Bow Island council focuses on community services, regional growth, and public works 

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

On November 24, Bow Island town council met to discuss several key initiatives impacting community services, regional economic development, and municipal operations. Here’s a summary of the main topics and decisions from the meeting.

Council reviewed a new funding agreement with the Province of Alberta for the delivery of Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) from 2026 to 2028. The Town of Bow Island serves as the managing partner for this program, collaborating with the County of Forty Mile and the Village of Foremost. The three-year agreement represents a total program value of $702,015. The province will contribute $561,612, with the remaining percentage covered by the municipal partners. The Town of Bow Island’s annual contribution would be $14,198.

In a move to bolster the regional economy, council discussed the Regional Agriculture Innovation Cluster Investment Readiness Project. This two-year initiative is part of the broader Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Strategy (SAEOS) and aims to attract new investment in the value-added agricultural processing sector. The project aligns directly with the Town of Bow Island’s strategic goal to support business expansion and partner with neighboring municipalities on regional economic development. The County of Forty Mile is leading the grant application for the project. To demonstrate commitment, Bow Island is considering a letter of support and a financial contribution of $2,500 per year for 2026 and 2027.

Council also addressed the need to update the public works department’s vehicle fleet. While one new truck was purchased earlier in the year as part of the 2025 capital budget, many vehicles remain aged. To address a shortage of highway operational vehicles, staff identified a 2025 Silverado 1500 demo unit with low mileage available for purchase. Council discussed an amendment to the budget to acquire the truck for general fleet use. The purchase, valued at $57,267.00 plus GST, would be funded from the town’s equipment reserves.

These important council decisions demonstrate Bow Island’s ongoing dedication to supporting community well-being, fostering regional growth, and improving local infrastructure. As the town continues to move forward, resident input and participation are invaluable.