News and Updates

Click HERE for the January 2025 Town newsletter.

December 16, 2024

The holiday season is a time for giving, but it can also attract opportunistic thieves. From vehicle break-ins to identity theft, shoppers are at risk of losing more than their gifts if they don’t take precautions.

Coaldale-Picture Butte – RCMP urges shoppers to follow these simple safety measures to help ensure a joyful and secure holiday:

• Lock your car doors and close all windows, even if you are just running into a store for a few minutes.
• Store bags and gifts in the trunk or out of sight. Thieves often target vehicles with visible valuables.
• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas whenever possible.
• Keep your purse zipped or use a crossbody bag to make it harder for thieves to grab.
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards or cash for better fraud protection.
• Avoid leaving bags in shopping carts unattended.
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN at checkouts.
• Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
• Shred receipts with personal or credit card information before discarding them.
• Keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions, such as excessive phone use.
• If you’re carrying multiple shopping bags, get your keys ready before heading to your car to avoid fumbling and to quickly secure your items.

Follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta as we are #StockingUpOnSafety this holiday season.

Click HERE to read the December 2024 newsletter.

Here are some highlights from the November 19, 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.

Funding approved for new Town branding and municipal website project

Council took the next step toward the development of a new brand and municipal website for Coalhurst by approving a budget of up to $60,000 to complete the work. Funds for the project will come from the Operational Projects Reserve and will not impact taxation.

Once complete, the new brand will include a new Town logo, colours, fonts, brand guidelines, public communication assets, and a brand voice document, which will guide the language and tone the Town uses for all its corporate communication efforts.

As part of the project, the Town will be seeking public input to ensure the new brand appropriately reflects the community’s values and vision for Coalhurst, honouring our town’s rich history while also looking toward a big and bright future of continued growth, community pride, and sustainability. Public engagement is planned to take place early in the New Year and the new brand is expected to be launched within the first quarter of 2025.

At the same time, the Town will be working on the development of a new municipal website to modernize and improve user experience and accessibility of www.coalhurst.ca.

The intention of the new brand and website is to improve Coalhurst’s public image and digital presence, identifying what makes our community unique within the southern Alberta region, and what makes this an ideal place to live, visit, and do business.

Although the final brand will be informed by public input, feedback from Council, and guiding documents such as Council’s Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025, it will also be grounded in the new community aesthetic Council endorsed last month, using a modern approach to popular design in the 1930s.

Specialized contractors will be used to complete both components of the project to deliver timely and professional products within the approved budget. Town staff will oversee the work and help guide the process.

To offset costs, the Town is also applying for a grant through the Northern and Regional Economic Development program (funded by the Alberta government), which if successful, could fund up to 50% of the project. Results of the grant application are expected to be received in Spring 2025.

The Town encourages residents to stay tuned to the Town’s website, Facebook page, and Town Newsletter for updates on this work and how you can be involved.

Coalhurst Fire Department to receive new uniforms and protective gear

This past summer, the Coalhurst Fire Department sent six members and the Town’s new Wildland Fire Truck to Jasper to assist with wildfire fighting efforts. Thanks to that deployment, the Town has received approximately $38,000 in unanticipated revenue for the use of its resources.

Following a request from the Fire Chief, those funds will be used to purchase a much-needed replacement washer and dryer for the Fire Department, as well as new and upgraded uniforms and personal protective gear, including fire fighting coveralls, boots, shirts and pants, dress uniforms, and various other clothing items.

The new clothing will make it easier and more comfortable for Coalhurst Volunteer Fire Fighters to attend longer emergencies, particularly when responding to calls like major grass fires that require long periods of time moving through fields and uneven terrain.

Any funds left over from the unanticipated revenue will go into the Fire Department Reserve to be used for future projects.

Community Grant Program update

Council approved two Community Support Grant applications, including $2,000 for the Friends of Coalhurst High School Society to support the upcoming Breakfast with Santa event, as well as $1,000 for the Coalhurst First Responders Society to assist with its upcoming Christmas Open House.

Approximately $3,000 remains in the 2024 Community Grant Program fund and is available for applications. Residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to apply. In order for Council to consider applications this calendar year, they must be submitted to [email protected] no later than Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Administration report

Park Enterprises (Coalhurst’s building permit contractor) has a new online application system that went live two weeks ago. Instead of applicants filling in a PDF application with information (that often leaves much to be followed up on), they are now guided through an application that has them fill out the necessary information to issue the permit. The system then sends a completed application to Park who can then proceed with permit issuance, without having to chase down information that should have been included on the original application.

