Mike Passey

Click HERE to read the May 2025 Newsletter.

Coalhurst residents will save money on their monthly utility bills with the removal of the recycling utility rate beginning April 2025.

Town Council approved the change at its meeting on April 15, 2025, citing the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program through the Government of Alberta, which other municipalities have adopted.

EPR means that companies who make things like single-use plastics, packaging, paper, and cardboard now must pay to recycle them.

The provincial program will fund the Town of Coalhurst for expenses related to running the recycling program. Therefore, the recycling fee of $3.15 per month will no longer be collected from residents going forward. Residents can continue to use the recycling services offered at the collection site and will see the change/removal on their utility bills sent in May.

To learn more about EPR, visit: https://www.albertarecycling.ca/epr/#ppp

Here are some highlights from the April 15, 2025, 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.

Council approves central community organics compost bin pilot project

The Town of Coalhurst has been working towards improving solid waste management stewardship, including ways residents can divert household yard and food waste from the landfill. Council has approved a central community organics compost bin pilot project to be added to the Coalhurst recycling depot for the collection of food waste, food-spoiled paper, leaves, plants, and grass clippings on a trial basis until October 31, 2025, funded by reserves. This will require a minor rearrangement of the site where the current community recycling bin is located, as well as the development of a comprehensive communications plan to ensure residents understand how to use the bin and what materials are acceptable for organic recycling.

Following the pilot program, Administration will re-evaluate the service using the data from this summer/fall to help determine annual operating costs to potentially offer the service permanently. In addition, Administration may conduct community engagement around the desire for a backyard compost bin rebate program.

It is anticipated that the central community organics compost bin will be ready by the end of May.

Council adopts Regional Emergency Management Bylaw 461-25

On November 2, 2024, a regional emergency management partnership was announced between Coalhurst, Barons, Nobleford, Picture Butte, and Lethbridge County. With the summer season approaching, the approval of Bylaw No. 461-25 (Regional Emergency Management) is timely as it will enhance intermunicipal collaboration to ensure an effective and unified response to emergencies and disasters and allow for the creation of the Lethbridge County Regional Emergency Advisory Committee and the Lethbridge County Regional Emergency Management Agency. By formalizing regional emergency responses, it will integrate emergency planning, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, creating greater certainty for residents that emergencies will be managed professionally, efficiently, and with life safety as the priority.

You can find the new bylaw on the Town’s website, here.

Council approves Town of Coalhurst 2024 financial statements and auditor’s report

Auditors KPMG LLP, an independent firm, provided a presentation to Council, reviewing the Town of Coalhurst 2024 Financial Statements. Town Administration is responsible for the preparation, accuracy, objectivity, and integrity of the financial statements, while Council oversees management in its reporting responsibilities and approves the statements. In their report to Council, KPMG stated the financial statements accurately represent the financial position of the Town as of December 31, 2024.

Recycling utility rates removed from Coalhurst’s monthly utility bills

Coalhurst residents will save money on their monthly utility bills with the removal of the recycling utility rate beginning April 2025. Council approved the change, citing the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program through the Government of Alberta, which other municipalities have adopted. The provincial program will fund the Town for expenses related to running the recycling program, therefore the recycling fee of $3.15 per month will no longer be collected from residents going forward.

Administration report

• The Lethbridge Public Library Bookmobile, in partnership with Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), will deliver a new early childhood literacy program in Coalhurst called The ABC Express, beginning Friday, April 25, 2025. This half-hour program will be offered every second Friday as part of the current FCSS Stay & Play program, which runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Coalhurst & District Community Centre (527 50 Avenue). The ABC Express program aims to encourage parents to interact with their children using the five early literacy practices of singing, playing, talking, reading and writing. This partnership program will continue until at least the end of June 2025 and is being offered at no additional cost to the Town and free of charge to participants.

-30-

Parents or caregivers and their young children can soon “hop aboard” The ABC Express, a new early childhood literacy program offered through the Lethbridge Public Library (LPL) Bookmobile, in partnership with Family & Community Support Services (FCSS).

This half-hour Bookmobile program will be provided free of charge to Coalhurst families beginning Friday, April 25, 2025. Thanks to a first-of-its-kind partnership with FCSS, it will be delivered every second Friday as part of the current FCSS Stay & Play program, which runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Coalhurst & District Community Centre (527 50 Avenue).

