Organization: Alberta Environment and Protected Areas

Graphic with the text "Municipal News from the MD of Pincher Creek" on the left side, featuring a stylized image of people seated around a meeting table on the right.

Council pushes back on provincial gravel pit rules

Written on September 23, 2026. Posted in Civic & Government, Environment.

MD of Pincher Creek council will tell the province it has concerns about changes that give provincial gravel pit approvals priority over local planning, following its Sept. 8 meeting.

Council also heard a neighbour’s objection to a proposed gravel pit east of Pincher Creek and agreed to keep subsidizing waste service at Castle Mountain Resort.

Provincial gravel pit approval changes

Council directed administration to send the province the MD’s concerns about proposed changes to how gravel pits are approved.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas is updating its Code of Practice for Pits. The changes follow amendments to the Municipal Government Act through Bill 28 and recommendations from the provincial Sand and Gravel Task Force.

The province and municipalities have each played separate roles in approving aggregate pits on private land, with the province focused on environmental impacts and municipalities on land-use planning.

Bill 28: Municipal Affairs and Housing Statues Amendment Act, introduced a new section to the MGA that makes provincial approvals paramount. Municipalities are required to bring their land-use bylaws and planning documents in line with decisions made at the provincial level rather than running a parallel approval process.

The MD received information from Rural Municipalities of Alberta, which said in a Sept. 18 statement: “Based on what is known and not yet known about how x. 619.1 will be implemented, the change may introduce significant risks to municipalities, landowners and industries.”

The RMA lists:

An older couple smiles while leaning on a wooden railing outdoors, above text describing their $879 profit share from Vision Credit Union and a website link.

—Impact of poor co-ordination and alignment across different government processes.

—Limited ability to appeal a pit registration coupled with a lack of public hearing or community engagement in the provincial registration process.

—Unclear division of roles and responsibilities with potential unintended consequences.

—Need for improved communication and inspection and enforcement measures to prevent expansion of operators with a poor history of compliance.

Proposed gravel pit rezoning

Council also held a public hearing on Bylaw 1374-26, which proposes changing the land-use designation of a quarter-section east of Pincher Creek (NE-7-9-1-W5) from agricultural to direct control. The proposed rezoning would allow gravel pit development on the property.

The public hearing drew a written objection from an adjacent landowner, but no one appeared in person to speak against it.

The neighbour argued there is no need for a third gravel pit within less than a mile of the site, urging the MD to explore alternative sites or expand existing pits rather than disturb native grassland.

The letter raised concerns about dust, noise, traffic and groundwater contamination, and said the pit could put the writer’s property, livestock and family at risk, and permanently harm land values. The letter asked council to reject the application and prioritize conservation of the grassland over further extraction.

Poster for Pincher Creek Chamber’s 31st Annual Awards of Excellence on October 23, 2026. Ticket prices and event details are listed, with a link for tickets at PincherChamber.ca/tickets.

Gavin Scott, senior planner with the Oldman River Regional Services Commission, outlined the history and reasoning behind the proposed amendment.

An open house is scheduled for Oct. 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the MD council chambers.

Castle Mountain Resort to keep free recycling and garbage service

Council agreed to continue providing Castle Mountain Resort Inc. with a fully subsidized cardboard recycling service and residential garbage bin after reviewing the expense of the arrangement.

Administration will write to the resort to say the service continues at no cost for now but could be revisited.

The cost varies, says Jessica McClelland, executive assistant for the MD. The landfill picks up a full cardboard bin at an average of $317 a trip, plus the landfill’s tipping fee.

“Some months it’s once; some months it could be twice,” she says.

Library seeks support for dark sky event

Pincher Creek Municipal Library asked the MD for financial support for a dark sky event planned for January 2027. The library plans to expand the program to two days, running 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

The total cost is expected to be $8,200. The library has already secured $6,000 through grants, leaving $2,200 to raise.

Job ad for “Shootin’ the Breeze” seeks part-time and full-time staff for photography, writing, and reporting; contact publisher@shootinthebreeze.ca. Background shows printed news text and a hand holding a voice recorder.

Council received the request as information and recommended the library contact the MD’s grant writer to explore other funding options.

Lundbreck growth study

Council gave second and third reading to Bylaw 1373-26 after a public hearing at which no one spoke and no written submissions were received.

The bylaw amends the MD’s municipal development plan, replacing an existing hamlet policy with new wording that requires the Lundbreck Hamlet Growth Study be referenced in all future development matters in the hamlet.