They have based their application model on the Alberta Safety Codes Authority (ASCA) application, as it is the most comprehensive and covers the largest area. However, the applications still have the logo, contact information, and FOIP Statement for each applicable municipality. The new system has already shown a drastic decrease in required follow-ups for permit issuance resulting in faster issuance times for applicants.

Future development of the system will eventually lead to a portal where contractors can manage their permits, autofill their frequent information, request inspections, and view reports.

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Do you want to help shape Coalhurst’s future when it comes to housing or development of the new wetlands park area? Then we have a great opportunity just for you!

We’re recruiting volunteers for two (2) Committees of Council to help guide and shape the Town of Coalhurst’s future. These committees provide Council with information, advice, and recommendations regarding important community issues and topics. A committee volunteer application is available on the Town’s website here.

The Community Housing Specialized Committee is seeking one (1) volunteer who will be appointed for a two-year term. The committee explores partnerships, land, location, size, scope, client, and funding options for developing seniors and/or affordable housing, or other housing options in Coalhurst. The committee generally meets on the second Monday of each month (except August) at 12:00 noon for 60-90 minutes.

The Wetlands Specialized Committee is also seeking one (1) volunteer who will be appointed for up to two years or until the wetlands park is deemed complete by Council. This committee advises Council regarding the use of the established wetlands area while considering environmental impacts, operational sustainability, and the application of Council’s Strategic Plan regarding connected spaces, gathering spaces, and community safety. The committee generally meets on the fourth Monday of each month (except August) at 12:00 noon for 60-90 minutes.

Click HERE to read the November Town News.

October 28, 2024

The following has been provided by the Coaldale-Picture Butte RCMP Detachment

As Halloween approaches, the Coaldale-Picture Butte RCMP Detachment urges everyone to take extra precautions while out trick-or-treating to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

The Coaldale-Picture Butte RCMP Detachment is advising families to prioritize safety this Halloween with the following tips:

• Check your child’s candy for any signs of tampering or unwrapped items before allowing them to eat it.
• Ensure costumes are bright, visible, and free of long trailing fabric to prevent tripping hazards.
• Face paint allows for better visibility than a mask and reduces the risk of obstructing your child’s vision.
• Only visit homes that are well-lit and welcoming to trick-or-treaters, and avoid houses that are dark or have no decorations.
• Remind your kids to look both ways before crossing the street and to use sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
• Always supervise young children while trick-or-treating, and consider going in groups for added safety.
• Please report any suspicious activities to the Coaldale-Picture Butte RCMP right away at 403-345-5000 (Coaldale) or 403-732-4429 (Picture Butte).

As Halloween night approaches, we also want to remind drivers to stay vigilant while navigating the roads filled with excited trick-or-treaters. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe this spooky season:

• Drive at reduced speeds in residential areas, especially where children are likely to be crossing the street.
• Watch for kids darting between parked cars and always be prepared for sudden movements, as excitement can lead to unpredictable behaviour.
• Put away your phone and other distractions. Stay focused on the road to ensure you can react quickly if needed.
• Be extra careful when approaching crosswalks and make sure to yield to pedestrians, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic on Halloween night.

For more tips on how to stay safe this Halloween, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta

Have a safe and fun Halloween from the Coaldale-Picture Butte RCMP Detachment Staff.

October 25, 2024

Our community is growing. So is our garbage collection route.
To better serve the Town of Coalhurst, we are adding a new garbage pickup day. As of the week of November 11 – 15, 2024, we will begin collecting garbage in the Sundance area on Fridays (with the first collection on Friday, November 15).

Why is this change necessary?
As our town’s population has continued to grow, our garbage collection routes have also expanded. By adding another collection day, we can prepare for further community growth and ensure that all residents’ garbage is picked up in a timely manner.

Why Fridays?
Our crew currently collects garbage on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Therefore, Fridays were chosen for the new collection day to avoid a number of statutory holidays that land on Mondays. This will maintain consistency for residents and avoid having to reschedule pickups during holidays.

Who does this change affect?
Only residences in the Sundance area will be moved to Friday collection.

Does anything else change?
No. All other Coalhurst residences will remain on their current collection schedule, and the time and location of pickup remains the same. Collection will still occur on a weekly basis. Please have your cart curbside by 7 AM on your designated collection day. If a collection is missed or if you have questions, please give our team a call at 403-381-3033 so we can help you.

