Council Highlights
Below is a quick summary of Council discussions and decisions from the Regular Council meeting on September 23, 2024:
Bylaw Amendments
Several bylaw readings and public hearings were held this meeting:
- A joint public hearing was held for Bylaw 2024-28 and 2024-29 for rezoning to an R3 district. The applicant seeks to develop more residential dwellings than would be permitted under the R2 district. The Town is committed to ensuring development aligns with our statutory plans and does not negatively affect nearby properties.
- There was also a public hearing for Bylaw 2024-30 to change the wording on cash-in-lieu parking restrictions. This amendment would allow new developments to include the public-owned parking lots to accommodate required parking demands. Most requests for cash-in-lieu would still be presented to Council for approval on a case-by-case basis.
- First reading was given for Bylaw 2024-39 to rezone the former municipal operations shop from industrial to commercial, to allow for future mixed-use development (residential + commercial). A joint public hearing was set for Tuesday November 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm in Council Chambers.
- Bylaw 2024-42 and Land Use Bylaw 2024-43 were amended from Recreational to Commercial to better reflect the current use of the site and allow for commercial and office use.
Community Standards Bylaw Ready for Review
The Community Standards Bylaw (CSB) 2024-32 was given first reading. After comprehensive review of the existing CSB by Municipal Enforcement, the updated Bylaw has successfully passed a legal review to ensure alignment with all relevant legal frameworks. This bylaw is designed to establish clear and enforceable standards that reflect the community's needs and expectations.
Tax Recovery Sales Conditions & Reserve Bids
The Town of Olds will hold a Tax Recovery Sale on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 3:00 pm in the Town Council Chambers. Properties with outstanding taxes will be auctioned on an “as is, where is” basis, with reserve bids set close to market value. To avoid auction, property owners must pay their arrears in full before the sale.
Sponsorship Request from Ecole Olds High School
This year’s sponsorship to support the Highest Standing Award in the high school’s green and gold quads was approved.
The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2024, at 1:00 pm.