Council Highlights for March 3, 2015

Delegations

Teck Coal Update: Matt Cole and Ritchard LaBoucane provided an update to Council on Cardinal River Operations and the Upper Harris Extension Amendment. They outlined the mine’s safety message and program, diversification, assets and sustainability. Teck has 334 employees of which 304 are local. The next phase of development is the Upper Harris area which will extend the mine life a further 5 years.  They plan to submit their application at the end of March with an expected 12-month review time by the regulatory authority.   
 
Challenge in the Rockies 2015: Members of the organizing committee and supporters of the event appeared before Council with respect to the 2015 Challenge in the Rockies event.   Teams registering for the event have been made aware that the event is not sanctioned by Hinton Minor Hockey Association. Council asked questions regarding insurance coverage, revenue, participation, application process followed by the non-profit group, benefits to the kids in the community post-event. The group is requesting the facility fees to be covered by the Town (approximately $15,000). Council approved covering the facility fees up to $15,000 for the event subject to the non-profit group submitting the requested paperwork to Administration as soon as possible. Council noted that this kind of event brings groups and the community together and are pleased that money raised from the tournament will go towards future events for kids in the community.    

Action Items

Innovista Phase I: Council approved the offer to purchase from 1023264 Alberta Ltd. for Lot 3 and the offer to purchase from 1504602 Alberta Ltd. for Lot 5 of Phase I of Innovista.
 
West Yellowhead Regional Waste Management Authority: Council approved the 2015 operating and capital budgets.  Significant changes for 2015 include:

• $8 per tonne increase beginning January 1, 2015

• Engineering Sale and Scalehouse site improvements

• Landfill Approval Application and Audit

Councillors Running for Federal or Provincial Election:  Council voted in favour of a recommendation that a Councillor take a leave of absence from council and committee duties during a provincial or federal election campaign.

Public Feedback Opportunity

Open House:  Council reminded everyone about the Open House being held regarding the 2015 operating budget this Thursday night at the Hinton Municipal Library from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. For those who cannot make the meeting, you are invited to submit feedback through email or through Hinton Listens.

You can view the entire Regular Council Meeting agenda package here.
 
The next Standing Committee Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2015 in the Committee Room starting at 4:00 p.m.