Cypress County Council highlights: April 21 meeting 

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Cypress County Council convened on April 21 to address a range of topics, from development permits to regional collaboration.

The meeting began with the adoption of the April 7 Council meeting minutes.

Councillor Kurpjuweit was endorsed to attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference and run for the FCM Board of Directors, with compensation aligning with RMA policy. This motion was carried unanimously.

A proposal to expedite the Capital Asset Management Program within three years, potentially through outsourcing, was brought forward by Councillor Kurpjuweit but was defeated. However, collaboration was a theme of the day, as Councillor McKenzie’s motion to support a two-day Tri-Area regional workshop, facilitated by a third party, was carried. Cypress County’s contribution to the workshop will not exceed $7,500.

In a financial decision, Councillor Ritz moved to allocate the 2025 unrestricted surplus account. Council approved the allocation of $5 million each to the Building Replacement Reserve Fund and the Infrastructure & Construction Reserve Fund, with an additional $1 million directed to the Stabilization Fund.

The meeting continued on the 21st with new business.

Council reviewed two development permit applications for bitcoin mining operations, both proposed by Samantha Brown on behalf of 2783294 Alberta Ltd. The first application, Development Permit 26/38, involves the placement of a 990 kW gas generator, fuel gas skid, and bitcoin miner on a 7.59-acre site owned by Canlin Energy Corporation near Schuler. The operation will utilize an existing gas compressor site and comply with Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) noise and air quality standards. Construction is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026, with minimal site traffic anticipated. The second application, Development Permit 26/39, mirrors the first but is located on a 4.59-acre site near Township Road 144. Both proposals highlight the potential for future expansion to 10 megawatts, which would require additional AUC approvals.

Councillor Kurpjuweit’s notice of motion, initially introduced on April 7, was debated during the meeting. The motion directs administration to prepare a report exploring options for private property owners adjacent to existing water lines to access the County’s regional water infrastructure. This initiative aims to address resident and cooperative interest in utilizing existing resources for residential and cooperative use.

The Planning and Development Services department presented its first-quarter statistics for 2026. A total of 63 development permit applications were submitted between January and March, with a declared development value of $365,972,302. Notably, this figure is significantly influenced by a $350 million solar project submitted in January. The department also opened 11 enforcement files, resolving three and continuing to work with six others. One stop order was issued during the quarter.

The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) proposed a pilot project to introduce a Cypress County Agriculture in the Classroom program for students in grades K-6. This initiative aims to address a decline in participation in the Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) and foster agricultural education within the County. The pilot project, scheduled for April and May 2026, would include 5-10 classroom presentations, with costs covered by the ASB budget. If successful, the program could expand to a full-scale initiative in the future.

Council discussed matching funds of up to $38,000 to support the Dunmore Equestrian Society’s application for the Federal Enabling Accessibility Fund. The project, valued at $151,050, includes accessible parking spots, automatic door openers, and an accessible drop-off area at the indoor arena.

Ken Jacobs, General Manager of Operations, provided an update on the Dunmore Wastewater initiative. The County is exploring two servicing options: connecting to the City of Medicine Hat’s sewer system or developing a lagoon system. While the City has expressed interest in collaboration, additional analysis and stakeholder engagement are required. The County will continue advancing both options to meet the targeted 2027 timeline, with Phase 2 focusing on planning, preliminary design, and funding strategies. Phase 3 will involve detailed design and regulatory approvals to ensure the project is shovel-ready when funding is secured.

The April 21 Council meeting showcased Cypress County’s proactive approach to development, infrastructure, and community engagement. From innovative energy projects to accessible public spaces and agricultural education, Council remains committed to fostering growth and sustainability for its residents.