Council Clips – May 15, 2018

Canmore Rec Centre Lifecycle Maintenance Project

Last year, detailed cost estimates for the lifecycle maintenance project at the rec centre came in at $3-$4M over the $9.5M project budget. In February Council approved some significant modifications and reductions to the project scope in an effort to keep it within budget, including a controversial decision not to replace the central staircase at a cost of $430,000. Final tenders are now in, and even with the reduced scope, prices remain higher than the approved budget. Tonight Council approved a budget increase of $2.1M, with funding to come from municipal reserve (MR) reserves, as they recognize the importance of advancing this project without further delays. Administration will continue to pursue both cost savings and additional funding sources. For more information about the project and FAQs, visit Canmore Recreation Centre

Rooftop Solar in Alberta

Council heard a presentation from a group of University of Calgary students affiliated with Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research.  These students partnered with the Town to create a model to help understand the potential of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta by maximizing the installation of rooftop solar units to general electricity. You can watch the presentation by clicking the May 15 webcast link here:  Council Agendas, Minutes, and Videos. You can also learn more about Canmore’s solar incentive program at Solar Incentive Program

2018 Property Taxes

The 2018 budget called for 3.7% municipal property tax increase. This net increase has been reduced to 2.9% because of additional taxes being generated from growth.  The impact of this increase on municipal taxes, per $100,000 of assessed value, is as follows:

When we add in provincial education taxes and the seniors’ requisition, the increase looks like this (for every $100,000 of assessed value):

To learn more about Canmore property taxes visit Property Tax

Additional items:

Council:

·        accepted the request to reduce the number of signatures required for petition as information only, and take no additional action at this time;

·        directed administration to negotiate favourable terms of purchase for the lands at 630 10 Street (for the purposes of building a park) and return to Council for a decision;

·        approved a playground replacement in Three Sisters funded entirely by parent fundraising; and

·        reduced the scope of rehabilitation and enhancement project in the laneway between 6 and 7 Avenues (next to the Civic Centre) to pavement patching only.

To read any of the reports in the meeting agenda package visit https://canmore.ca/documents/2596-2018-05-15-council-agenda-regular