Council Clips – August 14, 2018
Today Council met as the Committee of the Whole to hear the following briefings:
Neighbourhood Development Program
The Community Social Development (CSD) department is working to build a “livable community” in Canmore through the development of neighbourhoods that are connected, inclusive, and family-friendly. With the help of provincial grant funding, CSD is implementing six initiatives, including the Neighbourhood Connector Block Party Trailer and the Do Good in Your ‘Hood program. For more information about the CSD strategic plan, check out Tools for the Future at https://canmore.ca/documents/fcss/1920-community-social-development-strategy.
Public Engagement on Proposed 2018 Land Use Bylaw Amendments
The Town is exploring potential changes to the Land Use Bylaw, specifically in the areas of street life, housing, building, and land. Phase 1 of an extensive public engagement process has been carried out, and today the results were presented to Council. To learn more about the proposed amendments and read the public engagement summary of results visit Land Use Bylaw.
Public Consumption of Cannabis and Tobacco
The public consumption of cannabis will be legal on October 17, 2018. The Town needs to decide how to approach the regulation of cannabis consumption in public spaces, plus it’s a good time to decide whether or not any changes need to be made to the current Smoking Control Bylaw. Today Council was briefed on three options: follow provincial regulations only, further restrict smoking and vaping in parks, outdoor bus stops, and hotel rooms, or completely ban smoking and vaping of cannabis in all public places. This was a briefing only – the actual decision will be made at an upcoming council meeting. For more information visit Cannabis in Canmore.
Council Remuneration Change
Since 1999, legislation allows council members to receive a tax exemption on one-third of their earnings. This is intended to recognize administrative costs council members personally incur as a result of their elected position. The 2017 federal budget has eliminated this exemption, which will result in a decrease to net pay. Administration is recommending that the gross salaries of councilors be increased so that their take-home pay remains the same. To learn more you can read the staff report presented at today’s meeting – see item D4: https://canmore.ca/documents/2783-2018-08-14-cow-agenda
Committee of the Whole Regular Features
Check out the meeting agenda package to read:
- Councillor Updates – a monthly report on the activities of individual councillors
- Service Area Reports – each department provides a summary of operational activities
- Council Resolution Action List – direction given by Council to administration
- Bow Valley Regional Housing Updates
You can read written submissions in the agenda package here: https://canmore.ca/documents/2650-2018-06-12-cow-agenda or watch a video of the presentations at Council Agendas, Minutes, and Videos.
