Cypress County Council June 3 meeting highlights 

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The recent Cypress County council meeting saw discussions and decisions on key developments shaping the region. The agenda was packed with items; here are some of the highlights.

Public Hearing 1: Rezoning for Dunmore Junction

Cypress County has proposed Bylaw 2025/12, a land use bylaw amendment, to rezone an 81.8-hectare parcel in Dunmore from Agricultural District 1 (A1-IDP) to Direct Control District (DC). The parcel, commonly referred to as Dunmore Junction, is strategically located near Highway 1, Township Road 120, and major transportation corridors.

This rezoning aims to attract higher intensity uses, such as commercial and industrial development, while giving the Council greater oversight in planning through the Direct Control framework. Unlike other zoning designations like “Highway Commercial,” this approach secures long-term control over the area’s vision and infrastructure.

Public Hearing 2: Tri-Area Intermunicipal Development Plan Amendment 

Council also discussed proposed changes to the Tri-Area Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) under Bylaw 2025/13. This amendment primarily clarifies future annexations within the Urban Growth Areas of Medicine Hat and Redcliff. It also adjusts the Rural Development Area East boundary, leading to revised policy area calculations.

 The IDP, mandated under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, serves as a collaborative framework between municipalities to manage land use, economic development, and shared services. These revisions aim to enhance communication and create consistency in development processes across municipal boundaries.

Later in the meeting both 2025/12 and 2025/13 went to decision and were carried.

Staff Funding Request Proposal 

Cypress County administration presented a proposal to address workforce challenges through increased staffing. Currently operating with 75 full-time permanent employees, the municipality acknowledged that staff are overtasked, putting strain on long-term sustainability.

 The proposal requests a $600,000 budget amendment to fund seven new full-time permanent positions immediately, with plans to add another seven staff members in 2026. Among the immediate hiring needs are:

1 Executive Assistant (CAO Office)

2 Legislative Services Clerk (CAO Office)

3 Financial Analyst (Corporate Services)

4 General Manager of Planning and Intergovernmental Affairs

5 Recreation and Community Association Liaison (Community Services)

6 Facility Coordinator (Public Works)

7 IT Technician (Corporate Services)

Additionally, the county has updated its organizational chart, refining titles to better reflect roles and responsibilities.

The request sparked spirited discussion along with a future discussion on the matter tabled for the upcoming budget deliberations, but all could agree that the existing staff were doing an outstanding job and that their hard work and many long hours were greatly appreciated.

Cypress County’s Council continues its efforts to balance economic development, infrastructure planning, and operational sustainability. Meetings are streamed live and are accessible on YouTube.

In general news, head to the county’s website and click the link on the main page to access information about Southern Alberta Summer Games. Whether you are on the field or in the stands, this is a great event for the whole family.