“It is encouraging to see the Bookmobile and FCSS, who have long been committed to enhancing quality of life for Coalhurst residents, come together to bring this new program to the Town,” said Coalhurst Mayor Lyndsay Montina. “Investing in early childhood literacy is investing in the future of our community. This new program opens doors for our youngest learners and families will benefit from this enhanced service.”

The ABC Express program aims to encourage parents to interact with their children using the five early literacy practices of singing, playing, talking, reading and writing from Every Child Ready to Read. “Rather than programming directly to the kids, our programs are instead aimed at encouraging parents to interact with their children using these five practices to get them ready for reading independently,” said Emily Kundrik, LPL Bookmobile Coordinator.

The FCSS Stay & Play program provides a space for parents/caregivers and their children ages 0-6 to engage together in self-guided and structured play, which encourages healthy attachment and development. Through hands-on activities like working memory games, turn-taking, and interactive exposure to language and print, FCSS staff help support the development of executive functioning, early literacy, social skills, and other age-appropriate skills.

“Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS has offered Stay & Play in Coalhurst for over two decades and it is one of our most attended programs,” said Petra DeBow, FCSS Manager. “We are excited to enhance this valuable program through collaboration with the Lethbridge Public Library Bookmobile. We hope this partnership will bring more awareness around early literacy and its importance to the community of Coalhurst.”

This partnership program will continue until at least the end of June 2025.

Click HERE to read the April 2025 Town newsletter.

Here are some highlights from the March 20, 2025, 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.

Council requests recommendations for household organics management

In January 2025, Council received a memo regarding the household organics management practices of several other Alberta municipalities, including services such as centralized drop-off areas, backyard composting programs and curbside pickup. At that time, Council wanted more time to consider the research and a series of potential options for a local service.

During the March 20 meeting, Council directed Administration to bring back a recommended approach that fits within the Town’s current operational capabilities and limitations. Specifically, Council asked Administration to consider potentially offering a central household organics drop-off site and compost bin rebate program, as well as an educational program for residents. Administration is now working on Council’s request.

You can read the full memo here.

Miners Park campground and RV dump station

At the March 11, 2025 Regular Council meeting, Council received a memo regarding Miners Park campground and the nearby RV sanitary dump station. The report identified annual revenues and operational expenses, as well as some of the challenges the Town is experiencing in operating these self-registration and self-serve amenities.

Council wanted more time to consider the information that was presented before providing direction. During the March 20 meeting, Council directed Administration to bring back more information including:

• What it could look like to potentially sell, contract out, or use the campground and RV sanitary dump station as part of the Town’s Recreation Master Plan.
• What potential site improvements could be made to the campground to improve use and efficiency, including (but not limited to) the implementation of a pre-paid online reservation system; code-access entry for washroom facilities; and gated access controlled by a digital entry code for registered campers.

The campground opens each year on May 15. You can read the full memo here.

Administration report

• The nomination period for those interested in running for Council is open for the 2025 Municipal election. Information for voters and candidates can be found on the Town’s website: https://coalhurst.ca/government/2025-municipal-election/.

Questions from voters and candidates can be directed to the Returning Officer by email at [email protected] or by phone at (403) 381-3033. Potential candidates who would like more information about local government governance and/or the election process can also request a meeting with the Returning Officer to ask questions.

• As of March 12, seasonal road bans are in effect for the following locations. Loads are limited to 75% until otherwise posted:
  • TWP Road 9-2 from Highway 25 to Range Road 22-3
  • Range Road 22-3 from TWP Road 9-2 to 45 Ave in Coalhurst
  • 45 Ave in Coalhurst from 6 St to Range Road 22-3

The Town has placed the road bans in conjunction with Lethbridge County. Road bans are used each spring to maintain the integrity of road infrastructure as temperatures rise and to reduce the risk of roads being damaged from loading during frost-thaw cycles. For information on other surrounding road bans (including highways), visit the Lethbridge County website and the Province of Alberta website.

