Town of Bow Island December 8  Council Meeting highlights 

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Town of Bow Island Council met for its regular meeting on December 8, addressing a range of topics that impact the community. Here are the key highlights.

Early in the meeting, the November 25 minutes were adopted, in which the following items were carried.

• Councillor Bill Ressler moved that the Town of Bow Island enter into a funding agreement with the Province of Alberta for the delivery of Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

• Councillor Dave Harrison proposed providing a letter of support to the County of Forty Mile for their application under the Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Program, and Council approved an annual funding commitment of $2,500 from 2025 to 2030 toward the Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Strategy.

• Councillor Robin Nibbs moved to purchase a 2025 Chevrolet 1500 from Murray Chevrolet for $57,267 plus GST and incidentals.

• Councillor Denise Curtis moved to transfer outstanding utility balances totaling $1,905.73, plus a $200 administration fee, to the respective tax account.

Cpl. Adam George, Chief of Police for the Bow Island RCMP, provided the Council with the quarterly Community Policing Report, covering July to September 2025. Key updates included:

• Traffic Safety: Enhanced patrols during busy summer months resulted in over 20 tickets issued, including three provincial sanctions for impaired driving. Notable efforts included traffic enforcement at the Manyberries and Foremost Rodeos.

• Community Engagement: RCMP members attended local events such as Market in the Park and school Terry Fox Runs. Planning discussions for the 2026 Southern Alberta Summer Games were initiated.

• Crime Reduction: Several break-and-enter cases and vehicle thefts were reported. Collaborative efforts with other RCMP detachments and law enforcement agencies led to charges in multiple cases, with one suspect currently on warrant.

Cpl. George emphasized the importance of community engagement and encouraged residents to reach out with concerns or to schedule meetings with senior RCMP management.

The report included a letter from Cpl. George, which
stated, “In the past few months, Alberta RCMP has observed significant changes to our senior management team. In addition to our new Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux, we are pleased to welcome a new Criminal Operations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Wayne Nichols. Since entering his new role, the Commanding Officer and other members of the senior management team have been taking time to meet with community and elected officials throughout the province.”

Council reviewed the draft Municipal Development Plan (MDP), a long-term blueprint for Bow Island’s growth and development over the next 10–20 years. Highlights of the plan include:

• Vision: Aiming for a vibrant, safe, and resilient community with diverse housing options and a strong economy.

• Key Goals: Promoting well-planned growth, supporting downtown and highway commercial development, and expanding recreational spaces.

• Community Snapshot: Bow Island’s population is projected to grow by 0.75–1% annually, with increasing demand for seniors’ housing and rentals.

• Recreation: The plan identifies a desire for a new swimming pool, multi-use recreation centre, and expanded trails and parks and barrier free access.

Council discussed the next steps for creating a Multi-Use Facility Feasibility Plan, a key goal in the Town’s Strategic Plan. Administration has applied for grant funding to support a feasibility study and proposed the following interim steps:

• Community Engagement: Conduct a Recreational Needs Assessment survey to gather input from residents.

• Operational Business Plan: Develop a plan to identify ongoing revenues and costs for the facility.

A private consultant with expertise in municipal recreation facilities has been identified to assist with community engagement, business planning, and concept design. The project would need to be included in the 2026 Operating Budget.

Learn more online at the Town of Bow Island website. Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming consultations and stay informed about Town initiatives.