Kathy Abel

The Official Community Plan for the District of Barriere provides a structured framework for managing land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, parks, recreation, and environmental stewardship. The plan's vision for 2045 aims for a thriving, inclusive, and connected community with a resilient local economy and a high quality of life. Key strategic pillars and objectives include celebrating small-town character, ensuring affordable and diverse housing, cultivating a vibrant and inclusive downtown, investing in sustainable infrastructure, advancing economic development and diversification, fostering cultural collaboration, enhancing mobility and connectivity, promoting active and healthy lifestyles, supporting residents across their lifespan, leading with environmental stewardship, and ensuring community safety and environmental resilience.

The council meeting addressed several key items, including funding and lease proposals from the Barriere First Responder Society and the Barriere and Area Men's Shed Society regarding the use of the Old Chamber Building. The council reviewed and advanced various bylaws related to development approvals, public notice, elections, and financial planning. Additionally, the council approved the 2024 Statement of Financial Information, authorized an increase in automatic fund transfer limits, and agreed to the disposal of Fire Engine #1. The council also approved early budget allocation and borrowing for road equipment and passed a resolution urging the provincial and federal governments to establish a revenue-sharing model based on sales tax.

This document is a Public Hearing Planning Report and a Draft Bylaw (No. 273) to amend the District of Barriere's Official Community Plan (OCP). The OCP serves as a long-range planning document to guide future growth, land use, and development for the community. The plan outlines eleven guiding principles, including strengthening small-town character, providing affordable and diverse housing, cultivating a vibrant downtown, investing in sustainable infrastructure, advancing economic development, fostering cultural collaboration, enhancing mobility, promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting residents across the lifespan, leading with environmental stewardship, and ensuring community safety and resilience. The vision for Barriere in 2045 is a thriving, inclusive, and connected community with a resilient local economy, diverse housing, quality healthcare, modern infrastructure, and recreational spaces, balancing innovation with small-town charm.

The council received an update on a flood mitigation plan from TRUE Consulting and approved a four-year financial contribution agreement with the Barriere Firefighters Association for training support. Several bylaws were adopted, including the Development Approvals Bylaw, the 2026-2030 Financial Plan, and an amendment to the Fees and Charges Bylaw, alongside updates to the Public Engagement Policy. The council also authorized wildfire mitigation treatment for a vacant parcel on Barriere Town Road. Additionally, the meeting included department updates, a resolution of support for the Forestry is a Solution campaign, and reports from council members and the mayor regarding various community committees and events.

This Official Community Plan serves as the District of Barriere's primary long-range planning document, articulating a vision for a thriving, inclusive, and connected community by 2045. It provides a structured framework for managing land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, parks and recreation, and environmental stewardship. Key focus areas include strengthening small-town character, providing affordable and diverse housing, cultivating a vibrant downtown, investing in sustainable infrastructure, advancing economic diversification, fostering cultural collaboration, enhancing mobility, promoting active lifestyles, supporting residents across the lifespan, leading with environmental stewardship, and ensuring community safety and resilience. The plan aims to balance growth with sustainability, ensuring coordinated, resilient development responsive to evolving local needs and global challenges.