Coronation and District Support Services (CDSS) requested the town’s support for a community fridge initiative to provide accessible food resources for residents in need at their regular meeting on Nov. 4. The fridge would supplement the services of the local food bank.
CDSS confirmed it has enough funding to launch the project and that the donation would be used to help purchase the fridge or stock it.
Community fridges are shared, accessible spaces where residents can drop off or pick up food items free of charge. The initiative aims to fill gaps rather than compete with existing services, such as the food bank, and mirrors similar projects in nearby communities, including Hanna.
“There is a need out there,” said Coun. Mark Stannard.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Deputy Mayor Brett Alderdice, who suggested other possibilities, such as a small pantry for dry goods and contributions from gardeners with excess produce.
Council approved a $500 donation to CDSS to help start the food fridge and agreed to revisit the request at the next budget meeting.
Rental Units
Council discussed preparing an application to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Alberta Housing for grant funding to potentially build and operate 20 affordable and accessible rental units.
Proposed sites are on town-owned land near the downtown core. Grant requirements specify that the town must operate the housing as rental units for at least 25 years, with projects aligning with the town’s land-use policies.
Higher-density dwellings, such as townhouses and apartments, are often located near commercial areas. Council moved to allow them as discretionary uses in the C-1 district, along with specific setback and development regulations.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Quinton Whitfley noted that amending the bylaw would provide flexibility, ensuring the property “wouldn’t be specific to one land use.”
Council moved to give first reading to Bylaw 2024-704, amending Land Use Bylaw 2021-684, and scheduled a public hearing.
Community engagement
Council discussed postponing a community engagement session originally scheduled for Nov. 25, as Alberta Municipal Affairs is unavailable on that date. The town is awaiting further availability from the province.
The Community Visioning sessions are intended to build transparency, trust and a shared understanding of the town’s future.
“We need to get something set,” said Coun. Stannard. “It’s been a month now.”
Whitfley explained the delay is due to a “first-come, first-served” process.
“The sooner we can get it going, the better,” said Stannard.
Council moved to postpone the community visioning session until confirmation is received from Municipal Affairs on their availability.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review
