Elk Point town council wrapped up several important matters during its December meetings, including the final approval of Intermunicipal Area Structure Plans (IASPs), updates to town policies, and the renaming of the municipal library.
The South Buffalo Trail and Buffalo Trail North IASPs, first initiated in 2020 and 2022, were finalized following public hearings on December 9. The plans, spanning over 600 pages, outline a 50-year vision for the development of Elk Point’s surrounding areas. The South Buffalo Tail IASP focuses on land to the south and west of the town’s developed area, while the Buffalo Trail North IASP covers land to the north, including partially developed sections.
No public feedback was submitted during the hearings, according to CAO Ken Gwozdz. Representatives from ISL Engineering and Land Services attended online to offer comments. Both plans, funded by $200,000 Alberta Community Partnership grants, received final readings and approval from council. Public hearings at the County of St. Paul were also scheduled to proceed the following day.
Council approved the second and third readings of a revised Election Bylaw after a legal review. The revision clarified that election candidates cannot be required to submit a Level 2 Criminal Record Check with their nomination forms. The decision to meet candidacy requirements will rest with the returning officer, but criminal record check results, if submitted, will be made available to the public.
The council’s December 23 meeting was canceled due to a lack of pressing matters. Administrative officers and public works will be closed from December 24 to January 1, with emergency calls accepted during this period.
Following the approval from the Elk Point Municipal Library Board, council approved renaming the library to the “Laverne Wilson Public Library.” Council also passed several new policies, including ones focused on ethical conduct for council members, street light standards, employee records, and pay admministration.
Manager of Operations Jay Duffee provided updates on recent service issues and repairs including a significant break in a service line for 51 St apartments, cause by outdated blue poly piping, was resolved in November. The line was replaced and fully operational by November 18. The tow also completed snow removal, installed christmas lights, and repainted a returned the north Elk Point sign near the Peter Fidler statue.
Council agreed to support an Alberta Community Partnership Grant application, led by the Village of Horseshoe Bay, for the design of staging areas along the Iron Horse Trail. Council also made a financial decision on two uncollectible utility accounts, totaling under $20, were written off after attempts to collect were unsuccessful.
Looking ahead the Elk Point council continues to address both ongoing infrastructure concerns and long-term planning goals, ensuring the town’s growth and sustainability while staying responsive to immediate needs. The approval of the IASPs mark a significant milestone, laying the groundwork for development that aligns with the community’s vision for the next half-century.
