High River public meetings in 2025
33 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is discussing whether to transition residential garbage collection to a third-party contractor. This move is prompted by the upcoming retirement of two operators and the need to replace trucks. Administration suggests this could potentially reduce resident utility rates by approximately 50%.
- Proposed RFP for residential solid waste collection contracting
- Estimated cost of $966,159.00 for two replacement garbage trucks if services remain in-house
- Current resident monthly cost of $11.55 for solid waste collection
- Proposed transition to a part-time employee for roads crew duties following operator retirements
Regular Council
The council will approve a 2026 interim operating budget of $25.65 million to fund town operations starting January 1, 2026. It will also renew its partnership agreement with the United Way of Calgary and Area for 2026‑2027 and authorize a $17,948.20 write‑off for the 2025 Grants in Place of Taxes levy. Additional items include a follow‑up on the High Country Drive and High View Gate intersection design and the adoption of a strategic priorities work program.
- Adopt 2026 Interim Operating Budget – $25.65 million
- Renew partnership agreement with United Way of Calgary and Area (2026‑2027)
- Authorize write‑off of $17,948.20 for 2025 Grants in Place of Taxes
- High Country Drive & High View Gate intersection design to be presented in 2026 capital budget planning
- Adopt Strategic Priorities Chart and Work Program
Assessment Review Board - 28 Nov 2025 (Continuation on 1 Dec 2025)
The High River Assessment Review Board will continue the hearing that was adjourned on November 28, 2025 for Roll No. 4460100, located at 1010 24 Street SE. Parties will present evidence, rebuttals and legal arguments regarding the 2024 assessment and a requested reassessment of $6,250,000. The board will consider a request to dismiss the complainant’s rebuttal and will hold the hearing for an estimated four hours.
- Continuation of the adjourned hearing for Roll 4460100 (1010 24 Street SE)
- Submission of 2025 ARB evidence and appendices for the property
- Request to dismiss the complainant’s rebuttal of the 2024 assessment
- Preliminary requested assessment value of $6,250,000
- Estimated hearing duration: 4 hours
Assessment Review Board - 28 Nov 2025 (Adjourned to Monday)
The board will hold a hearing on assessment complaint Roll 4460100 for the property at 1010 24 Street SE. The complainant, Collective Assets Ltd., represented by Northern Property Tax Advisors, requests a revised assessment of $6,250,000 and will present evidence and arguments. The respondent municipality will also present its case and both sides may ask questions and make closing arguments.
- Hearing of assessment complaint Roll 4460100 for 1010 24 Street SE
- Requested assessment value: $6,250,000
- Complainant: Collective Assets Ltd., represented by Northern Property Tax Advisors
- Estimated hearing time: 4 hours
- Both parties will submit evidence, rebuttals, and may ask questions
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will adopt its agenda and minutes, receive updates on a property tax auction sale and traffic plans for High Country Drive, and consider a request to remove a town‑owned crabapple tree at 922 8th Street SW. It will also review two variance applications for front‑setback adjustments at 113 Montane Link SE and 1225 1 St. SE. No final decisions on the variances are indicated at this meeting.
- Proposed removal of crabapple tree at 922 8th Street SW
- Variance application DP 1057.25 – front setback for 113 Montane Link SE, Greenfield
- Variance application DP 4003.25 – front setback for 1225 1 St. SE
- Property tax auction sale – direction to continue existing strategy
- Traffic summary for 32.23011 High Country Drive & Highview Gate – direction to develop new drawings
Regular Council
Council will discuss a regional wastewater treatment facility upgrade in partnership with Foothills County. The meeting includes a proposal to fund a stream sensitivity analysis and appoint members to a community grant task force.
- Proposed change order with MPE for Stream Sensitivity Analysis not to exceed $200,000 (shared equally with Foothills County)
- Appointment of Mayor Craig Snodgrass, Councillor Jamie Barton, and Councillor Vicky McGonigle to the FCSS Community Grant Program Task Force
- Delegation from Allen Brander regarding the High Country Drive and High View Gate intersection
- Support for Foothills County's 2025/26 Alberta Community Partnership grant application for a Regional Wastewater Environmental Assessment Study
Regular Council
The Regular Council will receive an update on the Aquatics Expansion construction project. The meeting will also consider the consent agenda items, including adoption of the October 14 and October 27 meeting minutes. Councillors will share reports from internal and external boards and committees, and the Council will review several pieces of correspondence. Public comments will be accepted on agenda items.
