County Council: Cypress councillors pass first reading of altered inter-municipal development plan

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 16, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

In its first meeting of 2025, Cypress County council reviewed and passed a first reading of a significantly altered Tri-Area IDP, which featured several changes to key policy areas in the plan. The motion was passed for third reading, and an open house on the subject will be hosted at Medicine Hat College on Feb 12.

Council set terms and conditions for the 2025 Property Tax Recovery Auction, as well as the reserve bids. It was reiterated that administration will pursue all possible avenues to remedy arrears and remove properties from the auction prior to the auction date of March 25 at 10 a.m.

An update was received by council in regards to the ongoing Highway 3 Twinning Project, which included the results of public engagement sessions held in September that will be posted on the province’s website.

It was indicated that feedback received will inform the development of detailed design, which will be shared in 2025 sessions.

A snow removal request was also received by the county, which requested the removal of snow from a cul-de-sac, citing that for safety reasons an exception for snow removal may need to be considered for those who are wheelchair bound in cul-de-sacs. While it was acknowledged there has been cul-de-sac clearing for major snowfall events, it can be costly, especially for curb-and-gutter construction which lack ditches.

It was recommended the request be denied because it would negatively impact other roads as priority order would be altered, as well as potentially create issues when using plows within cul-de-sacs. This recommendation was followed, with a note to potentially examine services or community aid that may be available for residents who may need additional assistance.

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