Hinton public meetings in 2024
50 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
REGULAR COUNCIL
This is a regular council meeting where council will consider several bylaws, including the Public Notification Bylaw, Parks Recreation & Culture User Fees, Water Utility Bylaw, Sewer and Wastewater Bylaw, Fees Rates and Charges Bylaw, and FOIP Bylaw. They will also hear a request to waive fees from Urban Metropolis Entertainment, receive an update from the Hinton Healthcare Foundation, and discuss allocations and letters of support. The meeting includes a public hearing on the Public Notification Bylaw and a closed session for land discussion.
- Public hearing and action on Public Notification Bylaw No. 2002
- Parks, Recreation & Culture User Fees for Bylaw No. 2001-2
- Water Utility Bylaw No. 2005
- Sewer and Wastewater Bylaw No. 2006
- Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw No. 2001-2
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Hinton's special council meeting on Dec. 11, 2024, is set to consider two main items: adoption of the 2025 Operating Budget with a three-year financial plan, and adoption of the 2025-2030 Capital Plan. The proposed operating budget totals $34,517,538 in municipal expenditures, with a projected $4.2 million net contribution to reserves. The capital plan proposes $16,802,357 in projects for 2025, funded by provincial grants and reserve withdrawals, and includes items like an ammonia ice plant, a columbarium, arena heat-tube replacements, and water/sewer infrastructure work.
- 2025 Operating Budget with three-year financial plan ($34,517,538 in municipal expenditures)
- 2025-2030 Capital Plan ($16,802,357 in 2025 projects)
- Proposed $4.2 million net contribution from operating budget to reserves in 2025
- Capital plan includes $6,087,973 in provincial grants and $7,707,857 from reserves for 2025
- Projects include external ammonia ice plant, 60-niche columbarium, arena heat-tube replacement, and water meter installation
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a supplemental report on Parks, Recreation & Culture user fees, including a proposed fee increase (Recommendation A) and a new Low-Income Recreation Access Program (LIRAP) offering 50% off passes. The committee will also discuss the use of the 'Gateway to the Rockies' brand, a condition and viability assessment of the Hinton Recreation Centre, infill land development options, residential tax incentives, and a Municipal Development Corporation. The meeting includes a closed session for land and mutual performance discussions.
- Parks, Recreation & Culture user fee increase: Recommendation A expected to raise revenue by 4.4% (~$138,500)
- Proposed Low-Income Recreation Access Program (LIRAP): 50% off punch and monthly passes for eligible residents
- Hinton Recreation Centre condition and viability assessment
- Infill land development recapitulation, options and opportunities
- Residential tax incentives discussion
REGULAR COUNCIL
This is the agenda for the December 3, 2024 Regular Council meeting. Council will consider several bylaws, including a borrowing line of credit, taxation of exempt properties, transportation level of service, water and sewer utilities, fees and charges, and an election bylaw. They will also appoint a returning officer and substitute returning officers. The meeting includes a closed session for a land discussion.
- Borrowing Line of Credit to Finance Operating Expenditures Bylaw No. 2007
- Taxation of Exempt Properties Bylaw No. 2009
- Transportation Level of Service Policy No.
- Water Utility Bylaw No. 2005
- Sewer and Waster Water Bylaw No. 2006
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is hearing a delegation from residents opposed to the Pathway to the Park project, who cite safety, environmental, and consultation concerns. Council will also receive a presentation on a zero-emission bus feasibility study and review several administrative reports, including a draft transportation policy and proposed bylaws.
- Delegation: Residents Opposed to Pathway to the Park
- Presentation: CUTRIC zero-emission bus feasibility project update
- Draft Transportation Level of Service Policy CS 7204
- Council Procedure Bylaw No. 2003 and Election Bylaw No. 2004
- Utility Bylaws and Letter of Support for Hinton Search and Rescue
REGULAR COUNCIL
At its regular meeting, Hinton Council adopted the agenda and minutes, then moved into closed session for two items. In open session, Council appointed a library board trustee, announced bursary recipients, accepted changes to the Council Remuneration Policy, and gave first reading to Public Notification Bylaw No. 2002, scheduling a public hearing for December 17, 2024. A motion to include public emails about the 2025 budget in the council information package was defeated 2-4.
