High River, AB

Community Vitality Advisory Committee

The Community Vitality Advisory Committee will review a $30,000 funding application from Rowan House Society for a community initiative on healthy relationships and violence prevention, hear public comments, and ratify two previously discussed events. The agenda also includes financial reports, funding accountability reports, and a closed meeting.

• Rowan House Society $30,000 funding request for 'Growing Strong Communities Through Healthy Relationships'
• Ratify Skate Park Bash
• Ratify Ukay-Ukay Expo
• High River Chamber $2,000 funding not accepted
• Funding accountability reports: Foothills Pride Society, Stampede Breakfast

Regular Council

Committee of the Whole

Regular Council

Committee of the Whole

Regular Council

Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole

Regular Council

Organizational Meeting

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss remediation options for 112 Street E, a gravel road with high traffic and dust issues, and rehabilitation options for Longview Trail Northwest and 64th Street East. They will also review an infill development permit, an appeal board decision, and the Northeast Area Structure Plan's transportation corridor alignment and funding framework.

• 112 Street E remediation options (BN-26-66)
• Longview Trail NW and 64th Street E rehabilitation options (BN-26-45)
• Infill development permit DP2002.26 for 216 3 Ave SE
• Subdivision and Development Appeal Board decision for 605 Macleod Trail SW (DP 2004.25)
• Northeast Area Structure Plan: transportation corridor alignment, funding framework, interim development policies

Regular Council

High River Council will consider awarding a three-year janitorial contract for the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex to ServiceMaster Clean, and approve a new launch site and parking for the Heritage Inn International Hot Air Balloon Festival. They will also discuss a budget amendment for consulting on asset retirement obligations and contaminated sites, following a qualified audit opinion. A delegation from KFM Investments Inc. and 1432869 Alberta Ltd. is scheduled.

• Janitorial contract for Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex: $59,841/year for 3 years to ServiceMaster Clean
• Approve Balloon Glow site west of Centre Street as primary launch site for Sept 23-27, 2026 festival
• Approve Wallaceville as primary spectator parking, with overflow at High River Hot Air Balloon Launch Port
• Temporary 30 km/h speed limit on Centre Street during launch periods
• Budget amendment for asset retirement obligations and contaminated sites consulting

Assessment Review Board - Sunvale Place NE

The Assessment Review Board will hold a merit hearing regarding property assessment appeals for 14 properties on Sunvale Place NE. Paul Blomfield is acting as the agent for the property owners, with Town of High River Assessor Stewart Dalrymple serving as the respondent.

• Merit hearing for 14 properties on Sunvale Place NE
• Review of assessment notices from 2024, 2025, and 2026
• Payment of $50.00 residential ARB fees for properties including 6, 14, 16, 21, and 23 Sunvale Place NE

Assessment Review Board - Sunrise Place NE

The Assessment Review Board will hold a merit hearing regarding property assessment complaints for two addresses. Property owners Paul and Sarah-Jane Blomfield are challenging the assessments of their properties, with the Town of High River acting as the respondent.

• Assessment appeal for Roll No. 8013900 (38 Sunrise Place NE) with a requested value of $360,000.00
• Assessment appeal for Roll No. 8016100 (64 Sunrise Place NE) with a requested value of $360,000.00

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole reviewed several municipal updates including a regional senior transportation pilot project and the RCMP Annual Community Priority Plan. Discussions also covered the Northeast Area Structure Plan, the Southwest Outdoor Rink usage, and progress on the Grain Elevator development.

• Northeast Area Structure Plan update
• Regional Pilot Project for senior transportation
• Southwest Outdoor Rink usage and maintenance
• RCMP Annual Community Priority Plan
• Grain Elevator development permit extension to May 8, 2027

High River Ratepayers Community Group

The High River Ratepayers Community Group is presenting a request for action regarding the Annual Budget Schedule. The group is proposing that Council initiate a standard reporting procedure for all 2026 department budget plans and quarterly results reviews.

• Request to publish all 2026 department budget plans including objectives, staffing plans, and resource allocation
• Proposal for quarterly departmental results reviews to be presented at special evening council meetings
• Discussion regarding payroll consuming $0.99 of every $1.00 collected from property taxes

Regular Council

Council is considering several bylaws regarding rental rates and operating expenditure lines of credit. The agenda also includes major and minor development permit applications and a contract award for safety code inspections.

