Council Clips – November 19, 2019
Paid Parking and Fare Free Transit
Council heard an update on plans to implement paid parking in June 2020 to help manage traffic congestion in the Town Centre. The approach to pricing will be to charge the least amount that will achieve parking utilization targets during peak times. During off-peak times prices can be reduced or eliminated. The program also envisions all-day parking rates in designated areas, several 15-minute free zones, and free all-day parking on certain streets north of Town Centre, as well as a residential parking permit program to prevent spillover in adjacent neighbourhoods. Net revenues are intended to be reinvested into strategies like fare-free transit and Town Centre enhancement. No decision to implement paid parking was made at this meeting, but a decision is scheduled for the December 3 regular meeting of council. For more details on the proposed plan, visit Paid Parking & Fare Free Transit.
Bow Valley Climate Action
Local group Bow Valley Climate Action provided their suggestions to council for implementing two of the goals in the Town’s Climate Action Plan: increase energy efficiency of buildings in the Bow Valley and encourage great use of active transportation and public transportation to reduce GHGs. To read more about the Climate Action Plan visit Climate Action Plan.
Fire Rescue Staffing Review
In 2019, Council approved the addition of two firefighters for the day shifts during the summer months to improve service. The program was a success and will be expanded in 2020 from 11 weeks to 15-16 weeks, depending on budget.
Engineering Design and Construction Guidelines
The Engineering Department is undertaking a full-scale review of the Town’s Engineering Design and Construction Guidelines, a 330-page opus developed to assist developers, engineering consultants, landscape architects, and contractors in the design and construction of Town infrastructure and amenities. The guidelines are scheduled for Council approval at their January 14 meeting.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Council received a comprehensive summary of the ways Town of Canmore activities align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which are a broad framework highlighting the complex and interconnected relationships between environmental, economic, and social factors of well-being.
Wildlife Attractants
After the new bylaw was approved this fall, Bylaw Services responded to 24 complaints of wildlife being attracted by fruit or berries on trees. Only two tickets were issued, as their focus was on education and awareness, and most residents complied immediately by either removing the fruit, or removing the trees altogether. Visit Removing Wildlife Attractants for more information.
Committee of the Whole regular features
· Councillor Updates
· Service Area Reports
· Council Resolution Action List
· Bow Valley Regional Housing Bulletins
If you are interested in reading the reports associated with the items presented the committee of the whole meeting, follow this link to the November 19 meeting agenda package.
