Key highlights from Bow Island’s Sept. 22 council meeting 

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Town of Bow Island council convened for its regular meeting on September 22, to discuss several important matters affecting the community. From utility accounts to library funding and new board structures, here’s a look at the key highlights and decisions made.

The meeting started with the adoption of the Sept. 8 minutes, which included the appointment of Hillian Oldenzijl as the returning officer, and Monique Kusters as the substitute returning officer for the 2025 municipal election. Also carried in the Sept. 8 meeting was the maintenance of the Fortis Franchise Fee, set at 17 per cent.

Moving on to the current business, council addressed an issue regarding an overdue utility account. After a resident failed to make payment by the September 20 deadline, council looked at a motion to transfer the outstanding balance to the property’s tax roll. The total amount of $1,173.08, along with a $100.00 administration fee as per Bylaw 2024:01, was recommended to be added to the respective tax account.

The Shortgrass Library System’s 2026 operating budget was presented, requesting council’s approval for the upcoming municipal levy, which is set at $5.19 per capita. This represents a slight increase from previous years and will result in a total contribution of $10,566.84 from the Town of Bow Island for 2026. Here is a comparison of the levy over the past few years: 2025: $5.04 per capita ($10,261.44 total), 2024: $4.97 per capita ($10,153.71 total), and 2023: $4.97 per capita ($10,153.71 total).

A significant step was taken for local healthcare governance with the finalization of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Bow Island Primary Care Medical Clinic Ltd Board of Directors. This document establishes a clear structure and outlines the expectations for the board. Key elements defined in the TOR include the board’s vision, mission, purpose, authority, and the qualifications required for its members.

With the 2025 municipal election underway, council reviewed the details for mandatory councillor orientation. This training is required for all councillors and must be completed by the organizational meeting, which is held shortly after the election. The orientation is divided into two parts. Part 1 covers the foundational roles and functions of municipal government, council, councillors, and administration. Part 2 focuses on key municipal plans, budgeting, financial administration, and public participation. Councillors have several options for completing the first part of the training, including online sessions in October and an in-person session in Lethbridge in November. The cost ranges from $295 per person for online training to $395 for the in-person option. Council has the ability to delay the second part of the training for up to 90 days if needed.

For more information on these and other agenda items from the most recent meeting, visit http://www.bowisland.com/agendas-minutes.