The Municipal District of Pincher Creek council made a series of key decisions at its Sept. 23 meetings, from approving a new public art policy to allocating funds for legal fees and a community peace officer vehicle.

Health-care committee funding

During the regular meeting, council discussed health-care committee funding. Following a July inquiry from the MD, Pincher Creek and District Family and Community Support Services clarified that no additional policy was needed, as elected municipal officials on the committee authorize spending.

Council approved a motion to recommend two members at large on the committee — one from each municipality — and directed administration to clarify fund distribution with the Town of Pincher Creek.

Legal fees and vehicle purchase

Council also approved $37,000 in legal fees for the Castle River Campground appeal and an additional $20,000 for legal work related to the Pincher Creek Emergency Services membership agreement, funded from the tax rate stabilization reserve.

A motion to purchase a new CPO vehicle was approved, with funding up to $113,400 from the equipment reserve.

Other business

Council adopted a public art policy, which outlines guidelines for acquiring works that reflect community values, history and aspirations. The policy is scheduled for review in a year.

Council supported letters of endorsement for Beaver Mines and Lundbreck water conservation projects through the Community Foundation.

Additionally, it authorized inviting Alberta Forestry and Parks representatives to discuss development at Waterton Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area and approved Coun. Jim Welsch’s attendance at a municipal assessment review board workshop in November.

Council suggested that part of the educational content provided by the WBR should emphasize the role of what the biosphere can and cannot control. It also hoped that the deadstock program, for both wildlife and domestic animals, can be reviewed, and that all partners can come together to find a better solution.

Council confirmed that all members would attend the Rural Municipalities of Alberta convention in November but decided against a meeting with the RCMP during the event.

The MD will also co-sign a Cardston County letter addressing grizzly bear concerns, while suggesting the county send a copy to the local MLA.

Waterton Biosphere Region

Earlier the same day, council members held a committee meeting, where they heard directly from representatives of Waterton Biosphere Region.

Elizabeth Anderson, conservation biologist; Jeff Bectell, Carnivores and Communities Program co-ordinator; and executive director Nora Manners briefed council on efforts to maintain the biosphere designation through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and capacity building in local communities.

They also requested the MD’s input on smoothing the boundary between the buffer and transition zones of the reserve, and proposed a half-day workshop in 2026 for this purpose.

The panel informed council that discussions are underway with the province around a potential expansion of the core area to include Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Park.

The MD may also appoint a council representative to the WBR board, as Coun. Tony Bruder is only involved with the deadstock program.

Other highlights from the delegation included the stewardship of the Species at Risk program, youth engagement initiatives such as Day at the Creek and Wetland Field Day, and the Carnivores and Communities Program, which educates ranchers on preventing wildlife conflicts.