Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 public meetings in 2024

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will adopt the previous meeting's minutes, receive information on five development permits issued (including renewals of visitor accommodation suites and a shipping container permit), and decide on three new development permit applications: an accessory building with multiple setback and eave variances, a large farm structure (80ft x 148ft), and a shipping container for storage. No subdivision applications or new business are on the agenda.

• DP 76/24: accessory building (7.72m²) with variances for rear yard setback (56.7%), eave projection (63.3%), and side yard setbacks (81.6% and 92.1%)
• DP 81/24: construction of a farm structure 80ft x 148ft (24.38m x 45.11m) with height 29.75ft
• DP 82/24: one shipping container (14.8m²) for storage
• Renewals of four one-bedroom visitor accommodation suites (DP 73/24, 72/24, 77/24, 85/24) for three-year terms
• DP 83/24: two shipping containers (8ft x 40ft each) for permanent storage

The Municipal Planning Commission approved three development permits: an accessory building with four variances at 131 River's Bend Way, a farm structure, and a shipping container for storage. It also noted five development permits issued for information and discussed reposting application advertisements.

• Approved DP 76/24 accessory building with variances at 131 River's Bend Way (carried)
• Approved DP 81/24 farm structure 80x148 ft (carried)
• Approved DP 82/24 shipping container for storage (carried)
• Noted five development permits issued (DP 73/24, 72/24, 77/24, 85/24, 83/24)
• Directed administration to repost MPC application advertisements

Council - Public Hearings

This is a public hearing for Bylaw 21-24, which would adopt the Hamlet of Harvie Heights Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP). The ARP is a new statutory plan providing a redevelopment framework for the hamlet. Council gave first reading on November 12, 2024, and the hearing will gather public input before second and third readings. A minor amendment removes a reference to the Town of Canmore in transit partnership policy.

• Public hearing on Bylaw 21-24 to adopt the Hamlet of Harvie Heights Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP).
• Minor text revision to Policy 5.1.1.g removing reference to the Town of Canmore when exploring transit partnerships.
• Project funded by a $50,000 grant from Alberta’s Northern and Regional Economic Development Program and $50,000 from the Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8.
• Plan developed through engagement with residents, community association, and business community, including two open houses.
• ARP covers land use, transportation, utilities, and highway commercial design guidelines for future redevelopment.

Council held a public hearing for Bylaw 21-24 to adopt the Hamlet of Harvie Heights Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP), as amended. The hearing included presentations from administration and the project consultants, and public comments. No decision was made at this hearing; the bylaw will proceed to second reading at a future council meeting.

• Approved the Special Council Meeting agenda (carried)
• Opened the public hearing for Bylaw 21-24 (carried)

Transportation and Public Works Committee

The Transportation Committee will discuss updates regarding parking restrictions in the Exshaw Industrial Area and speeding concerns in Benchlands. The body will also address the appointment of a chair and the committee's terms of reference.

• Exshaw Industrial Area parking update: additional no parking signage for Cougar Mountain Crescent and Diamond Drive
• Benchlands speeding update: installation of 30km/hr signage along Manning Road
• Appointment of Chair
• Review of Terms of Reference

The Transportation Committee met on December 16, 2024, and made minor edits to its terms of reference, which were then accepted as amended. The agenda and the October 28, 2024 minutes were also approved as amended. No other substantive decisions were made; there were no delegations or unfinished business.

• Accepted Terms of Reference as amended (carried)
• Accepted agenda as amended (carried)
• Approved October 28, 2024 minutes as amended (carried)

Council

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 will discuss the 2025 3-year operating budget and 5-year capital plan. Council is also considering amendments to land use and ward boundary bylaws and reviewing fire and enforcement service levels.

• 2025 3 Year Operating Budget and 5 Year Capital Plan
• Exshaw Lagoon Upgrades budgets and costs
• Bylaw 09/Z-23 LUB Amendment (2nd & 3rd Reading)
• Bylaw 20-24 Ward Boundary Review (2nd & 3rd Reading)
• First Response Fire Agreement with Town of Canmore

Council gave final readings to Bylaw 20-24, adopting the 'Option Circle' ward boundary configuration, which keeps four wards with one ward electing two councillors. They also approved the 2025 operating and capital budgets, including a $1.816 million allocation for Exshaw Lagoon upgrades and a $600,000 transfer for the Jamieson Road Fire Hall. Several other items were approved, including a fire agreement with Canmore and a waiver of late penalties due to the Canada Post strike.

• Adopted Deadman's BT Conceptual Scheme (carried)
• Gave 2nd and 3rd reading to Bylaw 09-z/23, redistricting land in Dead Man's Flats to Commercial Mixed-Use (carried, Fitzmorris abstained)
• Gave 2nd and 3rd reading to Bylaw 20-24, adopting 'Option Circle' ward boundaries (carried)
• Authorized execution of 5-year First Response Fire Agreement with Town of Canmore (carried)
• Waived Jan 1, 2025 penalty for 2024 supplemental tax notices due to Canada Post strike (carried)
• Approved $1,816,000 from Exshaw Water/Wastewater Reserves for lagoon upgrades (carried)
• Approved 2025 3-Year Operating Budget and 5-Year Capital Plan as amended (carried)
• Moved $600,000 to 2025 and $3M to 2026 for Jamieson Road Fire Hall (carried)

Bighorn Corridor Environment Committee (BCEC)

This committee will appoint a chair (who also serves as public member on the BCEC Trucking Sub-committee) and a vice-chair. It will also approve previous minutes and receive routine environmental updates from industrial operators including Baymag, Graymont, Lafarge, and others. No major decisions or public hearings are scheduled; the meeting is largely procedural.

• Appointment of Chair (also public member on BCEC Trucking Sub-committee)
• Appointment of Vice-Chair
• Approval of BCEC Meeting Minutes from September 4, 2024
• Industry updates from Baymag, Bow Valley Waste Management, Burnco, CPKC Rail, Graymont, and Lafarge
• Information item: Minutes from BCEC Trucking Sub-Committee (June 12, 2024)

The Bighorn Corridor Environment Committee met on December 4, 2024, and approved its amended Terms of Reference, the agenda, and the minutes from September 4, 2024. Industry representatives from Baymag, Bow Valley Waste Management, Burnco, CPKC Rail, Graymont, and Lafarge provided updates. No substantive decisions were made beyond these procedural approvals.

• Approved amended Terms of Reference (carried)
• Approved agenda as amended (carried)
• Approved minutes from September 4, 2024, as amended (carried)

Agricultural Services & Environmental Board

The Agricultural Services and Environmental Advisory Board will meet to discuss watershed updates and agricultural reports. The agenda includes a delegation from the Ghost Watershed Alliance Society and updates on the Jumpingpound Creek Watershed Partnership.

• Update from Marina Krainer, Ghost Watershed Alliance Society
• Jumpingpound Creek Watershed Partnership update
• Central Region ASB Conference Agenda and Resolution
• Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Regional Liaison update
• Information on AgKnow support and family farm succession planning workshop

The Agricultural Services and Environmental Advisory Board convened to hear reports and updates regarding watershed groups, municipal projects, and upcoming conferences. The minutes record no substantive formal decisions or votes on motions other than routine approvals for the agenda and previous minutes.

• Approved agenda (CARRIED)
• Approved September 13, 2024 minutes (CARRIED)

Community Services Board (CSB)

The Community Services Board is meeting to discuss the final report of the Trails Master Plan in a closed session. The board will also review its own Terms of Reference and the timing of 2025 grant reviews.

• Trails Master Plan: Final Report (Closed Meeting)
• Review of CSB Terms of Reference
• Discussion on 2025 grant review timing and revised CS-8
• Review of In Camera/Closed Meeting processes and documentation
• Voting for Chair and Vice-Chair

The Community Services Board held a routine meeting with no substantive decisions beyond organizational matters. Members elected Marina Krainer as Chair and Lynn Brown as Vice-Chair, approved the amended agenda, and adopted the September 12, 2024 minutes with minor edits. Reports from members and staff covered community events and ongoing projects, but no formal motions on policy or funding were made.

