Current Temperature
By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Redcliff council met on July 20, 2026, to review several matters affecting residents, from traffic safety and financial recognition to a community awareness request and a summary of the year’s special events. Here is a look at some of the items discussed.
Parking Concerns Near Tim Hortons
Council examined ongoing parking problems along 1475 Highway Avenue Southeast, near the Tim Hortons commercial area. Bylaw enforcement confirmed repeated violations, including commercial vehicles and large trucks parking in no parking zones, heavy trucks facing the wrong direction, and vehicles blocking traffic flow, commercial access, and intersection sightlines.
Municipal enforcement has provided regular patrols and driver education at the site, often favouring voluntary compliance over penalties. Staff Sgt. Courty reviewed the location and recommended roadway design changes, including a possible one-way traffic loop, along with clearer signage and refreshed pavement markings.
Administration recommended a phased approach. The first step involves enhanced regulatory signage and repainted curb markings, both of which are cost-effective and quick to put in place. Council previously suggested flexible delineator posts, but administration raised concerns about damage during winter snow removal, along with the higher cost of boulevard-mounted options. Converting the roadway to one-way traffic remains a longer-term possibility for budget discussions. Council was asked to provide feedback and endorse the proposed plan before any major traffic control changes proceed.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Proclamation
Request
Council reviewed a request from Kristin Pichoskie, founder of the Northern Ontario initiative Oak’s Tree of Love, created in memory of her son, Oak Beaudyn Noel. The request asks Council to proclaim Oct. 15, 2026, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day and October 2026 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
The request also invites the Town to consider a flag raising or the illumination of a municipal building, landmark, or sign in pink, blue, and white. Recognition of this day and month aims to honour babies and children lost too soon, support bereaved families, and encourage compassionate conversations about pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and infant loss. The initiative forms part of a Canada-wide effort seeking municipal, provincial, and territorial recognition.
Recognition for the 2025
Annual Financial Report
The Town of Redcliff received a Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its annual financial report covering the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2024.
This award recognizes municipal governments that publish clear, well-organized financial reports that go beyond minimum accounting requirements. To qualify, a report must communicate the municipality’s financial picture in a way that is easy to read and understand. The award is valid for one year, and the Town has submitted its current report to GFOA for renewed consideration.
A Successful Season of
Special Events
FCSS/Special Events Coordinator Melody Astika presented a summary of the community events held so far in 2026.
• Volunteer Appreciation Event (April 23): About 75 volunteers gathered at the Redcliff Legion for dinner, live entertainment, and awards. Total cost: $4,573.55. Organizers may explore a daytime weekend format next year to boost attendance.
• Seniors Week (June 1–5): Daily events drew 132 participants and included presentations on elder abuse and fall safety, a lunch, a bingo and coffee event, and a Friday dance. All events were free. Total cost: $1,750.78.
• Redcliff Days (June 19–21): The largest event of the season welcomed over 300 people to Friday’s movie night and several thousand across all locations on Saturday. New additions included the Flashing K9’s agility dog show and a water park area with slides in Memorial Park. With 50 vendors and 17 food trucks, the event drew widespread praise across Redcliff and Medicine Hat. Total cost: $31,518.75.
• Canada Day (July 1): Scaled back this year, the event centred on a pancake breakfast serving about 500 people, alongside live music and face painting. Children enjoyed grab bags prepared by the coordinator. Organizers noted the need for more sausage next year. Total cost: $1,546.52.
Planning is already underway for upcoming events, including the Fall Festival and Chili Cook-Off on Sept. 26 and the Santa Claus Parade and Tree Lighting on Dec. 4.
Learn More
Full details on these items and other Council business are available on the Town of Redcliff website.
You must be logged in to post a comment.