Below is an overview of Council discussions and decisions from the Regular Council meeting on May 12, 2025:
Land Use Bylaw Amendments
Bylaw Amendment 2025-08 East Olds Rezoning (Lots 31 & 32, Block 11, Plan 1711276)
Rezoned from General Residential (R2) to Medium Density Residential (R3) to expand housing options under the East Olds Area Redevelopment Plan. No development is proposed at this time.
Public Hearing: No feedback was received. Council noted that proposed developments will undergo a thorough approval process.
Bylaw Amendment 2025-11 Industrial Rezoning (Lot 13, Block 1, Plan 1710892 & Lot 4, Block 1, Plan 1511656)
Rezoned from Direct Control (DC7) to Light Industrial (I1) supporting long-term growth under the Southeast Industrial Area Structure Plan. Further, Data Centre is now a permitted use in I1 districts. No developments are proposed at this time.
Council Actions: Gave second and third readings to Bylaw 2025-08. Gave first reading to Bylaw Amendment 2025-11 and scheduled the public hearing for June 9 at 1:00pm in Council Chambers.
Emergency Management (EM) Agency Annual Update
The update included ICS training, coordination with regional partners, and Emergency Preparedness Week activities. A full-scale emergency exercise is planned for June 5 in coordination with applicable agencies. Additional updates included progress on the Voyent Alert notification system and outreach to schools and community organizations. Learn more about Voyent Alert here: https://voyent-alert.com/
Council Action: Accepted the Emergency Management update for information.
Protective Services Quarterly Report
Municipal Enforcement
Sixty bylaw, provincial, and traffic-related tickets were issued. Officers continued work on unsightly properties and addressed concerns with signage, trailers, animals, and abandoned vehicles. Body cameras are active, and a new staff member begins in Q2.
Fire Services
Calls are slightly above average, mostly due to increased vehicle collisions. Training is ongoing and the 2024/2025 Cadet Program has concluded. Collaboration continues with the drone project. Inspection requests are up and some fleet repairs were conducted.
Emergency Management
Updates include Voyent Alert promotion efforts, completing the emergency plan review, and preparing for June’s derailment exercise.
Council Action: Accepted the Protective Services Q1 2025 report for information.
Corporate Services Quarterly Report
Financials are aligned with the 2025 budget with no significant variances noted. The Town secured over $418,000 in grants and the 2024 audit received a clean opinion. E-billing and pre-authorized payment use increased. Automation and integration efforts continue to improve internal operations.
Council Action: Accepted the Corporate Services Q1 2025 report for information.
Bylaw 2025-10 Amendment to Mobile Vendor Bylaw 2018-46
The amendment removes outdated restrictions, expanding opportunities for vendors and streamlining the permitting process.
Council Action: Gave first, second, and third readings to Bylaw 2025-10 as presented.
Mountain View Power Sponsorship – Oldstoberfest 2025
Oldstoberfest merges Bavarian culture with western prairie heritage and draws thousands of visitors to Olds each year. A $10,000 sponsorship was recommended through the Mountain View Power Sponsorship program, reflecting the Town’s continued support of this event. Details at https://www.oldstoberfest.com
Council Action: Approved the sponsorship request as presented.
Committee of the Whole Policy Recommendations
Administrative policies 202C, 204C, 210C, 211C, and 213C were reviewed as part of routine housekeeping.
Council Action: Approved the policy updates and rescindments as recommended.
Chief Administrative Officer Report
A slight increase in Report a Problem service requests was noted and ongoing Council directives were reviewed.
Council Action: Accepted the CAO report for information.
Notice of Motion – Planning Documents Review Policy
Councillor James Cummings proposed a 10-year review cycle for all Area Structure and Redevelopment Plans.
Council Action: Received the notice of motion for information.
Olds Town Council seeks to be transparent and open with residents. These highlights touch briefly upon the key information presented and decisions made at the meeting.
The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Visit www.olds.ca/councilmeetings for all meeting agendas and minutes.