Lee Chambers

The key discussion points during the meeting included the appointment of Councillor Carmen Leibel as chairperson for the year 2026. The committee also reviewed the Terms of Reference and found no revisions necessary. A recommendation was made concerning the Dust Control Policy for presentation to Council for approval.

The Planning and Development Committee meeting addressed several items requiring bylaw amendments and public hearings. Key discussions included a site size adjustment for Lots 3 and 4, Blk/Par 1, NW ¼ 18-17-17-W2M to incorporate an existing sewage mound and private well into Lot 3 boundaries. The committee also reviewed proposed subdivision and rezoning actions for NE 1/4 12-16-18-W2M from AR (Agricultural Resource) to CR1 (Country Residential 1), and a similar rezoning proposal for Parcel A, SW ¼ 6-19-17-2 W2M. Additionally, approval was sought for the removal of the parcel tie code between NW ¼ 10-17-18 W2M Ext. 4 and NW ¼ 10-17-18 W2M Ext. 5.

The Council meeting included a delegation from SARM Division 2 providing an overview of recent legislative changes under The Plant Health Act and The Weed Control Act, noting that himalayan balsam and orange hawkweed are now prohibited weeds. Key decisions included the adoption of the agenda, acceptance of the Community Safety Officer Report, approval of a list of accounts totaling over $1.1 million including December 2025-January 2026 payroll, and acceptance of the Public Works 2025 Annual Report and the Waterworks 2026 Annual Notice to Consumers. The Council also accepted the Planning and Development 2025 Annual Report, gave first reading to Bylaw No. 2026-02 regarding data centre zoning amendments, and approved subdivision applications involving lot line rearrangement and parcel tie code removal. Appointments were made to the Development Appeals Board for 2026. Furthermore, the Council authorized signing an addendum to a Community Safety Officer Supervisor agreement and renewed CSO service contracts for 2026 with the Town of Balgonie, Town of Pilot Butte, and the RM of Lajord No. 128. Attendance and voting delegates were authorized for the 2026 SARM Annual Convention. A portion of the meeting was held In Camera to discuss long-range or strategic planning matters.

The Communications, Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee Meeting convened. The primary agenda item involved the review and acceptance of the minutes from the preceding committee meeting held on June 27, 2025.

The Planning and Development Committee meeting addressed several key items. The committee made a recommendation for Council to give first reading to Bylaw 2026-02, which proposes amending the Zoning Bylaw to include "data centre" as a permitted use with associated development standards. A recommendation was also made to approve a lot line rearrangement involving Lot 16, Block 3 and Lot 14, Block 3, as it complies with the RM's governing documents. Finally, the committee recommended approval for the removal of all parcel tie codes between several external land designations within the NE ¼ 22-17-18 W2M area.