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and assistance with this service update.

Here are some highlights from the October 15, 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.

Modern 1930s community aesthetic and public space design

During the Regular Meeting of September 17, 2024, Council began a discussion about establishing a core identity and aesthetic for public spaces in Coalhurst. The goal was to establish ‘who Coalhurst is,’ honouring our rich and storied history while also providing a clear direction for future economic growth opportunities and community development.

On October 15, Council endorsed a proposed concept – a modern approach to popular design from the 1930s – which stems from the period when Coalhurst was first a thriving town with a core business district, busy agricultural operations, and a consistently growing population that was primarily drawn to the coal mining industry.

In 1935, the Imperial Mine explosion occurred, which then led to many residents dispersing to other parts of the province and country to find new forms of work. However, over the decades, the community began to grow again and since the 1980s has nearly doubled in size. In 2025, Coalhurst will celebrate 30 years since being redesignated as a ‘Town’ in Alberta, and 112 years since it was first incorporated as a municipality.

With these milestones in mind, Council has endorsed a plan to pay tribute to the pioneers of our community and introduce touches of 1930s architecture and design into public spaces such as town signage, wayfinding materials, park amenities such as lights and benches, public art projects, and community garden designs. This approach will be introduced slowly and with careful consideration as projects arise (such as adding amenities to the new Wetlands park or developing other park spaces), and as project budgets allow.

Over time, the intention is to develop a well-grounded, consistent approach to public space design and create areas of attraction for residents, visitors, and residential or business investors to drive economic growth and development opportunities throughout the community.

Council has now directed Administration to prepare a policy to guide this work, and has also endorsed a project to have a new Town brand and website developed for Coalhurst.

This brand will include the development of a new logo, tagline, potential new colours, fonts, and brand voice for the community, outlining how the Town approaches all its communications and how we ‘present’ ourselves on the Alberta, Canada, and global stage. Once complete, the new brand will guide the development of a redesigned Town website that will be created to be more robust, user-friendly, and accessible.

When the branding project begins, the Town will be conducting public engagement to ensure the finalized brand appropriately represents our community’s values and vision for Coalhurst’s future, while still honouring our past and who we’ve become together.

Funding options for the branding project and website will be discussed during Council’s budget deliberations, which will take place later this fall. Updates on the budget and these projects will be provided to the community once more information is available.

Community Grant Program update

Council approved a Community Support Grant application from the Coalhurst Parks and Recreation Society in the amount of $2,000. The funds will be used to host free public movie nights at the Community Centre, featuring Halloween and Christmas films.

Approximately $4,000 remains in the 2024 Community Grant Program fund and is available for applications. Residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to apply.

Administration report

• Leaf and compostable yard waste collection for residents is scheduled for Monday, November 4, starting at 7:30 a.m. Coalhurst residents are reminded that leaf and other yard waste material must be placed in compostable paper bags in order to be picked up. Any other materials (i.e., plastic bags, etc) will not be collected through this program.
• Six apple trees that were approved in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada grant will be planted within the next week. Due to space restrictions in Miners Park, some of the trees will also be planted at Imperial Meadows Park and by the Town office, allowing for greater access to food for residents of the Town.
• The 2024 Halloween House Decorating Contest is taking place Wednesday, October 30, with judging starting at 7:00 p.m. Members of Council will travel throughout town, judging registered entries. Winners of the contest will be eligible for cash prizes including: $75 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. To participate in the contest, residents must register their property address online. The registration form is available on the Town’s website and Facebook page.
• The FCSS Snow Angels program will return to Coalhurst this winter. Coalhurst residents who are unable to clear snow from their own driveway and/or sidewalk may apply to the Snow Angels program, to request help from community members. If approved, a sign will be displayed outside the home, asking for a Snow Angel to help clear walkways of snow.

  If a community member sees the sign, they’re encouraged to grab a shovel and clear the walkways after a new snowfall. Volunteers do not have to register for the program and can assist anyone who has a sign posted outside their home. For those who volunteer in the program, monthly prize draws are available. More information about the program can be found on the Town’s website at ca or by calling Cindy at FCSS at 403-915-7063.

