Council Clips – December 7, 2021
Concerned with changes to Alberta EMS services that result in a decline of available ambulances in Canmore, Council directed staff to invite senior EMS officials to an upcoming committee of the whole meeting and voted to support the mayor in advocating on Council’s behalf for an increase in ambulance availability. For background, see item H5 https://canmore.ca/documents/4838-2021-12-07-council-agenda-regular
Election Signage
Council asked administration to return to Council in 2022 with a report on options for regulating or managing election signage on public land managed by the Town of Canmore.
Business Recovery Task Force Report
Council accepted the Business Recovery Task Force Report for planning purposes. The recommendations of the report align with three main recovery pillars to support the long-term resiliency of our local economy: Labour Recruitment and Retention, Support Local, and Beyond Local. The tangible recommendations for action include focusing on affordability, developing a labour recruitment and retention strategy, building a "Made in Canmore" web portal, developing a Winter Strategy Task Force, and lobbying with regional partners for broadband infrastructure. Some elements of the report are already completed or underway, while others require grant funding and efforts that will extend into long-term (5+ years). To read the report, and for more information about Economic Development programs planned or in progress, visit Economic Recovery Plan
Land Use Bylaw Omnibus Amendments
Council gave first reading to this annual Land Use Bylaw amendment intended to improve clarity, resolve clerical errors, and delete redundant and irrelevant regulations. A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2022. Find out how to participate at Bylaws Pending Approval
Stan Rogers Memorial Stage Renovations
Council approved a budget increase to the Stan Rogers Memorial Stage Project, thanks in part to a $50,000 contribution from the Canmore Folk Music Festival Society. The necessary repairs will extend the useful life of the stage for the foreseeable future. Stan Rogers Memorial Stage
Development Authority Bylaw Amendment
Council delegated the CAO as the subdivision approving authority for the Town of Canmore. Since major subdivision applications tend to include complex technical reports, that require subject matter expertise and knowledge of specifications and standards, these applications are better suited to a review and approval by Town of Canmore staff including planners, engineers, and specialists in operational areas, including road and park maintenance. Council also established new meeting procedures for the Canmore Planning Commission. Details can be found at Subdivision Authority
Canmore Library Appointments
Council appointed Vijay Domingo to the Canmore Library Board and Jennifer MacAulay as the Canmore Library Board representative to the Marigold Library Board.
2022 Master Fee Schedule
A new master fee schedule will come into effect in 2022. Visit Fee Schedule for more information.
RCMP Retroactive Pay
Since our municipality and others are facing significant, unbudgeted costs due to the recent collective agreement between the RCMP and National Police Federation, Council approved a resolution to join the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in calling on the federal government to absorb all retroactive costs associated with the implementation of the new RCMP labour relations regime.
New Grants Received
Council approved expenditure of two grants: $218,000 from the 2020 Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) for FireSmart programs and $244,000 from Transport Canada to augment the TIP20 project by constructing pedestrian crossings to municipal standards and improving signal phasing to accommodate trains.
Para-Nordic World Cup
Council voted to waive facility fees for the Para-Nordic World Cup rental of the Civic Centre for opening ceremonies in 2021.
Delegation from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
Len Hagen from ASH requested that Council consider amending existing bylaws to prohibit all smoking and vaping in public places and increase business registry fees for business who sell smoking and vaping products. Council will consider the request at their Jan. 11 meeting.
