Conservation, water use and municipal advocacy were among the key topics discussed at the MD of Pincher Creek’s April 28 council meeting.

Councillors approved a conservation easement registration request from the Southern Alberta Land Trust Society. They also finalized amendments to the municipality’s land-use bylaw governing agricultural reservoirs and dugouts.

Conservation easement approved

Council acknowledged receipt of a notice from the Southern Alberta Land Trust Society regarding a proposed conservation easement on the Fitch Bradley property located at NE-36-5-1-W5.

The project covers about 67.79 hectares, or 160.1 acres.

Under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, municipalities must be notified before a conservation easement is registered.

SALTS asked the MD to waive the standard 60-day notice period to allow immediate registration. Council approved the request.

Administration noted that while municipalities may object to a conservation easement registration, the easement can still proceed. The notice primarily serves to inform the municipality that the conservation easement will be placed on the property.

Dugout and reservoir bylaw passes

Council gave second and third readings to Bylaw 1369-26, which amends the municipality’s land-use bylaw to better define and regulate dugouts and agricultural water reservoirs. The changes clarify the difference between smaller dugouts and larger agricultural water storage projects within agriculturally oriented districts.

The amendments define dugouts as excavated water storage areas generally located below natural grade, while larger reservoirs exceeding one acre or involving above-grade storage would fall under a separate classification with additional requirements.

The bylaw also introduces provisions allowing some dugouts and reservoirs to proceed without a development permit if they meet setback, sight-line and capacity requirements. Additional regulations address engineering requirements for larger projects and possible fencing requirements near residences.

The bylaw received first reading March 3. No members of the public spoke and no written submissions were received at an April 14 public hearing.

FCM membership not renewed

Council voted not to renew the municipality’s membership in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for 2026-27. The motion stated council believes the organization is more urban-focused.

Summer Games invitation received

Council received as information an invitation from the Town of Bow Island to attend the opening ceremonies for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

The Games are scheduled to run July 8 to 11, with opening ceremonies planned for July 8 at Centennial Park in Bow Island.

Letter to province requested

Under new business, council directed administration to send a followup letter to Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter regarding red-tape reduction and a previously denied diversion permit application connected to pumping raw water from dugouts.

The discussion referenced a 2023 permit application that was denied, despite water hauling from the same location being permitted.