- First reading of Public Notification Bylaw No. 2002; public hearing set for December 17, 2024
- Appointed Hendrik Smit to the Yellowhead Regional Library Board for a one-year term (Nov 2024–Oct 2025)
- Announced 2024 Trans Mountain Pipeline L.P. Bursary recipients: Oliver Bell, Lauren Cote, Danielle Howarth, Logan Laflamme, Landon Legary
- Accepted changes to Council Remuneration Policy No. 1103
- Motion to include public emails on 2025 budget agenda defeated 2-4
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing proposed 2025 funding for civic agencies, with a total operating cost of $1,437,988 including community grants and contingency. Administration has flagged Community Futures West Yellowhead, Foothills Recreation Management Association, and West Yellowhead Trail Society for removal or change, pending final budget adoption. The committee will track consensus and receive a budget at a future meeting.
- Proposed 2025 civic agency support totals $1,437,988 (including community grants and contingency)
- Community Futures West Yellowhead funding cut from $10,000 to $0
- Foothills Recreation Management Assoc. funding cut from $20,000 to $0
- West Yellowhead Trail Society funding reduced from $50,000 to $40,000
- Hinton Health Care Foundation proposed at $500,000 for 2 years
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several items, including a proposed update to the Council Remuneration Policy with pay increases, a public notification bylaw, a grant application, and the 2025 budget. The meeting also includes closed-session discussions about land and performance. Most items are for discussion or recommendation, not final decisions.
- Council Remuneration Policy update: Mayor honorarium from $5,000 to $5,165/month (2026), Councillor from $1,800 to $1,859/month; meeting rates up to $275 for 4+ hours
- Public Notification Bylaw No. 2002 review
- Emergency Treatment Fund Grant Application
- 2025 Budget Library/Civic Agencies
- Closed session: land discussions (FOIP S.16 & 25) and mutual performance (S.17)
REGULAR COUNCIL
Hinton's Regular Council meeting on November 5, 2024, includes a public hearing on Land Use Bylaw No. 1088-20 regarding tiny homes, followed by action items on several bylaw amendments. Council will also consider the FCSS Level of Service Policy, sound reduction at Gerard Redmond Pickleball Courts, and amendments to the Short Term Rentals, Business License, and Fees, Rates and Charges bylaws. The agenda includes closed session items for CAO performance review, mutual performance discussion, and land discussion.
- Public Hearing on Land Use Bylaw No. 1088-20 - Tiny Homes
- Short Term Rentals Bylaw Amendment No. 1162-1
- Business License Bylaw Amendment No. 1126-3
- Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw Amendment No. 2000-1
- Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) - Councillor Race
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is receiving presentations from PATH, the Hinton Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce/HDMO, and the Municipal Library, each requesting funding or capital support for 2025. Administration is also reporting on service level options for playgrounds and sports fields, utility rates, and water meters for mobile home parks. The meeting includes a closed session on a mutual performance matter.
- Hinton Historical Society requests $65,000 from the Town for 2025
- HDMO requests $34,000 for capital improvements to the Visitor Information Centre
- Draft FCSS Level of Service Policy CS 7202 for discussion
- Enhanced level of service options for playground maintenance and sports fields
- Utility rates and meter staging, including water meters for mobile home parks
REGULAR COUNCIL
Hinton Town Council meets October 15, 2024 to consider amendments to its Short Term Rental Bylaw, Business License Bylaw, and Fees, Rates, Charges Bylaw 2001, plus a Land Use Bylaw amendment for tiny homes. Council will also hear presentations from S.T.A.R.S. air ambulance and Hinton Disc Golf, and discuss 2025 budget workshop dates. Two closed-session items on mutual performance and labour are listed under FOIP exceptions.
