MD of Pincher Creek council dealt with recycling changes, a Burmis Lake lease transfer, summer meeting cancellations, sponsorship requests and several land matters during its May 12 meeting.

Reeve Rick Lemire and Couns. Dave Cox, John MacGarva and Jim Welsch were present; Coun. Tony Bruder was absent.

Recycling changes

Council approved a public information release regarding upcoming changes to curbside and depot recycling services, scheduled to begin Oct. 1.

The changes fall under Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework and will bring single-stream recycling to Lundbreck and Beaver Mines at no cost to residents.

The Eco Centre will also transition to a single-stream system, with compensation provided through Circular Materials.

Administration said new material streams will be introduced, along with a provincewide education campaign expected to begin in mid year. The MD will release information ahead of that campaign and co-ordinate messaging with the Town of Pincher Creek.

Public communication will be made through social media, the MD website, email lists, newspaper advertising and community organizations.

Burmis Lake lease

Council approved the transfer of Recreation Lease 2348 for Burmis Lake from the MD of Pincher Creek to the Alberta Conservation Association.

The municipality has held the lease since 1965 but has not been responsible for site operations or maintenance beyond minor road upkeep. The Alberta Conservation Association has managed the area for years, including fish stocking and contracted maintenance work.

Administration said the transfer aligns the lease with the organization already carrying out day-to-day management.

The MD will cover a $3,150 administrative transfer fee, through its operating budget.

Summer meeting schedule

Council approved cancelling regular council and committee meetings scheduled for July 28 and Aug. 11, along with municipal planning commission and subdivision authority meetings set for Aug. 4.

The motion allows meetings to be called if urgent matters arise.

Funding requests and provincial programs

Council reviewed several correspondence items, including a support request from Pincher Creek Minor Hockey Association for its upcoming golf fundraiser. A raffle basket donation valued up to $75 will be funded through the operating budget.

Council also received information on Alberta Day 2026, a provincewide initiative encouraging municipalities to host local celebrations between Aug. 29 and Sept. 1, with funding available based on population.

Family and Community Support Services encouraged council participation in a seniors’ needs discussion being organized in the community. Coun. Welsch will attend, with Coun. Cox as alternate.

Council approved a $250 sponsorship for the 2026 Huckleberry Festival at Castle Mountain Resort, happening primarily on Aug. 22.

Council also declared May 19 as Family Doctor Day in the MD, recognizing family physicians and primary-care providers.

April delegations formally received

Council formally received as information several updates presented at the April 28 council committee meeting.

Waterton Lakes National Park provided information on its 2026 operational priorities. These include continued restrictions on non-motorized watercraft, aquatic invasive species prevention, and expanded visitor management tools such as 511 alerts and additional signage to manage park capacity.

Council also received an update from Pincher Creek Curling Club outlining revised project costs now exceeding $5 million and a funding shortfall of about $1.6 million. The club also indicated interest in having a council representative sit on its building committee to strengthen communication during the project.

A third presentation, from resident Marco Bergeron, raised concerns about municipal water rates following recent increases. Administration noted the MD has been implementing staggered increases over four years to bring rates closer to mid-range levels compared to other municipalities.

Closed session

Following a closed session, council authorized attendance at a June 29 meeting and tour at Pincher Creek Airport.

Council also approved the sale of municipally owned Lots 1 and 2, Block 8, Plan 1993N in Pincher Station at fair market value under MD policy.

Another motion approved a request to close and purchase portions of undeveloped road allowance near NW-7-4-28-W4 and NE-12-4-29-W4, with the applicant responsible for associated costs.