Council Highlights for September 14, 2026

The following is a summary of key discussions and decisions from the September 14, 2026, Regular Council Meeting. These highlights provide an overview of the items most relevant to residents and are not intended to replace the official meeting minutes:

Protective Services Quarterly Update

Council received the second-quarter Protective Services report covering fire services, municipal enforcement and emergency management. Olds Fire Department recorded 149 urban responses in the first half of 2026, compared with 90 during the same period in 2025. Fire Prevention staff also completed 324 inspections by the end of the quarter, while Municipal Enforcement continued work on traffic safety, property standards and community education.

Council's Action: Council accepted the Protective Services second-quarter report for information.

Economic Development Action Committee Bylaw

Council gave first reading to an updated Economic Development Action Committee bylaw. The proposed changes would broaden the committee’s role from providing advice to Council to taking a more active part in local and regional economic development. The changes would also allow more flexibility in committee membership, introduce quarterly meetings and strengthen the focus on regional partnerships and shared economic opportunities.

Council's Action: Council gave first reading to Bylaw 2026-22, the Economic Development Action Committee Bylaw.

Board and Committee Bylaws Updated

Council considered updated bylaws for the Municipal Policing Committee, Mountain View Power Committee and Olds Municipal Library Board. The changes mainly update the bylaws to meet new provincial access-to-information and privacy requirements, with no major changes proposed to how the three bodies currently operate.

Council's Action: Council gave first, second and third readings to Bylaws 2026-23, 2026-24 and 2026-25.

Cornerstone Area Structure Plan Update Moves Forward

Council gave first reading to a proposed update of the Cornerstone Area Structure Plan. The update responds to changes in the area since the plan was adopted in 2017, including the Town’s recent purchase of about 64 acres of undeveloped land. The proposed plan would allow a broader range of housing types and densities and some commercial development, while considering transitions to existing neighbourhoods. A public hearing is proposed for October 13.

Council's Action: Council gave first reading to Bylaw 2026-29 and set a public hearing for Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 1 PM in Council Chambers. 

14-Unit Housing Development Considered for 48 Avenue

Council considered a development permit for a proposed 14-unit apartment building at 5102 48 Avenue. Multi-unit housing is permitted on the property, but the proposal requires several variances related to setbacks, landscaping, outdoor amenity space, building height and parking. Five affected neighbours submitted objections, while the applicant supplied six letters of support. Administration provided Council with options to either approve or refuse the application.

Council's Action: Council refused Development Permit PRMO-2026-0119.

Emergency Management Appointment Updated

Council updated the Town’s emergency management appointments after the current Deputy Director of Emergency Management due to a staffing change. The appointment helps maintain the Town’s required emergency management structure under provincial legislation.

Council's Action: Council appointed Warren Wright as Deputy Director of Emergency Management effective September 14, 2026.

Notice of Motion on Data Centres

Councillor Ben Chrusch submitted a notice of motion related to how the Land Use Bylaw treats data centres and accessory uses in the Light Industrial District. The proposed motion would direct Administration to prepare options for Council to consider. No decision was made on September 14; the motion is scheduled to be debated and voted on at the September 28 Council meeting.

These highlights touch briefly upon the key information presented and decisions made at the meeting. More from this meeting can be found on the Town’s website.
 
The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for September 28,  2026, at 1:00 PM. 
Visit www.olds.ca/councilmeetings for all meeting agendas and minutes.