• Elected Marina Krainer as Chair (carried)
• Elected Lynn Brown as Vice-Chair (carried)
• Approved agenda as amended (carried)
• Adopted September 12, 2024 minutes as amended (carried)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will review one development permit application for a secondary suite requiring a size variance. The body will also receive information on 11 recently issued development permits and two bylaws.

• DP 78/24: Two-bedroom secondary suite application with a 12.2% suite size variance
• DP 70/24: Change in use from retail store to restaurant with 50 seat capacity
• DP 62/24: Refurbishment and rebranding of fuel station from Husky to Esso
• DP 65/24: Single detached dwelling with attached garage (1,490.80 sq.ft.)
• Information items on Bylaws 15-11 and 23-24

The Municipal Planning Commission approved a development permit for a two-bedroom secondary suite, including a 12.2% size variance. The commission also reviewed information regarding recent amendments to the Municipal Planning Commission bylaws.

• Approved DP 78/24 for a secondary suite with a 12.2% size variance (carried)
• Adopted the November 27, 2024, meeting agenda
• Adopted the October 30, 2024, meeting minutes

Governance and Priorities Committee

The committee will meet to discuss the 2025 budget and review the draft Exshaw Utility Master Plan 2023. The meeting includes a delegation from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley and a report on a trial snow clearing bylaw survey.

• 2025 Budget Discussion
• Exshaw Utility Master Plan 2023 – Draft
• Trial Snow Clearing Bylaw Survey Report
• Delegation: Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley
• Closed meeting items: Flood Recovery and Operations Building Budget and Trails Master Plan update

The Governance and Priorities Committee reviewed the 2025 preliminary capital and operational budgets, the Exshaw Utility Master Plan, and a snow clearing survey. The committee also received a presentation from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley regarding their 2024 activities and community engagement.

• Adopted November 26 agenda as amended
• Adopted October 29 meeting minutes
• Accepted Trial Snow Clearing Bylaw Survey Report for Council
• Accepted Exshaw Utility Master Plan 2023 draft as information
• Approved extending meeting beyond 4:30 PM
• Forwarded 2025 budget discussion items to Council
• Forwarded Community Engagement and Satisfaction Survey to Council

Protective Services Committee

The Protective Services Committee will review the proposed 2025 capital budget for protective services, including new equipment and infrastructure projects. Key discussion items include replacing firefighters' bunker gear with PFAS-free alternatives and other capital requests. The committee will also hear verbal updates from districts and the director.

• Proposed $265,000 replacement of PFAS-free bunker gear (Project #28) for all firefighters
• Capital projects include $3.5 million for DMF Fire Station, $700,000 for Exshaw Fire tender, $4 million for Jamieson Road Fire Hall
• Discussion of 2025-29 capital budget and 2024 deferred projects
• Verbal update from districts and director on operations and equipment

The Protective Services Committee meeting was largely procedural. Members appointed Mark Merchant as Chair and Andreas Cordsen as Vice Chair, approved the agenda, and adopted the September 19, 2024 minutes. No delegations or business arising from the minutes were discussed.

• Mark Merchant appointed as Chair (carried)
• Andreas Cordsen appointed as Vice Chair (carried)
• Agenda approved as presented (carried)
• Minutes of September 19, 2024 adopted as presented (carried)

Heritage Resources Committee

The Heritage Resources Committee will hold its regular meeting on November 25, 2024. They will elect a chair and vice chair for 2024-2025, hear a delegation from Folklore Research presenting the Forestry History Project progress, discuss partnerships with Stockmen’s and CHAPS, and receive an update on the Oral History Project interview list in a closed session.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2024-2025
• Delegation from Folklore Research presenting progress on the Forestry History Project (draft report includes chapters up to 1900 and proposed sections for later periods)
• Unfinished business: Tracking form update
• New business: exploring partnerships with Stockmen’s and CHAPS
• In camera: Oral History Project Interview List update

The Heritage Resources Committee re-elected Erik Butters as Chair and Patricia MacMillan as Vice-Chair, and approved the agenda and October 7, 2024 minutes. A presentation from Folklore Research on the Forestry Project was given, but a final report was not presented due to technology issues. No substantive decisions were made beyond routine approvals.

• Erik Butters re-elected as Chair (carried)
• Patricia MacMillan re-elected as Vice-Chair (carried)
• Agenda approved (carried)
• October 7, 2024 minutes adopted (carried)

Bighorn Corridor Environment - Sub-Committee

The Bighorn Corridor Environment Committee's Trucking Sub-Committee will meet to receive updates from Alberta Transportation, industrial operators, and the RCMP. The sub-committee will also approve the agenda and minutes from its September 2024 meeting, discuss business arising from those minutes, and address member issues. No new business is listed on the agenda.

• Updates from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors
• Updates from industrial operators including Baymag, Bow Valley Waste, Burnco, Graymont, Lafarge, and others
• Updates from RCMP and MD of Bighorn
• Approval of minutes from September 12, 2024 meeting
• Members' issues discussion

The BCEC Trucking Sub-Committee met on November 13, 2024, and approved the agenda and the minutes from the September 12, 2024 meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural only.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved minutes of September 12, 2024 meeting

Council

Council will give first reading to the Harvie Heights Area Redevelopment Plan Bylaw 21-24, and consider three readings of the Municipal Planning Commission Bylaw 23-24 and Dead Man's Flats Water Wastewater Connection Fees Bylaw 24-24. New business includes a transit feasibility study with Kananaskis Improvement District, setting 2025 strategic planning dates, and revisions to community grant and investment policies. A closed session will discuss a land ownership transfer request.

• First reading of Harvie Heights Area Redevelopment Plan Bylaw 21-24
• Three readings of Municipal Planning Commission Bylaw 23-24
• Three readings of Dead Man's Flats Water Wastewater Connection Fees Bylaw 24-24 (repeals 08-21)
• MD and KID Transit Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan
• Revisions to Policy CS-8 Community Grant Applications and Policy F-7 Investments

Council approved the revised Corporate Strategic Plan for publication, adopted the amended CS-8 Grant Policy, and approved a $2,971 grant to the Ghost Waiparous Trails Association. Bylaw 23-24 amending the Municipal Planning Commission Bylaw received all three readings, and Bylaw 24-24 repealing Dead Man's Flats water/wastewater connection fees was passed. A public hearing for the Harvie Heights Area Redevelopment Plan was scheduled for December 17, 2024.

• Approved revised Corporate Strategic Plan for publication (carried)
• Approved $2,971 grant to Ghost Waiparous Trails Association (carried)
• Adopted revised Policy CS-8 Grant Policy (carried)
• Gave 3rd reading to Bylaw 23-24 amending Municipal Planning Commission Bylaw 15/11 (carried)
• Gave 3rd reading to Bylaw 24-24 repealing Dead Man's Flats Water Wastewater Connection Fees (carried)
• Scheduled public hearing for Bylaw 21-24 Harvie Heights ARP on Dec 17, 2024 (carried)
• Referred transit feasibility study recommendations to future workshop and GPC (carried)
• Set 2025 strategic planning dates: Jan 21, Apr 29, Jul 15, Nov 4 (carried)

Municipal Planning Commission

This agenda consists solely of page number listings (1-40) with no decisions, proposals, or discussion items. It is purely procedural boilerplate with no actionable content.

The Municipal Planning Commission elected M. Merchant as Chair for the 2024-2025 term. The Commission approved four development permit applications, including renovations to an existing accessory building, a bed and breakfast renewal, an equipment workshop, and a solar energy system. New information was accepted regarding an amendment application for temporary RV housing and shipping containers, though no final decision on that item was recorded in the minutes.