• Bylaw 4664/2026: 2026 Rate Bylaw (General) regarding affordable housing rental rates
• Bylaw 4665/2026: 2026 Operating Expenditures Line of Credit Bylaw
• Development Permit DP 4002.25: Commercial development at 1227 3 St SE
• Development Permit DP 1039.26: Single-detached dwelling at 420 Montrose Cres SE
• Contract award to Park Enterprises Inspection Services for safety code inspections

Assessment Review Board - 203 Redtail Ridge SE

The Assessment Review Board will hold a merit hearing for a complaint by property owners Scott & Joy McIntyre against the Town of High River assessor regarding the 2026 assessment of their property at 203 Redtail Ridge SE. The complainants argue the property is inequitably classified as a 'Custom Home' and that service deficiencies reduce market value. Both parties have submitted evidence and rebuttals for the board's consideration.

• Merit hearing for Roll No. 15083500 (203 Redtail Ridge SE) assessment complaint
• Complainants challenge property classification as 'Custom Home' and alleged inequity with comparable properties
• Respondent (Town assessor) provided disclosure evidence (76 pages)
• Complainant's rebuttal evidence filed July 6, 2026
• Issues include service deficiencies (no snow removal, no street sweeping, unsafe pedestrian access) impacting market value

Community Vitality Advisory Committee

The Community Vitality Advisory Committee will hear delegations and vote on funding requests, including $10,000 for the River City Classics car show and $7,500 for a business mentorship program. They will also consider a $1,000 request for the Highwood Curling Club event and a sponsorship for the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition. Financial reports and meeting minutes will be reviewed.

• Delegation: High River Chamber B2B Mentorship Program - $7,500
• Delegation: River City Classics 5th Annual Brian Chipchase Memorial Car Show - $10,000
• Business: Highwood Curling Club Great Scot Event - $1,000
• Business: Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition sponsorship
• Financial report: 2026 CVAC Funding Summary

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss updates on a regional senior transportation pilot, review winter and non-winter policies for the Southwest Outdoor Rink, and consider the RCMP community priority plan. Administration will also present two zoning variance applications for informational review.

• Better Together regional transportation pilot update
• Southwest Outdoor Rink winter and non-winter usage
• RCMP Annual Community Priority Plan
• Grain Elevator development update
• Variance applications for 9 2 St SE and 420 Montrose Cres SE

Council Engagement Session

Council receives an information session on the draft Northeast Area Structure Plan, which outlines future land use, mobility, and servicing for the area. No formal decisions are made; the session is for council to ask questions of administration.

• Draft ASP estimates 8,000 residents at full build-out
• 50% of area designated traditional neighbourhood, 26% service & employment
• Concept plan revised: road moved east, green space and neighbourhood centre adjusted
• Three rounds of public engagement completed; open house and landowner meeting scheduled June 23
• Technical reports completed: water, sewer, stormwater, traffic impact assessment

Regular Council

Council will review a major development permit for a multi-unit residential project requiring several variances. The body is also deciding on funding increases for two water treatment plant projects and a letter of support for a community grant.

• Multi-unit residential development permit DP2001.26 at 4;28;19;7;SW with 5 variances
• Contract award to CDM Mechanical Ltd. for $39,797.87 for Water Treatment Plant Dewatering System
• Contract award to CDM Mechanical Ltd. for $22,399.97 for Backwash Re-Use
• Request for $25,000 in additional capital funds from the Water Utility Reserve
• Letter of support for Wild Rose Community Connections grant application

Assessment Review Board - Preliminary Hearing

The Assessment Review Board holds a preliminary hearing to determine if Kenneth Dyck's complaint about his property assessment at 5 Homestead Way SE is valid, as he has not paid the required $50 filing fee. The agenda includes email correspondence where Dyck alleges discrimination and threats of legal action. The board will rule on the complaint's validity based on filing requirements.

• Preliminary hearing on validity of complaint (Roll No. 6000500, 5 Homestead Way SE)
• Complainant's disclosure not received
• Respondent's disclosure filed
• $50 filing fee dispute
• Dyck's allegations of discrimination and unsafe trees

Assessment Review Board - Preliminary Hearing

The Assessment Review Board will hold a preliminary hearing to determine the validity of a complaint filed by Kajer Developments Ltd. The board will specifically review whether the complaint was filed by the deadline and consider a requested assessment value of $2,800,000 for the property.

• Preliminary hearing for Roll No. 265300 (1500 12 Ave SE)
• Requested assessment value of $2,800,000
• Review of filing deadline validity for complaint submitted by Ryan ULC
• Discussion of income approach, capitalization rates, and land value adjustments

Assessment Review Board

The Assessment Review Board is meeting to appoint a Chair for the 2026 term. The board will also assign presiding officers to hear specific property tax assessment complaints scheduled for July 2026.

