Council Highlights for January 12, 2026

Below is an overview of Council discussions and decisions from the Regular Council meeting on January 12, 2026: 

Land Use Bylaw Amendment: Rezoning 4318 50 Avenue 

Administration presented a proposed rezoning for 4318 50 Avenue (Bottle Depot). The change would better match current uses and align with the Uptowne Area Redevelopment Plan, while allowing a recycling facility use to continue on this site.

Council Action: 

• Council gave first reading to Bylaw 2026-01 (amendment to Land Use Bylaw 2025-14)
• Council set a public hearing for Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM in council chambers for Bylaw 2026-01

Northeast Area Structure Plan and Related Land Use Changes

Administration presented amendments to the Northeast Area Structure Plan, rezoning the highway corridors from commercial to industrial zoning. Presently, about 75% of the Northeast area is zoned industrial; however, with recent economic changes combined with the high cost to develop and service this land, industrial development is the most suitable zoning to attract a developer capable of starting this build-out. Council also discussed landscaping and “gateway” appearance along Highway 2A to ensure aesthetics and privacy of adjacent properties are maintained.

Council Action: 

• Council gave first reading to Bylaw 2026-02 (amendment to the Northeast Area Structure Plan).
• Council gave first reading to Bylaw 2026-03 (amendment to Land Use Bylaw 2025-14 related to the Northeast area).
• Council set a joint public hearing for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM in council chambers for Bylaws 2026-02 and 2026-03.

Development Permit: 5206 57 Avenue (DP 25-209)

Council Action: Council approved Development Permit DP 25-209, subject to conditions in the report.

Chief Administrative Officer Report and Presentation Topics

Report A Problem

Administration shared year-end data for the Report a Problem system and indicated the program use increased in 2025 compared to 2024, with snow and ice and water-related items among the most common themes in December.

Data Centres

The Chief Administrative Officer also provided an overview of economic development work underway, including a high-level briefing on data centres. Council discussed timing for a public information session and decided to wait until there is a specific proposal or application to consider before finalizing an engagement plan. In the meantime, Communications staff will continue to share general information through Town channels.

Council Action: Council accepted the Chief Administrative Officer 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 January 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM.   
Visit www.olds.ca/councilmeetings for all meeting agendas and minutes. 

View these highlights as a PDF.