Council Clips – February 13, 2018
Lafarge’s Permit Application for Low-carbon Fuel Options
Jim Bachmann, Plant Manager in Exshaw, presented Lafarge’s update on their permit application for the use of eight lower carbon fuels, including construction renovation/demolition waste, non-recyclable plastic, carpets and textiles, shingles, treated wood products, wood products, rubber and tire derived fuels. These sources of fuel have been successfully used at other Lafarge cement plants in Canada and around the world, and they are looking into the feasibility of implementing it in Exshaw. For more information on their project, visit: http://www.lafargeexshaw.ca/
Update from Bow Valley Waste Management Commission
Andrew Calder, the CAO of the Bow Valley Waste Management Commission (BVWMC) presented an overview of the BVWMC operation and services provided to member municipalities, residents and businesses in the local community. They are looking at strategies to increase diversion rates and recognize that the majority of the materials they receive is from commercial use. At the current rate of usage, the expected lifespan of the Francis Cooke Regional Landfill is another 30 or more years. Although the presentations were unrelated, if Lafarge is eventually able to use the lower carbon fuels they are proposing, there may be opportunities to keep those items out of the landfill. More information on BVWMC can be found here: https://bvwaste.ca/
Plan to Address Effects of New Cannabis Legislation
We expect the purchase and use of cannabis to become legal in the summer of 2018. The Province of Alberta has published their proposed plans on the website Alberta’s Approach to Cannabis Legalization. While there are still areas that remain unaddressed in the Province’s materials, the Town is moving forward with plans to address:
Permitted use at work and fitness for duty (HR policies),
Being ready with zoning when the government finalizes regulation (Land Use Bylaw),
Public consumption and use (enforcement regulations), and
Potential for divisiveness in the community (social impact).
Administration is in the process of developing a plan to engage with the community to gain their perspective on all of the issues at the same time, and we want to ensure that any public engagement we conduct is related to specific issues or concerns in Canmore and doesn’t duplicate provincial engagement initiatives. For more information read the report item D1 in the agenda package.
Canmore Recreation Centre Project Update
This lifecycle maintenance project is a major undertaking, budgeted at $9.5 million. In order to meet the budget, significant scope modifications and reductions would need to be made including some floor plan modifications. However, Council directed administration to suspend the current design process until administration can return to Council to get direction regarding the re-introduction of a central stairwell into the design and scope for the project. Keep up with project developments at Canmore Recreation Centre
Canadian Rockies Public Schools Joint Use Agreement
The joint use agreement between the Town and Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CPRS) is intended to make available and maximize the use of facilities between the two organizations to benefit both students and the community. Since the agreement was first signed in 2009 there have been some changes that need to be addressed, for example the ongoing wear and tear on sports fields, resulting in a cost-savings to CPRS. Council received a report detailing changes to the contract, which is expected to be signed shortly.
Committee of the Whole Regular Features
Check out the meeting agenda package at https://canmore.ca/documents/2379-2018-02-13-cow-agenda 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