Council approves scholarships for Coalhurst High School students

As part of an annual program, Council approved the provision of five scholarships for Coalhurst High School (CHS) students, including $100 each for students in grades 8 through 11 and a $1,000 scholarship and award for a grade 12 student who is planning to attend post-secondary school. To be eligible for consideration, students must submit a letter or essay to Council, answering a series of questions. The high school can provide those questions to interested students. Application submissions are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Winners of the scholarships will be announced at the annual CHS awards night at the end of June.

Council approves sponsorship for Coalhurst High School basketball team

Council approved a $500 sponsorship for the Coalhurst High School Sr. Girls basketball team as they made their way to the A1 Provincial Championship in Olds and Didsbury, AB. The sponsorship was intended to assist with travel expenses for the trip.

-30-

Here are some highlights from the March 11, 2025, 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.

Council adopts new Community Standards Bylaw No. 457-24

Over the last several months, Council and Administration have been working together to draft a Community Standards Bylaw. The new bylaw has consolidated several other bylaws and policies to make the document easier for the public and Administration to read, understand and apply. With the adoption of Bylaw No. 457-24, community members will now be able to more easily locate rules and regulations related to property maintenance, tidiness and safety; snow and ice removal; noise; public behaviour, and more.

You can find the new bylaw on the Town’s website, here.

Miners Park campground and RV dump station

Council received a report regarding Miners Park campground and the nearby RV sanitary dump station. The report identified annual revenues and operational expenses, as well as some of the challenges the Town is experiencing in operating these self-registration and self-serve amenities. The analysis was done in an effort to better understand operational efficiency and value-add for the community.

Based on the data, the RV sanitary dump is operating at a significant deficit each year, which led Council to discuss a few potential changes regarding its location, payment methods, and payment amounts. No direction was given to Administration at this time regarding either of the park amenities, as Council would like more time to consider potential future actions.

You can read the report here.

Administration report

• The 2025 municipal election is taking place Monday, October 20^th. All eligible voters in Alberta are encouraged to confirm they are registered to vote with Elections Alberta prior to September 15, 2025. Residents can do so by visiting ab.ca. If they are not registered, they can do so quickly and easily on that same website to make voting day a faster process.
• On March 3, applications opened for the 2025 growing season in the Coalhurst Community Garden. Within 24 hours, all 12 plots were rented. Access to the plots opens on May 15, after the Miners Memorial Park irrigation system is reactivated for the season.

If a Coalhurst resident wanted a plot but was unable to get one, the Town encourages them to add their name to the waitlist. That can be done by calling or visiting the Town Office and making the request. Per the Community Garden Policy, plots must be planted no later than June 10. If a gardener fails to do so, that plot becomes available again for rental from a new applicant. Each year, plots are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, and a new application must be submitted. So even those who didn’t get a plot this spring will have a chance to get one next year.

• The annual Spring Clean-up Program has been scheduled to take place Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Advertisement in the Town newsletter and on social media will take place closer to the event, including details of accepted items.
• The Municipal Enforcement Department had 27 files during the month of February. Those files ranged from traffic enforcement to animal control, unsightly property, assisting other agencies, and sidewalk enforcement.

-30-

Click HERE to read the March 2025 Town newsletter.

February 12, 2025

The Town of Coalhurst is pleased to announce the outdoor skating rink at Miners Memorial Park is now open for use.

A big thanks goes to the Coalhurst Volunteer Fire Department and Public Works Department for their work to flood the rink and prepare it for use.

For those who choose to use the skating rink, please remember that helmets are strongly encouraged and that ice conditions are weather dependent.

Here are some highlights from the February 4, 2025, 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.

Council adopts new Responsible Animal Control and Ownership Bylaw No. 456-24

Over the last several months, Council and Administration have been working together to draft a new Responsible Animal Control and Ownership Bylaw. The new bylaw was intended to consolidate several other bylaws and policies and make the document easier for the public and Administration to read, understand, and apply. With the adoption of Bylaw No. 456-24, community members will now be able to more easily locate the rules and regulations regarding the keeping and control of animals within Coalhurst.

You can find the new bylaw on the Town’s website, here.

Coalhurst Community Centre benchmarking

Council has directed Administration to develop a set of benchmarks for the Coalhurst Community Centre, approximately one year after a new Community Centre policy was implemented. The intention of the benchmarking is to review use of the facility and ensure the policy is meeting the needs of the community and the Town. Additionally, Council has requested to receive annual activity reports for the Community Centre, starting with activities from 2024.

