Heritage Acres Farm Museum is preparing for a busy season after securing multiple grants, representatives told Pincher Creek town council Feb. 23.

The museum secured funding through several sources, including Travel Alberta, the Alberta Museum Association and a tractor education program supporting 12 youths from Livingstone Range School Division.

The Travel Alberta grant will support a professional redisplay of the museum’s large tractor exhibit building, with the redesigned space expected to open May 1. Delegates said the firm involved works with regional museums and prioritizes using local businesses.

Additional funding will support groundskeeping, building maintenance and accessibility improvements to the homesteading area.

Upcoming events include a traditional square dance, the annual fair in July, a harvest event featuring Connie Kaldor and a Halloween show.

Delegates thanked the town for providing a letter of support that contributed to the successful applications.

Joint council agenda

Under new business, council discussed potential topics for an upcoming joint council meeting with the MD of Pincher Creek.

Coun. Sahra Nodge raised the Emergency Services Commission master agreement, noting discussions had been paused while the fire hall renovation took priority.

Mayor Wayne Oliver confirmed documentation had recently been submitted to administration and suggested council review it at a future committee of the whole meeting before advancing it to joint council.

Water planning was also flagged as a key topic. Coun. Mark Barber said he would like to see water remain on the agenda “just to keep it moving forward,” referencing earlier discussions about a proposed regional water plan.

Oliver recalled that a study had been underway and suggested requesting an update on its status and next steps, including past conversations about potential extensions of town water services and broader servicing considerations.

Joint funding allocations prompted reflection on how the process has changed over time.

Council directed administration to include emergency services agreements, water planning, joint funding processes and the library expansion proposal on the next joint council agenda.

Other business

Council held an open discussion on short-term rentals, prompted by a recent application seeking occupancy for 12 people in a residential zone. Members appeared supportive of continuing the case-by-case approach while exploring steps to bring unregistered operators into compliance.

Also, council directed administration to increase the town’s annual contribution to STARS air ambulance to $8,000 beginning in 2027, maintaining funding above the organization’s $2-per-capita target as population figures fluctuate.

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This article was reported and written by Shootin’ the Breeze’s Local Journalism Initiative reporter. 

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