- Aquatics Expansion Construction Update (Item 4.1)
- Adopt October 14, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Minutes (Item 3.1)
- Adopt October 27, 2025 Organizational Meeting Minutes (Item 3.2)
- Sheppard Family Park meeting minutes (Item 6.1)
- Council correspondence regarding 605 Macleod Trail SW (Item 8.3)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review the 2025 Property Tax Auction Sale for a designated manufactured home at 212 Polar Avenue NE, which owes $1,284.00 in taxes and penalties. Council will consider settlement options with the mobile‑home park owner and, if no payment is received, proceed with the public auction scheduled for November 28, 2025 at the Town Office. The meeting also includes a temporary traffic summary for High Country Drive & Highview Gate and a Phase 2 engagement report for the High Country Corridor Study.
- 2025 Property Tax Auction Sale – 212 Polar Ave NE, arrears $1,069.39, total $1,284.00, assessed value $17,200, auction Nov 28, 2025 at 309B MacLeod Trail SW
- High Country Drive & Highview Gate temporary traffic summary (BN‑25‑49)
- High Country Corridor Study – Phase 2 engagement findings (BN‑25‑35)
- Warning siren system repair discussion – no funds approved, future Council consideration
- Adoption of agenda, minutes, and procedural items
Organizational Meeting
High River council will adopt the meeting schedule for the next year and appoint members to internal and external boards and committees. The council also approved a schedule for mandatory orientation training and discussed updates to its procedure bylaw.
- Council adopts meeting schedule for Nov 2025–Oct 2026
- Council appoints members to internal and external boards
- Council orientation training extended to Jan 26, 2026
- Council to review procedure bylaw at future meeting
- Hank Leeferink reappointed to Assessment Review Board
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will consider a delegation request from FAAS Architecture asking council to recognize their design as meeting setback requirements without a variance. Other items include a discussion of the town's warning siren system, a drainage issue on Centre Street near an Esso gas station, and a proposal to contract residential curbside garbage collection. The meeting also reviews a sports fields user‑group analysis of maintenance costs and usage.
- FAAS Architecture delegation request on setback interpretation for project at SW QS 7‑Twp 19‑Rng 29‑W4m
- Warning Siren System (item 5.1)
- Centre Street drainage memo regarding water pooling near Esso Gas Station
- Contracting proposal for residential curbside garbage collection
- Sports fields user group analysis of maintenance costs and community use
Regular Council
The council will award $4,400 to Unity Film Festival for a documentary series. It will adopt a $16,340 reserve bid and auction terms for the tax‑arrears manufactured home at 212 Polar Avenue NE. Council will approve a review of multi‑family development in the Traditional Neighborhood District of the Land Use Bylaw and start a public engagement process. It will direct the library to consider camera installation and a privacy policy for the 2026 budget, and approve a five‑year water and sewer services agreement with Foothills County.
- Award $4,400 to Unity Film Festival for a 3‑part documentary series
- Adopt $16,340 reserve bid for tax auction of 212 Polar Avenue NE manufactured home
- Approve review of Traditional Neighborhood District land‑use bylaw for multi‑family development
- Direct High River Library to consider interior/exterior security cameras and develop a privacy policy
- Approve a five‑year Intermunicipal Water and Sewer Services Agreement with Foothills County
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing an analysis of sports field utilization and the costs to upgrade and maintain one ball diamond and one soccer field owned by school divisions. Administration is proposing that the Town first work to increase the use of existing Town-owned fields, which are currently 9% utilized.
- Proposed upgrade of Highwood High School Ball Diamond at an initial cost of $20,169.41
- Proposed upgrade of Holy Spirit Academy Soccer Field at an initial cost of $5,553.06
- Review of residential curbside garbage contracting proposal
- Discussion of drainage issues on Centre Street near 7th Street NW
- Analysis of annual costs for 4 Town-owned ball diamonds and 2 soccer fields
Regular Council
The High River Council adopted an updated Strategic Priorities Chart, including new priorities such as recycling education and a gravel road rehab plan. It directed administration to consult on a draft sponsorship policy for the Highwood Curling Club while maintaining the existing 50/50 cost‑share agreement. The Council resolved to initiate a Land Use Bylaw review and report back with a scope and timeline by the October 14, 2025 meeting. Additional items included an update on the Aquatics Expansion construction project and several correspondence requests for community groups.
- Land Use Bylaw Review – Council directs administration to begin the review and return with scope and timeline by Oct 14 2025 (Resolution #143-2025).
- Highwood Curling Club Sponsorship – Council directs consultation on a draft sponsorship policy and retains the 50/50 cost‑share agreement.
