David Gordin

The committee meeting featured a policing update covering crime statistics, the implementation of a new mental health assistance app called health IM, and a new program for chronic property offenders. Additionally, the committee discussed public education efforts regarding the legality of e-scooters and e-bikes, as well as RCMP staffing updates. The meeting also included an initial presentation regarding the transportation master plan and road condition assessment.

The council held a public hearing regarding various land use bylaws, specifically official community plan amendment bylaw number 1375.11 and zoning amendment bylaw number 1395.12, which aim to address identified gaps and ambiguities in existing land use regulations. Following the hearing, these bylaws were read for a third time. The meeting also included the approval of the 2025 annual report and the statement of financial information. Additionally, the council discussed a contract extension for waste collection services with Waste Connections, intending to align the town's contract expiration date with other regional communities and reduce recycling contamination rates.

The council conducted a public hearing regarding the agricultural land reserve block exclusion proposal. Staff provided an overview of the challenges associated with the current land use designations and explained the criteria for the proposed property exclusions. Public input was received from residents, with some expressing support for the exclusion to address zoning and development constraints, while others requested to remain within the agricultural land reserve to maintain current land protections. Following the hearing, the council moved to direct administration to submit the exclusion application to the Agricultural Land Commission.

The committee meeting focused on a presentation regarding the Asuous Water Program, specifically outlining the town's transition from a groundwater supply to a surface water treatment approach using the Asuous Lake source. The discussion covered the background and drivers for this change, including historical water quality issues related to manganese and the need for a robust treatment system to manage organics, algae, and seasonal variations. The presentation detailed the multi-stage treatment process being piloted, which includes dissolved air flotation and filtration, and described the four phases of pilot testing used to optimize the proposed treatment train design for future infrastructure investment.

The council received the 2025 audited financial statements for the town and the Sunwell Arena. Discussions were held regarding proposed zoning and Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments, which are slated to proceed to a public hearing. Additionally, the council adopted an amendment to the street naming and building numbering bylaw and provided readings for an election bylaw amendment. The council also processed expense reports and considered a business license application for a short-term rental. The CEO provided departmental updates covering community services, municipal enforcement, and fire department training programs.