Pincher Creek town council heard updates on record-breaking visitation to Waterton Lakes National Park, discussed future land-use options for the old fire hall property and approved a community donation during its regular meeting on April 13.

Council also received presentations from Waterton Lakes officials and 4-H members, and dealt with regional collaboration and emergency management matters.

Waterton addresses rising visitation

Officials from Waterton Lakes National Park told council the park set a new attendance record in 2025, welcoming about 585,000 visitors — an increase of roughly eight per cent.

More than half of those visitors arrived during July and August, with September also seeing growing demand. The park is working to manage increased pressure on infrastructure and staffing, particularly during peak periods.

“We’re trying to figure out how to encourage people to come at some of our less busy times of year, whether it’s during the week in the summertime, or spring and fall, and still have a similar experience,” said the park’s visitor experience manager, Christy Gustavison.

New measures aimed at improving visitor experience and managing higher volumes include developing a long-range visitor use management framework and exploring options such as paid parking, timed or reservable entry and transportation partnerships. Public engagement is expected in coming months.

To further support visitor convenience and reduce congestion, Waterton plans to improve traffic communication with electronic signage outside the park and real-time updates through Alberta 511. The measures are intended to help travellers make informed decisions before reaching the park, particularly during peak weekends.

These changes could have a spillover effect in Pincher Creek, as visitors may spend time in the community if access to the park is temporarily restricted.

4-H club marking milestone year

Foothills 4-H Beef Club appeared before council, highlighting the group’s upcoming 80th anniversary and requesting financial support for its annual achievement day.

Club president Hunter McMullen said the event is an opportunity for members to showcase their work and celebrate their accomplishments with the community.

“For 80 years, our club has been helping grow young people in our community through 4-H,” he said, noting members gain skills in responsibility, teamwork and communication.

Councillors offered suggestions for additional fundraising, including reaching out to past members and local organizations.

Regional summit attendance confirmed

Mayor Wayne Oliver and Couns. Bernice Cyr and Valerie Wynder will attend the Infrastructure Services Regional Summit in Lethbridge later this month.

Municipal leaders from across southern Alberta will discuss shared challenges and opportunities in areas such as water services, waste management and procurement.

Old fire hall zoning discussed

Council discussed potential land-use options for the old fire hall property, which is currently designated as public and institutional.

The conversation was prompted by a request from the Pincher Creek Emergency Services Commission for guidance on types of development council may support at the site.

Several councillors expressed a preference for residential uses, citing the surrounding neighbourhood. Coun. Brian McGillivray said he would not support industrial or commercial development in the area.

Wynder suggested that a comprehensive mixed-use designation could be considered, allowing for limited commercial activity that aligns with the character of the area.

Coun. Sahra Nodge said she is open to a broader range of uses but cautioned against heavy industrial development, emphasizing the need to balance economic opportunities with neighbourhood impacts.

Oliver noted general agreement against heavy industrial uses, while opinions on commercial development remained mixed.

Council accepted the report as information and decided not to issue a formal letter, citing the need to remain open-minded during any future rezoning process. Instead, council representatives will communicate general feedback informally to the commission.

Administration indicated that a typical rezoning process takes three to four months.

Emergency management appointment

Council approved the appointment of Michelle Stuart as deputy regional director of emergency management, following a recommendation from the Pincher Creek Regional Emergency Advisory Committee.

The role supports co-ordinated emergency planning and response across the town and MD of Pincher Creek and the village of Cowley.

Council supports basketball team

Council voted to provide a $500 donation to the Matthew Halton senior girls basketball team, which recently won silver at the provincial championships.

Oliver suggested the town match support from the MD.

While some concern was raised about setting a precedent for future funding requests, other councillors spoke in favour of recognizing the team’s achievement.

“I think we should celebrate the success of the athletes of our community,” said Nodge.

Tourism forum

Cyr and Nodge will attend a regional tourism discussion hosted by the South Canadian Rockies Tourism Association. The session will focus on and findings from a recent resident sentiment survey.