Cypress County council approves tax increase, hears RCMP report, and backs rink roof replacement

Councillors also endorsed a plan to continue increasing the ratio over time, directing administration to bring forward options in future years to move toward a 4-to-1 ratio.

Councillor Robin Kurpjuweit said the phased approach is intended to better align taxation with long-term priorities, as “It’s developing Dunmore Junction, establishing a recreational facility is going to cost a lot of money.”

Each percentage increase in non-residential taxes generates about $460,000, compared to roughly $8,000 from farmland.

Council also received a presentation from the Redcliff RCMP detachment, which outlined ongoing staffing shortages alongside declining crime trends.

Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. Michael Courty said the detachment has faced both “hard” vacancies, unfilled positions, and “soft” vacancies due to medical or other leave, but recently added two recruits who are currently in training.

Crime statistics presented to the council showed overall criminal offences in Cypress County declined by about 19 per cent year-over-year, including drops in property crime and break-and-enters.

Calls for service have remained relatively stable since last year, though slightly lower figures were partly attributed to reduced traffic enforcement capacity.

Cypress County Mayor Dan Hamilton said the downward trend in crime was encouraging, despite staffing pressures.

“The numbers are coming down; that was good to see in the presentation,” Hamilton said.

“They’re struggling to get these spots filled, we’ve known that for years. It’s good to see we’re getting two. A lot of places aren’t getting any,” he added.

“I think everybody’s doing what they can in the county, and everybody’s keeping their eye out.”

Hamilton said the county wants to maintain a strong working relationship with police.

“I think they’re doing a great job, doing the best they can with the abilities they have. We have a good relationship with the RCMP, so we want to keep it that way,” Hamilton said

Later in the meeting, council approved a full roof replacement for the Schuler rink facility at an estimated cost of $194,277, to be funded from the county’s building reserve.

Administration said the existing roof, dating back to 1979, has exceeded much of its expected lifespan and has ongoing leaks due to age and original construction deficiencies.

The replacement is expected to extend the roof’s lifespan by 40 to 60 years and reduce the likelihood of further damage to the building’s interior.

A lower-cost repair option was estimated at about $79,000 and would have extended the roof’s life by up to 10 years, but was described as a short-term solution with a higher risk of recurring issues.

Council supported the long-term approach, noting the importance of maintaining community facilities and avoiding repeated repair costs.

The council also approved a development permit for Ralston School to operate an educational farm program in Suffield, including the placement of multiple livestock shelters, fencing and supporting infrastructure on a 2.74-acre site.

The program will allow students to work with cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and chickens from April to October each year, with conditions tied to animal limits, seasonal use, waste management and site restoration requirements once the program concludes on an annual basis.

Council also adopted an updated Athlete Development Policy, expanding eligibility for sponsorships to include both competitive teams participating in provincial, national and international events, as well as non-profit, volunteer-led community sports programs that provide recreational opportunities locally.

The updated policy increases maximum funding levels for individuals, teams and hosted events to better reflect current travel and participation costs, and clarifies that applications will be reviewed and approved within set minimum and maximum thresholds by administration, with council oversight through the budget process.

The policy also introduces an optional annual sponsorship component, allowing multi-year funding approvals for recurring programs or events, subject to council-approved budget availability and periodic review.

by Jett Schwaier

Cypress County council approves tax increase, hears RCMP report, and backs rink roof replacement

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