It also calls for the study to be periodically updated with current data and progress on its action items.

Council approves ALUS letter of support

Council also approved a letter of support for Alternative Land Use Services, which is applying for funding through the Ecosystem Services Grant Program.

ALUS pays farmers and ranchers to maintain wetlands, grassland and other habitat on working land.

Committee meeting

The MD council committee met earlier the same day. Committees make recommendations rather than decisions.

Food centre reports increase in demand

The Pincher Creek and District Community Food Centre told the committee it served 427 people between May 2025 and April 2026, including 282 existing clients and 145 new clients.

The number was up from 412 people in 2024-25 and 197 in 2023-24.

The centre provides free food hampers to eligible residents in the town and MD, based on a means test.

An average of 77 households were served each month. The centre recorded 785 deliveries and 140 pickups. People in Pincher Creek can have hampers delivered, while rural residents generally pick them up in town.

The centre reported $392,314 in income and $341,895 in expenses for the year. Board chair Davina Brown also reviewed the centre’s strategic priorities and outcomes with the committee.

Councillors discussed ways the MD could help promote the food centre, including a program that allows ranchers to donate beef in exchange for a tax receipt.

Tourism group seeks $12,500

Representatives from the South Canadian Rockies Tourism Association told the committee the organization is seeking municipal funding for the 2026-27 year to support regional destination marketing and management.

Senior board adviser Sacha Anderson and executive director Erin Fairhurst outlined the association’s work, which they said helps secure additional partner funding and supports tourism projects without adding to the workload of municipal staff.

The association said the municipal contribution would form part of an 80-20 funding request to the province, with the town and MD of Pincher Creek, and Improvement District No. 4 providing the 20 per cent local share.

Ace of spades card on ad for Chase the Ace at the Pincher Creek Legion

The association outlined several areas of planned work. One is a resident sentiment campaign aimed at helping rural residents understand tourism and provide feedback about its growth.

It is also developing a detailed inventory of tourism assets across the MD. The inventory will include attractions, recreation sites, events, accommodations, short-term rentals and visitor services. The association said the inventory could help identify needs such as signage, parking, washrooms and trails.

Another proposed focus is public education around responsible recreation. The association plans to promote Leave No Trace principles, safety guidelines and appropriate recreation areas.

The association also detailed its regional advocacy work involving transportation, signage, trails, parking, cellular coverage and recreation access. It said a regional approach could help connect local priorities with provincial tourism strategies and future funding opportunities.

The association is also exploring a destination marketing fee, a levy on hotel and other accommodation bookings that funds tourism promotion. It said any such fee would require local discussion, industry participation and municipal consideration.

RMA convention plans finalized

The committee also reviewed plans for the Rural Municipalities of Alberta fall convention and trade show, running Nov. 2 to 5 in Edmonton.

Couns. Dave Cox and John MacGarva will take a budget and finance course Nov. 2, then join the remaining councillors, the chief administrative officer and the public works manager for the convention.

News briefs from July 14 MD of Pincher Creek council table

Written on August 26, 2026. Posted in Civic & Government.

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.

A bearded man in a cap smiles while playing guitar. Text promotes a Lloyd Spiegel concert at Empress Theatre, October 14, 2026, with ticket details and contact info.

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.

Get Stuff’d meat and seafood shop sign, located at 214 13th St. in Fort Macleod, open Thursday through Saturday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., phone 368-996-1968, follow us on Facebook at Get Stuff’d.

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.

Ad for Blinds and More Fall Sale: 40% off Alta Blinds from Sept 15 to Nov 30, 2026. Living room with large windows covered by wood blinds. Contact info and locations listed.

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.

Agriculture, Municipal Government, Roads

Construction vehicles working on a double lane highway

Mountain section of Highway 3 twinning still without a timeline

Written on August 18, 2026. Posted in Civic & Government, Environment.

Alberta’s transportation minister says the province is still working through the most challenging stretch of the Highway 3 twinning project — the section between the Crowsnest Pass and Piikani Nation — and cannot yet say when construction will move forward.

Speaking at an Aug. 11 rural media roundtable, Devin Dreeshen said the complex mountain section remains in the design phase. He was also questioned about wildlife crossings and other transportation issues.

Pressed on when planning for twinning the Crowsnest-to-Piikani section will finish and when construction tenders might follow, he said the province is still deciding the best route through the mountain pass.

“You can’t design and engineer forever,” he said, adding a decision on alignment will eventually need to be made.