• Appointment of 2026 Board Chair
• Hearing for 117 & 119 6 Ave SE
• Hearing for 1718 3 Street SE
• Hearing for 14 properties at Sunvale Place NE
• Hearings for 203 Redtail Ridge SE, 54 Sunrise Crescent NE, 907 High Country Drive NW, 416 7 Ave SE, 38 & 64 Sunrise Place NE, and 5 Homestead Way SE

Regular Council

Council will consider updating policies on community art, film production, and privacy management to align with new provincial legislation. They are also set to advocate for the Government of Alberta to re-open the High River Income Support office and improve the transition to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program.

• Access to Information Bylaw 4663/2026 and Privacy Management Program Policy POL-0100
• Updated Community Art Policy POL-0105
• New Film Production Policy
• Advocacy for AISH/ADAP transition and re-opening of local Income Support office
• Delegation from High River Ratepayers Community Group

Committee of the Whole

This Committee of the Whole meeting will discuss infrastructure and service updates. Council will review transportation network scenarios for the Northeast Area Structure Plan, receive a construction update on the aquatics expansion, and hear a delegation from 100 Women Who Care Foothills. They will also review the past snow and ice control season and the upcoming winter maintenance scope of work.

• Delegation from 100 Women Who Care Foothills (10 years, $325K+ raised)
• Discussion of NE ASP Transportation Network Scenarios
• Aquatics Expansion Construction Update
• Snow and Ice Control 2025-2026 Season Update
• Snow Maintenance Scope of Work for 2026/2027 Winter

Committee of the Whole

The committee will receive a status update on the mandated wastewater treatment facility upgrade, with key next steps including a receiving stream sensitivity analysis and a decision on whether to proceed with a regional project with the County by September 2026. They will also hear updates on property assessments, recycling centre operations, and the Lion's Club annual budget for George Lane Campground.

• Wastewater treatment upgrade status: $478k spent to date, $200k ACP grant, decision on scope by Sept 2026
• Assessment update for 2026 property values
• Recycling centre and Circular Materials program update
• George Lane Campground - Lion's Club annual budget review

Regular Council

Council will give final readings to the 2026 Property Tax Bylaw, setting municipal tax rates to raise $17,540,697. They will also consider a new Subdivision and Development Authority Bylaw that gives Council authority on variance applications. A request to donate 12 recreation passes to the Joe Clark Run Club will be ratified.

• Approve 2026 Property Tax Bylaw, raising $17,540,697 from municipal taxation
• Adopt Subdivision and Development Authority Bylaw, replacing Bylaw 4415/2014
• Donate 12 daily recreation passes to the Joe Clark Run Club

Regular Council

The High River Council will complete three readings of Bylaw 4657/2026 to establish a Municipal Policing Committee. It will adopt the Town's Sports Field Maintenance Policy. Council will award the Crescent Avenue SE mains replacement contract to Canoco Energy Services for $2,265,767.67 and adjust the project budget to $2,700,000. An update on the Aquatics Expansion construction will also be provided.

• First, second and third readings of Bylaw 4657/2026 – Municipal Policing Committee Bylaw
• Adoption of the Sports Field Maintenance Policy
• Award of Crescent Avenue SE Mains Replacement contract to Canoco Energy Services for $2,265,767.67 (ex GST)
• Amendment of the 2026 Capital budget for the project to $2,700,000 (including 10% contingency, excl GST)
• Aquatics Expansion Construction Update (reference 72.22021)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss the 2026 Hazard Season Preparedness Update and the 2026 River Monitoring Communications Plan. It will review the Grain Elevator Development extension request (DP# 2003.19). The body will also consider two variance applications for Development Permits 1028.26 at 106 Montane Link and 1019.26 at 119 Montane Link, and a delegation request from 800549 Alberta Ltd. regarding land at the corner of McLeod Trail and Deibert Crescent.

• Grain Elevator Development – Extension Request (DP# 2003.19)
• 2026 Hazard Season Preparedness Update
• 2026 River Monitoring Communications Plan
• Variance Application – Development Permit 1028.26, 106 Montane Link
• Delegation request from 800549 Alberta Ltd. for land at McLeod Trail and Deibert Crescent

Community Vitality Advisory Committee

The Community Vitality Advisory Committee will consider a $7,700 funding request from the IRERI-Mexican, Latino & Cross-Cultural Society for 'The Mothers’ Connection Project: Building Respect & Resilience,' a monthly support circle for mothers addressing bullying, school safety, and youth mental health. The meeting also includes adoption of previous minutes and a financial report.

• Delegation: The Mothers’ Connection Project – $7,700 funding request
• Adoption of March 31, 2026 minutes
• 2026 CVAC Funding Summary report

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider a new Town Sponsorship Policy and a proposed 2026 Budget Amendment. The body will also discuss the impact of not having a Council-appointed voting member on statutory bodies.

