Town of Redcliff Council meeting highlights: April 13

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The Town of Redcliff’s council meeting on April 13 addressed several important topics, including hearing from two delegations with aims to increase the safety and vitality of the community.

The first delegation was Taylor and Ingrid Prins, residents from 3 Avenue, SW, who brought forward a formal request to review the current road conditions and speed limit.

The gravel road, which has a posted speed limit of 50 km/h, has experienced a significant increase in traffic over the past decade due to its proximity to popular amenities such as the off-leash dog park and a seasonal garden center. The Prins expressed concerns about safety risks, including reduced vehicle control and increased stopping distances on loose gravel. They cited a recent incident where a vehicle lost control and collided with a tree as evidence of the dangers. Additionally, they noted the impact of high-speed traffic on their properties, including excessive dust, debris, and the risk of damage to parked vehicles.

The delegation proposed reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h, adding safety signage, and implementing traffic-calming measures to improve safety for pedestrians, children, and pets.

The second delegation included Alwin Bouchard, owner and operator of Rugged Rodeo Inc., regarding a proposal to revive the historic Box Springs Rodeo as part of Redcliff Days in June 2027. Rugged Rodeo, a Southern Alberta-based production company specializing in rodeo events, presented the idea of hosting a pop-up trial rodeo during the community celebration.

 The Box Springs Rodeo, which began in 1915, was once a cherished annual event in the region. After a revival in 1981, it grew to become Canada’s largest amateur rodeo before ceasing operations again. The proposed event aims to honour this legacy while creating new opportunities for community engagement.

Rugged Rodeo Inc. outlined their plan to manage all aspects of the event, including equipment, animals, participants, ticket sales, and setup. The Town of Redcliff would only need to provide land and bleachers for spectators. A local nonprofit organization would partner with Rugged Rodeo Inc. to collect sponsorships and receive a portion of the proceeds, which would be reinvested into community services and programs. The rodeo is expected to attract visitors, boosting local businesses and increasing foot traffic during Redcliff Days. If the trial event proves successful, it could become an annual tradition with the potential for a permanent rodeo location in the future.

Rugged Rodeo Inc. has a proven track record of successfully reviving and managing rodeos in small communities, including Dunmore, Vauxhall, and Manyberries. These events have demonstrated strong community support and economic benefits, with attendance numbers ranging from 1,000 to 2,500.

The meeting continued with a discussion on the proposed Animal Control Bylaw No. 2005/2026, which aims to consolidate and modernize the Town of Redcliff’s existing animal control regulations.

Currently, animal control is governed by three separate Bylaws: the Dog Control Bylaw, the Cat Bylaw, and the Restricted Animal Bylaw. Over time, this fragmented approach has led to challenges in enforcement, consistency, and public understanding. To address these issues, the proposed Bylaw merges all animal-related regulations into a single, streamlined framework. Key updates include improved clarity and organization, enhanced definitions aligned with modern animal welfare standards, and strengthened provisions for animal welfare and owner responsibilities. The Bylaw also introduces updated enforcement tools, such as cost recovery measures for impoundment and care. Notably, the new Bylaw reflects council’s direction to eliminate cat licensing, limit households to a maximum of three dogs and three cats, and retain existing penalty amounts while strengthening measures against animal abuse.

Skating in for another look since 2025, the topic of replacing the Town of Redcliff’s aging Zamboni resurfaced at the council meeting. During the 2025 budget discussions, a replacement was proposed but ultimately not approved, leaving the current Unit #159 to soldier on.

 However, a third-party inspection has since revealed significant issues, including a damaged conditioner assembly frame and difficulties leveling the blade, which have led to uneven ice surfaces. Council was presented with three options: repair the unit at an estimated cost of $30,000, continue operating it in its current condition and revisit replacement in 2027, or allocate $196,000 for an immediate replacement.

The Zamboni, purchased in 2015 for $103,950, has already racked up $58,234 in repairs—56 per cent of its original cost—and its resale value is estimated at just $15,000 to $20,000. Adding urgency to the decision, the cost of a new unit has risen significantly since 2024, with delivery times now stretching to 12-14 months.

Administration is seeking council’s direction on whether to patch up the old workhorse or invest in a new one to ensure smooth skating for seasons to come.

Going from a cold topic to a hot one, Council turned its attention to the aging overhead unit heaters at the Water Treatment Plant. Of the six original heaters installed, two have been flagged for replacement following discoveries made since the 2025 budget deliberations.

Administration has obtained three quotes from local contractors for the supply and installation of two new Reznor 400,000 BTU unit heaters. The project scope includes removing the existing heaters, installing the replacements, and connecting them to the current services. To move forward, Administration is requesting an additional $25,000 be allocated to the Contracted R & M – Building budget.

For more details on these discussions and other agenda items from the April 13 council meeting, visit the Town of Redcliff’s website. Stay informed about the decisions shaping your community and the initiatives driving Redcliff forward.