The Treasury Board requires projects to be fully shovel-ready before construction money is approved. Dreeshen promised more details on timelines later.

The 47-kilometre twinned section between Taber and Burdett is now complete, while the remaining segments are in various stages of planning, design and engineering.

Dreeshen said the province divided the overall Highway 3 twinning project into eight sections so work could begin on the less complicated stretches first. The mountain sections near the British Columbia border are more complicated, while the connection near Medicine Hat still requires design work.

Dreeshen described Highway 3 as the next step in supporting southern Alberta’s growing economy. He linked the project to the province’s investment in irrigation infrastructure, saying expanded irrigation is expected to increase agricultural production and attract new agri-food investment, which would mean more commercial traffic along the corridor.

Event flyer for International Credit Union Day at Vision Credit Union on October 15, inviting community members to bring food bank donations in exchange for a wall calendar.

As work continues in Alberta, he said, the province is also discussing Highway 3 improvements with British Columbia. He acknowledged concerns that twinning the highway to the Alberta border could simply shift congestion west if similar upgrades are not completed in B.C.

Alberta will continue talks with the B.C. government about extending twinning on the B.C. side of the border, he said, adding the province wants Highway 3 to function as an economic corridor that extends beyond Alberta’s border.

Wildlife crossings called a success

Dreeshen said wildlife overpasses, underpasses and fencing have proven successful in reducing collisions between vehicles and animals.

“I think we should be telling that story better,” he said.

He noted that other jurisdictions, including Montana, have shown interest in Alberta’s wildlife crossing program.

Following the roundtable, a department spokesperson from the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors told Shootin’ the Breeze that the proposed Island Ridge Wildlife Overpass remains in the design phase. It is planned for the north side of Highway 3 near the Island Lake Provincial Recreation Area, west of Crowsnest Pass.

The Iron Ridge Wildlife Underpass is also in the design phase. It is planned for the Jim Prentice Wildlife Corridor, about five kilometres along Highway 3 between Coleman and Crowsnest Lake.

Other wildlife crossing projects along Highway 3 are in preliminary design.

Event poster for a Secondhand Dreamcar concert at the Empress Theatre on November 20, 2026, at 7:30 PM, featuring a photo of the band members.

The Rock Creek Wildlife Underpass, which runs along Highway 3 between Lundbreck and Burmis along with a short distance north up Highway 22, was completed in December 2025.

Construction on the $10.7-million underpass and wildlife fencing project began in June 2024.

The underpass provides a safe crossing for wildlife such as deer and elk through an area with a high number of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Camera monitoring recorded an estimated 76 animals using the underpass during its first month of operation, with mule deer accounting for most of the recorded crossings.

Post-construction data collected in 2026 is expected to be released through Alberta’s open data portal in early 2027.

The ministry also pointed to Reconnecting the Rockies, a scientific initiative led by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas in partnership with researchers and non-profit organizations. The project is studying how wildlife move through the landscape before, during and after wildlife crossing infrastructure is built.

Reconnecting the Rockies aims to create a connected system of wildlife crossings and fencing along 80 kilometres of Highway 3 between Hosmer, B.C., and Lundbreck. It is designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions while restoring movement for species including grizzly bears, elk, deer, sheep and wolverines across one of the most important wildlife corridors in the Canadian Rockies.

Other issues

Dreeshen also addressed transportation issues elsewhere in Alberta, including regional air service, photo radar and truck enforcement.

He said the province is reviewing expressions of interest from airlines interested in providing regional air service to communities such as Medicine Hat, after WestJet ended service earlier this year. Alberta is also examining models used in other provinces, including Saskatchewan, where governments subsidize a certain number of seats on regional routes.

Dreeshen defended the province’s restrictions on photo radar, saying Alberta relied on the technology more than most jurisdictions without seeing better traffic safety results. Municipalities can still apply for exemptions if they can demonstrate a need for photo radar outside school, playground or construction zones.

On truck safety, Dreeshen said Alberta has shut down 20 trucking companies and five fraudulent driver-training schools since October as part of an ongoing enforcement campaign. While it is too early to measure the long-term impact, he said removing unsafe carriers should improve safety over time.

Highway 3 Twinning, Wildlife Crossings

Graphic with the text "Municipal News from the MD of Pincher Creek" across the top, featuring an image of large windmills in a field with mountains in the background.

News briefs from June 23 MD of Pincher Creek council table

Written on July 15, 2026. Posted in Civic & Government.

