs, passage of the 2026 tax rate bylaw, and approvals related to infrastructure, municipal policy updates and regional emergency preparedness.

No objections to land-use bylaw changes

Council opened a public hearing for Bylaw 1369-26, which proposes amendments to the municipality’s land-use bylaw to better define and regulate dugouts and agricultural water reservoirs in agriculturally oriented districts.

Reeve Rick Lemire said the changes are intended to clearly distinguish between smaller dugouts and larger-scale agricultural water reservoirs, particularly based on size and whether water storage occurs above or below natural grade.

Under proposed definitions, dugouts generally refer to excavated water storage below ground level, while reservoirs exceeding one acre or involving above-grade storage would be classified separately and subject to additional requirements.

The bylaw also introduces provisions allowing certain dugouts and reservoirs to proceed without a development permit if they meet setback, sightline and capacity requirements. Additional rules address safety measures such as setbacks from roadways, potential fencing near residences and engineering requirements for larger projects.

No members of the public spoke at the hearing and no written submissions were received.

Council supports community events and receives gas co-op presentation

Council approved a $300 donation for the Blackfoot Memorandum of Understanding pancake breakfast scheduled for July 18 in Standoff, and authorized Coun. Dave Cox to attend the event.

Council also received as information a presentation delivered by representatives of Chief Mountain Gas Co-op at its March 24 meeting. The co-operative, which serves more than 1,700 members, provided an overview of operations, infrastructure and cost structure compared to other providers.

Councillors raised questions about potential service expansion, though franchise areas are fixed and changes will require formal agreements.

Concerns over litter and overnight parking near Waterton

A letter will be sent to Alberta Transportation highlighting concerns about the Pine Ridge turnout along Highway 6, north of Waterton Lakes National Park. Council will request additional signage to prohibit overnight parking, and more frequent garbage collection to address ongoing litter issues.

Heritage Acres road and access project supported

Public works will support Heritage Acres with an approach for a new access road and expanded parking. Municipal fees will be waived. The project will improve visitor flow for events like the Annual Show in July, and support equipment loading and demonstrations.

Tax rate bylaw approved

Council gave all three readings to Bylaw 1371-26, establishing the MD’s 2026 tax rates and confirming revenue needed for operations and planned projects. The bylaw authorizes about $14.66 million to be raised through municipal taxation, based on a total assessment of just over $2.01 billion.

The 2026 budget includes $3.45 million in non-tax revenue, $14.47 million in operating expenses and $4.58 million in capital spending, along with debt repayment and reserve transfers to balance funding requirements.

Residential and farmland properties make up about $989 million of the assessment base, while non-residential properties account for just over $1.02 billion.

Including requisitions for education and other bodies, the total property tax levy amounts to nearly $18.94 million.

The bylaw also maintains a minimum municipal tax of $25 per parcel.

Library agreement updated

Council authorized the reeve and chief administrative officer to sign a revised joint intermunicipal library agreement, and approved corresponding updates to the library board bylaw.

The revisions follow recent provincial changes allowing more than three municipalities to participate in a joint library agreement. While practical expansion options remain limited, the update provides a framework should additional municipalities become eligible to join.

Compensation for additional meetings

Council approved remuneration for councillors attending two recent meetings that fell outside regular duties: an April 7 meeting with Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter and an April 13 meeting with the RCMP southern Alberta district officer, attended by Reeve Lemire and Coun. Jim Welsch.

Fees and charges policy updated

Council approved amendments to its fees and charges policy, reflecting updated rates across several municipal services.

Changes include increased fees for approaches, pipeline crossings, seismic approvals, and rig move inspections, as well as updated rates for grader work and development-related permits.

New deputy director appointed for regional emergency management

Council appointed Michelle Stuart as deputy regional director of emergency management, following a recommendation from the regional emergency advisory committee.

Stuart brings more than two decades of experience in emergency services, including roles in firefighting, paramedicine, industrial response and safety co-ordination. Her appointment fills a pending vacancy and supports continued regional collaboration in emergency preparedness and response.

Councillor to attend Boundary Creek open house

Coun. Tony Bruder would be attending the Boundary Creek Landowners Association open house on May 2. The event focused on environmentally significant areas and ecological connectivity, offering residents and stakeholders an opportunity to learn about evolving land-use planning approaches in Alberta.