M.D. of Taber council meeting briefs from Feb. 25

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Taber Times

By Heather Cameron
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The following are selected briefs from the M.D. of Taber Council meeting that took place on February 25, 2025.

CAO Report Highlights

Arlos Crofts, the Chief Administrative Officer for the M.D. of Taber, explained to Council that he has been devoting a great deal attention to the Regional Drainage Initiative, specifically working with the project manager, CPKC, and ATCO on details relating to the last phase of the Horsefly Spillway Project.

In addition to that, Crofts also briefly spoke about how the Town of Taber would no longer be involved in administering the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.

Reeve Miyanaga Report Highlights

Reeve Miyanaga reported to Council that having a presence at the State of the Region event, which included Taber, Coaldale, and MLA Hunter, was a ‘good opportunity to share the M.D.’s experience,’ and they were grateful that the Town of Taber thought to offer an invitation to the M.D. of Taber. 

The M.D. of Taber, Reeve Miyanaga stated, also had the opportunity to take part in the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association Conference and sit on a panel to talk about their municipality’s perspective on how the drought occurred and the action taken by the GOA, as the M.D. of Taber was not invited to the table as a discussion partner, and the M.D. of Taber received feedback from the GOA that municipalities likely do need a role at that particular table so when there is a catastrophe, the municipalities are not just receiving the information on the side. The experience, Reeve Miyanaga stated, was ‘worthwhile.’

In addition to that, Reeve Miyanaga spoke about attending the Coaldale Chamber Awards, and stated that there is always lots going on in the municipality from one corner to the other, so it is good that the M.D. of Taber is well represented.

Deputy Reeve DeGroot Report Highlights

Deputy Reeve DeGroot reported to Council that SAEWA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Global Green Energy Group, which will do the facility for making energy from waste and that is a 12 year process, so he looks forward to initiating the process of making energy from waste instead of burying garbage and he hopes that the M.D. of Taber can be part of that, as it is ‘a big win.

Deputy Reeve DeGroot also reported that he filled in for Reeve Miyanaga at the recent ‘Coldest Night of the Year’ event and it was his first time attending, but he found it to be a well-supported event where a lot of money was raised.

Councillor Turcato Report Highlights

Council Turcato spoke about an Oldman Watershed Council Producer and Agriculture Consultation event that he attended recently, stating that it was a good event. 

Councillor Turcato also spoke about attending the Alberta Irrigation District Association’s event with Reeve Miyanaga.

In addition to that, Councillor Turcato reported to Council that TDCALA received a grant of $400,000 from the Community Enhancement Facility Program in response to their application.

Councillor Hildebrand Report Highlights

Councillor Hildebrand reported to Council that the Archery Association contacted him recently regarding their meet at the Forks Campground and expressed gratitude that they were able to hold their event there to the point where they are considering doing the same next year.

Councillor Hildebrand also reported that the Highway 3 Twinning Development Association held a board meeting on February 13, 2025, gained new board members, and also had a presentation from the lead contractor for the Highway 3 Twinning Development Association. Councillor Hildebrand also noted that the Grassy Lake bypass situation is still a matter of discussion with Highway 3 and everyone involved is ‘anticipating a resolution.’

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Council reviewed information regarding several upcoming meetings and events including:

The Alberta Sugar Beet Growers 100th Annual General Meeting on March 5, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Signature Sandman Lodge in Lethbridge.

The Taber Titans ‘Hockey For A Cause’ event on March 8, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Taber Arena.

TCAPS St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser on March 15, 2025 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Taber Community Center.

The RMA Convention from March 17-19, 2025 at the Edmonton Convention Center.

The Southern Alberta Economic Summit 2025 on March 27, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lethbridge Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre.

The Vauxhall Academy of Baseball Annual Fundraiser Banquet on March 28, 2025 from 5:45 to 11:30 p.m. at the Vauxhall Community Hall.

The EDA Experience 2025 Leaders’ Summit and Conference from April 9-11, 2025 in Kananaskis.

The Local Producers Dinner Gala on April 11, 2025 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lethbridge Polytechnic Garden Court Restaurant.

The M.D. of Taber AGM on April 17, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the Vauxhall Community Center.

In addition to that, Council discussed how they were provided a formal invitation to the upcoming Cowboy Poetry event, which will be held on March 29, 2025 at Parkside Manor in Taber, by the chairman at the Grassy Lake Coffee With Council event.

Council also discussed that Southern Alberta Summer Games is being hosted by the Town of Taber with the M.D. of Taber’s support from July 2 to 5, 2025.

Ultimately, Councillor Reynolds made a motion that Council accept the calendar of upcoming meetings and events with the date for the M.D. of Taber AGM changed to April 15, 2025, and the dates for the Southern Alberta Summer Games and the Cowboy Poetry events added to the calendar. The motion was carried.

Scheduling a Committee of the Whole Meeting

Council discussed setting a date for an additional Land Management strategy meeting because they feel there is a lot of discussion happening on that topic, and the other Committee of the Whole meeting is set for budget discussions. Ultimately, Councillor DeGroot made a motion that Council set a Committee of the Whole Meeting for April 7, 2025 at 1 p.m. to further discuss Land Management strategies, and other needed items and the motion was carried.

Regional Community Standards Appointment

Council reviewed a Request for Decision submitted by Administration, a request that the M.D. of Taber appoint, pursuant to Section 555 (1) of the Municipal Government Act of Alberta, as the designated “Bylaw Enforcement Officer” and “Bylaw Officer”, the Taber Police Service new member Jonah MacDougall. Councillor Hildebrand made the motion that the M.D. of Taber Taber appoint, pursuant to Section 555 (1) of the Municipal Government Act of Alberta, as the designated “Bylaw Enforcement Officer” and “Bylaw Officer”, the Taber Police Service new member Jonah MacDougall. The motion was carried.