The following are highlights from the January 25, 2021 Regular Meeting of Council.
Delegation – Dementia Friendly Community Coordinator, Year in Review
Jennifer Wood, the Dementia Friendly Community Coordinator from the Wolf Creek Primary Care Network, provided an overview of the group’s accomplishments in Innisfail over the past year. Council endorsed the Dementia Friendly Community program in November of 2019, and Innisfail was the first rural community to implement this type of program in Alberta.
Delegation – Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association, Dryland Use of Arena
Representatives from the Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association presented Council with a request to allow the group access to the Innisfail Arena for dryland training earlier in the association’s season. The request would see the removal of one of the ice surfaces at the beginning of March each year. After hearing the group’s presentation, Council advised the representatives to meet with Town Administration who will then prepare a report to be presented to Council at a future meeting.
Review of 2020 Building Permit Values
Town Administration delivered a report on the Town’s 2020 building permits. Highlights included the new EQUS building, the lodge at the Innisfail Ski Hill, along with a substantial increase in the total dollar value of residential home improvement permits. Overall, building permit levels were down from the previous year. Administration noted that 2021 has started strong based on the value of residential permits already issued. Council received the report as information
Proposed Bylaw 1647-2021 – Cemetery Bylaw
Town Administration presented an updated Cemetery Bylaw for Council’s approval. Changes primarily pertain to the inclusion of new interment types, adornment of memorials and the inclusion of a memorial wall. The bylaw also contains an increase in rates as those currently collected are insufficient to maintain a perpetual care fund to be used towards maintenance and upkeep of the facility. The bylaw was given first reading, after which Council directed Administration to inform the public of the proposed changes through the Town’s communication channels. Second reading of the proposed bylaw will take place at the Monday, February 22 Regular Meeting of Council.
Request for Decision – Park Use Pilot Project, Private Recreation Activities
The Town’s Parks Bylaw 1440 currently prohibits the use of a park space for a business or commercial venture. To support local small businesses, particularly while provincial COVID-19 restrictions are in place, Administration presented a proposal for a pilot project which would allow private operators to reserve and use public park space for commercial activities. Administration proposed that reservations be booked through an application process, but that no application fee be charged at this time. Council approved the program as presented.
Innisfail Town Council strives to maintain a level of openness with its residents. The highlights above only briefly touch upon the exchanges and decisions reached during the most recent Council meeting. To find full details on the proceedings, click here. Meeting agendas and minutes are available for review.