- Strategic Priorities Chart – Council adopts updated top‑five priorities and adds a gravel road rehab plan.
- Aquatics Expansion Construction – Project lead provides status update on the ongoing construction.
- Council correspondence – Requests for Royal Canadian Legion illumination, Foothills Country Hospice Gala sponsorship, Youth Hub advocacy letter, and Wales Theatre matters.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss updates regarding road maintenance on Longview Trail and a community initiative to name town fleet vehicles. The meeting also includes the adoption of minutes from August 11, 2025.
- Longview Trail update regarding spray patching and roadwork performed September 3, 2025
- Town Fleet Naming Initiative featuring public voting at Balloon Glow (Sept 26) and Car Show (Sept 28)
- Adoption of August 11, 2025, Special Committee of the Whole minutes
- Adoption of August 11, 2025, Committee of the Whole minutes
Regular Council
The High River Council will hear a construction update on the Aquatics Expansion project. Delegations from the Highwood Curling Club will be presented for a sponsorship request and a sound‑reduction request in the ice area. Council will review several pieces of correspondence, including a request for a letter of support for the High River & District Seniors Friendship Centre and information about 605 Macleod Trail SW. A closed meeting will be held to consider a labour item.
- Highwood Curling Club – sponsorship request delegation
- Highwood Curling Club – sound reduction request for ice area
- Aquatics Expansion Construction Update
- Council correspondence regarding 605 Macleod Trail SW
- Letter of Support Request – High River & District Seniors Friendship Centre
Community Vitality Advisory Committee
The committee will consider a $4,400 funding application from High River Chronicles and review several funding accountability reports. The body will also discuss a revised accountability report format and the upcoming departure of the committee chair.
- Funding application from High River Chronicles for $4,400
- Review of funding accountability reports for Stampede Breakfast, Rowan House, and HR Chronicles
- Discussion on a revised Funding Accountability Report to include an income statement
- Notification that Chair Cathy Couey will step down on September 30th
- Welcome of new member Kristle Panfili
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive an update on the request to add an 8‑meter accessible parking stall in front of the Highwood Health Centre on 4th Avenue SW. It will also discuss a heritage designation for 605 Macleod Trail SW, provide updates on the Aquatics Expansion construction and Emerson Lake landscaping, and review provincial changes to privacy legislation. A delegation from the Welcoming High River Committee will present recommendations for newcomer support.
- Accessible Parking Stall – Highwood Health Centre (request to add a second 8‑meter stall)
- Heritage Designation of 605 Macleod Trail SW
- Aquatics Expansion Construction Update (pool and arena closed July 28‑Aug 1 for duct work)
- Emerson Lake Trees and Landscaping Update
- Welcoming High River Committee delegation – recommendations for newcomer initiatives
Council Engagement Session
Council is holding an information session with consulting firm V3 regarding the Northeast Area Structure Plan (ASP) and Functional Servicing Report (FSR). The session provides updates on stakeholder engagement held July 29, 2025, and requests high-level feedback from Council. These documents must be adopted before further rezoning, development, or subdivision can occur in the area.
- Introduction of consulting team V3 for the Northeast ASP and FSR project
- Review of July 29, 2025, landowner and public engagement sessions
- Designation of four properties at the northern section of 112 St. E. as a 'Special Study Area'
- Discussion of the 315.4 ha total ASP area
- Review of project timeline with subsequent engagement rounds planned for January and April 2026
Regular Council
The High River Council is deciding on a land use bylaw amendment to change a site from Urban Reserve District to Traditional Neighbourhood District. The body is also discussing the renewal of a 10-year natural gas franchise agreement with ATCO Gas and Pipelines Inc.
- Bylaw 4651/2025: Redesignation of Part of SW Quarter of Section 7, Township 19, Range 28, W4M
- Bylaw 4652/2025: 10-year Natural Gas Franchise Agreement renewal with ATCO at a 20% rate
- Proposed $5,000 award for a tree carving art piece in George Lane Park
- Lease agreement renewal for Highwood Centre at 128 - 5 Avenue SW
- Update to Municipal Displays of Respect and Support Policy POL-0094
Regular Council
The High River Council will consider a public hearing on a land‑use bylaw amendment (Bylaw 4651/2025). It will vote on a $20,000 grant to the Sunset Drive‑In for a new projector, a $6,445 yearly contribution to the Invest Greater Calgary partnership, and a revised budget of $1,150,000 for the outdoor skating rink renovation at 820 Highwood Trail SW, including $300,000 for insulation. The council will also adopt a generative artificial intelligence policy and approve a $2,500 sponsorship for the 2025 Guy Weadick Rodeo.
