Cypress Sept. 15 Council meeting highlights

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Cypress County Council met on September 15, 2026. Here are the highlights.

Meeting Opens with Approval of Minutes 

Council began the session by adopting the minutes from the September 1 meeting.

Two Subdivision Applications Approved: 

Councillor McKenzie moved approval of Subdivision Application 26CY13, which carried.

Councillor Brost moved approval of Subdivision Application 26CY14, which also carried. Both approvals allow the applicants to move forward once outlined conditions are met.

Council Backs International Trade Missions 

Council authorized participation in three international trade shows, supported through the CanExport Grant program. Each mission gives Cypress County a chance to showcase regional strengths in food ingredients and packaging to global markets.

 The approved missions are:

• Food Ingredients Japan – Councillor Kurpjuweit and one staff member will attend.

• PACK EXPO International, Chicago – Councillor McKenzie and one staff member will attend.

• Food Ingredients Europe – Mayor Hamilton and one staff member will attend, on a motion moved by Councillor Brost.

All travel arrangements will follow Policy COU1 and COU10, ensuring the trips align with the County’s established rules for Council and staff travel.

 Land Use Bylaw Receives Final Reading 

Council turned its attention to Bylaw 2026/18, the County’s Land Use Bylaw. Councillor Want moved that the bylaw be given third and final reading.

 New Business Discussed on the 15th 

The meeting turned to new business. Here are some of the items discussed.

 Development Permit Application 26/156

Council reviewed a development permit application from Simon and Karla Hersey, who plan to demolish a 288 sq. ft. shed and build a 36’ x 48’ barn with a 12’ lean-to. The proposal includes relaxations to the total building area and building height. Once complete, the barn will be used for animal care and equipment storage.

Subdivision Application 26CY15 

Council considered a subdivision application submitted by Benchmark Geomatics on behalf of Murray and Brenda Nesdoly. The proposal would subdivide a 5.39-hectare parcel near Desert Blume, just south of Medicine Hat, creating three new titles. Two of the lots are currently vacant, while the third holds the existing farmstead where the owners intend to continue living. The parcels were rezoned earlier under Bylaw 2026/14.

 South Dunmore Water Co-op Delegation 

The Board of the South Dunmore Water Co-op presented as a delegation with a proposal to transfer its water system to Cypress County ownership. The system serves 59 member lots, spans more than three kilometres of distribution main, and includes eight fire hydrants. It has been in service since 1992.

 The Board pointed to growing governance challenges, rising costs of about $2,150 per member each year, and the fact that the County has already operated the system since 2022. The delegation asked Council to formally consider an orderly transfer, including an asset assessment, rate treatment for members, and the question of hamlet designation.

 Learn More and Stay
Informed 

Each decision reflects Council’s commitment to steady, thoughtful governance. Residents are encouraged to stay involved by attending upcoming meetings, reviewing agendas, and sharing their views on the issues that matter most. Your voice helps guide the choices that keep our County moving forward.