Town council meeting briefs from May 12

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Taber Times

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Objections to land use redesignation at public hearing

On April 14, council moved through the first reading to amend a land use bylaw after receiving an application to redesignate civic address 6997 50 Street. The bylaw seeks to convert multiple land use districts into a residential comprehensive development multiple-dwelling district.

Land use bylaw amendments require a public hearing and an ad was placed in the Times on April 30 and May 7 to advise the public about the proposed amendment and the public hearing on May 12. Letters were also mailed to all the properties within 100 meters.

The Town received one written objection from a neighbouring farmer who was concerned about receiving complaints from future residents about his farming activities. The farmer listed watering or spraying as potential points of conflict. Additionally, his large farm implements could interfere or be interfered with due to increased traffic in the area.

Another local landowner expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that he was told he was previously prohibited from building one acre residential lots on heavy industrial land. He ended up selling those 30 acres of industrial land for $150,000 and told council it would be unfair of them to now redesignate the land. His explanation implied that the value of the land would be higher under a new district designation and that it was the Town that had prevented him from maximizing the potential of his land.

Council moved to receive the public hearing as information but hesitated briefly on moving ahead with a second reading.

Coun. Brewin told the landowner, “I feel for you. I sold my farm 12 years ago. I wish I’d waited another five years, I could have made twice as much. I really don’t think we can address that. Times change, development happens, and needs change. Although I appreciate what you’re saying, it’s too bad that the timing wouldn’t see your vision of developing that for residential.”

“I would suggest that we move forward with this so we can get started on it,” Brewin said to council.

Mayor Prokop and Coun. Sorensen agreed that it would be fair to direct administration to look into why the landowner had been denied in the past. Coun. Remfert proposed going ahead with a second reading and having administration follow up further on the objections. Second reading passed unanimously, with the third expected at the next meeting.

Ice arena handrails

On March 13, Coun. Remfert directed the administration to look into the cost of installing handrails on the cement stairs in the ice arena between the stands. On May 12, Facilities Manager Blake Hranac returned with quotes for the job from a local fabricator. The total cost estimate came in at $49,950 including a 25 per cent allowance for unforeseen work.

The large ice stands have eight stair-sets surrounding the ice surface. Two of the stair-sets are currently equipped with handrails and are tied to the south entrance tunnel. Six of the stair-sets are not equipped with handrails.

Hranac’s report to council said, “Administration did a National Building Code (2023) review of handrails and specifications as it relates to stadium seating. Now, because the facility was constructed in 1970, it was bound by building codes that are outdated by today’s standard. As such, facilities like the Community Centre are grandfathered into current building code and are only required to conform to current building code during a substantial renovation. If no renovation occurs, the facility is bound to the building code from the time of construction.”

The Taber Fire Department reported that the line of sight restriction for spectators would not be of concern but the code of the day would apply until a major renovation was undertaken. Adding a handrail to the middle of the stairs would affect the exit capacity because the minimum width for an aisle is 1100mm. Under certain circumstances, it can be reduced to 900mm, but placing the handrail in the middle would reduce both sides to substantially less than the 900mm, according to the Taber FD.

Modifying the seating area to accommodate wider aisles was included in the cost estimate. Council approved a motion to push the project forward to the 2026 capital budget deliberations.

Deputy mayor

Coun. Dan Remfert was sworn in for a term as deputy mayor. Each member of council is given the opportunity to assist with town business in the possible absence of the mayor, or to represent the Town, should the mayor have other commitments.

The agenda said that historically, the order of appointments has been based on the number of votes each councillor received in the municipal election, in order from most to least. Deputy Mayor Jack Brewin’s term expired on April 30 and Mayor Prokop completed the Oath of Office for Coun. Remfert to be deputy mayor for the term expiring October 20.

Seniors’ Week

The Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services sent the Town an email advising it that for the last 39 years, the Province has dedicated the first week of June to honour and recognize the contributions of seniors.

The ministry has designated June 2 to 8 as Seniors’ Week for 2025 and it will begin with a provincial launch event on June 2 in the City of Camrose. It encouraged all municipalities, First Nations communities, and Metis Settlements to officially declare Seniors’ Week to demonstrate  community support and bring awareness to the importance of seniors in the province.

Coun. McLean made the motion to officially declare Taber’s participation in Seniors’ Week and council carried it unanimously. The declaration form will be signed and returned to Minister Jason Nixon. The Town has not yet released information on any special activities that may occur during that week.