MD of Taber September 23 Council Meeting highlights 

By Nerissa McNaughton
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Council met on September 23 for its regular meeting, and one of the discussion points centred on the RCMP of Taber’s current report. The data in the report revealed a 25% increase in total Criminal Code offenses compared to the same period (January to August) in 2024. This was driven by a 71% increase in Persons Crime, accounting for 22 additional offenses, and a 16.1% increase in Total Property Crime, which saw 15 more offenses.

The consideration of, and hearing for, Bylaw No. 2023 took place. This would require an amendment to King Arthur’s Lake Front Resort Bylaw No. 1829. This site has undergone several transformations since its initial redesignation from Rural Agricultural (RA) to Private Commercial Recreation (PCR) under Bylaw No. 1759 in February 2007.

The original development permit allowed for a private campground with approximately 40 serviced lots. In April 2009, the King Arthur’s Lake Front Resort Area Structure Plan (ASP) was adopted under Bylaw No. 1791, which included ‘Phase 1’ of the campground, expanding it to 76 fully serviced seasonal sites. This ASP was later replaced by Bylaw No. 1829 in September 2011, which introduced ‘Phase 2’ and added 37 more serviced sites. Subsequent amendments, including Bylaw No. 1881 in July 2015 and Bylaw No. 1962 in July 2020, facilitated the development of ‘Phase 3’ and ‘Phase 4,’ adding 38 and 51 fully serviced seasonal sites, respectively.

The current proposal under Bylaw No. 2023 seeks to further expand the resort with ‘Phase 5,’ accessed via the existing main entrance and supported by infrastructure maintained by the MD. Concurrently, Bylaw No. 2024 proposes the redesignation of 9.36 acres of the site from Rural Agricultural (RA) to Private Commercial Recreation (PCR).

Grazing leases were also a topic, and continue to be of interest to several stakeholders in the MD. In alignment with the MDT Policy & Bylaw Development and Review Policy, a draft Grazing Lease Policy and associated draft leases were presented to the Committee of the Whole for review and feedback. Following the review, the Committee passed Resolution COW-2025-87, , recommending the draft policy and leases, as outlined in Attachments A through D, to Council for consideration. The resolution was carried without any specific amendments suggested by the Committee.

 Also up for consideration was the approval of the Scope Reservoir Joint Project Agreement, a partnership opportunity with the Bow River Irrigation District (BRID). This project aligns with the MD’s Land Management Plan/Strategy, offering a balanced approach to generate alternative funding for municipal infrastructure and services that benefit the entire community.

Tying into the grazing lease debate, a key feature of the project is its efficient use of irrigation water from the BRID system, paired with 24 quarter sections of MD-owned land downstream of the reservoir. This land could make use of excess reservoir water that would otherwise be spilled.

The proposed agreement outlines several principles to ensure a sustainable and equitable partnership. The MD would retain ownership of the project lands, while BRID would provide annual agreements to facilitate irrigation. Both parties would share project development, operation, and maintenance costs, as well as rental funding, on a 50/50 basis unless otherwise specified in the agreement. Additionally, the agreement is designed to discourage unilateral withdrawal by either party, ensuring a long-term, viable collaboration.

These were just some of the key discussion and decision points during the meeting. To learn more, visit the MD of Taber’s website. To have a say in matters like these, take part in the upcoming election. You are also invited to attend council meetings, which are open to the public.