• The 2024 Community Garden season has ended. Despite the late start to the growing season, almost half of the plots were used by garden participants, who had good success with their vegetable plantings. Administration anticipates next year’s garden to be completely full. Registration for the 2025 Community Garden program opens on March 1, 2025. Complete program details and a list of important dates are available on the Town’s website.
• The Town and Park Enterprises have agreed that Park Enterprises will process all Safety Code Permits for the Town. This will emulate what other municipalities have done and will ensure all applications are processed and tracked following Park Enterprises’ policies and procedures. This will also reduce administrative tasks for Town administration regarding forwarding permit applications and invoicing redundancies.
• The Organizational Meeting of Council is scheduled for October 29 at 6:00 p.m. This yearly meeting is required by the Municipal Government Act for Council to review its member appointments, signing authorities, and to approve the following year’s meeting and event attendance calendar.

Council Committees Bylaw No. 458-24

Council adopted a revised Council Committees Bylaw, which has been updated to mitigate some of the administrative challenges and governance issues that have existed with the current committee processes. As of January 1, 2025, there will be three types of Council Committees:

1. Standing Committees – functioning in an advisory capacity to Council and are comprised of Council members.
2. Policy Committees – providing high-level bylaw and policy advice and guidance to Council on specified topics and are comprised of Council members.
3. Specialized Committees – functioning an in advisory capacity to Council on a specific subject matter (either permanently or for a defined period of time) and are comprised of both Council members and members-at-large.

Currently, there are nine member-at-large positions on eight Council Committees. Under the new bylaw, this has been reduced to six positions. Presently, only six member-at-large positions are filled.

During the Organizational Meeting of Council on October 29, Council members will be appointed to each of the new committees. Current public members of the committees are invited to continue their work through the Specialized Committees, and if necessary, recruitment will commence later this fall, should vacancies exist for any of the Specialized Committees.

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October 10, 2024

With the weather starting to change and daily temperatures starting to drop, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Town of Coalhurst are preparing for the inevitable – snow. And with that, the Snow Angels program will be returning to the community for its second year.

“A Snow Angel is a volunteer who helps clear the sidewalk and/or driveway of snow and ice for someone who is unable to do so themselves,” said Zakk Morrison, Executive Director of Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS. “It’s a small act of kindness that can make a huge difference for someone who may otherwise have a difficult time getting in or out of their home during the winter months.”

Participation in the Snow Angels program is simple. Those who need help clearing snow at their property (due to a condition or disability) can apply to FCSS for assistance. If approved, a sign will be displayed outside their home from November until mid-April. Then, whenever it snows, if someone else in the community sees the sign, they’re encouraged to grab a shovel and clear the walkways and driveway.

Volunteers for the program may be individuals, youth, seniors, families, community groups or corporate volunteers. Snow Angel program recipients are encouraged to make a shovel readily available to volunteers for use.

“The FCSS team has made it really easy to volunteer for this program. There’s no need to register as a volunteer – you can just jump in and help out when you see one of the Snow Angel signs after a fresh snowfall,” said Mayor Lyndsay Montina. “Our community thrives when we take care of each other, and this is a simple way to help make winter a little easier to manage. The Town of Coalhurst is grateful to FCSS for bringing this program to our community and encouraging our residents to show care through action.”

To help acknowledge the work and dedication of Snow Angels, volunteers are encouraged to submit their volunteer hours online at the end of each month for a chance to win a draw prize. Alternatively, those who register to have their walkways shoveled also have an opportunity to nominate a Snow Angel for a gift of thanks.

At this time, the FCSS Snow Angels program is only available to Coalhurst residents. To learn more about the program, or to apply for a Snow Angels sign, contact Cindy at [email protected] or call 403-915-7063.

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October 9, 2024

Coalhurst Town Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Karlene Betteridge as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) effective October 8, 2024. Ms. Betteridge has been with the Town since January 2023 and previously served as the Director of Legislative Services.

“It’s clear to myself and Council that Ms. Betteridge has a deep commitment to public service and a passion for bringing people together to make positive things happen within the community. That’s just one reason we’re looking forward to working with her to continue advancing Council’s Strategic Plan while also looking toward a bright and growth-minded future for Coalhurst,” said Mayor Lyndsay Montina.

“We have significant projects on the horizon that we expect will drive substantial growth for our community over the next several years. That’s why Ms. Betteridge’s professionalism and positive leadership style, and her knowledge and experience in the world of regulations, policy and government will be what we need to achieve some very big goals. We are pleased to be able to promote from within the organization as we fill this key administrative role.”

