Strathmore council briefs

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Higher utility bills, a disputed housing proposal and the pressures facing local businesses were among the issues before Strathmore council on Oct. 21. Council also advanced changes to the town’s growth plan, while a separate organizational meeting confirmed appointments to several community boards.

Higher water bills coming in January

Strathmore council approved its 2027 fees bylaw, bringing an estimated increase of about $200 a year for customers in the smallest water meter category.

According to the administration report, the average monthly utility bill in that category will rise from $155.39 to $172.07. That is an increase of $16.68 a month, or approximately 10.7 per cent. Individual bills will vary with consumption.

The new schedule adds $1.05 per cubic metre to water consumption charges. Administration attributed the increase largely to higher costs for water purchased from Calgary, where infrastructure investments are affecting the price charged to surrounding communities.

Coun. Claude Brown acknowledged the strain on households.

“It’s not easy raising fees on anything because I know times are tough,” Brown said.

He thanked administration for working to limit the increase.

The bylaw also raises cemetery fees by 10 per cent and increases selected recreation rental charges. Most recreation admission charges and passes remain unchanged.

The new fees take effect Jan. 1, 2027. The town plans to explain the water rate changes through budget communications, newspaper advertisements and an insert accompanying the first utility bill of the year.

Credit card fee survives challenge

During the same discussion, council rejected Coun. Melissa Langmaid’s proposal to remove a three per cent credit card transaction fee from the bylaw.

Coun. Langmaid said the charge had not yet been implemented and argued it could penalize residents who rely on credit cards when an unexpected expense leaves them short of cash.

She also raised concerns about the town’s online utility payment system, saying residents paying at month-end could face charges for both the outstanding bill and the next billing period.

Administration said the surcharge was intended to recover the processing costs the town pays when accepting credit cards. Staff described its intended application as extending beyond utilities to credit card payments generally.

Coun. Brent Wiley supported putting the fee into effect after asking whether the town was already absorbing those costs.

“So, I’d actually like to see that get into effect sooner. Thank you,” Wiley said.

Langmaid’s amendment was defeated. The fee remains in the approved bylaw although the discussion did not establish when collection would begin.

Westdale rezoning passes after infrastructure debate

Council approved a zoning change allowing a semi-detached home at 126 Westdale Street after hearing concerns about water main breaks, drainage and neighbourhood character.

A neighbouring resident told the public hearing that repeated repairs had left the street with uneven pavement and pooling water. He questioned whether additional housing should proceed before infrastructure problems were addressed.

Administration said a portion of the cast iron water main had been replaced with PVC and further engineering work was underway. Staff also said the utilities could accommodate the proposed development.

“There are zero concerns with the ability of the infrastructure to service this property regardless of R1 or R2 zoning,” council was told.

Coun. Wiley remained concerned about servicing. Councillors Matt Hyde and Claude Brown also spoke against the change, citing infrastructure and consistency within the neighbourhood.

Coun. Melissa Langmaid supported the proposal as a modest way to add housing.

“And one way that we can increase affordability is by gently densifying existing neighbourhoods,” she said.

Mayor Pat Fule said rear-lane access helped address his parking concerns. The applicant’s preliminary concept included two garages accessed from the lane.

Council passed second and third readings. Detailed development plans and permits still require review.

Businesses seek practical help and downtown visibility

Rising costs and staffing pressures topped the concerns identified in the 2026 Strathmore Business Walks survey.

Community Futures Wild Rose executive director Chantale Sangster presented responses from 156 businesses. Eighty-two identified rising costs as a challenge, while 57 selected staffing, hiring or retention.

“Higher costs reduce margins. Staffing shortages can limit hours or growth,” Sangster said.

There were encouraging results as well: 79 respondents described their businesses as stable and 45 as thriving. Respondents could select more than one description, so those figures are not separate groups.

Seventy-one businesses selected “none” when asked which business supports they knew about or used. The question did not distinguish between a lack of awareness and a decision not to use available services.

“Either way, there is a clear connection problem,” Sangster said.

She also pressed for a highway sign directing travellers downtown. Administration said that would require a business case and budget approval, and Brown offered to pursue the proposal.

Community Futures has also arranged a session with a lawyer on commercial leases and tenant rights in response to concerns raised during business visits.

Growth plan moves toward public hearing

Council gave first reading to a major Municipal Development Plan amendment and scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

Known as Module A, the proposal addresses growth management, infrastructure efficiency, fiscal sustainability and economic development.

It includes an aspirational target of accommodating 10 per cent of new dwelling units within existing built-up areas. Presenter Glenn Ferguson explained that the target applies across the town rather than requiring a 10 per cent housing increase in every established neighbourhood.

The policies would help council assess where additional density is appropriate.

The amendment has not received final approval.

CT scanner request remains under review

An Oct. 2 letter from Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange offered no approval date or dedicated funding commitment for a Strathmore CT scanner.

“My ministry continues to review proposals regarding CT imaging services, including in Strathmore,” LaGrange wrote.

The letter referenced $280 million in provincial diagnostic imaging investment over three years, but did not identify funding for a local scanner.

Council handled the correspondence through its consent agenda without separate discussion.

Volunteers appointed to community boards

At the organizational meeting, council approved appointments to the subdivision and development appeal board, assessment review board, community improvement program committee, FCSS advisory board and municipal library board.

The appointments carry terms ranging from one to three years.

Wiley thanked residents willing to take on volunteer governance roles.

“And so, it’s with a great amount of gratitude that I thank all these volunteers,” he said.

Council also directed administration to advertise remaining board and committee vacancies and bring applications to a future meeting. 

Wiley specifically encouraged residents to consider an opening on the Family and Community Support Services advisory board.