- Short Term Rental Bylaw Amendment on the action list
- Business License Bylaw amendment
- Fees, Rates, Charges Bylaw 2001 amendment
- Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Tiny Homes
- RFD 2025 Budget Workshop dates
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Hinton's Committee of the Whole meets October 8, 2024 to hear two delegations and work through seven action items, including a Climate Resilience Plan, amendments to the Short Term Rental and Business License bylaws, and a Land Use Bylaw amendment for tiny homes. Council also reviews level-of-service items for FCSS, playgrounds, and sports fields, plus correspondence and reports. The meeting ends with a closed session on a mutual performance discussion and a labour matter.
- Land Use Bylaw Amendment on tiny homes (item 5.4)
- Short Term Rental Bylaw Amendment (item 5.2)
- Business License Bylaw Amendment (item 5.3)
- Climate Resilience Plan discussion (item 5.1)
- Delegations: Hinton Mountain Bike Association and Pathway to the Park
REGULAR COUNCIL
Hinton Town Council meets October 1, 2024 to decide whether to send a letter of support for the Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Council will also consider the 2024 public auction of tax arrears properties and a Green and Inclusive Community Buildings grant application. Presentations include the Hinton Youth Advisory Council and a Hinton Fire Department change of command ceremony. A closed session on the public auction is scheduled under FOIP sections 17 and 27.
- Vista Mine Phase II letter of support: Coalspur Mines proposes expanding the surface coal mine about 10 kilometres east of Hinton; responses due to IAAC October 1, 2024
- 2024 Public Auction of Tax Arrears Properties, with a related closed session under FOIP s. 17 & 27
- Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program grant application
- HYAC presentation (10 min) and Hinton Fire Department change of command ceremony
- FCSS September 2024 summary received as correspondence
REGULAR COUNCIL
Hinton Town Council meets September 17, 2024 to consider 2025 franchise fee rates for Atco Gas and FortisAlberta, a municipal internship program, a bursary intake extension, and a notice of motion on Gerard Redmond pickleball courts. Council will also hear a Y Station presentation comparing Hinton's social services (FCSS) with other municipalities, and receive correspondence from Municipal Affairs and the Northern Alberta Development Council. A closed session on legal advice is scheduled under FOIP sections 16 and 24.
- Atco Gas 2025 Franchise Fee (action item; Committee of the Whole recommended a 12% rate on Sept 10)
- FortisAlberta Electric 2025 Franchise Fee (action item; Committee of the Whole recommended an 11.73% rate on Sept 10)
- Municipal Internship Program (referred from Committee of the Whole Sept 10)
- Bursary Intake Period Extension
- Notice of Motion - Gerard Redmond Pickleball Courts
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Hinton's Committee of the Whole meets September 10, 2024 to review administration reports on a proposed Municipal Internship Program and 2025 Parks, Recreation and Culture user fees. The committee will also discuss 2025 franchise fees for Atco Gas and Fortis Alberta Electric, hear council and CAO reports, and hold a closed session on a mutual performance discussion. No bylaws or resolutions can be passed in the closed session.
- Municipal Internship Program: 18-month placement funded by a $60,000 Alberta Community Partnership grant, with an estimated $58,900 Town cost in 2026
- Parks, Recreation and Culture user fees: Recommendation A proposes new fee categories and a 12.5% base rate increase, projected at about $138,500 in added revenue
- Recommendation B proposes a 3.12% increase, projected at about $8,500 in added revenue
- Atco Gas 2025 Franchise Fee report
- Fortis Alberta Electric 2025 Franchise Fee report
REGULAR COUNCIL
Hinton Town Council meets September 3, 2024 to decide on a Recreation Level of Service Policy (CS-7203), Fire Rescue Services Bylaw No. 2000, and Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw No. 2001. Council will also hear a delegation on Gerard Redmond Courts and consider two items from Councillor Taylor on civic agency/community grant budgeting and a closed-session land discussion. A closed session on land is scheduled under FOIP sections 16 and 25.
