Redcliff looks over asset requirements, drought status

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith
Commentator/Courier
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The last Council meeting of the summer on August 21 drew a few more faces than usual thanks to a land use bylaw update, among other items.

The meeting opened with a report from administration, detailing the Land Use Bylaw. This was done to ensure that the Bylaw complied with current Federal and Provincial regulations, as well as aligning with the updated Municipal Development Plan, Northside Area Structure Plan, and Eastside Area Structure Plan.

The Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) is requiring all municipalities to report their Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO). As such, the Corporate Services department requested direction from council on how to proceed regarding this requirement. 

Administration advised that, as municipalities do not typically have internal expertise in recognizing, categorizing, and quantifying assets, it is recommended that the Town of Redcliff outsource its ARO program to ensure they are reporting the liability in confidence and compliance.

A motion was passed to approve this outsourcing.

A budget submission was received by a resident regarding trail maintenance and upgrades. The resident suggested that the Town of Redcliff upgrade the trail system to accommodate golf carts. The idea being that the Town would build up the trail system with the same material the golf course uses, take care of the weeds and fix the low spots in the trail. The Town would then charge a fee for golf cart access. The motion to investigate the costs of the idea was passed.

The town received encouragement to attend the Cypress County Ag Connections Conference on November 22 as a communication.

Council also received an update in regard to a Water Shortage Notice from the Alberta Environment Protection Agency. This entailed the AEPA’s request for the Town’s Drought Response plan. Currently, Redcliff is at stage 1 of their Water Conservation and Restriction Bylaw.

It was remarked that a letter sent out to residents did result in less water usage, something Council was pleased to see. The update was received for information.