Town council exploring replacement of MPC

Elimination of Municipal Planning Commission would reduce red tape
for subdivision and development applications

By Glen Mazza
Editor

Rocky Mountain House town council convened their regular meeting on Sept. 3 in council chambers with acting mayor Marley Capraro as chair. Councillor Dale Shippelt was away and is on a leave of absence.

There were numerous highlights including a possible change to the way development is handled. It was also noted many topics will be brought up at the governance and policy committee (GPC) meeting on Sept. 10.

MPC alternative

Council passed three readings to a subdivision and development authority bylaw that could see the elimination of the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC).

It will require a public hearing which is set for Oct. 1, 2024, and it will have to be advertised.

Council noted it would “streamline and reduce red tape for subdivision and development applications.”

“The establishment of an MPC is not a requirement under the Municipal Government Act and there’s many different ways that a municipality can create a subdivision and development decision-making authority,” said Rocky’s senior development officer Renee Hartling who made the presentation to council.

“… it would establish the director of planning, community development and the development officer as authorized to exercise subdivision powers and duties on behalf of the Town. Where that’s different is currently it’s the MPC that makes the subdivision decisions,” explained Hartling.

It was noted there would still be an appeal process for applicants. The presentation also stated sensitive political decisions might have to be made by non-elected officials.

Tax arrears

Two properties in Rocky have fallen too far behind with tax payments according to Betty Quinlan who is the town’s director of corporate services. One is a piece of land held by someone who unreachable having moved somewhere in the U.S. and the other is an occupied manufactured home.

“Under the MGA, we are required, if somebody falls more than three years into arrears, to hold a public auction. And it’s not an option. It’s not something we enter into lightly, but we are required to do it. Right now there are two properties, and the legislation outlines the whole process. And it’s included here for you,” said Quinlan.

She explained auctions will take place with a reserve bid of the assessed value. The proceeds would be used to cover outstanding property taxes and the remainder goes to the property owner. Sometimes, the property owner makes a payment arrangement so there is no need for an auction.

Frisbee golf course

Councillor Dave Auld provided a notice of motion for the town to investigate options for a potential location for a Frisbee golf course.

“There’s a couple of locations in town that I think would be suitable and easy access, and provide our residents another avenue of recreation,” explained Auld.