Redcliff Roundup: November 25 council meeting highlights and town news

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The Town of Redcliff’s council met on November 25, and the meeting included first readings for a number of Bylaws.

Bylaw No. 1974/2024, the Temporary Borrowing Bylaw 2025, was reviewed. This Bylaw serves as a financial tool, functioning as a revolving line of credit to support the municipality’s operating expenditures. Under this legislation, the municipality can borrow up to $1,000,000 at any given time for operating needs and $35,000 for credit card expenses. These borrowing limits must comply with Section 256 of the Municipal Government Act, ensuring that amounts borrowed do not exceed the estimated tax revenue for the year. The regular review and renewal of the Temporary Borrowing Bylaw align with Goal #4 of the Municipality’s Strategic Plan, focusing on governance, service delivery, and ensuring policies are up-to-date with current legislation. 

Bylaw No. 1975/2024, the Utility Rates Bylaw, was also brought forward for its first reading. Council reviewed proposed changes to utility rates based on the 2025 Operating Budget. These adjustments aim to ensure that utility rates adequately reflect the town’s financial needs and support the ongoing delivery of essential services.

Bylaw No. 1976/2024, the Fees, Rates, and Charges, was discussed as part of the ongoing review associated with the 2025 Budget process. This review was conducted in alignment with Policy No. 115, which provides a structured approach to the regular development and review of policies and bylaws. This practice ensures that the town’s regulations stay current with applicable legislation and meet the evolving directives of the Council. The primary purpose of the bylaw is to update the fees, rates, and charges for municipal services, ensuring they are fair, sustainable, and reflective of the town’s financial strategies. 

Under correspondence, Mayor Dwight Kilpatrick recently received a letter from Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services outlining significant legislative changes to police governance in the province. These letters are being issued across rural Alberta regarding updates, effective March 1, 2025, that aim to strengthen civilian oversight of the RCMP by introducing municipal and regional policing committees, along with the establishment of a Provincial Police Advisory Board.

For communities under a Municipal Police Service Agreement, those with populations exceeding 15,000 must create Municipal Policing Committees (MPCs) with three to seven members appointed by the municipal council. Smaller communities with populations under 15,000 will form Regional Policing Committees (RPCs) in collaboration with other municipalities in the same RCMP district. Alternatively, they may opt to establish their own municipal or joint committees with ministerial approval. Additionally, rural and small communities served under the Provincial Police Service Agreement will be represented on the Provincial Police Advisory Board, which will include up to 15 appointed members to reflect diverse stakeholders and regions.

In general town news, did you know that Medicine Hat Family Service hosts a fantastic Teen Support Group at the Redcliff Youth Centre? This free program is open to those aged 10 to 18 and serves as a safe, welcoming space to explore important topics that impact today’s youth. Group meetings are divided by age to ensure discussions are tailored to the needs of each group. Ages 10 to 13 meet on the second Wednesday of every month. Ages 14 to 18 meet on the last Wednesday of the month.

Discussion topics cover a wide range of issues, including grief and loss, depression and anxiety, boundaries and consent, bullying, healthy relationships, gender identity, self-esteem, and more. These sessions also focus on building resiliency and coping strategies, equipping teens with tools to tackle challenges in their lives. Parent consent is required, so be sure to register at the Redcliff Youth Centre.

Isolation and loneliness can set in during the cold winter months. Take action with these opportunities to connect and be social.

• For those who love knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, or weaving, the In-Stitches group is the perfect way to spend a creative morning. Hosted at the Redcliff Public Library, this group meets every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the library’s meeting room.

• The Redcliff Lions Club is on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals ready to make a difference in the community. If you have fresh ideas and a desire to stand up, serve, and support Redcliff, this is your chance to contribute your time, energy, and experience.

There are plenty of opportunities to remain connected to the community and others during the winter months in Redcliff. Be sure to check the event calendar on the Town’s website for council meeting details, and for even more events around town.