The following are highlights from the Monday, March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting of Innisfail Town Council.
Public Hearing/Finals Readings: Bylaw 1732-2025
The current Bella Vista Area Structure Plan (ASP) was adopted in 2015. The landowner and developer of land within the area is proposing an amendment to redesignate two sites from Residential Multi-Family District (R-3) to Residential High-Density District (R-4). On February 18, 2025, Council granted First Reading to Bylaw 1732-2025 and established March 24, 2025 as the date for a Public Hearing. At the March 24 Meeting of Council – after receiving feedback from the public – Council carried motions giving the proposed bylaw all required readings.
2025 Annual Policing Priorities
Each year, the Innisfail RCMP and the Innisfail Policing & Safe Community Committee gather input from the community. After review, the RCMP identified crime reduction, Increased visibility, and traffic safety as strategic priorities. At the March 24 Meeting, Council carried a motion approving these priorities.
Water Truck Purchase
A Town water truck has accumulated substantial operating hours and is increasingly difficult to maintain. Administration has completed an official RFQ process and has received bids to replace the vehicle. On March 24, Council carried a motion approving the purchase of a 2024 Ford F750 water truck from The Auto Source Inc. for the total price of $169,000 plus GST to be funded from the Fleet Capital Reserve.
Public Space Maintenance Policy
Administration has reviewed and updated the Public Space Maintenance Policy. The purpose of the policy is to establish guidelines, set priorities, and assign services levels for the maintenance of parks, playgrounds, sports fields and other outdoor recreation and leisure facilities. On March 24, Council carried a motion approving the updated Public Space Maintenance Policy 2025-001 and repealing the previous Public Space Maintenance Policy 2020-005.
Mountain View Regional Water Services Commission (MVRWSC) Drought Management Strategy
Administration has reviewed the draft Drought Management Strategy prepared by the MVRWSC. At the March 24 Meeting – after providing Council with an assessment – Administration sought additional comments from Council. Council gave input and then carried a motion to provide feedback to the MVRWSC stating that Council is in agreement with the proposed guidelines, and directing Administration to come back to Council at a future meeting with proposed updates to Utility Bylaw 1686-2022.
61 Avenue Special Tax Bylaw 1734-2025
Previously, Council approved improvements to 61 Avenue and directed Administration to prepare a Special Tax Bylaw to recuperate 15% of the paving cost. This cost was broken out over 15 years starting in 2021. Administration determined that the $587,564 paving portion would be included in the calculations of the Special Tax, which must be approved annually. On March 24, Council carried motions accepting the 61 Avenue Special Tax Bylaw giving it all required readings.
37 Street Special Tax Bylaw 1733-2025
In 2021, 37 Street Reconstruction was completed. Council then directed Administration to bring back a Special Tax Bylaw in 2022 to recuperate 15% of the paving cost, broken out over 15 years. Administration determined that $500,455 (the paving portion) of 37 Street would be included in the calculations of the Special Tax, which must be approved annually. On March 25, Council carried motions accepting the 37 Street Special Tax Bylaw and giving it all required readings.
Penalty Waiver Request
The Town of Innisfail entered into a lease agreement with the South Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission (SRD) in August, 2022, for the development of a surge pond. A lapse in payment resulted in $71,499.86 in penalties owing. The SRD has requested that the Town waive the accrued penalties; at the March 24 Meeting, Council carried a motion to waive the outstanding penalty fees noting that the SRD is a regional partner.
Affordable Housing Ministerial Order No. 2024-011
The Government of Alberta has taken steps to ensure that property tax exemptions support the provision and delivery of affordable housing. Properties designated as affordable housing will automatically be exempt from municipal property taxation; however, municipal councils have the authority to make these properties subject to municipal property taxes. On March 24, Council carried a motion directing Administration to take no action and allow the property tax exemptions for affordable housing to take place for the 2025 taxation year.
Public Art & Placemaking Framework
In early 2024 the Town engaged the services of Evoke Culture to develop a public art framework for Innisfail, providing an encompassing strategy for enriching spaces throughout the community. On March 24, Council carried a motion approving the Public Art & Placemaking Framework as presented with implementation to commence in 2026 subject to appropriate approvals in the 2026 Operating Budget.
Napoleon Lake South Land Development Update
On March 24, Administration provided a report updating Council on recent activities related to the Napoleon Lake South Development. The report highlighted a lunch event that provided information for local builders and realtors, and details about the project tender for the installation of municipal infrastructure. Council then carried a motion accepting the report as information.
**With information provided by the Town of Innisfail
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