• Elected M. Merchant as Chair for 2024-2025 term
• Approved DP 50/24 for accessory building renovations and washroom trailer
• Approved DP 52/24 for 5-year bed and breakfast renewal
• Approved DP 63/24 for equipment workshop construction
• Approved DP 71/24 for ground and roof-mounted solar array
• Accepted new information for DP 46/24 amendment

Municipal Planning Commission

This agenda contains only page numbers with no decisions, proposals, or discussion items. It appears to be procedural boilerplate only.

The Municipal Planning Commission approved four development permits: renovations at Star6 Ranch with a setback reduction, renewal of a bed and breakfast, an accessory building for an equipment workshop, and a solar array for the MD operations building. The commission also tabled a decision on an amendment to allow five recreational vehicles and two shipping containers during home construction, pending further information.

• Approved DP 50/24 for Star6 Ranch renovations with 35% setback reduction (carried)
• Approved DP 52/24 for bed and breakfast renewal for 5-year term (carried)
• Approved DP 63/24 for accessory building equipment workshop (carried)
• Approved DP 71/24 for solar photovoltaic array at MD operations building (carried)
• Tabled DP 46/24 amendment for 5 RVs and 2 shipping containers

Governance and Priorities Committee

The Governance and Priorities Committee is reviewing a draft report on the feasibility of a transit system for residents and visitors. The body is also discussing the costs of implementing a telemetry system for groundwater monitoring in Exshaw and Dead Man's Flats.

• Transit Feasibility Study presentation and report
• Exshaw Groundwater Monitoring Program: $18,000 first-year telemetry cost vs $5,000 annual manual cost
• Community Services Policy CS-8 Grant Policy
• MD of Bighorn Corporate Strategic Plan 2022-2026
• Closed meeting regarding Road Grading Contract

The Governance and Priorities Committee discussed the 2025 Preliminary Operating and 5-Year Capital Plan, including a proposed 11% increase in the total property tax requirement to $8,918,922. No formal decisions were made; the committee provided direction for the next draft, which will be deliberated again in November before Council adoption in December.

• Discussed 2025 draft operating budget with $11,030,325 in expenses (6% increase from 2024)
• Reviewed proposed 2025-2029 capital plan including major projects like Operations Building ($11.75M) and DMF Fire Station ($3.5M)
• Considered new staffing proposals: Legislative Clerk and Safety Codes Administrator
• Noted $750,000 in new assessment revenue offsetting tax increase
• No formal votes taken; direction to administration for next draft

Transportation and Public Works Committee

The Transportation Committee will consider two new items: a resident request for a convex mirror at Des Arcs Cres and Lac Des Arcs Drive to improve sightlines, and a separate request to address speeding on Ghost Road and Tinda Lane in Benchlands. Administration recommends trimming vegetation instead of installing a mirror, and internally circulating the speeding concern for comments. The committee will also review minutes from September 23, 2024.

• Lac des Arcs Convex Mirror Request: resident asks for convex mirror at blind corner of Des Arcs Cres and Lac Des Arcs Drive; administration recommends vegetation trimming instead
• Speeding in Benchlands: resident requests 30 km/h speed sign, speed bump, or kids playing sign at Ghost Road and Tinda Lane; administration recommends internal circulation for comments
• Approval of amended agenda and minutes from September 23, 2024

The Transportation Committee met on October 28, 2024, to handle routine organizational items and discuss requests regarding a convex mirror in Lac des Arcs and speeding in Benchlands. No substantive policy or spending decisions were made; the committee accepted both items as information and scheduled the next meeting for November 25, 2024.

• Nominated A. James as chair (Carried)
• Moved Terms of Reference to the next meeting (Carried)
• Accepted the October 28, 2024 agenda as presented (Carried)
• Approved the September 23, 2024 minutes as presented (Carried)
• Accepted the Lac des Arcs convex mirror request item as information (Carried)
• Accepted the speeding in Benchlands item as information (Carried)
• Scheduled the next meeting for November 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM (Carried)
• Adjourned the meeting at 9:21 AM (Carried)

Council Compensation Committee ADHOC

The Council Compensation Committee is discussing options for increasing council compensation, including base salary raises from 5% to 100%, stipend structure changes, and potentially making the Reeve a full-time position. They are reviewing a policy options report and survey data showing the Reeve works about 50 hours per week and councillors about 25 hours per week. No final decisions are being made at this meeting; the discussion is to guide future recommendations to Council.

• Review of salary increase options from 5% to 100% for councillors and Reeve
• Discussion on making the Reeve position full-time due to workload and conflict-of-interest concerns
• Comparison of MD Bighorn base salaries ($36,025 Reeve, $28,360 councillor) against peers (e.g., County of Grande Prairie $109,917 Reeve, $58,348 councillor)
• Survey results show Reeve reports 50 hours per week, councillors 25 hours per week on average
• Potential changes to stipend structure: half-day rate for up to 4 hours, full-day rate for 4+ hours

Organizational Meeting

This is the Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 organizational meeting for the 2024-2025 term. The council will appoint a Reeve and Deputy Reeve, make committee appointments, and set meeting times, dates, and locations for council and committees. The agenda is entirely procedural with no substantive policy decisions or public hearings.

• Appointment of Reeve and administration of Oath of Office (FOIP S. 29)
• Appointment of Deputy Reeve and administration of Oath of Office (FOIP S. 29)
• Committee appointments for the 2024-2025 term
• Setting of council meeting times, dates, and location for 2024
• Designation of municipal office for the MD of Bighorn

Council

Council will decide on applying for $150,000 in Alberta Community Partnership funding for a Bow Valley evacuation modelling and plan project. Other new business includes discussions on hamlet residential road standard width and municipal asset retirement obligations. A delegation from Food Cycle Science is scheduled. Monthly departmental reports will also be received.

• Request for decision on $150,000 Alberta Community Partnership grant for Bow Valley evacuation modelling and plan
• Hamlet Residential Road Standard Width discussion
• Municipal Asset Retirement Obligations Assessment
• Delegation from Food Cycle Science at 9:30 AM
• CAO report and September departmental updates to be received

Heritage Resources Committee

The Heritage Resources Committee is meeting to review a delegation from Folklore Research and discuss unfinished business. The agenda includes updates on the 2023/2024 budget and planning for a community open house in Beaupre.

• Delegation from Folklore Research
• 2023/2024 Budget Update to July 31
• Beaupre Community Open House scheduled for February 23, 2025
• Oral History Project Interview List update
• Discussion of partners including Stockmen’s and CHAPS

Governance and Priorities Committee

The committee is meeting to review several infrastructure plans and municipal programs. Discussions will include preliminary budget planning and updates on wastewater and groundwater monitoring in Exshaw.

• 2024 Ten Year Bridge Rehabilitation Plan
• Dead Man’s Flats 2nd Avenue Stage 1 Construction Project
• Exshaw Wastewater Treatment Facility Design Summary
• Preliminary Budget Discussion
• Heart Creek Flood Mitigation Project (Closed Meeting)

Council

The MD of Bighorn Council is giving first reading to Bylaw 20-24, which would change ward boundaries and council composition. Administration recommends Option Square, which increases wards from four to five with one councillor each, and retains the title 'reeve'. Council may also choose Option Circle or maintain the status quo. The decision follows a review citing population growth since 1989 and public engagement results.

• First reading of Bylaw 20-24 (Option Square) or (Option Circle)
• Potential increase in number of wards from four to five
• Consideration of keeping CEO title as 'reeve' rather than 'mayor'
• Closed meeting on ward boundary and council composition report (s. 17)
• Public engagement survey and virtual open house held July 2–31, 2024

Transportation and Public Works Committee

The Transportation and Public Works Committee will meet to discuss road safety measures and parking regulations. The agenda includes reviews of speeding, crosswalk beacons, and specific infrastructure requests.

• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at Crosswalks
• Parking in the Exshaw Industrial Park
• Speeding on Jamieson Road
• Cattleguard at Highway 1A and Jamieson Road
• Parking on or near corners in Dead Man’s Flats

Protective Services Committee

The Protective Services Committee will meet on September 19, 2024, to discuss a draft policy for Enforcement Services Level of Service, receive a verbal update on the Fireguard program, and consider an Evacuation Safety Plan grant application. The meeting agenda also includes approval of prior minutes and verbal updates from districts and the director. The committee will hold a round table discussion and may move into a closed session.