A resident’s challenge to how fire-suppression costs are billed, and confirmation of more than $1.4 million in local funding allocations from the province, were key topics at the MD of Pincher Creek’s June 23 meeting.

Fire-suppression costs

Bill Thorpe, a longtime MD resident, questioned charging property owners for emergency response costs. He said residents already pay for emergency services through municipal taxes and suggested a model where fire response is funded through taxation instead of recovery charges.

He offered to lead a committee, with support from the MD and the Town of Pincher Creek, to review alternatives.

Council said fire response charges are capped at $25,000. The cap was introduced after a major fire where multiple residents assisted and air support was used, and some landowners later received significant bills for emergency response costs.

Council said it was willing to continue working with the community on the issue, but noted that not all fires occur under the same circumstances. It suggested Thorpe also take the matter to the Pincher Creek Emergency Services Commission.

Provincial funding confirmed for 2026

Council received a letter from Alberta Municipal Affairs outlining the MD’s 2026 funding allocations.

The MD will receive $1,146,862 through the Local Government Fiscal Framework Capital program, $107,056 through the LGFF Operating program and $244,929 through the Building Communities Strong Fund’s community stream.

The funding is part of the province’s support for municipalities to maintain services, improve infrastructure and invest in community priorities.

Aerospace partnership signed

Council approved a memorandum of understanding with three neighbouring municipalities — Cardston County, the MD of Willow Creek and the Town of Fort Macleod — to support regional aviation and aerospace collaboration.

Public auction set for November

The MD will hold a public auction this fall for a property with tax arrears. Under the Municipal Government Act, municipalities must prepare an annual tax arrears list for properties with more than one year of unpaid taxes.

One property currently sits on the MD’s 2025 tax arrears list. Council set a reserve bid of $49,500 for the property, located at SW-01-09-03-W5. The auction is scheduled for Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. at the MD administration building.

In the meantime, the owner can still pay the arrears to prevent the property from being sold.

Humane society receives gravel donation

Council approved a request from the Pincher Creek Humane Society for material support for its agility dog run project. The MD will provide 65 yards of small gravel plus delivery.

The gravel will help create a safer, well-drained surface for the run, which provides exercise, stimulation and training opportunities for shelter animals.

Bylaw error corrected

Council fixed a clerical mistake in a bylaw dealing with agricultural reservoirs and dugouts. Administration found that Bylaw 1369-26 listed the wrong volume — 2,500 cubic metres where it should have read 7,500.

Provincial legislation allows municipalities to correct clerical or technical errors without a public hearing, as long as the fix does not change the bylaw’s substance.

Council gave Bylaw 1372-26 three readings and approved the correction.

Letter of support for ALUS

A letter of support was approved for Alternative Land Use Services for its Building Communities Strong Fund proposal.

Correspondence received as information

Council accepted several other pieces of correspondence without further action.

A Beaver Mines resident, Marie Everts, thanked the MD for supporting the community’s annual spring cleanup and reuse fair, crediting administration and crews for organizing it.

Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors responded to MD concerns about litter at the Pine Ridge turnout.

The province said No Overnight Camping signage would be installed soon, with enforcement to follow through bylaw officers, sheriffs or the RCMP. It said garbage bins at the site are cleaned twice a week and provided a phone line for reporting overflow between cleanings.

Administration will forward the response to the landowners who raised the concern.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas replied to an MD letter about water access for livestock, saying it is working with MD staff on options including temporary diversion licences, temporary pumping stations and reservoir improvements to increase access for producers.

Hometown Award recipient visits council

Council welcomed Hunter McMullen, a student from Matthew Halton High School, who received the 2026 Hometown Award from the town and MD. McMullen attended the meeting to thank council for the recognition.

Aviation and Aerospace, Building Communities Strong Fund, Fire-Suppression Costs, Hometown Award, Livestock Water Access, Municipal Government Act, Tax-Recovery Auctions

Briefs from April 28 MD of Pincher Creek council table

Written on May 13, 2026. Posted in Civic & Government, Environment.

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.

Agricultural Water Reservoirs, Alberta Land Stewardship Act, Conservation Easements, Land-Use Bylaw, Municipal Advocacy, Red Tape Reduction, Water Diversion Permits

Briefs from April 14 MD of Pincher Creek council table

Written on May 6, 2026. Posted in Civic & Government.

MD of Pincher Creek council addressed a mix of regulatory updates, financial decisions and community matters at its April 14 meeting, with several items carrying long-term implications for residents and local organizations.

