Don Kochan – Division 2
RVC Division 2 news items for your information:
Budget 2025 – On November 28th Council passed the Operating and Capital budget with the following motion:
Moved by Deputy Reeve Kochan “THAT Council approves the 2025 Operating and Capital Base Budget with a transfer of $181,200 from the Tax Stabilization Reserve to fund the 2025 forecasted deficit at a 0.00% increase in property tax, with the understanding that the Chief Administrative Officer will implement the approved budget aligned with the new organizational structure, regional growth requirements, and regular transparent reporting to Council.”
This is the second year in a row that Council has passed a 0% budget increase. Further budget discussions will occur prior to the spring mill rate setting of which will potentially contain revised utility rate increases so that the tax payer at large sees a reduction in the amount of subsidization of the utilities.
Springbank Area Structure Plan (ASP) – December 11th was a long day for Council however Council managed to get through the public hearing for the Springbank ASP and pass 1st and 2nd reading as amended.
There was great community input that guided Council in its decisions. A summary of the two motions that dealt with the communities’ greatest concerns are as follows:
a) Motion E(1) – MOVED by Deputy Reeve Kochan that Policy 8.25 (which allows less than 2 acre parcels) be removed Of the two Councilors representing Springbank, Deputy Reeve Kochan strongly advocated for the communities desire to maintain a rural country lifestyle that would require residential developments to be 2 acres and larger. On the other hand, Councillor Hanson was promoting residential developments to be allowed to have parcels less than two acres. The motion was carried of which would not allow parcel sizes less than 2 acres to be considered in the Springbank ASP.
b) Motion G(1) – Option 1 – MOVED by Councillor Boehlke that Map 6: Land Use Strategy be amended to show the lands identified as Special Planning Area #1 (Highway 1 corridor) on Map 16: Special Planning Areas as Business. Also, notwithstanding Policy 20.05, new business or institutional uses may be permitted to utilize interim servicing solutions until such time that connection to piped servicing is possible.
This motion was defeated therefore commercial development along the Hwy. 1 corridor will not be considered.
Once the minutes of this meeting are approved in January, I will request them to be placed on the Counties website for your viewing.
Springbank Recycling Centre – On June 11, 2024, Council directed Administration to remove the Municipal Reserve (MR) designation on the Springbank Dog Park to facilitate placement of the Springbank Recycle Depot. “MOVED by Deputy Reeve Kochan that Council directs Administration to proceed with registering removal of the Municipal Reserve designation on Lot 6 MR, Block 2, Plan 0413544 within SW34-24-03-W05M through necessary submissions to the Alberta Land Titles Office, in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.” This location has been reclassified to Fee Simple, which now permits the establishment of a new Recycle Depot. The proposed site for this relocation is just over 1 acre, situated along the west side of the Dog Park. The new site will enhance service levels by providing trailer access, while the additional space will support future growth and further improvements in service delivery. Currently, the Springbank Recycle Depot occupies a 0.18-acre private lot at 100 Commercial Drive. The County leases this property for $1,750 per month under a 5-year agreement, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025. This new site will require some additional infrastructure, including fencing, power supply, and graveling, which are scheduled to be completed over the next 7 months.
Dog off Leash survey- The proposed changes include:
- Leash requirements for dogs: Dogs would need to be on a leash when off their owner’s property or outside designated off-leash areas. This change aims to address “dogs at large,” which is the most common call to bylaw enforcement.
- Optional cat licensing: Cat licensing could be introduced in more densely populated areas of the County. This would help reunite lost cats with their owners more efficiently.
We encourage you to share your perspective by completing these short online surveys. Your feedback is important and will help guide Council’s decisions.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Don Kochan – Deputy Reeve
Division 2 Councillor
kochandiv2@gmail.com
