Council Clips – December 20, 2022
2023-2028 Budget Approved
Council approved a $68.3M operating budget and $37.2M capital budget for 2023 to continue to provide a status quo level of services and programs to the community, all of which were asked for by residents over the years. The budget also advances priorities such as transit service enhancements, increasing affordable services to retain and attract families, emergency notifications and response plans, reducing our impact on climate change, and productive public engagement. The result is an anticipated 12.5% municipal property tax increase for 2023. For context, a residential unit at the 2022 median assessed value of $800,000 should expect a municipal property tax increase of approximately $18.84 per month. Our monitoring of 19 similar communities in the region shows that Canmore’s taxes per dwelling unit continue be around average. Utility rates and franchise fees were also approved. Details on the budget can be found at https://canmore.ca/town-hall/financial-information
Canmore’s Living Wage
The Living Wage calculation provides communities with a way to evaluate the impact that programs and initiatives have on affordability as well as giving local businesses a tool through which they can increase the standard of living for employees through employer benefit programs. Wage is only part of the picture when it comes to affordability. Maintaining a livable community where all individuals can thrive is the shared responsibility of community, businesses, and all levels of government. The Town of Canmore is committed to finding ways to make the community more affordable by supporting community programs, such as Food and Friends, Vital Homes, and supporting free local Roam Transit. Canmore’s 2022 Living Wage is $32.75, based on a 35-hour work week. Visit https://canmore.ca/residents/family-community-services/community-social-development/living-wage
Regional Emergency Management Coordination
Council heard an update to the work being done to create a Regional Emergency Management Plan with funding received from the Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) Grant as well as the benefits of having a formalized regional emergency management agency and advisory committee. A regional approach will help formalize lines of communication. The Regional Emergency Management Coordination Plan is intended to increase preparedness within the Bow Valley, create a regional emergency management plan, complete a regional hazard identification and risk assessment, run a regional emergency exercise, and increase regional capacity and resiliency in the face of a disaster.
First Response Fire Agreement with the MD of Bighorn
Council authorized the Mayor and CAO to execute the First Response Fire Agreement with the MD of Bighorn for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2023. No changes were made to the existing agreement, first signed in 2017.
Bow Valley Regional Housing
Council heard an update on how BVRH operates and administers provincially-owned housing assets and programs in the Bow Valley. BVRH provides accommodation services, including community housing, a rent supplement program, and seniors’ supportive living for Bow Valley region residents who struggle to secure and maintain income-appropriate housing. In 2023 the new Designated Supportive Living facility will open 30 memory care and 30 physical frailty suites with 24-hour care services. Alberta Health Services, not BVRH, will determine admissions, stating that priority will be given to residents of the area. More than 30 former residents who have had to leave the region to get the care they required will return home to live this new wing. Visit www.bvrh.ca for information on their programs.