Ms. Betteridge holds a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies from Mount Royal University and has several years’ experience in regulatory compliance, corporate responsibility policy and ethics, and stakeholder consultation and information management within the Alberta energy sector. Prior to joining the Town of Coalhurst, she served within the office of the City Clerk supporting Mayor and Council at the City of Lethbridge.

“I’d like to thank Mayor Montina and all of Council for entrusting me with this role to help guide the current and future growth of our community. I’m looking forward to working with Council, all of our Town staff, and the community as a whole to collectively build something great and something we are all proud of. There’s a lot of work to do and our team is ready to make it happen.”

The Chief Administrative Officer is the head of staff for the municipality and acts as a liaison and key advisor to Council.

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Click HERE to read the October 2024 newsletter.

October 3, 2024

The Town of Coalhurst has launched a brief survey to better understand the housing needs of current, past, and future residents.

“We know that choosing a place to call home is about much more than finding a place to live,” said Heather Caldwell, Community Housing Advisory Committee Chair. “It’s about finding the right fit for your family – whether that’s related to your budget, lifestyle, proximity to services, or type and size of home. The individual needs of a community are diverse and widespread, and we want to know whether we’re hitting the mark or if we need to make changes to better fit residents’ needs.”

The survey – which takes about 10 minutes to complete – is open to current, past, and prospective residents of Coalhurst. Its aim is to help the Town’s Community Housing Advisory Committee better understand potential barriers residents are facing and identify creative solutions to make life in Coalhurst more attainable and sustainable.

“We want to hear from current residents, but also from those who have lived here before and moved away. We want to understand why they chose to leave Coalhurst and whether a change in housing options or services may have kept them in our community,” said Caldwell. “It’s critical that we hear from a range of people and learn from their experiences.”

Answers within the survey will remain anonymous and will be used to guide the Committee’s next steps in making housing, development, and land use recommendations to Council to ensure the right mix of housing types and features are available to meet community needs.

The survey is available on the Town’s website at coalhurst.ca and is open until Monday, October 21, 2024.

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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 45^th 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 55^th 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 30^th 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 30^th 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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Here are some highlights from the September 3, 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.

Staff report: Administration report

• Sarah Bittner joined the Town of Coalhurst as Director of Corporate Services on September 3, 2024. Ms. Bittner is responsible for the Town’s financial operations, including property tax collection, human resource administration, budget preparation and analysis, and assistance with the annual financial audit.
• A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, for proposed Bylaw 454-24: the GreenTree Area Structure Plan. The public hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Public hearings are an opportunity for Council to hear from anyone affected by specific proposed bylaws. Members of the public may provide written comments or speak at the public hearing, which will be livestreamed and recorded on the Town’s YouTube channel.
  Anyone wishing to submit written comments regarding the proposed Bylaw should send them to the Director of Legislative Services by email to [email protected] no later than 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, to be included as part of the agenda package.

Summertime youth programming

Council received a report regarding the summertime youth camps that were held in Coalhurst throughout July and August. The camps were hosted by Barons-Eureka-Warner Family and Community Support Services (BEW FCSS) and Family Ties Lethbridge and took place at the Coalhurst Community Centre. There was no cost for kids to participate in the camps and no additional cost to the municipality for the services provided by FCSS and Family Ties.

Activities at the camps included outdoor sports and games, crafts, science experiments, team building exercises, leadership development, Indigenous-based learning activities, a puppet show, and time at the park, playground and spray park. Special guests to the camps included Big Brothers Big Sisters Lethbridge and Destination Exploration.

Overall, response from participants, parents and staff was extremely positive and the Town is already in discussions with FCSS and Family Ties about bringing the camps back to Coalhurst again in summer 2025 with some minor modifications to improve the registration process and participation for families.

The Town would like to sincerely thank the staff, volunteers, and community partners of both BEW FCSS and Family Ties Lethbridge for their time and dedication to Coalhurst youth this summer.

Community Standards Bylaw

A new bylaw for Community Standards was given first reading and then moved to the Committee of the Whole meeting of September 10, 2024, for further discussion.

The draft bylaw is intended to consolidate and simplify multiple other bylaws and policies into a single bylaw, for ease of understanding and application. The draft Community Standards Bylaw proposes to combine regulatory components from six existing bylaws and three policies, including:

• Smoke and/or Vape Free Playgrounds and Athletic Fields Bylaw No. 432-22
• Noise Control Bylaw No. 315-06
• Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 303-04
• Weapon Control Bylaw No. 291-02
• Rollerblades, Skateboards, Golf Clubs, Golf Balls, and Off-Highway Vehicles Bylaw No. 288-02
• Weed Control Bylaw No. 116-86
• Boulevard and Alley Maintenance Policy No. 32-01-03
• Unsightly Premises Action Policy No. 66-02-01
• Weed Control Policy No. 62-01-01

The draft bylaw is not intended to introduce new rules to the community, but rather to consolidate existing rules and reduce some of the more prescriptive language contained in the existing bylaws and policies it is intended to replace.

