Cypress County sources playground equipment, reviews dust tax

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith

Commentator/Courier 

With the season for dust and large projects quickly coming around the bend, Cypress County had much to decide on at their April 18 public Council Meeting.

Council approved delegation requests from both APEX: Southeast Alberta’s Innovation Network, and from Medicine Hat Minor Softball, who will appear at later meetings.

Council passed the readings of the bylaw for their dust abatement special tax. This is nothing unusual, said CAO Tarolyn Aaserud, merely something that passes every year. Notices will be sent to those who benefit from dust abatement treatment.

Council made the decision to sole-source playground equipment for both Sandy Point Park and the upcoming Irvine Community Resource Centre, from Medicine Hat company Blue Imp. The cost of each project is expected to not exceed $99,890 and $132,000, respectively.

“We’re using the existing footprint from Sandy Point, and replacing it so that it can be added on to the future,” said Aaserud.

The shelving for the resource centre is also to be single sourced, with a cost not exceeding $80,000. 

The motion to support Councillor Robin Kurpjuweit’s bid to run for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities board of directors did not pass. Council expressed some concern about the number of meetings that may be missed due to time away fulfilling the role of an FCM director at this time.

A letter from Sturgeon County requested funding help for an Alberta-focused Reception Room at FCM. 

“There has been a growing movement amongst rural municipalities within Alberta, to have a unique experience and breakout room that focuses specifically on the Alberta advantage coming from a very rural perspective,” said Kurpjuweit. “So they’re just wanting to lead by example and get the ball rolling.”

Council approved a contribution of $2,500.