Council Highlights for February 23, 2026

Below is an overview of Council discussions and decisions from the Regular Council meeting on February 23, 2026:  

Public Hearing: Land Use Bylaw Amendment (Bylaw 2026-06) – Accessory Buildings and Multi-Dwelling Developments  

Bylaw 2026-06 proposes updates to rules for accessory buildings and multi-family developments. For accessory buildings, the changes clarify when civic address numbers are required (including on lane-facing buildings), confirm that the 4.5m height limit applies only to residential accessory buildings, and remove a duplicate height rule. 

For multi-family developments, the bylaw clarifies that front yard hardscaping limits apply to low-density housing, not larger apartment-style projects. It also adjusts side yard setbacks in the Mixed-Use Node district so taller buildings (three storeys and up) require larger setbacks, while one- and two-storey developments can follow setbacks like single detached homes. The public hearing closed at 1:34 p.m.  

Council Action: Council gave Bylaw 2026-06 second reading.   
Council Action: Council gave Bylaw 2026-06 third reading.   

Delegation: Synapse Data Center

Jason van Gaal with Synapse Data Centre Inc. provided Council with an update on the status of the Synapse project and their recently submitted AUC application.  

Council Action: Council received the Synapse Data Center presentation for information.  

Delegation: Community Services Quarterly Report

The Community Services Quarterly Report gives an update on activities in Parks, Recreation, Community Development, and Communications. It highlights recent developments, achievements, and challenges for stakeholders and decision-makers. 

Council Action: Council received Community Services Quarterly Report for information.  

Delegation: Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Quarterly Report

The CAO’s report provides an update on recent developments, achievements, and challenges across the OCAO’s functional areas. It is submitted for information to keep stakeholders and decision-makers informed. The report also includes the Economic Development Strategy Engagement Plan for Council review and approval, building on the draft introduced in October 2025 and during the elected official orientation. 

Council Action: Council received the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Quarterly Report for information.  

Council Action: Council approved the Economic Development Strategy as presented.   

2026 Family and Community Support Services External Grant Recommendations  

The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program is an 80/20 funding partnership between the Government of Alberta and municipalities that focuses on preventing social issues before they arise. It supports communities through primary prevention (awareness and community connection) and secondary prevention (helping at-risk groups with skills and resources). Local governments set priorities and can deliver programs directly or provide grants to community agencies that promote inclusion, independence, and resilience. In our region, FCSS offices in Cremona, Carstairs, Didsbury, Olds, and Mountain View County coordinate applications to meet provincial requirements, avoid funding overlap, and maximize the impact of municipal contributions. 
Council Action: Council approved the 2026 FCSS grants as recommended.  

Development Permit: 4098 50 Avenue (PRMO-2026-0016) 

Council Action: Council defeated the Development Permit as presented.  

Olds Humane Society Lease 

At the February 2 Committee of the Whole meeting, Council received a presentation from the Olds Humane Society, who plan to start a small operation housing up to 30 animals. They suggested the former Municipal Enforcement building at 4502 46 Avenue as a short-term location. Council directed Administration to prepare a draft lease with the Society responsible for utilities and interior improvements.  

Council Action: Council directed Administration to negotiate a lease agreement with the Olds Humane Society. 

RCMP Five-Year Plan 

In 2025, Council and Administration worked with the RCMP on capacity, support, costs, and community engagement. Using input from the RCMP, a 2025 report, and the 2023 Community Policing Study, a 5-Year Plan was created to address current challenges and future growth.  

Council Action: Council adopted the RCMP 5-Year Resourcing & Priorities Plan as presented. 

Council Action: Council to make a request to the Federal Public Safety Minister for an additional regular municipal member for the RCMP. 

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Evaluation 

Section 205.1 of the Municipal Government Act requires Council to provide the CAO with an annual written performance evaluation. This review assesses how well the CAO has met their responsibilities under Section 207. The Town of Olds plans to complete the current evaluation by the end of May 2026. 

Council Action: Council will proceed with the 2026 CAO Annual Performance Evaluation using Model 1. 

Council Action: Council directed Administration to provide three quotes for facilitation services that targets a completion date of May 25, 2026, to ensure compliance with the Municipal Government Act. 

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 March 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM.    
Visit www.olds.ca/councilmeetings for all meeting agendas and minutes.