Click HERE to read the March Town newsletter.
News and Updates
In this section find current and archived news releases for the Town of Coalhurst and other local news of interest to residents.
New Community Grant Program ready to receive applications
The Town of Coalhurst is pleased to announce a new Community Grant Program has been launched and is ready to receive applications from interested parties.
“Council is thrilled to see this new program ready to go and available for local residents, non-profit groups, and even businesses to receive financial assistance for projects and programs that are intended to improve quality of life in Coalhurst and bring our community members together,” said Coalhurst Mayor Lyndsay Montina. “Council’s Strategic Plan includes clearly defined goals to develop deep social and cultural connections among residents and improve the economic well-being of our community. We believe this grant program can help – in part – to achieve those goals.”
There are two funding streams available through the new grant program:
- Neighbourhood Connections Micro-grants of up to $500 can be used for a wide range of neighbourhood projects, gatherings, or activities that foster social connections, inclusion, and well-being. Examples include building a free library, hosting an outdoor movie night, offering to share skills and knowledge with neighbours, or neighbourhood beautification projects.
- Community Support Grants of up to $2,000 can be used for one-time projects or initiatives, community events, one-time or ongoing social programs or events, or economic development initiatives that are designed to enhance Coalhurst residents’ sense of connection and quality of life and/or grow and improve Coalhurst’s economic well-being.
“This new grant program has been developed to foster local leadership and benefit the community as a whole,” said Mayor Montina. “We’re very excited to see how residents embrace the opportunity to apply and make some great things happen right here at home!”
A grant application form, grant program policy and post-event report template can be found on the Town’s website at www.coalhurst.ca. Applications may be submitted to the Town at any time; however, applicants are asked to submit their request for funding at least sixty (60) days prior to their event or program to provide sufficient time for Council to consider and respond to their request.
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February 2024 Town News available
Click HERE to read the February Town newsletter.
SURVEY: Summertime programming for youth
Based on that request, Council has directed Town staff to look at opportunities for short-term summer programming that can provide various activities for kids and teens. To help guide our planning process we’re seeking input from Coalhurst kids, teens and adults to better understand what residents in our community may be interested in doing.
To gather this input, we have four simple survey questions, which we invite you to answer. (See survey link HERE.)
Please note: responses to this survey are anonymous. The survey will close on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 11:45 pm.
Thank you for taking the time to help us better understand the needs of our community. We appreciate your input!
Winter sand available for residents free of charge
Did you know the Town of Coalhurst provides winter sand free of charge at four public locations to help residents manage slippery situations?
- Coalhurst Esso
- Coalhurst recycling depot (702 55 Ave)
- Imperial Meadows Park
- The south end of Sundance
January 2024 Town News available
Click HERE to read the January Town newsletter.
Council adopts the 2024 Interim Budget
At its Regular Meeting of December 19, 2023, Town Council adopted the 2024 Town of Coalhurst Interim Operating Budget and 2024 Interim Capital Budget. Additionally, Council accepted the interim 5-Year Operating Plan and 10-Year Capital Plan.
The 2024 Interim Budget maintains Town service levels, incorporates Council’s directions, and adjusts areas of expenses based on historical trends.
As of December 19, 2023, the Interim Budget projects a total net proposed taxation increase of 6.72%. This amount includes increases necessary for inflationary and contractual changes (0.69%), personnel (3.23%), and an increase in RCMP costs (4.22%). It also includes a decrease in costs for historical and trend adjustments (-0.85%) and projects (-0.57%).
In other words, the anticipated total taxation increase required to support municipal operations in 2024 is 2.50% and the anticipated increase for RCMP costs is 4.22%. Actual property taxes will be based on the latest assessments and the final mill rate determined in the spring when Council approves the final budget for 2024.
RCMP policing costs
Prior to 2020, the Provincial Government paid the costs of RCMP policing for municipalities under 5,000. However, in 2020, the cost was downloaded to all municipalities and Coalhurst had to begin paying for RCMP services. The amount was phased in and in 2024, Coalhurst is reaching the full amount that will be required of the Town at approximately $150,000. Some of these annual increases were subsidized but the 2024 budget is presented with the full increases required with no subsidizations from reserve accounts.
Capital projects
Some of the capital projects highlighted in the 2024 Interim Budget include:
- Completion of a wildfire truck (carried over from 2023 due to supply chain issues)
- Continued development of public amenities in the new Wetlands area
- Development of community gardens (100% grant funded)
- Road rehabilitation projects
- Lining portions of the Town’s sewer lines to prevent ground water leakage and extend the lifespan of the sewer lines by 30+ years.