- Recreation Level of Service Policy CS-7203 for decision
- Fire Rescue Services Bylaw No. 2000
- Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw No. 2001
- Councillor Taylor - Budget for Civic Agencies/Community Grants
- Closed session land discussion per FOIP s. 16 & 25
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Hinton's Committee of the Whole meets August 27, 2024 to review administration reports, including proposed changes to short-term rental rules. Administration recommends capping non-principal residence short-term rentals at 135 units, allowing external secondary suites as principal-residence rentals, raising fines for unlicensed short-term rentals to $2,000-$3,000, and adding $9,300 for address identification services to the 2025 budget. The committee also reviews recreation and parks level-of-service policies, a Clean Energy Improvement Program report, and the Council Procedure and Fees, Rates and Charges bylaws. A closed session on advice from officials is listed under section 24 of FOIP.
- Proposed cap of 135 non-principal residence short-term rental units
- Proposed fine increase for unlicensed short-term rentals to $2,000-$3,000
- Proposed $9,300 for STR address identification services in 2025 budget
- Recreation Level of Service Policy and Parks and Sports Field Level of Service Policy No CS-7205
- Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) report and Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1153 review
REGULAR COUNCIL
Hinton Town Council meets August 20, 2024 to work through action items including appointments to the Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, a mutual aid agreement with Parks Canada, a public communications policy, recycling services to schools, and a purchase sale agreement with the Alberta Social Housing Corporation. Council will also hear a delegation from the Northern Rockies Museum of Culture and Heritage and hold a closed session on ISDAB appointments under FOIP. A notice of motion from Councillor Taylor asks Administration to report back on the May 28, 2024 closed session land discussion.
- Appointments to the Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (ISDAB), with a related closed session under s. 17 of FOIP
- Mutual Aid Agreement with Parks Canada
- Public Communications Policy AD-1024
- Purchase Sale Agreement with the Alberta Social Housing Corporation
- Hinton Golf Course Operations and Management Agreement
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Hinton's Committee of the Whole meets August 13, 2024 to hear a presentation from the Hinton Food Bank and review a draft Fire Rescue Services Bylaw No. 2000 that would consolidate the 2015 Fire Bylaw No. 1097 and Fireworks Bylaw No. 1098. The committee will also receive a report on a Hinton Golf Course Operations and Management Agreement and July 2024 operating highlights. Two closed sessions are scheduled for a mutual performance discussion and contract negotiations. No final decisions are made at this meeting; the bylaw is only referred to a future Council meeting.
- Draft Fire Rescue Services Bylaw No. 2000 would update fees, raise penalties, add cost recovery, and merge Fire Bylaw No. 1097 and Fireworks Bylaw No. 1098
- Hinton Food Bank delegation presented by Bernie Kreiner, Lisa Cumby and Katie Willis
- Hinton Golf Course Operations and Management Agreement report from administration
- July 2024 Operating Highlights report from the Chief Administrative Officer
- Closed sessions on mutual performance (FOIP s.17(1)) and contract negotiations (FOIP s.16 & 24)
REGULAR COUNCIL
Hinton Town Council meets August 6, 2024, to vote on several action items, including a new bursary policy funded by Trans Mountain Pipeline L.P., setting a 2024 public auction date for tax recovery, creating a CAO oversight committee, adding a new youth/student transit rate, and amending the recreation user fee policy. Council will also receive the R.C.M.P. Q1 municipal report and may enter closed session to discuss land consolidation, contract negotiations, and personnel matters. The meeting includes time for residents to speak during the one-minute 'Minute with Council' segment.
