The following are highlights from the Monday, August 14, 2023 Regular Meeting of Town Council.
2023 Budget Adjustments
At previous Meetings, Council approved a number of motions requiring funding not identified in the Town’s 2023 Budget. These include a Small Business Week engagement to happen in October, soil monitoring at Dodd’s lake and the Old Landfill site, and providing welcome packages for residency doctors. At the August 14, 2023, Council carried a motion approving the recommended budget adjustments.
PACE Transportation – Group Service Rates
PACE transportation transitioned to a new service provider in April of 2023. The new service charges rates based on individual riders. Certain user groups, including Sunset Manor, have found this fee structure makes group outings cost-prohibitive. On August 14, 2023, Administration proposed adjusted pricing for group trips. Council then carried a motion approving a 50% rate reduction for large groups (six or larger) accessing the PACE transportation service within the service zone.
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Pauses Approvals of Renewable Power Projects
On August 3, 2023 the Government of Alberta enacted a regulation that stops the AUC from granting approvals to new renewable power projects over 1 MW until March 1, 2024. The Town currently has a 2 MW solar generation facility planned for the SW Industrial expansion. The application for this project was intended to be submitted in late 2023. At the August 14 Council Meeting, Administration reported that the AUC will be accepting feedback until August 18, 2023. Council then carried two motions, accepting the report as information, and directing administration to submit feedback to the AUC regarding the Town’s planned solar generation facility, adding that correspondence be sent to appropriate provincial ministers.
2023 Housing Needs Assessment
Earlier this year, the Town engaged Bassa Social Innovations to help prepare a Housing Needs Assessment to provide a better understating of the specific needs of those requiring additional housing options in the community. The document prepared by Bassa is intended to form the basis of future housing-related actions. A draft of the document was presented to Council at the August 14 Meeting. After an in-depth discussion, Council carried a motion to accept the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment as information.
Partners in Climate Protection – Milestone 1
The Partners in Climate Protection (PCP) program is a network of Canadian municipal governments that have committed to reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) and to acting on climate change. The program consists of a five-milestone framework to guide municipalities in reducing GHG emissions at both the corporate and community levels. On August 14, 2023, Administration provided Council with a report providing a full breakdown of the 2020 inventory. Council then carried a motion accepting the report as information.
Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & Museum/Innisfail Eagles Golf Tournament Sponsorship
After received a request, Council carried a motion at the August 14 Meeting to sponsor the upcoming Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & Museum/Innisfail Eagles Golf Tournament as a hole sponsor ($325).
Innisfail Town Council strives to maintain a level of openness with its residents. The highlights only briefly touch upon the exchanges and decisions reached during the most recent Council meeting.
The full meeting is available to view on YouTube (click here)
Visit www.innisfail.ca/council to review full meeting agendas and minutes.