- $20,000 grant to Sunset Drive‑In for a new projector.
- $6,445 per year for three years to support Invest Greater Calgary.
- Approval of $300,000 insulation work and increase of the rink budget to $1,150,000.
- Adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Policy POL 0086.
- $2,500 sponsorship for branding the 2025 Guy Weadick Rodeo chute.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hear a delegation regarding accessible parking at the Highwood Clinic and receive updates on the Aquatics Expansion and Emerson Lake landscaping. The body will also discuss provincial legislative changes to FOIP.
- Delegation from Ken Wardley regarding handicap parking spaces on 4th Avenue in front of Highwood Clinic
- Construction update on the 72.22021 Aquatics Expansion
- Landscaping update for Emerson Lake
- Discussion on provincial legislative changes to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP)
Community Vitality Advisory Committee
The Community Vitality Advisory Committee will consider several funding applications, including a $30,000 request from Sunset Drive‑In and a $4,000 request from the Highwood Curling Club Great Scot event. The agenda also includes a $6,600 application for Connecting Culture through Basketball, a $10,000 Gift of Music project, and a $6,250 Tree Art initiative. Financial reports and funding accountability reports will be reviewed during the meeting.
- Sunset Drive‑In – $30,000 funding application
- Highwood Curling Club Great Scot – $4,000 funding application
- Connecting Culture through Basketball – $6,600 funding application
- Gift of Music – $10,000 funding application
- Tree Art – $6,250 funding application
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review an update on the Aquatics Expansion construction, which includes approved change orders totaling $1,213,061.47. It will also consider the final skatepark design concept and budget proposal from Newline, and discuss the provincial repeal of the Council Code of Conduct. Additional items include updates from the RCMP Annual Performance Plan and the 2024 Fire and Protective Services Annual Report.
- Aquatics Expansion Construction Update – $1,213,061.47 in change orders
- Final Skatepark Design Concept and Budget Proposal from Newline
- Provincial Repeal of Council Code of Conduct
- RCMP Annual Performance Plan update
- 2024 Fire and Protective Services Annual Report
Regular Council
Council is reviewing a request to change land designation for a portion of SW-7;Twp-19; Rng-28; W4M from Urban Reserve District to Traditional Neighbourhood District. The body is also deciding on a new Business License Bylaw, a Council Procedure Bylaw, and a policy for Generative AI use.
- First reading of Bylaw 4651/2025 to rezone SW-7;Twp-19; Rng-28; W4M
- Second and Third reading of Bylaw 4648/2025 (Business License Bylaw)
- Adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Policy POL 0086
- $2,500 sponsorship for 2025 Guy Weadick Rodeo chute branding
- Update to Top Five Strategic Priorities including skatepark funding and water strategy
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive a briefing on the High River RCMP’s 2025 Annual Performance Plan and the 2024 Fire and Protective Services Annual Report. Updates on the Aquatics Expansion construction schedule and a proposal for building massing and articulation standards will also be presented. Council members may ask questions of administration during the Q&A portion.
- RCMP Annual Performance Plan briefing (2025)
- 2024 Fire and Protective Services Annual Report briefing
- Aquatics Expansion construction update – possible June or July closure
- Proposal for building massing and articulation standards
- Delegation inclusion Foothills
Regular Council
The High River Council will decide on several items, including relocating the golf‑cart crossing at High View Gate and awarding a change order to Bow Mark Paving Ltd. It will also renew the youth centre agreement with BGC Foothills Club at $10 per year, approve a new Telus cell‑tower lease for $10,000 annually, award a building‑maintenance contract for $18,600, and adopt a joint use and planning agreement with local school divisions.
- Relocate golf‑cart crossing at High View Gate and award change order to Bow Mark Paving Ltd.
- Renew youth centre agreement with BGC Foothills Club at $10 per year for a 5‑year term.
- Enter new Telus cell‑tower lease for $10,000 annually, 5‑year term with automatic 15% renewals.
- Award affordable‑housing building‑maintenance contract to Summit Property Group at $18,600 base price.
- Adopt joint use and planning agreement with Foothills School Division and Christ the Redeemer Separate School Division.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review a construction update for the Aquatics Expansion project and discuss building massing and articulation standards. The body will also formally acknowledge the cancellation of the May 12, 2025, meeting.
