MD of Taber Council Meeting highlights from Nov. 25  

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Taber Times

By Nerissa McNaughton
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

MD of Taber council met on November 25.

The meeting began by formally adopting the minutes from November 12. A significant motion from that meeting, brought forward by Councillor John Turcato, was officially entered into the record. The motion mandates a temporary halt to all discussions and decisions concerning lease policies, sales, transfers, and the Scope Dam Project for all leased lands owned by the MD. This pause will remain in effect until the council has had an opportunity to conduct a thorough review of all relevant information. To facilitate this, one or two Committee of the Whole meetings will be scheduled specifically for these topics before the end of December 2025.

In the previous meeting, council moved to appoint Logan Wehlage as a designated officer for the municipality. In this role, Mr. Wehlage will carry out the duties and powers of a municipal assessor as outlined in the Municipal Government Act. The motion was put forward by Councillor David Torrie and was carried.

 Council also approved a time extension request for a lot sales agreement. Following a motion by Councillor John Turcato, Stamp Farms Ltd. was granted a six-month extension to commence construction on two properties. The new deadline for construction to begin on Lots 1 and 3 is now May 2026.

Council had also approved a motion to support a local culinary event. The MD of Taber will purchase up to 20 tickets for the Taber’s Table (Long Table Dinner) scheduled for August 15, 2026, with a budget of up to $2,500. Invitations will be extended to various Government of Alberta Ministries and MLAs to attend. The MD will also provide a guided tour for the invited guests prior to the dinner, aiming to showcase the region.

Also adopted at the November 25 meeting were the minutes from two public hearings that were held on November 12. The hearings were held to discuss two proposed bylaws related to the expansion of King Arthur’s Lake Front Resort.

The first, Bylaw No. 2023, is an amendment to the existing Area Structure Plan for the resort. Its purpose is to expand the plan’s boundaries to include additional land located to the south and east of the current development. This expansion will accommodate a new, fifth phase for the campground, which includes the addition of 39 fully serviced seasonal sites. The bylaw also establishes the design standards and requirements for this new phase.

The proposal, Bylaw No. 2024, complements the first by amending the Land Use Bylaw. It seeks to redesignate a 9.36-acre parcel of land from “Rural Agricultural” to “Private Commercial Recreation.” This change in land use is necessary to allow for the campground expansion outlined in Bylaw No. 2023.

During the public hearing, Reeve Miyanaga invited comments from the public both in support of and in opposition to the proposed bylaws. No comments were received for either bylaw.

Following the call for public input, Councillor Turcato posed a question regarding the future of the development. He asked if the proposed fifth phase was the final stage for the resort. It was clarified that any future expansion plans would need to be discussed with the landowner and would require a new application and formal review process, ensuring council would be informed of any subsequent proposals.

No other questions or comments were raised by the council.

With no opposition voiced during the hearing, the proposed expansion of King Arthur’s Lake Front Resort is set to proceed through the next stages of the approval process.

The November 25th meeting moved on to new business, which included an RCMP report.

During the month of October, the detachment laid charges in five separate criminal investigations. Officers responded to three reports of break and enter. These incidents occurred at a solar farm, a remote oil lease site, and an outbuilding on a local farm. Charges have been laid in connection with the break and enter at the farm.

In addition to these incidents, one case of fraud was reported. There were also two reports of mischief at the Chamberlain School. These involved individuals gathering after hours and leaving a mess. The people involved were identified, but the school district chose not to press charges. Instead, the individuals were formally warned against gathering at the school after hours. Officers will continue to monitor the area during patrols.

Finally, three thefts were reported. One of these cases remains under investigation, while another was successfully resolved through the use of restorative justice.

Detachment Commander Sergeant Gemmill’s report noted a personal milestone, “In what was undoubtedly a highlight of my 20-year career, I was invited to swear in the new MD of Taber council during their organizational meeting October 28th.”

During the meeting, a motion, forwarded by Martin Kondor, directs the Municipal District of Taber’s Administration to prepare a memo regarding the recording of committee meetings, including the Committee of the Whole. This initiative is seen as a way to provide the public with a more comprehensive understanding of the local government and its policy development process. By potentially implementing live streaming and recordings of these meetings, the council aims to enhance openness and allow for greater public insight into its proceedings.

The council’s collaborative efforts continue to shape a promising path forward for the region. See the MD of Taber’s website for meeting schedules, minutes, and agendas.