• Review of Enforcement Services – Level of Service Draft (policy)
• Verbal update on Fireguard program
• Evacuation Safety Plan (ECP Grant Application)
• Approval of minutes from May 9, 2024
• Round table discussion

Agricultural Services & Environmental Board

The Agricultural Services and Environmental Advisory Board will adopt prior minutes, receive supervisor reports for April–August, and hear a delegation from the Jumpingpound Creek Watershed Partnership. New business includes a funding request from AgKnow, updates on the On-Farm Climate Action Fund and Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, a trail camera project by Exposed Wildlife Conservancy, and a report card on past resolutions.

• Delegation: Sandi Reimersma, Jumpingpound Creek Watershed Partnership Update
• AgKnow Annual Report and Request for Funding
• Exposed Wildlife Conservancy Trail Cam Project
• On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) and Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP)
• 2024 ASB Report Card on the Resolutions

The Agricultural Services and Environmental Advisory Board met on September 13, 2024, and approved the agenda and the April 12, 2024 minutes. The board received updates on the Jumpingpound Creek Watershed Partnership, discussed potential speakers for a future event, and heard reports from staff and members. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational and procedural.

• Approved agenda (carried)
• Approved April 12, 2024 minutes as amended (carried)

Council Compensation Committee ADHOC

The MD of Bighorn Council Compensation Committee is meeting to review a policy options report on potential salary and stipend increases for council members. The report outlines salary raises ranging from 5% to 40% and two stipend options: increasing the per-meeting rate to $220 or adding a $260 full-day rate. The committee also discusses results from a council workload survey and next steps. No final decisions are expected; the meeting is for deliberation.

• Salary increase options: 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% raises for reeve and councillors
• Stipend increase proposal: raise from $175 to $220 per meeting
• Stipend structure change: add full-day rate of $260/meeting for longer meetings
• Review of council workload survey results
• Discussion of Reeve's role and potential full-time compensation

The committee discussed salary and stipend increases, stipend structure changes, and the Reeve's workload, but made no formal decisions. They requested more data, including survey questions and comparator salaries from Canmore, Banff, and Cochrane, to inform future policy options. The next meeting is scheduled for October 10, 2024.

• No formal decisions made; discussion only
• Requested survey questions and comparator salary data for further review
• Agreed to reintroduce comparables and base salary/stipend data for Canmore, Banff, and Cochrane
• Scheduled next meeting for October 10, 2024

Bighorn Corridor Environment - Sub-Committee

This meeting is largely procedural, including approval of past minutes and receiving status updates from local trucking companies, rail operators, and enforcement agencies. No new decisions or proposals are on the agenda beyond routine discussions.

• Updates from Baymag, Bow Valley Waste, Burnco, CPKC Rail, Downer, Graymont, Jura Creek/Two Feathers Contracting, Lafarge, and RCMP
• Members' issues and new business items (if any proposed during meeting)
• Next meeting scheduled for December 11, 2024

The sub-committee received updates on completed paving and patching by Volker Stevin, increased street sweeping for mud on Highway 1A, and the expected completion of the Highway 1 overpass by October. Members discussed wildlife crossing proposals for Gap Lake and near Alpine Club, and raised concerns about campers encroaching on Highway 1A. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved minutes of June 12, 2024 meeting

Community Services Board (CSB)

The Community Services Board will discuss revisions to the grant program, an update on the Trails Master Plan, and a review of its own terms of reference. No decisions or votes are recorded in the agenda; items are listed for discussion.

• Review of CSB Terms of Reference
• Discussion of Grant Program review/revisions
• Trails Master Plan update

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will review and decide on several development permit and subdivision applications, including a renewal of a natural resource extraction operation, a secondary suite, and adjustments to lot lines and a condominium plan. The meeting also includes adoption of previous minutes and a review of issued permits.

• DP 44/24: Renewal of a Natural Resource Extraction Operation
• DP 48/24: Secondary Suite of 72.4m² / 779.85 sq. ft.
• S-D2021-005: Amendment to Condominium Plan 241 0875 to increase Lot 15 from 1,034.3m² to 1,173.8m²
• S-D2024-005: Adjustment of lot lines for Blocks 1 and 2, Plan 971 0059
• DP 49/24: Deck expansion from 20.2m² to total 36.6m² (issued for information)

Council

Council will consider the public closure of the MD office for the 2024 Christmas holiday period. The body will also review a proclamation for Rail Safety Week 2024 and receive reports from various municipal departments.

• Proposed MD office closure from 12:00 p.m. December 24, 2024, to 8:30 a.m. January 2, 2025
• Proclamation of Rail Safety Week from September 23–29, 2024
• Harvie Heights Flood Mitigation Plan update
• Temporary firearms use restriction for TransAlta Road and Ghost River
• Ward Boundary Review update from ISL

Council approved moving forward with two ward boundary options (circle and square), with Seebe and Rafter Six Ranch moved to align with Exshaw in both. They directed ISL Engineering to prepare a revised Ward Boundary and Council Composition Bylaw, scheduled a special meeting for first reading on September 23, 2024, and reaffirmed the title 'Reeve' for the Chief Elected Officer. Other decisions included authorizing the MD office closure over Christmas and proclaiming Rail Safety Week.

• Approved ward boundary options circle and square, with Seebe and Rafter Six Ranch aligned with Exshaw (carried)
• Directed ISL to prepare revised Ward Boundary and Council Composition Bylaw and set special meeting for Sept 23, 2024 (carried)
• Approved ISL scope change request as amended (carried)
• Reaffirmed 'Reeve' as Chief Elected Officer title in revised bylaw (carried)
• Authorized MD office closure from Dec 24, 2024 12 PM to Jan 2, 2025 8:30 AM (carried)
• Declared Sept 23-29, 2024 as Rail Safety Week and authorized Reeve to sign proclamation (carried)
• Accepted items J.1-J.15 as information (carried)
• Approved July 9, 2024 minutes as presented (carried)

Bighorn Corridor Environment Committee (BCEC)

The Bighorn Corridor Environment Committee will convene to approve the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, acknowledge the approved Trucking Subcommittee Terms of Reference, and receive environmental and operational updates from major local industries including Baymag, Graymont, Lafarge, and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail. Information items include the trucking sub-committee minutes and a CPKCR Safety Week letter.

• Approval of BCEC Trucking Subcommittee Terms of Reference (noted as approved under unfinished business)
• Industry update from Baymag on dark sky compliant lighting, power shedding agreements, and response to ATCO shutdown
• Graymont update on baghouse construction, ambient air monitoring results, and coal usage reduction
• Lafarge update on new windscreens installation
• Information item: CPKCR Safety Week letter and trucking sub-committee meeting minutes

The Bighorn Corridor Environment Committee received environmental updates from Baymag, Graymont, and Lafarge. Baymag reported zero lost-time injuries and no air monitoring exceedances. Graymont presented air monitoring results with no exceedances and addressed community concerns about haul trucks and road debris. Lafarge announced the start of commissioning for its Low Carbon Fuels plant and personnel changes.

• Received Baymag Q3 2024 update: zero lost-time injuries, no air exceedances
• Received Graymont environmental update: no exceedances in air monitoring
• Noted Graymont investigation of haul truck tarp failures and road debris
• Received Lafarge update: Low Carbon Fuels plant commissioning started August 2024
• Noted Lafarge personnel change: Patrick Serafin replaced by Adhm Mostafa

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission is meeting to consider three development permit applications for a home-based painting business and two visitor accommodation suites. The body will also note the renewal of one existing visitor suite permit.

