Collin Steffes

The Council meeting began with the acceptance of an amended agenda, which included a Notice of Motion for a letter of advocacy and an In-Camera item regarding FCSS. The Council reviewed and accepted the presentation from the Barrhead Exhibition Association and Agricultural Society. The meeting proceeded into a closed session to discuss third-party business interests related to exhibition agreements and FCSS intergovernmental relations before reconvening. Key decisions included directing Administration to draft a five-year facility use agreement with the Exhibition Association and directing Administration to write a letter to FCSS. Old business involved awarding the contract for the Water Treatment Plant access road culvert repair to Barsi Enterprises, including a 20% contingency. New business included the approval of Workplace Violence and Harassment Prevention Policies and Procedures, and approval for the Barrhead Blue Fins Swim Club to host an unofficial swim meet on February 21, 2026. The Council also accepted the revised Procurement Policy and made several Public Member appointments to various committees and boards, approved Option #1 for the 2026 Calendar of Council Meeting Delegations, accepted the Monthly Bank Statement to November 30, 2025, and gave first reading to the Animal Control Bylaw (to include Urban Hens) and the Residential New Build Tax Incentive Bylaw, setting public hearings for both on February 24, 2026.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included consideration of various items. Key new business involved public appointments to the Barrhead Public Library Board, review of the December Bank Statement, consideration of a donation request from Rosie's BFFS Society, a subsidy request for the Pembina Arts Festival Showcase Committee, a potential meeting with Minister of Municipal Affairs Dan Williams, and a motion regarding a letter of support for washroom accessibility improvements at Barrhead Hospital. The agenda also listed items for information, including minutes from other entities and a proposed procedural bylaw amendment.

The Regular Meeting Agenda for the Town Council included several items for consideration. Key discussions involved a public hearing, a delegation from the Barrhead Exhibition Association & Agricultural Society, and an in-camera session regarding the disclosure of business interests harmful to third parties concerning Agricultural Society Agreements. Old Business included the Barrhead Regional Water Commission Road Culvert Tender Award. New Business covered discussions on Health and Safety Policies, a request for the Blue Fin Swim Meet, revisions to the Procurement Policy, and public appointments to committees/boards. The agenda also listed bylaws for updates, including one to include urban hens, and correspondence items.

The council meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics, such as receiving a presentation from Barrhead RCMP regarding recent statistics for calls and activities, and a presentation from Barrhead & District Social Housing providing information about the Agency, its facilities, amenities, and services. The council also discussed Barrhead Lagoon upgrades, directing Administration to apply for funding and formally advising the Province of financial impacts due to enhanced effluent treatment standards. Additionally, the council supported the Barrhead Regional Water Commission's grant application and provided an update on the All-Skills Bike Park project. They also discussed the possibility of allowing backyard chickens within the Town of Barrhead, directing Administration to draft a bylaw.

The agenda included consideration of the 2026 Council Meeting Calendar, the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets, and the Financial Statement Report up to September 30, 2025. Discussions also covered the cancellation of utility and trade receivable accounts, the Water Commission Operating Agreement, and the 2026 Budget for Barrhead Johnson Airport. The meeting involved presentations from the Barrhead RCMP regarding recent statistics and activities, and from the Barrhead & District Social Housing providing information about their facilities and services. Council addressed the Barrhead Lagoon Upgrades, including new requirements by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) to treat sanitary water, and considered the methodology, funding, and advocacy plan to address the upgrades. Support was given to the Barrhead Regional Water Commission's grant application to Alberta Municipal Affairs for funding of the Barrhead Regional Raw Water Supply Assessment -- Phase 2 project.