Administration report

• In partnership with BEW FCSS and Family Ties Lethbridge, a series of Coalhurst youth camps have been scheduled for the 2025 summer season. Each camp will be hosted at the Coalhurst Community Centre. The dates are as follows:
  • July 10 – 11: FCSS youth leadership camp
  • July 15 – 18: youth camp
  • July 22 – 25: youth camp
  • August 12 – 15: youth camp
  • August 19 – 22: youth camp

Specific details for the camps (including times, ages served, and registration information) will be published and promoted as we get closer to summer.

• The Municipal Enforcement Department had 36 files during January. Files included traffic enforcement, animal control and noise complaints. February’s enforcement focus will be distracted driving, fatigue, and sidewalk enforcement.

Council approves funding contribution to Oldman Watershed Council

Council unanimously approved a contribution of $1,406 to the Oldman Watershed Council for its ongoing efforts related to improving water storage and quality across the region, drought response activities, public education, restoring habitats, and more. The amount being provided is based on a 49-cent contribution per resident of Coalhurst.

-30-

Click HERE for the February 2025 edition of the Town Newsletter.

Here are some highlights from the January 21, 2025, 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.

Considerations for updating the Land Use Bylaw: Home Occupation 3 and mixed-use development
Council reviewed a memo from the Town’s Senior Planner and Development Officer related to the potential integration of a new category within Coalhurst’s Land Use Bylaw (LUB) called ‘Home Occupation 3.’ If created, this category could accommodate more intense home occupations within residential areas to potentially increase the number of employees of a home-based business while still preserving the primary residential nature of properties with clear regulations for use.

Prior to drafting Home Occupation 3 standards for consideration, Council would like feedback from community members about this potential change to the LUB and whether it makes sense to develop such a category. An open house will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, where residents can learn more about the possible changes and how such a category could be created to suit needs within Coalhurst. The time and location of the open house will be published in the February edition of the Town’s newsletter and will be posted to the Town’s website and Facebook page.

Household organics management program options
Council received a memo regarding potential household organics management program options, which included research about the types of household food and yard waste recycling services several other Alberta municipalities currently provide. At this time, no direction has been provided to Administration to implement such services as Council considers its options.

Administration report

• The next Municipal General Election will take place on Monday, October 20, 2025. For those who would like to learn more about the election, municipal governance, or how to become a candidate for Coalhurst Town Council, an information page has been posted to the Town’s website at coalhurst.ca/government/2025-municipal-election/. A candidate information guide and nomination package are available on that page. As we get closer to Nomination Day and the election, this webpage will be updated with more information, including candidate names, advance voting dates, and information for eligible voters.

• Renewal notices for 2025 business licences and animal licences were mailed out on January 6, 2025. Residents and business owners are reminded that licence renewal payments are due January 31^st. Penalties or fines may apply for licences that are not renewed on time. Payments can be made using one of the following methods:

1. 1. In person at the Town Office with cash or a debit card
   2. By dropping a cheque in the all-hours drop box at the entrance to the Town Office
   3. By cheque in the mail
   4. By e-transfer: [email protected]

If anyone has questions regarding their licence, or needs to update the information, they can contact the Finance Department at 403-381-3033, by email at [email protected], or by visiting the Town Office during regular business hours.

• Public Operations has submitted its annual water and wastewater report to Alberta Environment and Parks. In 2024, the Town of Coalhurst diverted 271,990 cubic meters of water from the Oldman River. This was the lowest amount of water diverted since 2019. For comparison 315,236 cubic meters was diverted in 2023. The significantly lower consumption rates indicate that Coalhurst residents and businesses fulsomely participated in reducing their water use during last year’s severe drought conditions, which was helpful to protect the water system and ensure resources were available for critical needs. The Town thanks everyone for participating in responsible water use throughout the year.

