Town of Coalhurst

A great place to live, work and play!

Mike Passey

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:

  1. Community Celebration Committee (2 public members, plus Community Organization reps)
  2. Community Enrichment Committee (3 public members)
  3. Community Housing Committee (3 public members)
  4. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

JOIN US for the Fall Open House.

It’s happening Tuesday, November 28 from 6 – 8 PM in the Coalhurst Council Chambers (100 – 51 Ave).

This Open House is a great opportunity to talk with Town Council and staff members and provide your input on the following topics:

  • Preliminary draft 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets
  • Updates to offsite levies
  • Information and volunteer opportunities on the many exciting NEW Council Committees

2024 ATCO Franchise Fee Rate

Notice of Increase to the Franchise Fee on Natural Gas Billings

The Town of Coalhurst is proposing to increase the natural gas distribution franchise fee which it charges ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. for the exclusive right to deliver natural gas to the residents of Coalhurst and for use of municipal lands for its natural gas lines, effective January 1st 2024.  The franchise fee applies to all customers that receive gas services in Coalhurst and is required to be billed as a separate charge on gas billings.

The current franchise fee is set at 10% of ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. delivery revenues and will increase to 12.45% effective January 1, 2024. For an average residential customer using 115 GJs per year, this will result in an annual increase of approximately $13.36.  The franchise fee is anticipated to account for approximately $67.90 of the average annual residential bill in 2024.

For questions or concerns please contact:

Mike Passey
Director of Corporate Services
PO Box 456, Coalhurst AB, T0L 0V0
403-381-3033
[email protected]

For more information, please see the October 3, 2023 Regular Meeting of Council Agenda

ISSUED DEVELOPMENT PERMITS 2023

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS 2023 Up to DP 49-23

2023 Notices of Decision for all discretionary use applications are mailed out to adjacent landowners and any persons deemed to be affected by the proposed development.  The complete file for each permit may be inspected at the Town Office (100 – 51 Avenue, Coalhurst) during regular office hours.  The above-mentioned permits are subject to an appeal period.  Any person affected by a decision regarding a Development Permit may file an appeal within twenty-one (21) days from the date of the date of decision.  Please contact the Development Officer at [email protected] or call 403-381-3033 for more information.

 

 

 

September Utility Invoice Due Date

The September 6, 2023, Utility Invoice provided by the Town of Coalhurst contained a due date error.

The September utility payments are not due on September 1, 2023; the correct due date is:
September 30, 2023.

Our apologies for any confusion this may have caused. Please contact the Town Office at (403) 381-3033 or [email protected] for any questions or concerns.

Additional information regarding utility payments can be found below:

Utility Contract:  Utility Contract

Sign up for e-billing:  E-billing Information and Sign Up

Click below for information on Utility Auto Payments:
Utilities Auto Payment Information

Sign up for Utility Auto Payments: Utilities Auto Payment Form

Cancel Utility Auto Payments:  Utilities Auto Payment Cancellation Form

We Now Accept Credit Cards  for online payments only – Utilities and/or taxes
If you wish to pay by credit card click button below:
                       

*Please note that payments may take 3-5 business days to process and that a Plastiq service fee will be applied. ( a fee of up to 2.85% may apply to card payments.)

Residents and businesses asked to conserve water

The City of Lethbridge, which provides water to Coalhurst, has asked water users to voluntarily take action to conserve water during this period of extended hot, dry weather.
The following is a Public Service Announcement from the City with further details:

City of Lethbridge

August 17, 2023

With extended dry, hot weather and several southern Alberta water basins experiencing shortages, the City of Lethbridge is asking everyone to do their part in conserving water. Voluntary action now will help prevent the need for mandatory restrictions in the coming days and weeks.

Residents, businesses and institutions are asked to take whatever actions they can – big or small – to conserve water. Every drop matters and everyone has a role to play in helping conserve water in their community and for their neighbours downstream.

