“But at this point we would have no option but to wait until the case is finished – it’s basically a wait and see.”
Mayor Decoux also discussed the relocation of Hwy 3, an issue which is vitally important to the planning of many existing and potential businesses and industries in the community.
He said Council has spoken with Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Evan Berger, as well as the province’s Ministry of Transportation, who informed Council that plans for Hwy 3 relocation remain similar to those which have been known to the public for many years.
According to a map projection released in 1979, the highway will be reconstructed south of Coleman, with a large interchange west of Blairmore and another east of Sentinel.
“They made it very clear to us that this is the map and the plan but it could change,” said Mayor Decoux.
He said it will likely be another 20 years before the project gets underway, but by promoting Crowsnest Pass as a unique tourist and cultural destination and the only year-round access to the Crown of the Continent, we may be able to expedite the process by as much as 10 years.
“These things take a lot of time and we just have to be patient,” said Mayor Decoux.
Following Mayor Decoux’s presentation, Councillors presented the 2012-2014 Community Strategic Action Plan, which addresses Council’s goals and visions for the community over the next 10 years.
Councillor Brian Gallant gave an introduction to the strategic plan and Councillors took turns giving an overview of the plan’s “Four Pillars”.
Councillor Jerry Lonsbury gave an overview of the first pillar, “Effective Governance and Management”.
Councillors Siegbert Gail and Emile Saindon discussed the second pillar, “Economic Sustainability”, which addresses Rum Runner Days weekend among many other economic concerns.
Councillor Andrew Saje reviewed the third pillar, “Community Identity and Quality of Life” and fielded a number of questions from the public.
Councillor Larry Mitchell then presented the final pillar, “Environment and Infrastructure”, noting that a major priority is the development of an emergency access route connecting the area known as Bushtown in East Coleman to Blairmore.
Interim Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Robins then discussed the proposed changes to the structuring protective services, including the municipal fire departments.
He gave an overview of the changes which were announced in October, answered questions from the public as to how certain aspects will work, which areas will fall under which jurisdictions and the roles and responsibilities of new positions relative to protective services.
He informed the public that the position of Manager of Protective Services / Fire Chief will include many responsibilities, including bylaws, the municipality’s contract with the RCMP, the agreement with the Solicitor General, and safety codes, as well as the operation of the fire department.
Robins announced that a $105,000 annual salary has been allotted for the position.
Finally, Mayor Bruce Decoux also announced that Council will be increasing tax penalties by 50 per cent, in light of the $1,044,759 in outstanding property taxes which have yet to be paid this year.
He said several residents fail to pay their taxes every year, opting instead to simply pay the tax penalty, as it is often a significantly smaller sum.
In order to rectify the problem and in an attempt to ensure the funds necessary for budget items is available, the tax penalty will be raised by 50 per cent this year.
Council and Administration then fielded additional questions from the public before adjourning for the evening.
For more information, including the complete Community Strategic Action plan, visit the Municipality’s website at town.crowsnestpass.ab.ca.