Council Highlights for May 11, 2026

Below is an overview of Council discussions and decisions from the Regular Council meeting on May 11, 2026:

Delegation: Municipal Affairs Assessment Services Branch 

Representatives from Alberta Municipal Affairs’ Assessment Services Branch presented information on how Designated Industrial Property (DIP) is assessed in Alberta. This includes large-scale industrial properties such as natural gas plants, pipelines and data centres over 75 MW. 

Council received an overview of how these properties are assessed for taxation purposes and how those assessments can impact municipal industrial tax revenue. Administration noted the presentation was intended to help Council better understand the provincial assessment framework and presenters did not speak to any specific local data centre projects. While assessment processes for AI data centres are not yet fully understood by the Ministry, it’s clear that these developments can generate millions of dollars in property tax revenue for the municipality.  

Council Action: Council accepted the Alberta Municipal Affairs Assessment Services Branch presentation for information.  

Land Use Bylaw Amendment 

Council considered first reading of Bylaw 2026-13, an amendment to Land Use Bylaw 2025-14 to rezone a parcel along Highway 2A to a residential/commercial mixed use, which is in line with the East Olds Area Structure Plan for that area. 

The bylaw was introduced for Council’s consideration and included direction to set a future public hearing. This allows residents and affected stakeholders an opportunity to provide input before Council makes a final decision. 

Council Action: Council gave first reading to Bylaw 2026-13 and set a public hearing date for Monday June 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. 

RCMP Policing Priorities 2026–2027 

Council reviewed the proposed RCMP policing priorities for 2026–2027. 

The discussion focused on key community safety concerns and areas of enforcement priority for the coming year. These priorities help guide local policing efforts and align RCMP resources with issues affecting residents. 

Council Action: Council adopted the annual Policing Priorities for 2026 as presented. 

Council Procedural Bylaw Review Committee 

Council discussed the creation of a Council Ad Hoc Committee to review governance documents, including the Council and Committee Meeting Procedural Bylaw, the Committee of the Whole Bylaw and related policies and bylaws.  

The review is intended to ensure Council policies remain current and continue to support effective governance practices. 

Council Action: Council approved all readings of Bylaw 2026-14, to establish a Council Ad Hoc Committee, and appointed Councillors Taylor, Blatz, and Chrusch to the committee.  

Development Permit PRMO-2026-0055 

Council reviewed an application for indoor storage at A-4920 49 Avenue.  

Council considered the proposed use and its alignment with existing planning requirements before making a decision on the application. 

Council Action: Council approved Development Permit PRMO-2026-0055, subject to outlined conditions. 

These highlights provide a summary of key discussions and decisions from Council. Residents can view full agendas, minutes and livestream recordings through the Town’s Council page. 

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 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM.    
Visit www.olds.ca/councilmeetings for all meeting agendas and minutes.