Ken Hove

The agenda for the Regular Council Meeting included multiple action items requiring Council approval or consideration. Key discussions involved the approval of a subdivision application (25-SUB-166) subject to specific conditions related to access and sewage disposal systems. Council was set to accept an administration report regarding the public information package for the Data Processing Facility amendment to the Land Use Bylaw. Other items included accepting the Communities in Bloom report and directing administration regarding budget inclusion if funding is pursued, approving three readings of Bylaw 4-2026 concerning the Economic & Community Development Committee (ECDC) bylaws, and approving an amendment to Policy AG-001 regarding the Beaver Program. Council was also scheduled to consider approving a community grant request for the Barrhead Art Gallery / Pembina Arts Festival, approving the County of Barrhead Corporate Communications Plan, and approving the Corporate Use of Social Media Policy. Furthermore, the meeting agenda included a decision on the 2026 Mower and Sidearm Replacement purchase and authorization for an operating agreement regarding Misty Ridge Ski Hill.

The agenda for the February 17, 2026 meeting addressed several action items. Key discussions included setting a date to reconvene the public hearing regarding the proposed land use bylaw amendment for data processing facilities, approving Policy PS-016 CPO Ride Along Program and rescinding the outdated Policy 26.13, and appointing Assessment Review Board (ARB) officials for the Capital Region Assessment Services Commission (CRASC) for one-year terms expiring December 31, 2026. Council also considered the purchase of a 2026 Dodge Ram truck for Public Works and the purchase of a 2026 Caterpillar rubber tire backhoe, with direction for trade-ins. Further agenda items included discussing options for scheduling future Council meetings, considering three readings of the Records Management Bylaw (Bylaw 3-2026) to update legislation references, and approving the 2025 year-end financial reports subject to audit. Reports accepted for information included the County Manager's report (covering resolution tracking, emergency management planning, and the LIFT Business Conference), the Annual Enforcement Services Report for 2025, and the Public Works report.

The meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the January 6, 2026 Regular Meeting. Key discussions included the unanimous approval to purchase a 2026 John Deere Loader, trading in Unit #303. Council accepted reports from Public Works & Utilities and the Director of Corporate Services, including payments and remuneration reports for December 2025. The request to reduce or cancel charges for fire incident report 25-332-CFR was denied. During a delegation segment, the Neerlandia Sports Committee requested funding for their arena roof project, which Council accepted for information. Fire Chief Hove presented quarterly and annual reports. A Public Hearing was held regarding Bylaw 2-2026, proposing to add "Data Processing Facility" as a Discretionary Use in the Agricultural Land Use District; this hearing was recessed to a future date. The County Manager's report noted the Emergency Advisory Committee recommended the ASB review the DRAFT Livestock Emergency Management Plan, and Council supported this. Council also directed drafting content for a Ministerial Forum question regarding the closure of the Lacombe Research & Development Center. Finally, Council decided to postpone the discussion on scheduling future meetings and agreed to write a letter of support for the Misty Ridge Ski Hill committee's grant application.

This Intermunicipal Development Plan establishes a cooperative land use planning framework between the County of Barrhead No. 11 and the Town of Barrhead. Its principal goals include promoting orderly, economic, and beneficial land use; facilitating cooperative development; ensuring efficient traffic movement; minimizing environmental impacts; and encouraging sustainable development. The plan addresses specific areas of concern such as water supply protection, transportation system coordination, farmland preservation, and guidance for agricultural, residential, industrial, commercial, and recreational development within the designated Plan Area.

This Economic Development Plan serves as a roadmap for the County of Barrhead, guiding long-term and sustainable business growth. It focuses on three guiding principles: Marketing & Attraction, Business Retention & Expansion, and Engagement & Partnerships. The plan aims to implement and regulate economic development policies and priorities, aligning with the County's vision for a strong, healthy, and proud rural community through good governance and sustainable services. It includes a detailed workplan spanning from 2022 to 2024.