Approving an unbudgeted $20,000 capital increase for a new truck deck, responding to residents’ concerns over road dust, and advancing plans for a new municipal gravel pit were among the issues before Municipal District of Pincher Creek council during its July 14 meeting.

Councillors also backed local agricultural initiatives, updated agricultural policies and authorized several infrastructure and administrative items.

Christie Mines Road dust concerns

Council considered a request from residents asking the MD to resume dust control on Christie Mines Road.

A letter signed by 31 residents said dust along Range Road 11 is a growing concern because of increased traffic, including heavy equipment. They said it affects nearby residences as well as wildlife and fish habitat, and raises safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists and police vehicles.

An addendum from the Edges of Waterton cycling group cited dust on Christie Mines Road, Alberta Ranch Road and nearby intersections.

Council directed administration to send a letter advising residents they can apply individually for dust control, as other landowners in the MD do. The group is invited to meet with council if they wish to discuss the issue further.

Truck deck budget increased

Council approved a $20,000 increase to the 2026 capital budget to purchase a new deck for a one-ton truck.

Administration said the existing truck deck could not be transferred to the new vehicle. The new truck’s crew-cab configuration has different cab-to-axle dimensions than the single-cab truck the deck was built for. Using the old deck would create weight distribution and safety concerns.

The additional funding will come from the equipment reserve.

The existing deck will remain on the current vehicle, which will be converted into a public works welding truck. The old welding truck will be declared surplus and sold.

Road maintenance support for Cowley

Council agreed to provide road grading services to the Village of Cowley. The municipality will charge the village according to the hourly rates outlined in its fees policy.

Ownership maps to be released

Council authorized an agreement with Inside Outside Studios, also known as i-Hunter, to release the May 2026 MD ownership maps. Council also directed administration to renew the agreement if future versions of the ownership maps are released through the company.

Funding approved for agricultural organizations

Council approved $5,000 for the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association — $2,000 in core funding and up to $3,000 more for individual events in 2026 — from the budget for grants to groups and organizations.

Council also approved a $1,500 contribution to Ag for Life for 2026, with funding coming from the same budget.

Lundbreck growth plan moves forward

Council gave first reading to a bylaw that would amend the municipal development plan to recognize the Lundbreck hamlet growth study as a guiding planning document.

The study examines existing conditions, future growth opportunities, infrastructure, transportation and community services. It is intended to guide future land-use and development decisions in Lundbreck.

A public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 3 p.m., before council considers second reading of the bylaw.

Proposed gravel pit advances

Council also gave first reading to a land-use bylaw amendment needed for a proposed municipal gravel pit, known as the Sapeta Pit.

The amendment redesignates part of a parcel from agriculture to direct control to allow for a future natural resource extraction operation. The site is west of Range Road 1-5 and south of Township Road 9-2.

Administration said Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has already approved the project as a Class 1 gravel pit. A public hearing on the proposed land-use amendment will take place Sept. 8 following the Lundbreck bylaw hearing.

Agricultural policies updated

Council approved updates to the MD’s agricultural pests policy and weed-control policy following recommendations from the agricultural service board.

The revised weed-control policy outlines responsibilities for managing weeds on municipally owned land while continuing inspections and enforcement on private land under provincial legislation.

Council also approved revisions to the agricultural pests policy.

Wording on problem wildlife investigations was updated to specify coyotes in cases of livestock harassment. References to the former Alberta Agriculture and Forestry ministry were changed to Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation.

The policy also adds emerald ash borer and wild boar to Alberta’s list of declared agricultural pests.

Agricultural fieldman appointed

Council appointed Ayla Peacock as the MD’s agricultural fieldman, effective July 14. She was originally proposed for the role of assistant fieldman.

Administration said provincial legislation recognizes only the position of fieldman, not assistant fieldman, and using the assistant title could create legal issues if enforcement decisions were appealed.

Appointing Peacock as fieldman also eliminates the need for annual renewal of her inspector’s licence. The change ensures enforcement authority remains valid and provides continuous coverage when the primary fieldman is unavailable.

Cardiac-care campaign supported

Council authorized a letter of support for Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation’s Bringing Hearts Home fundraising campaign, which aims to expand cardiac-care access in southern Alberta.

The MD previously committed $15,000 from its tax rate stabilization reserve to the campaign in March 2026.

The regional campaign is pushing for continued provincial investment following the government’s commitment of $59 million over three years toward the overall $445-million project.