Council Clips – July 6, 2021
Masks will no longer be required in public indoor settings or in outdoor line-ups with Council’s repeal of the mask bylaw this afternoon. However, the Government of Alberta still requires masks to be worn while using public transit, including ride share vehicles, taxis, motor coaches, and shuttles as well as in any continuing care facility, and any facility operated by AHS/Covenant. Individual businesses may require staff and/or customers to wear masks inside their place of business. While masking is no longer required in most situations, it is important to support those who may wish to continue wearing masks while adjusting to this next phase of the pandemic recovery. Please be kind and respect others’ level of comfort and risk tolerance. The protective plexiglass barriers in Town of Canmore facilities will remain in place until at least this fall.
Heliport Lease Renewed
Council approved a 10-year lease (effective Dec. 1, 2021) with Alpine Helicopters with a further reduction of the maximum number of sightseeing flights from 60/day in the current lease to 35/day (42% reduction). The minimum sightseeing flight duration was increased to 25 minutes, and a reduced rent was negotiated to reflect the increased restrictions applied to the heliport operations. Administration will return on Sept. 7, 2021 with a project description and budget to work with Alpine Helicopters to review possible locations in or near the municipality to locate a staging helipad for operating sightseeing flights or relocate the heliport. For details visit https://canmore.ca/town-hall/boards-committees/heliport-monitoring-committee/heliport-lease-renewal
EPCOR Water Quality Report
Council heard highlights from the report including minimizing the number of sewer back-ups in 2020, reducing water loss from leaks by 4%, and implementing a water testing program at Quarry Lake and Rundle Forebay to address concerns regarding source water quality at the Rundle Forebay. EPCOR also tested for lead in drinking water and there are no concerns. To read the report, visit https://canmore.ca/documents/public-works-documents/4634-2020-epcor-canmore-performance-report
Quarry Lake Parking
Households in Canmore are eligible for free parking at Quarry Lake. Administration reported that they have received some requests from MD of Bighorn residents to be eligible for the free pass. As this is the first season of the parking program, later this year administration will debrief and analyze the successes and challenges with the program, including feedback received from town and Bow Valley residents. Administration acknowledges there is some desire from residents in neighbouring municipalities to expand access to the program and will consider that as part of the debrief from this pilot season.
REST Pilot Program
Council received an update on the program that provided an overnight, cold weather mat program for people experiencing homelessness within the Bow Valley. The program supported 22 individuals between February and April 2021 and provided 104 safe and warm nights. Individuals were provided shelter through a mat program in St. Michael's, at a local hostel, and/or through YWCA Banff. Based on the REST pilot program evaluation, there is an identified need for a low-barrier shelter within the Bow Valley. The REST Program Manager is currently reviewing different potential program models and will work with community stakeholders to open a winter mat program space in 2021/2022. The Town of Canmore’s Community Social Development provides programs and partnerships to help prevent and intervene in times of crisis and provide social safety nets. Visit Other Supports for more resources.
Policy Review
Council rescinded five policies where the content of the policy is more appropriately contained in a corporate directive or procedure document. Council also approved amendments to 17 policies to either make minor edits to format, language, or make legislative changes. There are also policies where substantial changes are being recommended. This includes policies with new direction or approach, the removal of procedural elements, the updating to our new template, or improved clarity of intent. Policies were reviewed during a previous workshop with Council where Council provided feedback. Those changes were incorporated in several policies as presented today. Highlights of the changes can be found in item H4b of the agenda package. All policies will be posted on Policies
Council also approved:
- Details for the Tax Recovery Public Auction on Oct. 6, 2021 at 10 a.m. At this time, 20 parking stalls are set to go to auction. These properties represent a total of $29,934 in outstanding property taxes. The Municipal Government Act requires the Town of Canmore to hold a public auction for any parcel of land listed on its tax arrears list if the tax arrears are not paid for more than one year. All property owners have been contacted. For a list of properties, see item H3b in today’s agenda package.
Today’s agenda package can be read at https://canmore.ca/documents/4630-2021-07-06-council-agenda-regular