• Town Sponsorship Policy (CDR-26-4)
• Proposed 2026 Budget Amendment (BN-26-23)
• Statutory Bodies Bylaw (CDR-26-6)
• Review of Council remuneration policies
• Public questions and answers session

Regular Council

Council will adopt the 2025 audited financial statements and consider several bylaws, including the Council Committees Bylaw, Statutory Bodies Bylaw, and the 2026 Recreation Rate Bylaw. The council will approve an amendment to the 2026 operating budget, reducing it by $175,000 to $36,536,930 and lowering the municipal tax levy by the same amount. It will also direct continued in‑house residential garbage collection and approve the renewal and transfer of the lease for the dining rail car at 408‑1 Street SW with a base rent of $4,680 per year.

• Adopt 2025 audited financial statements and Independent Auditor’s Report (MNP LLP)
• First to third reading and unanimous consent for Bylaw 4653/2026 Council Committees Bylaw
• First to third reading for Bylaw 4660/2026 2026 Recreation Rate Bylaw, rescinding Bylaw 4642/2025
• Approve 2026 Operating Budget amendment: budget reduced by $175,000 to $36,536,930 and tax levy reduced by $175,000 to $17,540,697
• Renew and transfer lease for dining rail car at 408‑1 Street SW; base rent $4,680 per year

Annual Meeting with Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools

The council meets with Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools to discuss future community growth, school capacity needs, and updates to the joint use and planning agreement. No formal decisions are on the agenda.

• Future growth plans of the community
• Future needs of schools
• Joint use and planning agreement updates

Regular Council

The Town of High River Council will discuss approving $58,000 in community grants, including $15,000 to BGC Club Southern Alberta, and awarding $11,000 for tree art projects in parks and along Macleod Trail.

• Council to consider Family Resource Network application update
• 2026 United Way/High River Partnership Community Grants ($58,000)
• Tree Art outdoor rink carving project ($9,000)
• Tree Art at 725 Macleod Trail SW and George Lane Park ($2,000)
• Extension request for Highwood Ranch Ph. 1 subdivision

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider a variance application (DP 4004.25) for 409 Centre St SW, including front setback, stepbacks, transparency, vehicle access width, and frontage build‑out. It will also discuss community art tree applications, asset retirement obligations, and updates to council remuneration and reimbursable expenses. A delegation from the High River Performing Arts Foundation will present its 2025 annual report and updates on The Venue project.

• Variance application DP 4004.25 – 409 Centre St SW (front setback, stepbacks, transparency, vehicle access width, frontage build‑out)
• Community Art Discussion – Tree Art Applications
• Asset Retirement Obligation Matters
• Updates to Council Remuneration and Reimbursable Expenses
• High River Performing Arts Foundation delegation – 2025 AGM report and The Venue building progress

Community Vitality Advisory Committee

The Community Vitality Advisory Committee will consider two funding applications: $2,000 for the Picnic with Pride 2026 event and $4,600 for the Echoes Film Collective project. It will also receive a financial report and a Funding Accountability Report for the Unity Film Festival. Public comments are invited, and the meeting will be closed under the Municipal Government Act.

• Picnic with Pride 2026 – $2,000 application (Delegation 5.1)
• Echoes Film Collective – $4,600 application (Delegation 5.2)
• Financial Reports – 2026 CVAC Funding Summary (Item 6.1)
• Funding Accountability Report – Unity Film Festival (Item 7.1)
• Public comments – residents may submit up to 3‑minute remarks

Town of High River and Foothills County Intermunicipal Committee

Regular Council

Council will consider several financial and operational items, including a bylaw to tax exempted affordable‑housing properties, a change order for the Aquatics Expansion project amounting to $683,470.82, and a budget amendment that raises the project’s maximum value to $29,393,921.61. The meeting also includes the award of a three‑year residential curbside garbage collection contract to Wilco Disposal for approximately $183,456 per year and the purchase of a tandem‑axle hook‑lift/front‑plow truck from Alamo Group for $499,334.67.

• Bylaw 4568/2026 – Taxation of Exempted Properties (100% tax rate on designated affordable‑housing properties)
• Change Order 118 – Groundwater CD001 Reconciliation for Aquatics Expansion, $683,470.82
• Budget amendment for Aquatics Expansion Project, revised maximum value $29,393,921.61
• Residential Curbside Garbage Collection Services contract awarded to Wilco Disposal, approx. $183,456 per year (3‑year term)
• Fleet Replacement purchase contract awarded to Alamo Group Snow & Ice Team for a tandem‑axle hook‑lift/front‑plow truck, $499,334.67