• DP 37/24: Major Home-Based Business for painting contracting with garage storage
• DP 38/24: One-bedroom Bed and Breakfast (163.8 sq. ft.) within a single detached dwelling
• DP 42/24: Change of use from a one-bedroom Bed and Breakfast to a Visitor Accommodation Suite
• DP 41/24: Renewal of a one-bedroom Visitor Accommodation Suite

The Municipal Planning Commission approved two development permits: a three-year bed and breakfast permit (DP 38/24) and a change of use from a B&B to a visitor accommodation suite (DP 42/24), both with conditions. One permit application (DP 38/24) was withdrawn before the meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved DP 38/24 for a one-bedroom B&B in an existing dwelling, 3-year term (carried)
• Approved DP 42/24 for change of use from B&B to visitor accommodation suite, 3-year term (carried)
• Withdrawn DP 38/24 (B&B application) removed from agenda

Heritage Resources Committee

The committee will meet to discuss new business including a recruitment description for the committee and a donation from the Exshaw Historical Society. The meeting also includes a delegation from Folklore Research and reviews of several video projects.

• Exshaw Historical Society donation
• Heritage Resource Committee recruitment description
• Folklore Research delegation
• Review of videos for Beaupre Hall, R. Oltmann, Beggs, and Dwight and Penny
• 2024/2025 Calendar

Subdivision & Development Appeal Board (S / DAB)

The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board will hear an appeal regarding Development Permit No. 06/24. The permit allows for a retreat consisting of two domes of 541.10 sqft each. Appellants cite concerns regarding rural lifestyle preservation and commercial development impacts.

• Appeal of Development Permit No. 06/24 for a retreat at 264098 Jamieson Road (Range Rd 71)
• Proposed construction of two domes of 541.10 sqft (50.27m2) each
• Public hearing scheduled for July 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

Transportation and Public Works Committee

The Transportation Committee will discuss a landowner’s request to develop a trail within a road allowance to access Section 8. Staff recommend against the proposal because it would not meet MD standards and policy. The committee will also receive information on painting no-parking areas near fire hydrants in Exshaw.

• Discussion of a trail request for Section 8 TWP 25 RGE 06 W5M in Jumping Pound, with staff noting it is non-standard and contrary to policy
• Information item on painting road surfaces near fire hydrants in Exshaw to indicate no-parking zones

The Transportation Committee approved several motions to have Administration review and address resident concerns, including parking on Diamond Drive, a pedestrian crossing on Highway 1A, speeding on Jamieson Road, a cattleguard, and parking near corners in Dead Man's Flats. All motions were carried unanimously. No final decisions were made; items were referred for further study or enforcement.

• Referred trail request to Agricultural Services for review (carried)
• Directed Administration to review parking/signage at Diamond Drive and Cougar Mountain Crescent (carried)
• Directed Administration to review parking in Exshaw Industrial area (carried)
• Directed Administration to review Highway 1A pedestrian crossing in Exshaw (carried)
• Directed Protective Services to enforce speed on Jamieson Road (carried)
• Referred No Exit sign on Jamieson Road to Alberta Transportation (carried)
• Referred cattleguard concerns at Highway 1A and Jamieson Road to Alberta Transportation (carried)
• Directed Administration to review parking near corners in Dead Man's Flats (carried)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission is meeting to discuss a new subdivision application and several development permit requests. The body will also review regulations regarding shipping containers.

• SD 2023-003: Application to create one lot from an unsubdivided quarter section
• DP 31/24: Two accessory buildings for water and wastewater treatment with a 93.3% rear yard setback variance
• DP 04/20 Amendment #1: Request to reduce minimum parking from 17 to 15 stalls
• DP 40/24: Resort accommodation unit of 2,570.4 sq. ft.
• DP 39/24: Secondary suite of 506 sq. ft.

Council

The July 9, 2024, meeting includes discussions on a new offsite levy model for the Hamlet of Exshaw and a sidewalk snow clearing program questionnaire. Council will also review policies regarding recreational funding and donations.

• Hamlet of Exshaw Offsite Levy Model draft
• Trial Sidewalk Snow Clearing Program Questionnaire
• Policy F-3 MD Recreational Funding
• Policy F-14 Capital Support of Rural/Urban Cultural and Recreational Facilities
• Council Expenses (June 2024)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will review a subdivision application for 44 residential lots in Exshaw. The meeting also covers recent approvals for a commercial kennel renewal and a composting facility extension.

• SD2024-002: A 44-lot residential subdivision in the Hamlet of Exshaw (42 R1-S and 2 RM-2 lots)
• DP 21/24: Retail space for battery-operated lawn equipment
• DP 58/22: Time extension request for a new composting facility
• DP 11/24: Renewal of a commercial sled dog kennel for a 15-year term

Council

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 Council will hear a delegation from Calvin Scott of Avail LLP regarding the 2023 audited financial statements. The council will also hold a closed meeting to discuss these statements.

• Delegation: 2023 Audited Financial Statements by Calvin Scott (Avail LLP)
• Closed meeting discussion of 2023 Audited Financial Statements

Community Services Board (CSB)

The Community Services Board will review its Terms of Reference and receive updates on the Trails Master Plan Review. The board will also discuss the TransAlta-Benchlands Lagoon Agreement and review the Community Services Grant Program Policy CS - 8.

• Review of CSB Terms of Reference
• Updates to the Trails Master Plan Review
• Discussion of TransAlta-Benchlands Lagoon Agreement
• Review of Community Services Grant Program Policy CS - 8

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission is reviewing several development permit applications, including building footprint amendments in Exshaw and visitor accommodation renewals in Dead Man's Flats. The commission also addressed a request to schedule an additional meeting for a subdivision application.

• Building footprint amendment and setback variances at 3 Mount Lauire Road, Exshaw
• Time extension request for a composting facility at SE-27-30-6-W5M
• Renewal of a commercial sled dog kennel at NW-20-24-9-W5M
• Change in use to visitor accommodation at 107 River’s Bend Way, Dead Man’s Flats
• Renewal of a basement visitor accommodation suite at 206 River’s Bend Close, Dead Man’s Flats

Council

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 is reviewing two bylaws to set taxation rates for the 2024 year. These include Bylaw 15-24 to establish annual tax rates and Bylaw 16-24 to set supplementary tax rates for improvements.

• Bylaw 15-24: Proposed 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw with a total general municipal taxation of $8,058,750
• Bylaw 15-24: Establishes a minimum property tax payment of $40.00 per parcel
• Bylaw 16-24: Proposed supplementary tax rate for all improvements in the municipality

Governance and Priorities Committee

The Governance and Priorities Committee is reviewing policies regarding donations and recreation funding. The agenda also includes discussions on groundwater monitoring in Exshaw and road maintenance projects.

• Review of Policy F-19 (Donations – Received and Disbursed)
• Review of Policy F-3 (MD Recreation Funding)
• Discussion of the Exshaw Groundwater Monitoring Program
• Discussion of Harvie Heights Road Pavement Overlay
• Discussion of Hamlet/Urban Road Widths

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider an application to change a retail store into a liquor store. The commission will also review renewals for two basement visitor accommodation suites.

• Change in use from retail store to liquor store (DP 18/24)
• Renewal of one-bedroom basement visitor accommodation suite (DP 30/24) for a three-year term
• Renewal of one-bedroom basement visitor accommodation suite (DP 32/24) for a three-year term
• Review of issued permits for single-family dwellings (DP 35/23, DP 23/24)

Bighorn Corridor Environment - Sub-Committee

The meeting follows a procedural agenda, including the approval of February 7, 2024, minutes and a review of the committee's Terms of Reference. Members will also discuss industry updates and various member issues.

• Review of Terms of Reference
• Approval of February 7, 2024, meeting minutes

Council

The Municipal District of Bighorn Council will review several bylaws, including the 2024 tax rate, tax penalty, and supplementary tax bylaws. The agenda also includes discussions regarding Harvie Heights interchange realignment costs and planning for improvements at Dead Man’s Flats 2nd Avenue.