- Aquatics Expansion construction adjustments totaling $1,189,749.38
- Aquatics project milestones: old basin closure Nov 11, 2025; new basin opening Dec 10, 2025
- Discussion on Building Massing and Articulation to address lack of formal Architectural Design Control
- Pool closure scheduled for May 25-29 for return-air duct replacement in the small arena
- Formal acknowledgment of the cancelled May 12, 2025, meeting
Regular Council
The council approved a $1,600 grant for two tree‑carving art pieces in George Lane Park and appointed Steve Debienne as Director of Emergency Management. It also awarded a one‑year building‑maintenance contract for affordable‑housing units to Summit Property Group at a base price of $18,600, adopted a joint use and planning agreement with the Foothills and Christ the Redeemer school divisions, and authorized an election agreement with those school divisions for the 2025 municipal and school‑board elections.
- Approve $1,600 Tree Art funding for George Lane Park
- Appoint Steve Debienne as Director of Emergency Management
- Award $18,600 building‑maintenance contract to Summit Property Group
- Adopt Joint Use and Planning Agreement with Foothills and Christ the Redeemer school divisions
- Authorize 2025 municipal‑election agreement with school divisions
Regular Council
Council will consider the 2025 Property Tax Bylaw to raise $16.022 million through general municipal taxation. The meeting includes decisions on land redesignation, a new business license bylaw, and pedestrian infrastructure contracts.
- Bylaw 4650/2025: 2025 Property Tax Bylaw to raise $16.022 million
- Bylaw 4644/2025: Redesignating land from Commercial to Multi-Family in South High River Area Structure Plan
- Contract award of $754,624.55 to Bow Mark Paving Ltd. for 2025 Miscellaneous Pedestrian Improvement Services
- Bylaw 4648/2025: First reading of new Business License Bylaw
- Bylaw 4639/2025: First, second, and third reading of the Good Neighbour Bylaw
Annual Meeting with Foothills School Division
The High River Council will provide updates on its strategic priorities and on plans to improve pedestrian safety for students. It will discuss a partnership for the October 2025 election and recognize community partnerships. The council will also review the condition and maintenance of local sports fields.
- Strategic Priorities Update
- Enhancing Pedestrian Safety for Students
- Election Partnership for October 2025
- Celebrating Community Partnerships
- Sports Field Condition and Maintenance
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive a construction update on the Aquatics Expansion project, noting $1,139,905.61 in approved change orders and upcoming milestones through June 2026. It will also hear a Snow and Ice Control season report covering 83 cm of snowfall, sand/salt usage and contract costs. Additionally, the body will discuss temporary traffic adjustments at Highview Gate and High Country Drive, with administration tasked to present options at the May 12 council meeting.
- Aquatics Expansion change orders total $1,139,905.61
- Project milestones: old basin closure Nov 11 2025, new basin opening Dec 10 2025, full completion Jun 9 2026
- Snow and Ice season total accumulation 83 cm; sand/salt stockpile depleted, extra order placed
- Snow service contracts: $98,300 for downtown & facilities, $30,680 for Happy Trails weekend work
- Temporary intersection measures at Highview Gate/High Country Drive to be reviewed for May 12 council meeting
Regular Council
High River Council will give final reading to two rate bylaws for permits and utilities and authorize a $2.09 million contract for bank armoring and riparian rehabilitation. The meeting also includes a public hearing on a South High River Area Structure Plan amendment.
- Bylaw 4649/2025: 2025 Rate Bylaw (Permits & Licenses)
- Bylaw 4641/2025: 2025 Rate Bylaw (Utilities)
- Public Hearing: Bylaw 4644/2025 to amend South High River Area Structure Plan
- Contract Award: Bank Armoring and Upstream Riparian Rehabilitation for $2,086,711
- Contract Award: High River Utility Master Plan Update for $178,588
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will adopt its agenda and minutes, acknowledge a previously cancelled meeting, receive an update on the Aquatics Expansion construction, and review a briefing note on the High Country Corridor Study. The briefing note outlines Phase 1 results and proposes Phase 2 public engagement to gather feedback on design options for High Country Drive between Centre Street N (Hwy 2A) and Longview Trail NW. The council will decide whether to move forward with the Phase 2 engagement process.
- Resolution #15-2025 – adopt the Committee of the Whole agenda
- Resolution #16-2025 – adopt minutes from the February 24, 2025 meeting
- Resolution #17-2025 – formally acknowledge the cancelled March 10, 2025 meeting
- Aquatics Expansion construction update – no new change orders reported
- High Country Corridor Study – Phase 2 engagement proposal for High Country Drive