Highlights include a public hearing on proposed land-use definitions for dugouts and agricultural reservoirs, passage of the 2026 tax rate bylaw, and approvals related to infrastructure, municipal policy updates and regional emergency preparedness.

No objections to land-use bylaw changes

Council opened a public hearing for Bylaw 1369-26, which proposes amendments to the municipality’s land-use bylaw to better define and regulate dugouts and agricultural water reservoirs in agriculturally oriented districts.

Reeve Rick Lemire said the changes are intended to clearly distinguish between smaller dugouts and larger-scale agricultural water reservoirs, particularly based on size and whether water storage occurs above or below natural grade.

Under proposed definitions, dugouts generally refer to excavated water storage below ground level, while reservoirs exceeding one acre or involving above-grade storage would be classified separately and subject to additional requirements.

The bylaw also introduces provisions allowing certain dugouts and reservoirs to proceed without a development permit if they meet setback, sightline and capacity requirements. Additional rules address safety measures such as setbacks from roadways, potential fencing near residences and engineering requirements for larger projects.

No members of the public spoke at the hearing and no written submissions were received.

Council supports community events and receives gas co-op presentation

Council approved a $300 donation for the Blackfoot Memorandum of Understanding pancake breakfast scheduled for July 18 in Standoff, and authorized Coun. Dave Cox to attend the event.

Council also received as information a presentation delivered by representatives of Chief Mountain Gas Co-op at its March 24 meeting. The co-operative, which serves more than 1,700 members, provided an overview of operations, infrastructure and cost structure compared to other providers.

Councillors raised questions about potential service expansion, though franchise areas are fixed and changes will require formal agreements.

Concerns over litter and overnight parking near Waterton

A letter will be sent to Alberta Transportation highlighting concerns about the Pine Ridge turnout along Highway 6, north of Waterton Lakes National Park. Council will request additional signage to prohibit overnight parking, and more frequent garbage collection to address ongoing litter issues.

Heritage Acres road and access project supported

Public works will support Heritage Acres with an approach for a new access road and expanded parking. Municipal fees will be waived. The project will improve visitor flow for events like the Annual Show in July, and support equipment loading and demonstrations.

Tax rate bylaw approved

Council gave all three readings to Bylaw 1371-26, establishing the MD’s 2026 tax rates and confirming revenue needed for operations and planned projects. The bylaw authorizes about $14.66 million to be raised through municipal taxation, based on a total assessment of just over $2.01 billion.

The 2026 budget includes $3.45 million in non-tax revenue, $14.47 million in operating expenses and $4.58 million in capital spending, along with debt repayment and reserve transfers to balance funding requirements.

Residential and farmland properties make up about $989 million of the assessment base, while non-residential properties account for just over $1.02 billion.

Including requisitions for education and other bodies, the total property tax levy amounts to nearly $18.94 million.

The bylaw also maintains a minimum municipal tax of $25 per parcel.

Library agreement updated

Council authorized the reeve and chief administrative officer to sign a revised joint intermunicipal library agreement, and approved corresponding updates to the library board bylaw.

The revisions follow recent provincial changes allowing more than three municipalities to participate in a joint library agreement. While practical expansion options remain limited, the update provides a framework should additional municipalities become eligible to join.

Compensation for additional meetings

Council approved remuneration for councillors attending two recent meetings that fell outside regular duties: an April 7 meeting with Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter and an April 13 meeting with the RCMP southern Alberta district officer, attended by Reeve Lemire and Coun. Jim Welsch.

Fees and charges policy updated

Council approved amendments to its fees and charges policy, reflecting updated rates across several municipal services.

Changes include increased fees for approaches, pipeline crossings, seismic approvals, and rig move inspections, as well as updated rates for grader work and development-related permits.

New deputy director appointed for regional emergency management

Council appointed Michelle Stuart as deputy regional director of emergency management, following a recommendation from the regional emergency advisory committee.

Stuart brings more than two decades of experience in emergency services, including roles in firefighting, paramedicine, industrial response and safety co-ordination. Her appointment fills a pending vacancy and supports continued regional collaboration in emergency preparedness and response.

Councillor to attend Boundary Creek open house

Coun. Tony Bruder would be attending the Boundary Creek Landowners Association open house on May 2. The event focused on environmentally significant areas and ecological connectivity, offering residents and stakeholders an opportunity to learn about evolving land-use planning approaches in Alberta.

Community Funding, Emergency Management, Environmental Planning, Highway 6, Infrastructure, Land-Use Planning, Municipal Bylaw, Municipal Tax, public hearing