Donna Thomson

The council meeting addressed various departmental reports including fire department operations, library programs, and community recreation activities. Discussions took place regarding the potential relocation of recreational infrastructure, specifically basketball courts and horseshoe pits. Financial business included the payment of outstanding bills, a review of municipal funding and fiscal year-end procedures, and the approval of a new insurance provider. Furthermore, the council performed readings and approvals for official plan and development bylaw amendments related to the rezoning of two properties from commercial to residential use.

The council adopted the 2026-2027 budgets for the town, covering general operations, sewage, fire, and police protection. Property tax rates were set, and both 1-year and 5-year capital plans were approved. The meeting included the allocation of the Canada Community Building Fund to the Lagoon UV project and housing development, alongside the approval of various annual grants for local community organizations, arena improvements, and a housing accelerator fund. Additionally, a staff pay raise was authorized, and approval was granted for the rink and the town to submit project applications to the province.

The council discussed the hiring of a planner to create an Accessory Dwelling Unit guidebook and received reports from the fire, library, and finance committees. The council approved the purchase of an AED machine for the EMO center, authorized the payment of outstanding bills, and conducted the first reading and approval of the Livestock Bylaw 1-2026. Additionally, the council approved the upcoming meeting schedule and addressed the potential posting of the recreation calendar.

The council meeting addressed various departmental reports, including recreational activities and events like the Winter Festival and upcoming plans for Alberton Day. Financial business included the approval of bills totaling $126,034.18 and discussions regarding the 2026-27 fire budget and other capital expenditure projects. The Planning Board provided recommendations for a land subdivision and consolidation, which were subsequently approved. Additionally, the council held a second reading, approved, and adopted the Livestock Bylaw 1-2026, which prohibits domestic livestock within town boundaries.

The council discussed various operational updates including the purchase of a fire truck, the status of ATV regulations within town limits, and committee reports covering library programming and business updates. Financial decisions included approving bill payments for November and December and authorizing staff Christmas bonuses. Planning board recommendations regarding rezoning requests and property subdivision were addressed and denied based on development standards. The council also approved a donation to Lennon House, discussed potential surveillance camera systems, reviewed a draft livestock bylaw, and formally read and approved the new Official Plan and Development Bylaw.