• Applications can once again be received for the Town of Coalhurst Community Grant Program. A total of $8,000 is available in 2025 for micro-grant and community support grant applications. As Coalhurst celebrates its 30^th year since being designated a Town in Alberta, residents, businesses, and organizations are strongly encouraged to consider ways they can also celebrate this milestone by hosting their own events with neighbours. A list of community gathering and activity ideas that are eligible for funding is available in the grant program guide, which can be found on the Town’s website, www.coalhurst.ca.

• The Town extends thanks to everyone who participated in the Town Identity and Branding survey, which took place December 13 – 23, 2024. Results of the survey have been provided to the Town’s creative agency contractor to help inform the initial development and design of a new logo, branding, and brand voice for Coalhurst. Updates on the branding project will be provided to the public as they become available. Congratulations also goes out to the two survey participants who won a pair of Lethbridge Hurricanes game vouchers.

• 2024 was a busy year for the Development Department. This is evidenced by the number of permits issued:
  • 40 Development Permit applications
  • 4 applications refused or withdrawn
  • 34 Building Permits issued
  • 38 Gas Permits issued
  • 43 Electrical Permits issued
  • 10 Plumbing Permits issued
  • 10 Compliance Certificates issued
• In 2024, Coalhurst had six new homes built, including a three-building, 21-unit dwelling that will be completed in Spring 2025. Additionally, residents of Coalhurst completed renovations of their homes and/or businesses including solar panels, rear deck replacements, detached garages, and an addition of four warehouse bays onto a commercial property. The Town also approved six new Home Occupations, including one Home Occupation 2. Currently, Coalhurst has 43 active home-based businesses.
• The completion of a new dog park on the east side of town is expected to be completed by Spring/Summer of 2025. Additional information will be shared with residents as soon as access to the dog park is permitted.
• The Coalhurst Municipal Enforcement Department had a great year in 2024. Municipal Enforcement responded to 844 files since January 1, 2024. The Town of Coalhurst saw 669 files and the Village of Barons finished the year with 175 files. The most common types of complaints ranged from traffic enforcement, animal control and unsightly properties. 153 provincial tickets were issued, and 33 municipal bylaw tickets were issued.
• Animal control issues totalled 234 files. Complaints ranged from barking, animals at large, abandoned animals, and three dog attacks. 87 unsightly notices were sent to property owners. Only 6 properties required enforcement clean-ups.
• During winter months, snow clearing of sidewalks is enforced. Property owners have 48 hours after a snowfall to clear snow and ice from Town sidewalks adjacent to their property. After the 48 hours is over, a notice is given to the property owner as a reminder. The next day, if the snow has still not been cleared, a Town contractor is contacted and will clear away snow and ice on the sidewalk, at the cost of the property owner. 50 sidewalk clearing notices were sent out in 2024, and only 2 required enforcement snow clearing.

Community Grant Program update
Council approved a Neighbourhood Connections Micro-grant application from the Coalhurst Partnership Association for Literacy (PAL) in the amount of $100 to support a family literacy night that will take place at Coalhurst Elementary School later this month.

-30-

The Town of Coalhurst is pleased to announce it has received a $32,000 grant from the Government of Alberta to help make two of its facilities more energy and cost efficient.

The grant, which was provided through the Community Energy Conservation (CEC) program administered by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC), was used to replace aging heating units and lighting fixtures in the Coalhurst Community Centre and one of the Town’s Public Works facilities.

“The three furnaces that were replaced in the Community Centre were more than 20 years old and the furnace from the Public Works shop was from the 1970s,” said Mayor Lyndsay Montina.

“This equipment, among others, was nearing end of life and needed replacement soon. So to have funding support from the CEC program was not only timely, but also very much appreciated by myself and Council, and by Coalhurst as a whole. This program is a win-win-win for the environment, the Town, and the MCCAC’s mandate of helping municipalities reduce emissions and facility operational costs, while also making facility users more comfortable in these spaces.”

The replacement of four furnaces, two overhead radiant heaters, and several light fixtures within the facilities cost approximately $54,000. The CEC program grant rebate will cover approximately 60% of those costs.

In addition to significantly improving the energy efficiency of both facilities, these changes will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 58% from the Public Works building and 31% from the Community Centre. Both projects were completed by local contractors.

The Municipal Climate Action Centre is a partnership of Alberta Municipalities, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta. Funding for the Community Energy Conservation Program was provided by the Government of Alberta.

-30-