Cypress County council approves bitcoin mine expansion and faces multiple development applications

A member of the development authority raised concerns that the company owes outstanding municipal taxes, but the administration noted council had already entered into a repayment agreement with the company and said the issue was separate from the development permit application.

The permit was approved, subject to standard conditions and a 21-day appeal period.

The development authority also approved a discretionary permit for a dog boarding kennel on a rural property south of Dunmore.

The business will operate from an existing shop with additions for indoor kennels and outdoor exercise areas, with a maximum capacity of 24 dogs.

Proposed setback relaxations and the potential impact on nearby livestock were discussed, with the permit being amended to require additional screening along the north and east portions of the perimeter fence.

The screening will reduce the likelihood of dogs reacting to cattle on neighbouring land before approving the application.

The permit will also be subject to an annual review.

Council defeated the second reading of a proposed land-use bylaw amendment that would have rezoned about 10 acres for a fourth country residential parcel within a quarter section.

Administration recommended against the application, saying it conflicted with the county’s municipal development plan by creating an irregular parcel layout and exceeding the number of residential titles encouraged within a quarter section.

Council, however, approved second and third readings of two other rezoning bylaws.

One bylaw rezones about eight acres south of Dunmore from Agricultural District 2 to Country Residential District 1, while the second rezones about seven acres adjacent to Desert Bloom from Agricultural District 1 to Country Residential District 1.

After discussing the timing of land-use decisions following public hearings, the council directed administration to bring forward second and third readings at the same meeting as the public hearing unless council chooses to defer the decision.

Council also agreed to have administration revise a proposed policy governing access across municipally owned land after Councillor Shane Hok raised concerns that references to “public lands” could be confused with provincially administered public land.

In another decision, council directed the administration to apply for accreditation with the Alberta Safety Codes Authority in the building, electrical, fire, gas and plumbing disciplines.

Administration said accreditation would allow the county to oversee safety code permit administration through a contracted service provider, improve turnaround times for residents and businesses, and provide additional enforcement tools.

Council also authorized administration to apply for emergency services equipment grants through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and Pembina Pipeline’s community investment program.

A request from the Irvine Agricultural Society for a budget amendment of just over $16,000 to complete renovations to washrooms and change rooms at the Irvine Complex was approved after unforeseen work was uncovered during construction.

—

Cypress County Council Meeting YouTube Live Stream, July 7, 2026

by Jett Schwaier

Cypress County council approves bitcoin mine expansion and faces multiple development applications

Our Community