• Bylaw 12-24: 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw
• Bylaw 08-23: Road closure (DMF 301 and 351 2nd Avenue)
• Harvie Heights Interchange Realignment Costs discussion
• Dead Man’s Flats 2nd Avenue Improvements Planning Report
• Bylaw 11-24: Agricultural Fieldman Appointment

Bighorn Corridor Environment Committee (BCEC)

The Bighorn Corridor Environment Committee will discuss stakeholder engagement for transit feasibility. The meeting also includes industry updates from Baymag, Burnco, CP Rail, Graymont, and Lafarge.

• Transit Feasibility Stakeholder Engagement discussion
• Industry updates from Baymag, Burnco, CP Rail, Graymont, and Lafarge
• Request to table BCEC Trucking Subcommittee Terms of Reference

Council Compensation Committee ADHOC

The Council Compensation Committee is reviewing survey results comparing MD of Bighorn council compensation with 14 other Alberta and BC municipalities. The data shows Bighorn has the highest council salary per capita among comparators, but salaries are near the bottom of the market range. No recommendations are made in this report; that is the next step for the committee.

• 2024 council salaries total $154,967: $37,351 for Reeve, $29,404 each for four Councillors
• Bighorn council salary per capita is $93.53 vs comparator average of $32.67
• Reeve salary of $36,025 is 43.4% below market midpoint of $63,627
• Councillor salary of $28,360 is 35.4% below market midpoint of $43,868
• Report suggests possible $350 full-day stipend tier and RRSP matching as non-salary compensation options

Council

Council is holding a special meeting to give second and third reading to Bylaw 22-23, which authorizes borrowing $10.3 million to construct a new Operations Building. The borrowing would be split between an $8 million loan from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and a $2.3 million loan from RBC. The bylaw was advertised in October 2023 with no public responses. After the readings, the meeting will move into a closed session to discuss the Operations Building under FOIP.

• Bylaw 22-23: second and third reading for $10,300,000 borrowing for new Operations Building
• $8,000,000 FCM loan at up to 5.5% interest over 30 years
• $2,300,000 RBC loan at up to 7.50% interest over 25 years
• Debt limit excess of $16,173,816 per 2022 audited financial statements
• Closed meeting: Operations Building discussion (FOIP Section 29)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider eight development permit applications, including a retreat with two domes, a demolition and garage rebuild with variances, an industrial work camp, a basement suite, keeping up to 12 horses, a public operations building, temporary ATCO office trailers, and an amendment to a mixed-use development. They will also review one subdivision application and three previously issued permits. The meeting is public and live-streamed.

• DP 06/24: Retreat with two 64m2 domes for retreat groups
• DP 13/24: Industrial work camp staff accommodation (390m2) within Tourism Commercial Lease #940065
• DP 17/24: Keeping of livestock (maximum 12 horses)
• DP 19/24: MD operations building (1,223m2) with solar panels and fence height variance
• SD2023-003: Subdivision creating one lot from unsubdivided quarter section

Governance and Priorities Committee

The Governance and Priorities Committee is meeting to discuss several policy and operational items, including a review of the donations policy (F-19), the Exshaw groundwater monitoring program, urban road standard widths, and the tax rate bylaw. The committee will also hold a closed meeting to discuss an operations building and a water/wastewater connection update.

• Review of Policy F-19 on donations received and disbursed, including a $5,000 donation from Bear & Pear Productions Inc. for a future Exshaw community project
• Exshaw Groundwater Monitoring Program update, with 2023 monitoring costs of about $12,000 and recommendations to explore automation
• Discussion of urban road standard widths
• Tax Rate Bylaw discussion
• Closed meeting items: Operations Building (FOIP Section 29) and Highfield water/wastewater connection update (FOIP Section 27)

Transportation and Public Works Committee

The Transportation Committee will discuss two items: a request to allow parking in front of the Guy Gibson Gate in Benchlands, which staff recommend declining due to fire access concerns, and a draft update to the Standards for Basic Subdivision and Development, including rewritten road standards for first parcel subdivisions. The committee may provide direction on both items.

• Parking in front of Guy Gibson Gate - Benchlands: staff recommend declining; alternative is a Road Encroachment Agreement for tree planting
• Draft update to Standards for Basic Subdivision and Development, including Section 4.0 road standards rewrite
• Road standards clarify requirements for first parcel subdivision access from a Secondary Road
• Fire Department comment on gate access for firefighting staging and turnaround
• Draft standards include minimum water service size of 25mm and wastewater minimum 100mm PVC

Council

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 Council is meeting to decide on several bylaws, including a road closure, land use amendments, and a speed limit reduction, as well as to discuss the Jamieson Road Area Structure Plan (ASP) and other administrative items. A public hearing is scheduled for 3:00 PM on a land use bylaw amendment. The agenda also includes reports from various departments and a closed session on ward boundary review.

• Bylaw 27-23 Road Closure (2nd & 3rd Reading)
• Bylaw 11-Z/23 LUB Amendment HT to RI (2nd & 3rd Reading)
• Bylaw 12-23 MDP Amendment Boundary Adjustment for Exshaw (2nd & 3rd Reading)
• Bylaw 10-24 LDA Speed Limit Reduction Amendment (1st, 2nd & 3rd Readings)
• Public Hearing: Bylaw 05-Z/24 Amendment to Land Use Bylaw Sections 4.15.11 and 8.4.1(c)

Council - Public Hearings

The Municipal District of Bighorn is considering Bylaw 05-Z/24 to amend the Land Use Bylaw 09-Z/18. The proposed changes involve adjusting kennel development permit renewal timelines and updating subdivision regulations for Agriculture Conservation Districts.

• Bylaw 05-Z/24: Proposes removing the mandatory 5-year renewal period for kennel development permits
• Bylaw 05-Z/24: Grants the Development Authority discretion over kennel permit renewal timeframes and site inspections
• Bylaw 05-Z/24: Adds 'creek' to the list of natural or man-made features that allow for larger parcel subdivisions in Agriculture Conservation Districts

Protective Services Committee

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 Protective Services Committee is meeting to receive verbal updates from the Emergency Management Agency and district fire chiefs, review the EMA annual update, and discuss a draft on Fire Services Level of Service. The agenda also includes approval of the February 1, 2024 meeting minutes and a round table discussion.

• Delegation from Emergency Management Agency (Jack Wrobel and Chad Fournier)
• EMA Annual Update (page 49)
• Fire Services – Level of Service Draft (page 57)
• Approval of February 1, 2024 meeting minutes

Community Services Board (CSB)

The Community Services Board is reviewing its Terms of Reference and the Trails Master Plan Engagement Plan. The meeting also includes a review of the February 6, 2024, minutes.

• Review of CSB Terms of Reference
• Review of Trails Master Plan: Engagement Plan

Council Compensation Committee ADHOC

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 is holding the first meeting of its Ad Hoc Council Compensation Committee to begin reviewing compensation for council members and the Reeve. The committee will establish its leadership, review relevant policies, and plan a survey of comparable rural municipalities. This is the initial organizational meeting, with no decisions on compensation expected yet.

• Appointment of committee chair and vice chair
• Review of MD Bighorn Council and Committee Remuneration Policy (F-11)
• Discussion of criteria for comparator communities
• Scope of review includes monetary and non-monetary compensation
• Plan to survey comparator municipalities

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider two development permit applications: a renewal for a sand and gravel extraction operation with setback variances, and a renewal for a retreat with 10 small cabins. The meeting also includes approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, and a review of meeting procedures.

• DP 18/23: Renewal of sand and gravel extraction with front yard setback variance of 80% (32.5m/106.6ft.), rear yard 73% (22m/72.9ft.), side yard 95% (28.5m/93.5ft.)
• DP 60/23: Renewal of retreat (10 small cabins for retreat groups)
• DP 08/24: Retail space for wedding/event florals and decor rentals (147.71m²)
• DP 09/24: Retail space for consultations, venue booking, sales, staff training (68.7m²)
• Next meeting scheduled for May 22, 2024 at 9:00 AM

Council

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 Council is meeting to consider Bylaw 07-24, the Supplementary Assessment Bylaw for the 2024 tax year. The bylaw would allow the MD to collect taxes from properties that complete development after the regular assessment cycle cutoff. Council is being asked to give all three readings to the bylaw at this meeting.

