Cypress County  Council’s December 2 meeting highlights 

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

At the recent Council meeting in Cypress County, an item of importance was the proposed Bylaw 2025/24 Amendment to the Land Use Bylaw. A public hearing had been previously held on the matter, and the report from the hearing was part of the agenda.

The amendments outlined in Bylaw 2025/24 are part of a broader transition to streamline decision-making processes by transferring subdivision and development authority from the Municipal Planning Commission to Cypress County Council. This transition, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, follows the adoption of the Subdivision and Development Authority Bylaw 2025/23 at the November 10, 2025, Council meeting. The proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw aim to align with this new structure, ensuring clarity and consistency across related regulations.

The proposed changes include:

• Section 2.1: Updated to reflect that the Development Authority is now established under the Subdivision and Development Authority Bylaw 2025/23. This change reduces the need for future amendments if the development authority is reassigned.

• Section 2.2: Removal of the Development Officer role, as these duties are now defined in the new authority bylaw. This eliminates redundancy within the Land Use Bylaw.

• Section 2.3: Acknowledgment that the Subdivision Authority is also established under the new bylaw, streamlining processes and reducing regulatory overlap.

• Section 2.4: Deletion of references to the Municipal Planning Commission, reflecting the transfer of authority to Council.

The amendments are expected to enhance clarity and reduce regulatory complexity, aligning with the Municipal Government Act’s requirements for land use bylaws. Additionally, the transfer of authority to Council is projected to save approximately $27,000 annually, as costs will be absorbed into regular Council operations.

With no written objections or comments received at the time of the hearing, Council is expected to proceed with the second and third readings of Bylaw 2025/24. Once approved, the amendments will finalize the transition of subdivision and development authority to Council, ensuring a more streamlined and cost-effective approach to land use planning.

Before proceeding with new business, the November 10 meeting minutes were adopted, and included the following:

• Council greenlit recreation capital funding totaling $32,559 for two local organizations. On a motion by Councillor McKenzie, the Irvine Ag Society received $19,600, while the Elkwater Park Golf Club was awarded $12,959 to support their respective capital projects.

• Deputy Reeve Hok brought forward a motion approving the Shortgrass Library System’s revised 2026 budget request. The adjustment reflects a $4,300 increase in revenues and a $100 expenditure modification, maintaining a balanced budget for the regional library system.

• In response to a service level change request from Big Marble Farms, Councillor Ritz moved to approve approximately 520 meters of oil-bound surfacing along Township Road 122. The project will proceed on a full cost recovery basis, with a road use agreement established to cover future maintenance expenses.

• Council welcomed Kyle Forbes as a new public member to the Agricultural Service Board, following a motion by Councillor McKenzie.

• In a notable expansion of educational support, Councillor Want’s motion to significantly increase the Cypress County Scholarship program was carried. Council approved awarding nine $1,000 scholarships to selected applicants—a substantial increase from the previous allocation of just two scholarships. The funding will be drawn from the Council-Other budget line.

Reeve Hamilton presented a notice of motion during the December 2 meeting addressing wastewater infrastructure needs for Dunmore Junction. The motion, which will be debated at the January 20, 2026, council meeting, highlights the area’s significant growth potential for residential, commercial, recreational, and mixed-use development, noting that expansion is currently restricted by the absence of wastewater infrastructure services.

The proposed resolution directs administration to prepare a comprehensive report examining multiple wastewater servicing options for presentation at the February 17, 2026, Council meeting. The report will include various types of servicing options, regional connectivity possibilities, high-level financial cost estimates with annual operating expenses, and potential construction timelines. According to the motion, developing infrastructure for this strategically located area aligns with Cypress County’s commitment to sustainable growth and community well-being.

These highlights represent just a few of the items addressed during a very productive council meeting. For complete meeting minutes, agendas, and additional information about Cypress County Council’s decisions and initiatives, visit the County’s website.