- Bursary Policy FN 1400: $50,400 program funded by $50,000 from Trans Mountain Pipeline L.P. plus $400 investment income, for 18 recipients over four years (2024-2028)
- 2024 Public Auction Date for Tax Recovery
- CAO Oversight Committee creation
- New Youth/Student Rate for Hinton Transit
- Amendment to Recreation User Fee Policy No. CS 7200
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Hinton's Committee of the Whole is discussing proposed new water and sewer utility rates and billing changes. Administration recommends new Utility Bylaws with a $30 water admin fee, $10 sewer admin fee, $3.25 water consumption rate, $2.25 sewer consumption rate, and a $150 residential deposit. The changes stem from 2024 agreements with Mondi requiring the Town to fund infrastructure upgrades and eventually build its own water treatment plant, estimated at $80 million. The committee is also reviewing water meter options, monthly billing, and a Green Municipal Fund item; no final decisions are made at this meeting.
- Proposed water admin fee $30.00 and sewer admin fee $10.00
- Proposed water consumption rate $3.25 and sewer consumption rate $2.25
- Proposed residential refundable deposit $150.00
- Mondi agreements: $6,055,000 short-term water capital, $15,700,000 sewer capital within four years
- Future Water Treatment Plant estimated at $80 million, required operational in 2046
REGULAR COUNCIL
Hinton Town Council meets July 16, 2024 to appoint up to five public members to the Council Remuneration Review Committee, which will recommend honorariums, meeting fees, expenses, and benefits for officials elected in 2025. Council will also consider recycling under the provincial Extended Producer Responsibility regulation, extending the CUTRIC transit feasibility study, and withdrawing a wildfire prevention committee resolution. Several items, including the remuneration committee discussion, are scheduled in closed session under FOIP.
- Appointments to Council Remuneration Review Committee (7 applications received; up to 5 members)
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Phase 1 - Implementation for Recycling Services
- Extend the CUTRIC Transit Feasibility Study
- Withdrawal of AM Resolution - Wildfire Prevention Committee
- 2024 Civic Partnership Inventory and Proposed Partnership Report
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a new bursary policy for students in pipeline-related fields and discussing future service levels for Hinton Public Transit. Administration is also proposing a $3,500 budget for a study on transportation system greenhouse gas emissions.
- Bursary Policy (FN) #1400: $50,400 program for 18 recipients in trades, technology, or environmental programs
- Transportation Level of Service Policy review
- Proposed $3,500 budget for transportation system lifecycle GHG emissions study
- Discussion of transit fare rates and potential 'youth' or 'student' rates
- Update on transit system electrification feasibility study
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Council will consider appointments for the Beaver Boardwalk Oversight Committee and review updated policies for CAO performance evaluations. The meeting also includes discussions regarding a healthcare funding agreement and an emergency resource agreement.
- Appointments to the Beaver Boardwalk Oversight Committee
- CAO Performance Review Policy CL 1111 and Oversight Committee Terms of Reference
- Northwest Alberta Emergency Resource Agreement
- Hinton Healthcare Foundation Funding Agreement
- Town of Hinton Housing Options Report
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Hinton Regular Council will meet to discuss several administrative policies and community items. Key topics include medical discussions with the Hinton Healthcare Foundation and the 2024 Spring Community Grant Awards.
- Medical discussion with Hinton Healthcare Foundation
- 2024 Spring Community Grant Awards
- Junior Forest Wardens Association Property License
- Protective Services Advisory Committee Bylaw No.1130-1
- Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Bylaw No. 1199
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing 13 community grant applications totaling $80,088. Members are also discussing a resolution to request provincial financial support for asset retirement obligations and proposed changes to the Police/Town Liaison Advisory Committee.
- Review of 13 community grant applications, including $10,000 for Hinton Motorcycle Association and $10,000 for Royal Canadian Legion Branch #249
- Proposal to second an AB Munis resolution requesting provincial tools for Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) accounting
- Proposed renaming of the Police/Town Liaison Advisory Committee to the Protective Services Advisory Committee
- Discussion of a License to Use Agreement for Junior Forest Wardens
- Closed session discussions regarding land, medical, contract negotiations, and mutual performance
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Council will consider a partnership with the Hinton Chamber of Commerce to apply for up to $1M in grant funding for Beaver Boardwalk rehabilitation. Additionally, Council will decide whether to second a resolution requesting provincial financial support and tools for Asset Retirement Obligation reporting.
