Council Highlights for February 9, 2026

Below is an overview of Council discussions and decisions from the Regular Council meeting on February 9, 2026: 

Public Hearing: Land Use Bylaw amendment (Bylaw 2026-07) - Rezoning to align with existing plans

Bylaw 2026-07 proposes to rezone the land at NW-4-33-1-W5 from Future Urban to Light Industrial, in line with the Municipal Development Plan and the Northeast Area Structure Plan. This land has long been identified for future industrial use in the Town’s planning documents. Updating the zoning now brings it into alignment with those plans and will help Administration review and respond to future development applications more efficiently.

5 spoke in favour and 13 in opposition/or deemed affected by, at public hearing. The public hearing closed at 2:44 PM.

Council Action: Council gave Bylaw 2026-07 second and third reading as presented. Motion on 3rd reading passed by a vote of 5-2. 

Delegation: RCMP Services 2025 Third Quarter Report 

Staff Sergeant Jamie Day shared key policing statistics for the Olds detachment, highlighting community priorities such as violence in relationships, road safety, police visibility, and theft prevention. Members conducted 88 proactive traffic enforcement actions and removed 10 impaired drivers from the road. 

The RCMP also reaffirmed their commitment to community engagement through activities such as an industrial area tour focused on crime reduction, ongoing Coffee with a Cop sessions, participation in Remembrance Day ceremonies, and hosting a charity hockey game.

Council Action: Council received the RCMP Services 2025 Third Quarter presentation for information. Motion carried unanimously. 

Delegation: Protective Services 2025 Third Quarter Report 

Director Andrew provided an update on emergency incident response in both urban and rural areas, fire recruitment and engagement initiatives, and key municipal enforcement activities. He also highlighted new partnerships with the Olds Kiwanis Club and the Community Lending Shelf as valuable supports for strengthening local emergency preparedness.

Council Action: Council received the Protective Services 2025 Third Quarter presentation for information. Motion carried unanimously. 

Records and Information Management (Bylaw 2026-04) 

On June 11, 2025, the Government of Alberta repealed the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act and replaced it with two new laws: the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), modernizing the province’s approach by separating the right to access information from the right to privacy. The updated Records and Information Management (RIM) Bylaw aligns the Town’s definitions, roles, and procedures with this new provincial framework, ensuring continued legal compliance, transparent access to information, and enhanced protection of residents’ personal data.

Council Action: Council gave Bylaw 2026-04 first, second and third reading as presented. Motions carried unanimously. 

Development Permits: 6 Valiant Crescent (PRMO-2026-0005), 5210 44 Street (PRMO-2026-0008) and 4501 46 Avenue (PRMO-2026-0011),  

Council Action: Council approved the Development Permits, subject to conditions in the report. 

Sponsorship Request: Olds High School ASLC Conference 

École Olds High School is proud to host the Alberta Student Leadership Conference from May 1–3, 2026, bringing more than 600 student leaders and educators from across Alberta to the Olds community. 

Council Action: Council approved a one-time $500 sponsorship from Council’s general sponsorship funds for the Alberta Student Leadership Conference 2026. Motion carried 6–1. 

Committee of the Whole Policy Recommendations 

At the February 2, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting, Administration presented Policy 101C.  The policy has since been updated to reflect new processes and was renamed to better convey its purpose.

Council Action: Council approved Policy 101.C as presented.  

Request for Tax Exemption 

Under the Municipal Government Act, municipalities can fully or partially exempt properties from property taxes when they are owned or leased by eligible non-profit organizations, if they meet the requirements set out in the Community Organization Property Tax Exemption Regulation.

Council Action: Council accepted all applications for the 2026 taxation year. 

Appointment of Auditor

Under the Municipal Government Act, Council must appoint an auditor each year. The Town of Olds currently works with Metrix Group LLP for audit services, with the option to extend for up to two more years. Administration recommends Council appoint Metrix Group LLP as the Town’s auditor for 2025.

Council Action: Council appointed Metrix Group LLP as auditor for the 2025 fiscal year and accepted the Audit Planning Report 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 February 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM.   
Visit www.olds.ca/councilmeetings for all meeting agendas and minutes.