Growth plans, community funding dominate High River council agendas
High River’s council and advisory committee meetings this past week tackled long-term planning for a new northeast neighbourhood and a series of funding requests for local events, though no final votes were taken.
All four meetings—Regular Council, Committee of the Whole, Council Engagement Session, and the Community Vitality Advisory Committee—were agenda-only sessions, meaning items were presented and discussed but minutes have yet to be published. The most significant item was a briefing on a draft Area Structure Plan that envisions 8,000 future residents.
Northeast Area Structure Plan unveiled
Council received an administrative briefing on the draft Northeast Area Structure Plan during a June 22 engagement session. The plan outlines future land use, transportation, and servicing for a new growth area. At full build-out, the area is expected to house roughly 8,000 people, with 50 per cent of the land designated as traditional neighbourhood and 26 per cent for service and employment uses.
The concept plan was revised following three rounds of public engagement. A road alignment was moved east, and a green space and neighbourhood centre were adjusted accordingly. An open house and landowner meeting were scheduled for June 23. Technical studies on water, sewer, stormwater, and traffic impacts have been completed. Council did not make any formal decisions.
Development permit and water plant contracts
Regular Council on June 22 considered a multi-unit residential development permit (DP2001.26) at an unspecified location that would require five variances. Also tabled were two contract awards to CDM Mechanical Ltd.: $39,797.87 for a Water Treatment Plant Dewatering System and $22,399.97 for a Backwash Re-Use project. Administration requested an additional $25,000 in capital funds from the Water Utility Reserve to support the work. Council was also asked to provide a letter of support for a Wild Rose Community Connections grant application.
Senior transportation, rink usage reviewed
Committee of the Whole discussed updates on the Better Together regional transportation pilot, which provides rides for seniors. The committee also reviewed winter and non-winter policies for the Southwest Outdoor Rink and considered the RCMP Annual Community Priority Plan. Administration presented two zoning variance applications—for 9 2 St SE and 420 Montrose Cres SE—for informational review. A development update on the Grain Elevator project was also on the agenda.
Advisory committee weighs event funding
The Community Vitality Advisory Committee on June 30 heard requests for financial support. The River City Classics 5th Annual Brian Chipchase Memorial Car Show requested $10,000, while the High River Chamber of Commerce sought $7,500 for a B2B mentorship program. The Highwood Curling Club is asking for $1,000 for its Great Scot Event, and a sponsorship request was put forward for the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition. The committee also reviewed a 2026 funding summary.
Coming up
No upcoming public meetings are scheduled in the next two weeks. Meeting minutes for the above sessions are expected to be released in the coming days.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.