• Bylaw 07-24 Supplementary Assessment Bylaw for 2024
• Request for all three readings of Bylaw 07-24
• Bylaw authorized under Section 313 of the Municipal Government Act
• Potential revenue from light commercial and residential properties

Governance and Priorities Committee

The Governance and Priorities Committee will discuss several items, including the results of a parking survey in Dead Man's Flats, a review of the Land Use Bylaw regarding suites and B&Bs, and the level of service for MD of Bighorn Fire Services. The committee will also consider scheduling the CAO performance process and a notification review for Bylaw 06-Z/24.

• Dead Man's Flats Parking Survey results (170 online and 10 written responses, 36% response rate)
• Land Use Bylaw Review – Suites and B&B's
• Level of Service – MD of Bighorn Fire Services
• Harvie Heights Intersection Improvement
• Bylaw 06-Z/24 Notification Review

Heritage Resources Committee

The committee is meeting to review folklore research presentations and oral history interview questions. The session includes follow-ups on a tracking form and previous heritage events.

• Folklore Research Presentation
• Oral History Interview Questions
• Review of tracking form for heritage projects
• Discussion of folklore research day held March 13, 2024

Transportation and Public Works Committee

The Transportation Committee will consider a request to restrict parking and plant trees along Ghost Road near Guy Gibson Gate in Benchlands. Staff recommend declining the request, noting past complaints and the lack of a tree revegetation policy or maintenance program. The committee may also approve the February 26, 2024 minutes.

• Request to restrict parking and plant trees on Ghost Road near Guy Gibson Gate, Benchlands
• Staff recommendation to decline the request
• History of 2017 complaint and 2018 resolution of road encroachment
• Approval of February 26, 2024 committee minutes

Council

Council will hold a public hearing and consider second reading of Bylaw 25-Z/23, which would rezone two quarter sections from Agriculture Conservation to Small Holdings, and Bylaw 05-Z/24, a land-use amendment. They will also discuss a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, a Fee Assistance Program, and an audit extension request. The agenda includes a delegation from STARS and several routine reports.

• Bylaw 25-Z/23: Redistricting NE and SE quarter of Section 24, Twp. 26, Rge. 7 W5M from Agriculture Conservation to Small Holdings District
• Bylaw 05-Z/24: Land Use Bylaw amendment to sections 4.15.11 and 8.4.1(c)
• Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan
• Fee Assistance Program
• Audit Extension Request

Agricultural Services & Environmental Board

The Agricultural Services and Environmental Advisory Board is meeting to approve its agenda and minutes, hear supervisor reports, and discuss several new business items. The board will consider a wildlife coexistence workshop, a climate adaptation plan, a response letter to a federal minister, a shelter-in-place checklist, and letters from other municipalities. Several updates are verbal only, including watershed and municipal reports.

• Wildlife Coexistence Workshop (Pg. 47)
• Climate Adaptation & Resilience Plan (Pg. 49)
• Response Letter to Minister MacAulay (Pg. 137)
• Shelter in Place Draft Checklist (Pg. 138)
• Letters from Various Municipalities (Pg. 144)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider development permit applications, including DP 04/24 and an extension for DP 76/21, and a subdivision application (SD2023-002) to adjust lot lines at 5 Cougar Mountain Crescent, Exshaw. The meeting also includes approval of minutes and a report on development permits issued. This is a regular decision-making meeting on local land-use matters.

• Development Permit DP 04/24 application
• Development Permit Extension 76/21
• Subdivision SD2023-002: lot line adjustment at 5 Cougar Mountain Crescent, Exshaw
• Approval of minutes from February 28, 2024
• Development permits issued: DP 03/24 (home-based psychotherapy business at 2 Des Arcs Road) and DP 05/24 (visitor accommodation renewal at 102 River's Bend Way)

Governance and Priorities Committee

The Governance and Priorities Committee is reviewing the final Climate Adaptation & Resilience Plan, completed February 29, 2024, and will consider directing it to the April council meeting for adoption. The agenda also includes a delegation from All One Sky Foundation, a report on assessment valuations for 2022-2024, a fee assistance program, and information items on a net-zero feasibility study and a wildlife exclusion fence letter. A closed meeting is scheduled to discuss the Jamieson Road Area Structure Plan project.

• Final Climate Adaptation & Resilience Plan presentation by Jeff Zukiwsky (All One Sky Foundation)
• Assessment Valuations 2022-2024 report
• Fee Assistance Program discussion
• Metafor Net-Zero Feasibility Study (information item)
• Closed meeting: Jamieson Road Area Structure Plan Project

Council

The Municipal District of Bighorn held a public hearing regarding Bylaw 25-Z/23 to redesignate two quarter sections from Agriculture Conservation District to Small Holdings District. The change would allow for up to eight potential lots at the subdivision stage. Discussion included community concerns regarding traffic safety on Jamieson Road and water access.

• Bylaw 25-Z/23: Redesignation of NE & SE Sec. 24, Twp. 26, Rge. 7, W5M
• Public hearing regarding land use change for potential 8-lot subdivision
• Discussion of the Jamieson Road Area Structure Plan

Heritage Resources Committee

The Heritage Resources Committee will meet to review updates on a forestry project and a grant application. The agenda includes a debrief on the D. Richards Beaupre Hall and a review of the Oral History Project interview list.

• Grant application update
• Forestry project update
• D. Richards Beaupre Hall debrief
• Oral History Project interview list review

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider two development-related applications: a single detached dwelling with garage and studio suite requiring front and rear yard setback variances at 3 Mount Laurie Road in Exshaw, and a subdivision application to adjust lot lines at 5 Cougar Mountain Crescent, Exshaw. The meeting also includes approval of minutes, a list of recently issued development permits, and a review of the agenda package format.

• DP 71/23: Single detached dwelling with detached garage and studio suite, requesting 29% front and 84% rear yard setback variances at 3 Mount Laurie Road, Exshaw
• SD 2023-002: Lot line adjustment for units in Condominium Plans 061 0910 and 091 0852 at 5 Cougar Mountain Crescent, Exshaw
• Approved permits: DP 76/23 (secondary suite renewal, 129 River's Bend Way), DP 01/24 (addition, 30 Heart Rise), DP 02/24 (visitor accommodation renewal, 121 River's Bend Way)

Governance and Priorities Committee

The Governance and Priorities Committee will review a draft public announcement for the completed Climate Adaptation & Resilience Plan, discuss a Fire Services Level of Service Policy, and hear a presentation on residents' ability to pay property taxes. The meeting also includes a delegation from Bear and Pear Productions and a closed session for an organizational review.

• Climate Adaptation & Resilience Plan public announcement review
• Fire Services Level of Service Policy discussion
• Ability to Pay presentation on property tax affordability
• Delegation from Bear and Pear Productions
• Closed meeting for Organizational Review (FOIP Section 27)

Transportation and Public Works Committee

The Transportation Committee is meeting to discuss several transportation items, including an update on the Harvie Heights Road intersection upgrades, a request to reduce the speed limit in Lac Des Arcs, and parking options on Cougar Mountain Crescent. The committee will also hold a closed session to discuss a legal policy under FOIP.

• Harvie Heights Road intersection upgrades update: safety audit approved, all-way stop control planned
• Lac Des Arcs speed limit reduction request from 40 km/h to 30 km/h; majority of 27 responses in favor
• Parking on Cougar Mountain Crescent: 4 responses received, no changes recommended
• Closed session: Legal Policy T-16 (FOIP Section 27) presentation

Council

The Municipal District of Bighorn Council is reviewing several policy revisions and grant applications. The meeting includes discussions on emergency services, community association grants, and various administrative reports.

