OPENING REMARKS

Councillor Kolafa reminded potential candidates for the 2025 Municipal Election that Nomination Day is September 22, 2025, at 12:00 noon. If you’re thinking about running for Mayor or Council in the upcoming election on October 20, book an appointment with the Returning Officer by emailing legislativeservices@drumheller.ca or calling 403-823-1347.

Councillor Zariski reminded the public that the Dinosaur Half Marathon is taking place Sunday, September 14, 2025, that over 600 participants will be taking part and asked everyone to be on the lookout Sunday morning. He also congratulated all the pickleball players who won medals in the most recent pickleball event and commented that pickleball is taking over the world.

Councillor Zariski read and officially affirmed the Oath of Office for the position of Deputy Mayor for the months of September and October 2025.

COUNCIL BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

Council accepted as information minutes from the Drumheller and District Senior’s Foundation and the Drumheller & District Solid Waste Management Association.

DELEGATION – DRUMHELLER AREA HEALTH FOUNDATION

Ashley Berlando, Administrative Manager for the Drumheller Area Health Foundation, presented information to Council about the “Grow your Own Rural Nursing Program” and Simulation Lab. This initiative is a partnership between Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary, involving cohort instructional groups of 8 or 9 students per term. Applications for the program will open in October 2025. This program will enable local rural residents within 100 km of Drumheller to receive their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN) locally, receiving most of their instruction at the Drumheller Health Care Centre. The program aims to reduce barriers for rural residents seeking nursing education and increase staffing retention in rural Alberta. Graduates of this program will be required to sign a contract agreeing to live in the community for a designated period following completion. 

PUBLIC HEARING: NORTH MICHICHI CREEK LAND DESIGNATION BYLAW #28.25

Council held a Public Hearing for proposed Bylaw #28.25 – North Michichi Creek Land Designation Bylaw. First reading of the Bylaw was given on August 11, 2025. There were no written submissions or presentations to Council. The Public Hearing opened at 5:30 p.m. and closed at 5:37 p.m. 

MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AMENDING BYLAW #26.25 (2^nd & 3^rd READING)

Council adopted Municipal Development Plan Amending Bylaw #26.25, prepared collaboratively by Palliser Regional Municipal Services (PRMS) and the Town of Drumheller. The purpose of this amending bylaw is to conduct a focused review and update of the Town’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP), specifically related to flood mitigation, parks, and trails. The MDP Amending Bylaw #26.25 received first reading on July 7, 2025, and the Public Hearing was held on August 11, 2025. Second reading of the bylaw incorporated clerical changes recommended by Administration and PRMS. A more comprehensive review of the MDP is proposed for late 2026.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AWARD – EXTERNAL FINANCIAL AUDITING SERVICES 

Council awarded the financial auditing services contract to Metrix Group LLP Chartered Professional Accountants for the fiscal years beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2028, with the option to extend the contract for an additional two years. Council also appointed Metrix Group LLP Chartered Professional Accountants as the Town’s municipal auditors pursuant to section 280(1) of the Municipal Government Act.

2026 TAX RECOVERY PUBLIC AUCTION

Council authorized the 2025 tax recovery public auction to be held on January 23, 2026, and set the reserve bid prices for the properties at their assessed values as of July 31, 2025. Council also set the terms and conditions for the sale, which specify that acceptable methods of payment are cash, certified cheque, or wire transfer, and that 10% deposit of the sale price is required on the day of the auction, with the remaining balance to be paid within sixty (60) days following the auction. 

WINTER MAINTENANCE – MIDLAND PROVINCIAL PARK MINE SITE

Council approved the continuation of winter maintenance services at Midland Provincial Park for the 2025/26 season and authorized the expansion of services to include the Midland Mine lower parking area. Snow and ice control will be provided by the Town of Drumheller, while trail and washroom maintenance will be managed by the Badlands Trail Society. Council also directed Administration to engage with Alberta Forestry and Parks to advocate for the Government of Alberta to assume year-round maintenance responsibilities for Midland Provincial Park and the Midland Mine lower parking area.

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