The following are highlights from the June 14, 2021 Regular Meeting of Council.
North Area Structure Plan Bylaw 1672-2021
A draft of the new North Area Structure Plan was presented to Council and was given first reading at the May 10, 2021 Regular Meeting of Council. The plan was later amended to reflect the potential interim use of the lands earmarked for future Innisfail Cemetery expansion. The revised draft was reviewed at a public hearing held on June 14, after which Council approved the plan as presented.
Delegation – Dale Dunham
Pride Month is celebrated every June in Canada. Local business owner Dale Dunham presented Council with a proposal to have the Town raise a Pride flag at the Town Office to coincide with a planned event taking place in Innisfail on June 26. Council approved the proposed action; the flag will remain in place throughout the corresponding weekend.
Lakewood Drive Speed Limits
After several concerns were raised regarding vehicle speeds on Lakewood Drive and the west end of 50 Street, Administration prepared a proposal to reduce speed limits along the stretch of road. Council approved the proposed action. Appropriate signage will indicate the new limits and Town Staff will communicate the changes to the public.
RCMP – Policing Strategic Priorities
Each year, local RCMP set strategic priorities determined by both community and regional needs. After gathering public feedback through the Policing & Safe Community Committee, property crime, youth engagement and the building a of safe/respectful community were identified as local priorities. Council approved these priorities as presented. Additional priorities identified in the RCMP strategic plan were traffic safety and innovative social solutions.
Economic Development Entity, Bylaw 1673-2021
One of the larger actions identified in the Town’s 2021-2026 Economic Development Plan is to“establish a formal arms-length economic development entity”. This new model, being adopted in other communities across Canada, is typically composed of representatives from the community and elected officials. On Monday, Council first approved the presented bylaw and then appointed representatives as proposed by Administration. Councillors Jean Barclay and Don Harrison were then formally appointed as Council representatives.
Facility Booking & Allocation Policy 2021-006, Camping on Town Premise Policy 2021-005
An update to the Town’s current facility booking policy was required to better reflect the needs of user groups and Town staff when processing booking requests. The updated policy should help ensure the time available to user groups is distributed more efficiently, ultimately leading to increased use of the facility. A second policy overseeing event camping associated with pre-planned events such as tournaments was presented, clearly defining guidelines for both staff and patrons. Council approved both new policies and, as part of procedure, rescinded the previous facility booking policy.
50 Street Landscaping – Phase 2
After brief discussion, Council approved awarding the 50 Street Entry Landscaping – Phase 2 contract to Appollo Landscaping for $114,290. All bids were higher than the original budgeted project amount. Funding will come from the Recreation and Culture Reserve.
Disc Golf Course Agreement
An agreement has been drafted between the Town and the Innisfail Kinsmen Club for the development and maintenance of the disc golf course being established at Centennial Park. The agreement identifies that the course will remain in place for a minimum of ten years. Council approved the draft agreement as presented.
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. To find full details on the proceedings, visit www.innisfail.ca/council. Meeting agendas and minutes are available for review.
