Highlights from the Cypress Council Meeting from May 20

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

On May 20, the Cypress County Council convened to discuss topics that hold significant importance to the community. With a range of agenda items presented, spanning emergency preparedness, agricultural stewardship, infrastructure updates, and more, this meeting was full of discussions and actionable plans to support the town’s ongoing growth and resilience. Below, we’ll walk through the key highlights.

On the agenda was a proposal for Bylaw 2025/15, intended to update and replace the existing the bylaw from 2000. This new bylaw aims to establish a streamlined, functional municipal addressing system critical for the safety of residents and visitors. A clear addressing system improves efficiency for emergency services, ensuring they can locate buildings swiftly during crises. The bylaw also includes provisions for enforcing proper address display practices, such as correct installation, keeping signs unobstructed, and educating residents about the importance of knowing their municipal address.

Council also reviewed an application to rezone 3.56 acres of land from Agricultural District 2 (A-2) to the Cypress Hills Fringe District (CHF). This parcel, located near Cypress Hills Provincial Park, aligns with the area’s broader structure plan and Council’s commitment to sustainable planning. Rezoning would open the door to diverse land-use opportunities while respecting the area’s unique environmental and recreational significance. Upon the first reading, a public hearing is scheduled for June to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders before making a final decision.

As part of routine council business, annual appointments for Weed and Pest Inspectors and Soil Conservation Officers were discussed. This process, mandated under Alberta’s Weed Control Act, Agricultural Pests Act, and Soil Conservation Act, ensures the municipality complies with its legal obligations to monitor weeds, manage pest outbreaks, and address soil erosion. Since these positions are seasonal, the town renews them every year, enabling the inspectors to carry out critical tasks during the growing season.

Emergency preparedness was another focal point as the Council discussed updates to the Regional Emergency Management Plan (REMP). This collaborative framework involves Cypress County, the City of Medicine Hat, and the Town of Redcliff, facilitating a coordinated response to large-scale disasters affecting multiple municipalities. Due to recent changes in provincial legislation, the REMP requires a major update. The good news? A $125,000 grant from the Alberta Community Partnerships Program is available to fund these updates and conduct a regional emergency exercise. This funding allows for the hiring of a consultant and ensures the plan is thoroughly tested for effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Dust control was also on the agenda. Historically, oiled dust abatement has been the go-to method, but due to environmental and cost challenges, Council is transitioning to Calcium Chloride (MG-30) as a more sustainable option. Starting this year, new dust control applications will use this product, which requires an initial three liters per square metre and less for subsequent applications. Costs will be shared between applicants and the County, with a cost recovery model designed to distribute expenses fairly.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and, where necessary, provide feedback on initiatives like the municipal addressing update and rezoning proposal. See Cypress County website’s YouTube channel where videos of meetings are available.