To learn more about the draft bylaw and the documents it’s intended to replace, you can read the complete September 3, 2024, Council meeting agenda.

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Click HERE to read the September 2024 newsletter.

Below are some highlights from the August 20, 2024, Town Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – you can read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.

Updates from Town Administration

• A Finance Clerk position is available within the Town Office and applications continue to be received. For those interested in this role, the job description and application information can be found on the Town’s website.
• The 2024 Street Improvement Project has been awarded to McNally Contractors. Once construction dates have been confirmed, residents will be notified. During the Street Improvement Project a number of roadways and sections of sidewalk will be repaired, including:
  • asphalt overlay paving on 51^st Avenue between the railway tracks and Spruce Drive;
  • asphalt overlay paving on 51^st Avenue between 4^th and 5^th Streets;
  • sidewalk replacement on the east side of 4^th Street from 51^st Avenue heading south to the dead end; and
  • patching, grinding, surface repairs and crack sealing on various sections of sidewalk throughout town.
• The GreenTree Area Structure Plan bylaw received first reading on July 16, 2024. The public hearing for this bylaw will be on September 17, 2024. Notifications for the public hearing will be provided to the community via a mail drop, information in the Town newsletter, and updates on the Town’s website and Facebook page. For more information on the GreenTree Area Structure Plan, visit this page.
• This year, the Development Department has received 26 development permit applications and 46 safety code permit applications. All but one of the applications have been considered permitted.

Council approves new dog park for Coalhurst

Following a recommendation by the Wetlands Enhancement Advisory Committee, Council has approved the development of a new fenced off-leash dog park in the northeast portion of Coalhurst, near 55^th Avenue and Range Road 223. As part of the recommendation, it was noted an off-leash dog park was one of the most requested amenities by residents when they were asked what should be included in the Wetlands area development.

Up to $160,000 has been approved from the Wetlands Enhancement budget for the building of the dog park, which will include double-gated entrances, an area specified for smaller dogs, a six-foot chain link fence, benches, dog waste bag stations and garbage cans, and a gravel pathway within the park.

Additionally, a parking lot will be added near the dog park, providing easy access to the area. Opportunities for financial sponsorship of the dog park and its amenities will also be made available.

Once a construction timeline has been confirmed, more information will be provided to the community.

Weeds on vacant properties

Council received a report outlining the bylaw enforcement process for properties that are deemed “unsightly” and require maintenance. Specifically, the report addressed vacant lots that may have tall grass and weeds on the properties.

Currently, there are 67 vacant lots in residential neighbourhoods throughout Coalhurst. These lots are normally maintained by the owners, usually twice a month. However, when a property is found to be unsightly, either by observation or complaint, the property owner is sent a Notice of Unsightly Property letter. This letter outlines the issues with the property and requests the property owner to take action and maintain the property within a specified time period. If the maintenance period passes and no action is taken, the Town hires a contractor to complete the work on behalf of the property owner and all expenses for such work is billed to the property owner. If those expenses are not paid, the amount is put onto the associated property taxes.

Throughout July 2024, municipal enforcement sent 18 notices to property owners, of which only three required further enforcement action.

Responsible Animal Control and Ownership Bylaw

A new bylaw for Responsible Animal Control and Ownership was given first reading and then was moved to the Committee of the Whole meeting of September 10, 2024, for further discussion.

The draft bylaw is intended to consolidate and simplify multiple other prescriptive and outdated animal-related bylaws and policies into a single bylaw, for ease of understanding and application.

Proposed changes within the bylaw include putting animal fees in a bylaw rather than in policies; rescinding redundant or outdated policies; minimizing rules around the keeping of cats; and preserving basic rules around the keeping of dogs. The Urban Hen bylaw adopted in 2022 is not impacted.

During the discussion, Council members noted they’re interested in having community feedback on animal control and ownership in Coalhurst to help better inform their decisions moving forward. To read more about the proposed bylaw and the other current documents related to the keeping of animals in Coalhurst, you can read the complete August 20, 2024, Council meeting agenda.

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