The following topics were discussed at the Regular Council Meeting on January 12, 2021.

1214-01 Green Space Management Policy

Administration has met with users groups that operate facilities in the Municipality and neighbouring groups that operate systems along our borders to obtain input on this new policy. Discussions have been held relative to best practices while installing green space area trails. All groups have mentioned the need for a governance document to assist them on a collective goal to ensure the vision and theme of the Municipality are met, while building new trail infrastructure or maintaining green spaces. Administration has consistently applied the best practice to this policy. However, Administration is requesting Council's input and/or recommendations. Administration is aware there will be a need to adjust this policy and resolve any "kinks" that may arise. Also, Administration will not have a map of mowing areas and area classification, as the majority of areas that are mowed will be subject to a change of classification throughout the year, as needs dictate. As well, this policy will be subject to amendments as new areas are added or areas are sold. During the summer months of 2020, Council received concerns that arose with other groups not providing facility needs, such as garbage receptacles, staging areas and restrooms. The general consensus is that user groups, stakeholders and the general public are in favor of a Green Space Management Policy. After holding a discussion, Councillor Ward made a motion that administration bring this policy back with advice from Council. That motion was carried.

Cemetery Monument Repair Update

In 2020, Administration formed a partnership with Fantin's Funeral Chapel and the CNP Memorial Society to address issues related to stabilizing and repairing monuments. The arrangement has Fantin's providing the expertise along with the Society providing labour and the Municipality providing funding. In 2020, this allowed eleven monuments to be repaired, including five, which were identified on the Top Priority Action List. It was also observed that two monuments on the Top Priority Action List had not survived the previous winter. Given the success so far, this project will recommence in the spring of 2021 and likely will take several years to complete. Council was pleased with the report and Councillor Sygutek made a motion to file this for information and the motion was carried.

Municipal Land Development Discussion

There has been some discussion around how the Municipality should move forward with development in respect to Municipal parcels. The Municipality holds several large parcels of land of various sizes and characteristics that have potential for primarily residential development. As the community continues to grow within the confines of the mountain valley, a decision on the utilization of these parcels will be required. The ultimate decision could be very different between parcels and will ultimately depend on the vision for each parcel. If very little control is needed over the type of development, then the Municipality can simply sell off the parcel and let the developer decide how they wish to develop it. If the Municipality has a specific type of housing or a feel for a neighbourhood layout that it wants in a development, then the Municipality will likely have to develop the land itself and sell off individual lots versus the large parcel. Councillor Sygutek made a motion that Council defer this topic to a later meeting until they can get more information on some alternative funding and alternative ways the municipality can do this program. Councillor Ward made a friendly amendment that affordable housing options are looked at as well. The motion was carried.

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