- Storm trunk construction on 45th Avenue (Phase III of the 2017 Storm Water Management Plan)
To learn more, see pages 26 – 29 of the linked Interim Budget.
Next steps for the 2024 Budget
Prior to Council being able to finalize the budget and determine the 2024 Mill Rate Bylaw for property taxes, the Town needs to receive finalized assessment figures, final year-end figures from 2023 expenses, and the requisition figures. All of this information is expected to be available in early spring.
To read more about the Interim Budget, you can find the December 19, 2023 Request for Decision here and the full Interim Budget package here.
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Coalhurst Christmas House Decorating Contest
December 2023 Town News available
Click HERE to read the December Town newsletter.
Town recruiting volunteers for Council Committees
Looking for a way to get involved in your community? Then join us as a volunteer on a Committee of Council!
The Town of Coalhurst is now recruiting volunteers for four (4) NEW and exciting committees:
- Community Celebration Committee (2 public members, plus Community Organization reps)
- Community Enrichment Committee (3 public members)
- Community Housing Committee (3 public members)
- Wetlands Enhancement Advisory Committee (3 public members)
Committees of Council help guide and shape the Town of Coalhurst by providing Council with information, advice, and recommendations regarding important community issues and topics. All appointed members work together to bring their experience and expertise to achieve Council’s defined strategic plan.
Applications for the committees noted above are being received until December 20, 2023, at Noon. Final appointments will be made by Council on January 2, 2024.
Find the application form and more information here.
Committee background information
- COMMUNITY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE: To act as facilitators for planning, organizing and implementing community events, including, but not limited to, Canada Day, Family Day, Miners Days, and any other event proposed by the committee.
- COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE: To identify and recommend areas and types of installations to Council to promote community beautification and enhancement of public spaces along with the development and expansion of public art, cultural and heritage recognition initiatives including review of existing and proposed policies and bylaws.
- COMMUNITY HOUSING COMMITTEE: To utilize local professionals in exploring partnerships, land, location, size, scope, client and funding options for developing seniors and/or affordable housing in Coalhurst and provide those recommendations for Council’s consideration. This committee is advisory and reports to Council.
- WETLANDS ENHANCEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: To review results of the Recreation Master Plan and other surveys as required to provide recommendations to Council on the building out of the newly established wetlands area. This shall include, but not be limited to, public use installations, amenities, gathering areas, paths, environmental features, wildlife protection areas, etc. This committee reports to Council and is ad hoc in nature. The Committee shall have 12 months from the date of establishment to complete a final report with recommendations to Council, after which the committee shall be dissolved.
2024 Budget survey
The Town of Coalhurst is looking for your input to help shape the 2024 Town of Coalhurst Budget.
A quick online survey is now available to provide feedback on residents’ priorities and satisfaction with Town services. Results of the survey will be reviewed by Town Council and staff, and the information will be used to inform Council’s deliberations about the upcoming budget.
The survey should take 5 – 10 minutes to complete and Coalhurst residents who participate can enter a draw to win one (1) of three (3) $100 Amazon gift cards.
Take the survey today at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PPF5F3K
Survey closes December 4, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
November 2023 Town News Available
Click here to read the November Town Newsletter!
https://coalhurst.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/November-Town-News.pdf
October 2023 Town News Available
September Town News Available
August Town News Available
Click HERE to view the August 2023 Town Newsletter!
Miners Days Parade Registration
The parade particulars are as follows:
- 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast – Details to follow
- 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Parade assembly will be the Coalhurst High School on 55th Avenue
- 10:15 a.m. -11:00 a.m.: Judging of parade entries (Note: Floats not registered before 10:00 a.m. will not be included in the judging process. There will be a 1st prize in each category and a 1st overall prize.
- 11:00 a.m.: Parade begins
The parade will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m., led by the parade marshal and the RCMP. Please stay at least five (5) meters behind the entry in front of you and please maintain a forward motion.
Candy and marketing materials may not be distributed from your float or vehicle. Please have someone walk beside your float to distribute candy so children maintain a safe distance from the floats. If distributing flyers or other paper-based materials, these must be given by hand to individuals along the parade route to avoid any littering.
Above all, be kind and have fun!
If you have any questions, please contact Kim Horak
Email: [email protected] | Cell: 403-330-7570
To register, click here to complete the form: REGISTRATION FORM
July Town News Available
Click HERE to view the July 2023 Town Newsletter!
Notice of Chinook Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Hearing
Notice of Town Office Closure – July 3, 2023
Please be advised: in lieu of Canada Day, the Town Office will be CLOSED on Monday, July 3, 2023. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
2023 Municipal Budget and Tax Information
Find out more about the 2023 Municipal Budget and Taxes!