Ways to conserve water can include:

  • Limiting all outdoor uses including watering lawns and washing cars
  • Do not run the tap unnecessarily. Consider reusing water where possible
  • Minimize shower time and bath levels
  • Use the washer and dishwasher only when necessary
  • Flush toilets only when necessary
  • Brainstorm ideas within your own businesses, institutions or work areas to see where other conservation efforts might make sense

While the water conservation effort is in effect, the City of Lethbridge is rationing water usage in the following ways:

  • Suspending washing of City vehicles unless necessary for safety reasons
  • Reducing watering in feature parks, sportsfields and schools by 25 per cent
  • Reducing watering in other parks and boulevards by 50 per cent
  • Temporarily closing Gyro Spray Park at Nicholas Sheran and Rotary Fountain in Galt Gardens at the end of the day Thursday, August 17. Legacy Park Spray Park will remain open at this time.
  • Dry street sweeping where possible

The City of Lethbridge provides water to Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte, Monarch, Diamond City, Shaughnessy, Iron Springs, Turin and other regional partners. All communities are requested to help conserve water.

The Alberta government continues to monitor the situation watching precipitation levels, reservoirs and lake levels, stream flow rates in rivers and water demand. They continue to work closely with municipal governments to help manage and conserve water where possible. More information is available here: Drought | Alberta.ca

Water conservation efforts are in place until further notice and residents are thanked in advance for their cooperation.

The Town of Coalhurst is Hiring!

The Town of Coalhurst is hiring for a Director of Community Development!
Visit our Career Opportunities page for more information.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume, cover letter and other relevant documents, in confidence, using the subject line ‘Director of Community Development Position’
by mail to: Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Coalhurst, Box 456, Coalhurst, Alberta, T0L 0V0
or by email in PDF format to [email protected]

Posting remains open until 12 noon, September 11, 2023, or until a suitable candidate is found.

Fire Restriction in Place

Lethbridge County has issued a fire restriction until further notice.
Note: the Town of Coalhurst abides by Lethbridge County’s fire restriction mandates.

PSA – Fire Restriction Issued in Lethbridge County Effective July 21

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
July 21, 2023

Fire Restriction in effect for Lethbridge County

LETHBRIDGE COUNTY– Lethbridge County has issued a Fire Restriction effective at 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2023. Hot, dry conditions are forecasted to continue into next week, elevating the risk of fire spread.

Under the Fire Restriction all active fire and fireworks permits are cancelled and no new ones will be issued until further notice. Fines apply for burning during a Fire Restriction. If conditions do not improve, Lethbridge County may move from a Fire Restriction to a Fire Ban at any time. Always be aware of the current Fire Ban status by visiting https://lethcounty.ca/p/fire-bans.
Recreational campfires (campground and backyard fire pits) and acceptable incinerators that meet the specifications of the County’s Fire Bylaw #22-002 are permitted. Visit https://lethcounty.ca/p/fire-permits or call the County office at 403-328-5525 to determine if yours meets the criteria. Fires contained in cooking or heating appliances fueled by fluids or gasses (gas or propane-fueled fire rings, BBQs, stoves, and heaters) are also allowed.

The Restriction has been issued to prevent wildfires, which can threaten public safety and result in possible evacuation orders, property damage, poor air quality, and road closures.
“With temperatures forecasted to remain high, and no precipitation anticipated in the coming days, we expect the wildfire risk to increase,” says Byron Fraser, Lethbridge County Fire Services Manager. “We are asking the public to be aware of this risk and take actions to prevent them.”

Never throw cigarette butts into ditches or dry grass. When enjoying a recreational fire pit, always make sure the fire is completely out and never leave it unattended. With some producers beginning harvest, the risk of fires in the field has also increased. Always have a water truck available and do not hesitate to call 911 for assistance if a fire ignites. Also thoroughly check all equipment before use. Removing debris from the mechanisms can prevent a spark from turning into a running fire.

Lethbridge County encourages citizens to take action and ensure they are prepared this wildfire season. Have a household emergency kit that includes essential items like food, water, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents. Learn how to build a kit at https://www.alberta.ca/build-an-emergency-kit.aspx. Keeping vehicles fuelled up in case of an evacuation order and downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive emergency notifications are additional actions to be prepared for unexpected situations.

Miners Days Parade Registration

On behalf of the Town of Coalhurst, you are invited to join in the Coalhurst 2023 Miners Day Parade. As in past years, we invite you to enter your float and/or have Dignitaries, Council, or Board members participate in the parade.

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

Click here for a PDF of the Parade Route for 2023

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