- Partnership with Hinton Chamber of Commerce for Community Facility Enhancement Program grant (up to $1M)
- Beaver Boardwalk rehabilitation project completion
- Seconding Town of Coronation's ABMunis Resolution regarding PS 3280 accounting standards
- Request for provincial financial support for Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) reporting
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Council is meeting to discuss and potentially approve a resolution to Alberta Municipalities. The resolution advocates for the provincial government to establish a committee of experts and officials to address increasing wildfire risks and resource strains on municipalities.
- ABMunis Resolution: Create a Wildfire Prevention Committee
- Resolution deadline for submission: May 31, 2024
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing three human resources policies regarding benefits, employment relations, and employment principles. Additionally, local athletes are presenting a sponsorship request for the 2024 Disc Golf World Championships.
- Review of Benefits Principle Policy HR1903
- Review of Employment Relations Policy HR1904
- Review of Employment Principles Policy HR1905
- Disc Golf World Championships sponsorship presentation by Charles Gobeil and Tracy St-Jean
- Proclamation of Rural Health Week
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council will meet to discuss several action items, including safety improvements for the Athabasca Avenue Business District and the Pool Slide Capital Project. Council will also consider second and third readings for the Nuisance Bylaw and the Parks Bylaw.
- Athabasca Avenue Business District Safety Improvements
- Pool Slide Capital Project
- Nuisance Bylaw No. 1185 (Second and Third Reading)
- Parks Bylaw No. 1184 (Second Reading)
- FCM ICLEI Program, Partners for Climate Protection presentation
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole will review several administration reports, including safety improvements for the Athabasca Avenue Business District and a pool slide capital project update. The meeting also includes a quarterly report from the RCMP regarding local crime statistics and policing activities.
- RCMP Quarterly Report (January 1 to March 31, 2024)
- Athabasca Avenue Business District Safety Improvements
- Pool Slide Capital Project Update
- Recreation Level of Service Policy CS-7203
- Development Services Procedures
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council will meet to discuss several action items, including the Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1188 and Road Closure Bylaw No. 1176. The meeting also includes a first reading for Nuisance Bylaw No. 1185 and a request for a waterline realignment at Eastridge Village.
- Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1188
- Road Closure Bylaw No. 1176 (Second and Third Reading)
- Nuisance Bylaw No. 1185 (First Reading)
- Waterline Realignment Request - Eastridge Village
- Appointment of Audit Services
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Council is reviewing a development impact analysis report prepared by Lobb + Partners Golf Course Architects. The report examines how the proposed PAR999 development plan affects the existing golf course layout and safety margins.
- Proposed Development Impact Analysis report from Lobb + Partners Golf Course Architects
- Review of PAR999 development plan including a hotel, retail village, and conference centre
- Analysis of safety concerns regarding golf ball dispersion near proposed buildings
- Presentation of six alternate design solutions for the golf course and development
- Use of up to $22,500 from the Future Development Entrepreneurial Reserve for professional advisor services
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole will review the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements presented by JDP Wasserman LLP. The agenda also includes a discussion of the draft Property Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1188 and AB Munis resolutions regarding emergency shelters and healthcare staffing.
- Presentation of 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements by JDP Wasserman LLP
- Discussion of Draft Property Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1188
- Review of AB Munis Resolutions: Provincial Emergency Shelter and Healthcare Professional Attraction/Retention
- Review of 2023 net municipal property taxes totaling $13,550,723
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Town of Hinton Council will meet to review and potentially adopt the 2023 audited financial statements. These statements, prepared by JDP Wasserman LLP, report the town's financial position as of December 31, 2023.
