Community concerns over rail noise, infrastructure support and regional project planning were among the issues before MD of Pincher Creek council June 9.

Council also addressed correspondence items ranging from community events to infrastructure support and a proclamation recognizing municipal development officers.

Reeve Rick Lemire and councillors Tony Bruder, Dave Cox, John MacGarva and Jim Welsch were in attendance at the meeting.

Train whistling decision tabled

Council tabled discussion on whether to pursue a train whistle cessation application for crossings near Lundbreck, pending further information on municipal liability.

The issue came to council after a landowner raised concerns about the whistles with a member of council, who passed the matter to administration. The railway company, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, told the landowner that any request for whistle cessation must come from the municipality itself.

Administration confirmed there is a formal process in place with CPKC and asked council whether to proceed and, if so, at which crossings.

Northback water plan update

Council received a followup presentation from Northback Holdings regarding changes to its proposed water-management approach, tied to its term licence Water Act application.

The update outlined revisions to the project’s final terms of reference, including a commitment that Northback will not draw water directly from creeks or streams.

Instead, the company indicated it will rely on precipitation collection and mine dewatering, with storage in constructed dams during freshet, an approach it compared to methods used in Alberta’s irrigation systems.

Water collected through this system requires licensing under Alberta’s water allocation framework. Northback said further public information would be released as the application advances.

Castle Mountain fire guard advances

Council unanimously supported Pincher Creek Emergency Services Commission in advancing the Castle Mountain Fire Guard Project (CFP 24-11) to its construction phase.

Gravel for Twin Butte Community Hall

Council approved a request from Twin Butte Community Hall for a municipal donation of three loads of gravel, including delivery.

Development Officers Week proclaimed

Council proclaimed Sept. 14 to 18 as Alberta Development Officers Week in the MD of Pincher Creek.

The proclamation, put forward by the Alberta Development Officers Association, recognizes the contributions of development officers to planning across Alberta municipalities. They are responsible for enforcing and administering land-use regulations and policies under the Municipal Government Act.

Reeve Lemire signed the proclamation on behalf of council.

Community events

Council declined an invitation to attend Pincher Creek and District Community Food Centre’s annual general meeting and facility tour June 23, as it falls on a regular council day.

Couns. Cox, Welsch and MacGarva were approved to attend the Pincher Creek Emergency Services open house June 25.

Any interested councillors were authorized to attend a community celebration recognizing completion of the Fishburn Cemetery Restoration Project, scheduled for July 25 at Fishburn Marr United Church.