Foremost council meeting highlights from Aug. 19 

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Village of Foremost council gathered on Tuesday, August 19 for its regular monthly meeting. The agenda covered a range of topics impacting community services, economic development, and local infrastructure. Here is a summary of the key decisions and discussions from the meeting.

Council addressed several items related to community organizations and events. A letter will be sent to Foremost School regarding the 1A Girls provincial basketball tournament, stating that the Village will not be providing a financial contribution, citing responsibility for public funds.

However, council approved a motion to provide a letter of support for the Foremost Library Board. The library intends to apply for a Community Facility Enhancement Program grant to fund a significant flooring upgrade project.

Residents and businesses will see adjustments to several service fees. Council passed a motion to eliminate fees for business cardboard hauling, effective immediately. This change aims to support local businesses utilizing the service. Additionally, fees were approved for specific municipal services. A $50.00 fee will now apply for water turn-on services, excluding emergencies or repairs. A fee of $35.00 was also established for lot line marking services.

Council ratified the minutes from the July 20, 2025, Joint Health Care Committee meeting. In a significant step toward attracting new medical professionals to the area, council granted authority for Mayor Mel Karl to sign the New Physician Incentive Program letter on behalf of the Village. This letter will be part of the package for prospective doctors considering practicing in Foremost.

A recent meeting with the Suffield Deputy Commander clarified operating procedures. Civilian operators will only be approved to use the Suffield test range if they already hold a military contract. The military affirmed it is not looking to take business from local facilities and will direct other inquiries to the Foremost UAS Test Range.

The Municipal Planning Commission and Development Officer approved several development permits. These include: a temporary residential usage permit at 613/615 Centre Street, a permit to move in a garage and garden shed at 310 – 3rd Street West, and approval for the Foremost Evangelical Free Church to install a Blue Imp playground structure at 401 – 1st Street East.

Council received an update from the Town of Bow Island regarding their recent council meeting. Topics included decisions about the Municipally Controlled Corporation for the operation of the Bow Island Clinic, as well as updates on the 2026 Summer Games and the town’s purchase of the Bow Island Provincial Building.

For more details on this and previous council meetings held in 2025, visit the Village for Foremost website at http://www.foremostalberta.com.