- Adoption of 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements
- $4,829,394 annual surplus reported for 2023
- $172,218,368 accumulated surplus as of year-end 2023
- $7,924,814 in tangible capital asset acquisitions during 2023
- $36,000 operating cost for the audit services
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Council will review $518,500 in operating budget adjustments and discuss economic development tactics. The meeting also includes presentations from the RCMP and the Hinton Youth Advisory Committee.
- 2024 Amended Operating Budget adjustments totaling $518,500
- Economic Development Tactics discussion
- Supplementary Assessment Bylaw
- RCMP District Officer Certificate of Appreciation presentation
- Hinton Youth Advisory Committee presentation
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a climate risk assessment report and potential amendments to the Town's Signage Standards Manual. Discussions include evaluating signpost materials like peeled log and painted steel, as well as reviewing the 2024 operating budget and capital project plans.
- Climate Risk Assessment Report presentation by The Resilience Institute
- Waterline Realignment Request for Eastridge Village
- Town of Hinton Signage Standards Manual amendment
- Switzer Drive Asphalt Rehabilitation 60% Design Check-In
- 2024 Operating Budget Adjustment
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Hinton Council will consider amendments to the Beaver Boardwalk Oversight Committee Bylaw No. 1158. The meeting also includes a discussion on the condition and viability assessment of the Hinton Recreation Centre.
- Amendment to Beaver Boardwalk Oversight Committee Bylaw No. 1158
- Appointment to Beaver Boardwalk Oversight Committee
- Hinton Recreation Centre - Condition and Viability Assessment
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing options for the Highway 16 beautification project to screen sightlines to the CN rail yard. They are also considering proposed changes to the Beaver Boardwalk Community Oversight Committee's membership and leadership structure.
- Highway 16 beautification options: wood fence ($90,000-$150,000), artistic metal panels ($350,000-$630,000), or concrete barriers ($275,000-$400,000)
- Proposed reduction of Beaver Boardwalk Committee members from nine to seven
- Proposed Beaver Boardwalk Committee composition: five residents, one Indigenous representative, and one youth representative
- Proposed requirement for the Council representative to serve as Committee Chairperson
- Closed session discussion regarding land consolidation
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton Council will consider Bylaw No. 1186 to authorize a $1,500,000 borrowing line of credit with ATB Financial. The meeting also includes briefings on a helipad and a housing options report.
- Bylaw No. 1186: $1,300,000 revolving line of credit and $200,000 MasterCard limit
- Helipad briefing document
- Housing Options Report
- Strategic Plan & Tactical Plan update
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the Hinton Transit program and potential fleet options before a current contract expires in August. Members are also discussing the development of a bursary program using $50,000 in education funds from Trans Mountain Pipeline L.P.
- RCMP presentation on 2023-2024 policing priorities and crime trends
- Proposed $50,000 Trans Mountain education bursary program for students in trades and technology
- Review of Hinton Transit fleet options, including gasoline, hybrid, and electric buses
- Discussion of transit service costs, noting a 2023 net cost of $283,183
- Update on the Alberta Municipality Constellation project feasibility study for zero-emission buses
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Town of Hinton is considering a budget amendment for the Switzer Drive watermain rehabilitation project. Council will also hear presentations regarding technology-driven economic growth and coding programs.
- Switzer Drive watermain rehabilitation project ($1,700,000 construction; $140,000 design)
- Technology Alberta presentation on economic development
- Discover Coding presentation
- Hinton Attraction and Retention Committee appointments
- Maligne Neighborhood Garden letter of support
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee is reviewing stakeholder feedback regarding the proposed Parks Bylaw No. 1184, which would close parks one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. Administration is proposing an alternative to amend the existing Nuisance Bylaw No. 1101 to address problem behaviors on Town lands instead of implementing park closures.
