Highlights from the recent Bow Island Committee of the whole meeting

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The Bow Island Committee of the Whole gathered on May 20 to review ongoing projects, deliberate on community requests, and plan infrastructure initiatives vital to the town’s continued growth and development. If you missed the meeting, here’s a breakdown of the highlights that give you insight into the work being done to keep Bow Island growing. 

Public Works has been hard at work ensuring essential services and infrastructure are in top shape as the community prepares for the summer season, as per the following: 

Water and Sewer Projects 

– The Parkview area now has completed water and sewer mains along with six new service connections. 

– Repairs were finished for sewer lines at 221 1st Street West and 122 2nd Avenue West. 

– The irrigation system, which relies on water from the lagoon, was activated on May 15 to support local green spaces. 

– Investigations into water flow and pressure on 1st Avenue are progressing, with the arrival of specialized equipment enabling household testing to continue. 

Roads and Sidewalks 

– Spring maintenance is in full swing. Pothole repairs are ongoing, calcium application is underway to reduce dust, and street sweeping began on May 15. 

– Crosswalk painting will follow street sweeping, ensuring pedestrian safety at key locations. 

– The town is preparing for significant upgrades, with Affordable Paving scheduled to begin patching and paving in mid-June, while Prairie Concrete will start sidewalk replacements on June 16. 

Parks and Recreation 

– The community pool is operational for the season. Staff are actively training to ensure smooth operations during the busy summer months. 

– While the current diving board has been deemed obsolete, plans are in place to resurface it for use. 

– Work on Diamond C is nearly finished. New soil has been laid, with sod installation and turf stabilization scheduled. Once done, landscaping at Parkview Park will commence. 

– Across Bow Island, all green spaces have received maintenance, including thatching, with aeration scheduled every two years. 

General Equipment and Facility Updates 

– A proactive inspection of the grader revealed minor hydraulic leaks, which will be addressed to ensure seamless operations. The Public Works team has nearly completed the move into a new shop, though some organizational tasks remain. 

On behalf of local youth athletes, the Bow Island Minor Hockey Association (BIMH) submitted a formal request to have arena ice ready by September 15, 2025.  Most tiering games kick off post-Thanksgiving, but neighbouring communities often begin team practices as early as September 1. The September 15 availability would give Bow Island teams much-needed prep time to stay competitive. Early ice would also allow BIMH to host quality referee clinics with on-ice instruction, a long-missed opportunity. The plan includes offering preseason conditioning camps to help athletes build skills and reduce the risk of injuries. These camps would free up the regular season for team development. 

An inquiry was made about purchasing 101 Airport Avenue for building a hangar for rental purposes. The potential buyer also expressed interest in extending a water line to 103 Airport Avenue to accommodate the hangar. Funding could come from the Airport Reserves or the General Operating Budget, though further assessment is needed to refine costs. 

The meeting also included updates on the Westview subdivision, aimed at transforming a vacant 2.23-acre lot into a multi-unit residential development. This plan aligns with the Town of Bow Island’s vision for growing housing options and involves the following details: 

• 18 new residential lots, each sized for four-plex dwellings. 

A Municipal Reserve buffer strip, providing a shared green space for residents. 

• Full municipal water and sewer servicing, with installations planned for lanes, sidewalks, curbs, and fire hydrants. 

• Access roads via Parkview Crescent and a newly established internal lane. 

Any affected parties of the submitted application have an opportunity to submit comments or concerns. As per the Subdivision and Development Regulation, any comments must be submitted via email or mail by no later than June 4, 2025. 

From water and sewer upgrades to land sales and residential projects, these developments and discussions reflect long-term planning designed to enrich life in Bow Island. Whether it’s making the streets safer, ensuring young athletes have the support they need, or paving the way for new homes, the committee’s efforts are squarely focused on building a great future for the town.