The following are highlights from the Monday, March 13, 2023 Regular Meeting of Town Council.
Addition of Metis, Treaty #7 Flags to Council Chambers
As a gesture of the Town’s commitment to truth and reconciliation, Council carried a motion to add the Metis Nation of Alberta and Treaty #7 flags to those already on display in the Town’s Council Chambers.
Innisfail Eagles Fundraising Request
The Town received a request to support the Innisfail Eagles’ fundraising efforts to cover travel costs associated with the 2023 Allan Cup in Dundas, Ontario. Earlier this month, the club received a $1,500 Community Grant awarded by the Community Services Standing Committee. On March 13, citing the amount of the grant, Council carried a motion to support the team solely through the grant and accepted the correspondence as information.
Appointment of Weed/Pest Inspector
Under the Alberta Weed Control Act and Agriculture Pests Act, municipalities are responsible for appointing inspectors to enforce and monitor compliance within their municipality. On Monday, Council approved the appointment of Braden Wilson, current Town Horticulturist, as Innisfail’s local Municipal Weed and Pest Inspector with enforcement support from the Town’s Municipal Enforcement department.
Fish Stocking – Dodd’s Lake
The Innisfail Lions Club has been stocking Dodd’s Lake for the past two years with no record of serious winter kill. At the March 13 meeting, Council carried a motion approving a request from the club, allowing them to stock Dodd’s Lake with approximately 500 trout each year for the next five years (ending 2028).
45 Street Close Infrastructure Replacements
After identifying the need for infrastructure replacement on 45 Street Close, a project was included with the Town’s 2023 Capital Budget. Administration proceeded with the appropriate tendering process and received bids higher than the originally anticipated project cost. On March 13, Administration recommended a bid from Carbon Earthworks Ltd. for $534,975.50. Council then carried the recommended motion to be funded from the Utilities Stabilization Reserve.
Age-Friendly Committee Community Action Plan
After a Seniors Needs Assessment was completed in 2016, Council passed the Age-Friendly Community Committee Bylaw 1633-2021 in March of 2021, establishing an Age-Friendly Community Committee. On February 15/23, the committee reviewed the bylaw and recommended changes. The committee has also developed the Age-Friendly Innisfail Community Action Plan. On March 13, Council carried motions approving the Age-Friendly Innisfail Community Action Plan as presented, and granted first, second and third readings to the Age-Friendly Community Committee Bylaw 1706-2023 as presented.
Trade Show Rental Rate
The Innisfail & District Chamber of Commerce requested a reduction in the rental rate for their annual Trade Show. At the March 13 meeting, Council carried a motion directing administration to charge a rate of 50% of the daily youth dryland rental rate for the 2023 and 2024 show rentals.
Contract Extension Agreement – Parkland Community Planning Services
The Town currently contracts planning services from Parkland Community Planning Services (PCPS). On Monday, upon Administration’s recommendation, Council approved entering into a Contract Extension Agreement with PCPS through to the end of 2023.
Bylaw 1695-2022 – ATCO Gas Franchise Agreement
The Franchise Agreement between ATCO and the Town of Innisfail grants ATCO certain rights to provide natural gas distribution service. In turn, ATCO commits to terms and conditions under which it will deliver natural gas service within the community. On September 12/22, Administration brought forward Bylaw 1695-2022 for first reading. Following a mandatory advertising period, no objections or concerns were received by the Town or ATCO. On March 13, Council carried motions giving the bylaw second, third and final readings. Council then carried a motion approving the Town to endorse the ATCO Gas Franchise Renewal Agreement.
Commitment Letter – Innisfail Waste to Energy Project
Working with Varme Energy, the Town has prepared a letter requesting support for the proposed waste to energy facility in Innisfail. At Monday’s meeting, Council carried a motion to send the letter to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
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.