- Proposed Parks Bylaw No. 1184 stakeholder engagement results
- Potential amendment of Nuisance Bylaw No. 1101 to address squatting and overnight camping
- Watermain Rehabilitation Project discussion
- Hinton Attraction & Retention Committee appointment
- CAO Performance Review (Closed Session)
REGULAR COUNCIL
Council will consider the second and third readings of a new Cemetery Bylaw to modernize Woodlawn Cemetery regulations. The proposed bylaw updates language to accommodate multicultural interment needs, green burial options, and new monument guidelines.
- Cemetery Bylaw No. 1183 second and third reading
- Municipal Development Plan Bylaw No. 1084-4 numerical correction
- Land Use Bylaw No. 1088-19 numerical correction
- Investigation of additional land for the Golf Course
- Letter of support for FireSmart™ Neighbourhood Group
REGULAR COUNCIL
Council completed second and third readings for the Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw amendments following public hearings. The meeting also addressed several items regarding the golf course, including potential land investigations and capital improvement funding.
- Municipal Development Plan No. 1084-2 passed second and third readings
- Land Use Bylaw No. 1088-18 passed second and third readings as amended
- Termination of Global Traffic Group Ltd. contract for photo enforcement effective January 31, 2024
- First reading of Draft Parks Bylaw No. 1184
- Notice of motion to investigate leasing or purchasing land near Hwy 16/golf course holes 16, 17, and 18
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Town of Hinton is considering the third and final reading of Bylaw No. 1161-2. This amendment updates the existing tax incentive program to include new exemption categories for industrial and commercial developments and machinery. The changes aim to support major developments, such as the sale of the Pulp Mill, and secure long-term water and wastewater infrastructure.
- Bylaw No. 1161-2: Non-Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw amendment
- Proposed 15-year 100% tax exemption for 'Exemption B' eligible developments
- Closed session discussion regarding Water Agreement
- Closed session discussion regarding Wastewater Agreement
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing proposals for a new Destination Management Organization and selecting a professional advisor for the golf course. Members are also considering support for Jasper's grant application to provide settlement services in Hinton.
- Presentation by Hinton District Chamber of Commerce on the Destination Management Organization (DMO)
- Proposed Council appointment to the DMO with estimated annual costs of $875-$1,500
- Review of golf professional advisor proposals, including a $16,500 bid from Lobb & Partner
- Discussion of settlement services in Jasper and Hinton via a grant application
- Closed session regarding legal negotiations and a Council inquiry audit
REGULAR COUNCIL
The Hinton Town Council will hold public hearings regarding the Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw. The meeting also includes discussions on a draft Parks Bylaw and ATE contract negotiations.
- Public hearing for Municipal Development Plan 1084-2
- Public hearing for Land Use Bylaw No. 1088-18
- Second and third readings for MDP Amendment 1084-2
- Second and third readings for Land Use Bylaw Amendment 1088-18
- Discussion of Draft Parks Bylaw No. 1184
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Council is reviewing a proposal to provide immediate emergency sheltering for homeless clients during extreme cold. The request includes $7,000 for hotel rooms and a directive to explore long-term insurance funding for warming spaces.
- $7,000 request from Council Contingency Fund for hotel rooms (Jan 10-14)
- Proposal for $20,000 annual insurance coverage for a church-based warming space
- Discussion of a potential $50,000 annual cost for an ATCO trailer shelter option
- Review of RDN Reaching Home Program grant opportunities for 2024-2026
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee is reviewing a draft Parks Bylaw No. 1084 to address noise, illicit activity, and squatter camps. The proposed bylaw would establish closed hours for Town parks and other lands from 10 pm to 7 am.
- Draft Parks Bylaw No. 1084 establishing 10 pm to 7 am closure hours
- Proposed $100.00 fine for being in a closed park or other land
- Repeal of existing Curfew Bylaw No. 947
- Estimated $750 annual operating cost for signage over five years
- Public hearing/consultation requirements for leaseholders and stakeholders