Here are some highlights from the September 17, 2024, Town Council meeting. This is not an official record of the meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – you can read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Proposed GreenTree Area Structure Plan
Council held a public hearing to hear submissions regarding the proposed Area Structure Plan (ASP) for GreenTree, an approximately 150 acre portion of land located in the southeast part of the community, along 45th Avenue and Range Road 223. The ASP lays out the general land use areas, primary and secondary roadway network, and a pathway system to support a sustainable new community in southern Coalhurst. The plan is intended to positively integrate with existing development surrounding and within the Plan Area and provide for meaningful future employment opportunities in Town.
The ASP is not intended to provide detailed design of community spaces, but rather a flexible approach to land use areas that can evolve with potential Land Use Bylaw changes over time, so long as the overall vision and core values of the Plan are maintained. The GreenTree ASP includes a mix of residential, commercial and green spaces.
After receiving feedback from members of the public and interested parties (such as utility providers, Lethbridge County, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Transportation and the Lethbridge North Irrigation District), the public hearing was closed.
During the Regular Meeting that followed the public hearing, Council approved minor amendments to the proposed bylaw for clarification purposes, and then gave the bylaw second and third reading, as amended. To read the complete Area Structure Plan and to learn more about the GreenTree ASP, you can visit the Town’s website at Coalhurst.ca.
Administration report
- The 2024 Community Grant Program has a balance of approximately $6,000 still available to be awarded to successful applicants. Local community groups, residents and businesses are encouraged to review the program information and submit their applications if they are seeking funding for special one-time or ongoing projects, or economic development initiatives. Community Grant Program information is available on the Town’s website at coalhurst.ca/government/community-grant-program/.
- Residents who are participating in the Coalhurst Community Garden are reminded that all plants and plant material must be removed from their garden boxes and the garden keys must be returned to the Town Office by Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Public Works will provide notification when the park irrigation system will be winterized and turned off. At that time, an alternative water source will be provided for gardeners on the community garden site for manual watering. For those who are interested in participating in the 2025 Community Garden Program, applications will begin to be received as of March 1, 2025. A reminder that garden plots are on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Development work has begun for the newly approved off-leash dog park, which will be located along 55th Avenue and Range Road 223. The Town has submitted a crossing agreement request to ATCO pipelines, which has a high pressure pipeline running underground in the area.
- An inspection of the pathway at the Wetlands was recently completed as part of the process to receive the Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC). The inspection was done by the pathway contractor, the Town’s engineers and Town staff. A deficiency list was created for pathway repairs to be completed under warranty prior to the FAC being signed.
30 Year Celebration and Town Beautification Strategy
In 2025, Coalhurst will celebrate its 30th anniversary since being reincorporated as a town. (The community as a whole will be 112 years old, as it was first incorporated as a municipality in 1913.) To mark the 30-year anniversary, the Town will host a series of special events and activities. To start the planning process, Council received a report outlining a potential theme, possible events, and a discussion about potentially developing a new brand and website for the Town.
Following its discussion, Council endorsed the 30-year celebration plan and directed Administration to work toward the development of a secondary 10-year plan in preparation for the 100-year anniversary of the Coalhurst mine disaster, which happened in 1935. Additionally, Council moved a discussion about potential rebranding and public space design and beautification to a future Committee of the Whole meeting so they can have a more in-depth conversation about both ideas.
As details of the 30th anniversary celebrations come together, information will be shared with the community, including how residents and businesses can become involved in the planning, support, and hosting of different activities.
Fortis and ATCO Franchise Fees
Council received two reports regarding 2025 Franchise Fees for ATCO and Fortis. Following its discussion, Council approved a motion to maintain both Franchise Fees at their current rates, meaning the Fortis rate will be 7.5% and the ATCO rate will be 12.45% in 2025.
You can read both reports within the complete Council agenda here.
Responsible Animal Control and Ownership Bylaw
Council continued its discussion regarding the development of a new Responsible Animal Control and Ownership Bylaw. During the meeting, Council endorsed a number of minor amendments to the draft bylaw for clarification and alignment throughout the document. Additional information has been requested by Council, to be provided by the end of November 2024.
Council had an in-depth conversation regarding the proposed bylaw at its September 10, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting, which can be viewed on the Town’s YouTube channel.
The most recent report related to the draft bylaw can be found on the Town’s website.
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