Council Overview
Information from Drumheller
Regular Council Meeting
Monday, March 8, 2021
Mayor Heather Colberg thanked St. Anthony’s Grade 6 class for inviting herself, and Councillors Jay Garbutt and Tom Zariski to a panel discussing local government.
***
Mayor Colberg acknowledged March 8 as International Women’s Day.
***
Councillor Fred Makowecki was sworn in as Deputy Mayor for March and April.
***
Council approved the minutes of the February 22 Regular Council Meeting.
***
Council approved a Motion to support the 988 Suicide Prevention National Crisis Hotline. MP for Battle River-Crowfoot, Damien Kurek, is asking municipalities in the riding to consider passing this motion. Drumheller Council endorsed the 988 crisis line initiative, and staff is directed to send a letter indicating such support to the local MP, MLA, Federal Minister of Health, the CRTC, and local area municipalities to confirm support.
***
Council passed first reading of Bylaw 03.21. This is to adjust the size of an environmental reserve and extend the municipal reserve in the Hillsview Subdivision. This will allow the home at 149 10th Av SE to meet the front, rear, and side yard setback, without significant variances. The extension of the municipal reserve to the road allows for permanent access to the rear of the properties and swale. A public hearing will be held on March 22, 2021.
***
Chief Resiliency and Flood Mitigation Officer, Darwin Durnie, provided an update. He noted properties along the river residents have utilized public land along the riverbank to install various amenities such as firepits or shelters. He said these will have to be removed as it is public land. The office has made progress on its tree plan. Many are reaching their end of life and will need to be removed in Centennial Park next week. They have been able to work with the advisory team and the trees will eventually be replaced at a 5:1 ratio to maintain carbon capture and oxygen generation. They are continuing to do geotechnical studies and drilling, and land appraisers continue to work with homeowners affected. Last week the provincial government announced municipalities will be responsible to pay for 10 percent of the costs for response and recovery. More alarming, they have implemented a “one-and-done” policy where the province will only pay a maximum of $500,000 for a residence or business that is impacted. He says this will have a significant impact in the case of an emergency. He says a cornerstone of the program is homes remain insurable, and they continue to work on this element of the project.
***
Director of Protective Services Greg Peters updated council on COVID-19. On Monday, March 8 the province fully implemented Step Two of the Province’s reopening plan. The vaccination program is continuing, with the goal of providing all Albertans over the age of 18 a vaccination by the end of June, if they wish.
Complete minutes from council meetings can be found at www.drumheller.ca once they have been adopted.
