Cypress County faced tax relief, water system transfer and golf cart pilot items at meeting Tuesday

Administration recommended that council decline the request, which council approved.

Council also heard a delegation from the South Dunmore Water Co-op, which is considering the future of its water distribution system.

The co-op serves 59 residents and has about three kilometres of distribution piping. Cypress County’s utilities division has provided maintenance since 2022.

Representatives told council the volunteer board is having difficulty finding people willing to take on the increasingly complex regulatory and operational responsibilities involved with running the system.

The co-op asked the county to consider a planned transfer of the system and conduct a review of its assets, transfer terms, rates and taxes.

It also asked council to consider whether the area could eventually be designated as a hamlet.

The council discussed ways the county could support the co-op, including options for administration, water testing and potentially working with other water co-ops to share resources.

Council also rejected a proposal to participate in a provincial golf cart pilot project.

The pilot would allow participating municipalities to establish rules for golf carts on designated public roads.

Administration said joining would require the county to develop a bylaw and install signage, with the bylaw process potentially taking 90 to 120 days.

The council discussed and raised concerns about safety, enforcement and the costs of participating.

Councillor Garry Proctor also clarified that the provincial pilot is intended for designated golf cart communities and is separate from a previous request involving golf carts in Dunmore.

During the discussion, Councillor Robin Kurpjuweit questioned what the county would gain from participating.

The debate brought concerns about golf carts being operated by people who are underage, unlicensed or using carts that are not properly equipped for road use.

The motion to move ahead with the pilot was defeated.

Earlier in the meeting, council approved a three-lot subdivision near Desert Bloom.

The application separates about 5.39 hectares from a quarter section near Range Road 61A, southeast of Desert Bloom and about 1.6 kilometres south of the Medicine Hat boundary.

The subdivision creates three titles, including an existing farmstead and two vacant parcels intended for future single-family homes.

Council approved the application with conditions, including construction of an access approach, payment in place of municipal reserve and required utility easements.

Council also approved two residential rezonings.

One property west of the Fort will be rezoned from Agricultural District 2 to Country Residential District 2.

A second property at Township Road 140 and Range Road 63 will also be rezoned from Agricultural District 2 to Country Residential District 2.

Both rezonings received second and third readings following a public hearing.

Council also approved changes to its Gravel Road Maintenance policy.

The changes clarify when a fire watch is required following roadside mowing during a fire restriction or fire ban.

Administration will also have discretion to require a fire watch earlier based on weather, vegetation and overall fire risk.

The council have approved a $5,000 sponsorship for the Economic Developers Alberta Ministry Dinner, an event that brings together provincial and municipal officials, economic development professionals and industry representatives.

The sponsorship is connected to the county’s new brand, which is scheduled to be unveiled Sept. 18.

Finally, Council discussed the possibility of a new seniors facility in the region.

The Cypress View Foundation’s existing facility has been full for about two years and has a waiting list.

The foundation is beginning work with consultants to look at future options, including whether a new facility could be built in Redcliff, Cypress County or Medicine Hat.

Councillors discussed the need for more seniors housing and care in the region, with some expressing a preference for a Cypress County location.

The discussion also touched on the region’s aging population and projected demand for seniors’ beds over the next 10 to 15 years.

by Jett Schwaier

Cypress County faced tax relief, water system transfer and golf cart pilot items at meeting Tuesday

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