• Revision of Emergency Services Policy ES-9
• 2024 Community Services Board Grant Recommendations
• 2024 Beaupre Community Association Council Discretionary Grant Application
• 2024 Insurance Grants for Community Associations
• 2024 Library and Membership Grants Applications

Council - Public Hearings

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 Council is holding a public hearing on Bylaw 25-Z/23, which would amend the Land Use Bylaw to redesignate two quarter sections (NE & SE Sec. 24, Twp. 26, Rge. 7, W5M) from Agriculture Conservation District to Small Holdings District. The lands, about 127.4 ha (314.8 acres) south of Jamieson Road, could allow up to 8 potential lots. Seven written submissions were received: 4 in support, 1 in opposition, and 2 with concerns. Council will hear public comments before deciding on the bylaw.

• Public hearing for Bylaw 25-Z/23 to redistrict NE & SE Sec. 24, Twp. 26, Rge. 7, W5M from AC to SH
• Lands are 127.4 ha (314.8 acres) south of Jamieson Road, access from Jamieson Road and Range Road 70
• Small Holdings District allows up to 4 lots per quarter section, enabling 8 potential lots
• 7 written submissions: 4 support, 1 opposition, 2 concerns
• Jamieson Road Area Structure Plan is in development, expected completion July 2024

Council

Council is holding a public hearing on Bylaw 25-Z/23 to redesignate two quarter sections (NE & SE Sec. 24, Twp. 26, Rge. 7, W5M) from Agriculture Conservation to Small Holdings District, allowing up to 8 potential lots. The hearing is the main item on the agenda; no decision is being made at this meeting.

• Bylaw 25-Z/23: redistrict NE & SE Sec. 24, Twp. 26, Rge. 7, W5M from AC to SH (127.4 ha / 314.8 acres)
• Small Holdings District allows up to 4 lots per quarter section, enabling 8 potential lots
• Access proposed from Jamieson Road and Range Road 70
• 7 written submissions received: 4 support, 1 opposition, 2 concerns
• Lands are within Jamieson Road Area Structure Plan, expected completion July 2024

Bighorn Corridor Environment - Sub-Committee

The Bighorn Corridor Environment Committee's Trucking Sub-Committee is meeting to discuss updates and new business, primarily focusing on illegal parking along Highway 1A, which poses safety risks for heavy truck traffic. The agenda includes approval of minutes from a July 2020 meeting and discussion of potential solutions such as signage, enforcement, and speed reductions.

• Discussion of illegal parking on Highway 1A, with concerns from trucking operators about safety risks
• Proposal to install No Parking/Tow Zone signs, with Alberta Transportation stating towing is not their enforcement
• RCMP noted tickets would not hold up in court without signage, suggesting barriers or solar signs
• Alberta Environment and Parks hiring a company to manage parking at areas like Barrier Lake, Grassi Lakes, Goat Creek, Yamnuska, and Grotto
• Alberta Transportation developing plans that may include reducing the speed limit as a temporary solution

Community Services Board (CSB)

The Community Services Board will review its Terms of Reference and discuss future meeting locations based on regional community service opportunities. The board will also receive updates regarding the Trails Master Plan and the Canmore and Area Trails Strategy.

• Reading and discussion of Community Services Board Terms of Reference
• Discussion of priorities for future meeting locations and regional tours
• Update on the MD of Bighorn Trails Master Plan
• Update on the Canmore and Area Trails Strategy

Protective Services Committee

The Protective Services Committee is meeting to review the 2023 year in review, discuss 2024 projects and activities, and consider an update to the ES-9 policy. They will also discuss the level of service for protective services, following a risk assessment that recommended hiring three full-time staff and building a new station. The meeting includes approval of the October 18, 2023 minutes and verbal updates from districts and the director.

• 2023 Year in Review (verbal)
• 2024 Projects and Activities (verbal)
• ES-9 Policy Update (verbal)
• Protective Services – Level of Service (verbal)
• Approval of October 18, 2023 meeting minutes

Council - Public Hearings

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 is holding public hearings on three related bylaws to facilitate construction of a new Operations Facility in Exshaw. The bylaws would redistrict a parcel from Hamlet Transition to Rural Industrial, adjust the Hamlet of Exshaw boundary in the Municipal Development Plan, and close portions of two government road allowances. No development permit has been submitted yet; the public can comment verbally or in writing.

• Bylaw 11-Z/23: Redistrict Lot 2, Block 1, Plan 231 0175 from Hamlet Transition (HT) to Rural Industrial (RI)
• Bylaw 12-23: Amend Municipal Development Plan to remove the parcel from Exshaw Hamlet boundary and redesignate from Industrial to Rural Industrial
• Bylaw 27-23: Close portions of two government road allowances (Areas A and B) totaling about 1.23 hectares (3.05 acres)
• Public hearing for all three bylaws on January 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at MD of Bighorn Municipal Office
• Written submissions due by 4:00 p.m. on January 29, 2024

Governance and Priorities Committee

The committee reviewed a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan focusing on future environmental risks and a Bow Valley Fire Service risk assessment. Discussions included infrastructure, policy amendments, and community safety planning.

• Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan update
• Bow Valley Fire Service Risk Assessment presentation
• Amendment to Emergency Services Policy ES-9
• Amendment to HR-1 Personnel Policy
• Jamieson Road Area Structure Plan Project Update

Council

The MD of Bighorn No. 8 Council is holding public hearings on three related bylaws to facilitate construction of a new municipal Operations Facility in Exshaw. The bylaws would rezone a parcel from Hamlet Transition to Rural Industrial, adjust the Hamlet boundary in the Municipal Development Plan, and close portions of two road allowances. No development permit has been submitted yet; the public can comment verbally or in writing.

• Bylaw 11-Z/23: Redistrict Lot 2, Block 1, Plan 231 0175 from Hamlet Transition (HT) to Rural Industrial (RI)
• Bylaw 12-23: Amend Municipal Development Plan to remove the parcel from Exshaw Hamlet boundary and redesignate from Industrial to Rural Industrial
• Bylaw 27-23: Close portions of two government road allowances in Exshaw (Areas A and B, totaling about 1.23 hectares)
• Public hearings at 6:00 p.m. on January 30, 2024, at MD of Bighorn Municipal Office, 2 Heart Mountain Drive, Exshaw
• Written submissions due by 4:00 p.m. on January 29, 2024

Heritage Resources Committee

The Heritage Resources Committee is meeting to discuss the 2024 budget and receive a delegation from Folklore Research. The body will also review unfinished business regarding the D. Richards Beaupre Hall and project tracking forms.

• Delegation from Folklore Research (Gemma Noon and Ceri Watson Smith)
• Discussion of 2024 Budget
• Review of D. Richards Beaupre Hall (February 25, 2024)
• Update on Oral History Project Interview List

Agricultural Services & Environmental Board

The Agricultural Services and Environmental Advisory Board (ASEAB) will meet to review fieldman reports, hear a delegation from the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association requesting $5,000 in 2024 funding, and discuss updates on watershed partnerships, climate action, and agricultural conferences. The board will also review its 2023 year-end report and strategic plan.

• Delegation: Laura Gibney, Foothills Forage and Grazing Association, requesting $5,000 for 2024
• Environmental Fieldman's reports for October, November, December 2023
• Jumpingpound Creek Watershed Partnership update
• 2024 Provincial Agricultural Service Boards Conference & Resolutions
• ASEAB 2023 Year End Report and Strategic Plan Review

Council

The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 Council is meeting to consider multiple land use bylaws, including the Rafter Six Land Use Bylaw, redistricting Agriculture Conservation to Small Holdings, and an omnibus Land Use Bylaw amendment. They will also set public hearing dates for a road closure bylaw and receive a delegation from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Corridor. Several items were postponed from the December 12, 2023 meeting to this one.

• Bylaw 23-Z/22 Rafter Six Land Use Bylaw
• Bylaw 25-Z/23 Redistricting Agriculture Conservation to Small Holdings
• Bylaw 20-Z/22 Land Use Bylaw Omnibus
• Bylaw 27-23 Road Closure Public Hearing Dates
• Delegation: Biosphere Institute of the Bow Corridor – Gareth Thomson