Council reviewed a proposal to partner with the Canadian Animal Task Force (CATF) to address the town’s feral cat problem. The charity focuses on animal welfare by providing mobile spay and neuter clinics across Alberta.
The initiative implements a trap, neuter and release program to control feral cat populations and would also offer spay and neuter services to low-income pet owners. Up to 150 cats will be treated, with care provided by licensed veterinarians.
Cats unsuitable for release and kittens would be rehomed through partner rescue groups.
“I think it would really help this area,” said Bylaw Officer Annett Allen. Deputy Mayor Brett Alderdice agreed saying he has heard from many residents about the problem.
The Coronation Curling facility would host the clinic, with volunteers and local caregivers assisting the group and Allen serving as the community liaison for the program.
The total project cost would be $12,500, which would cover veterinary care, equipment and operational expenses.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Quinton Wintfley noted the project has been in development for over eight years.
“Why are the strays being released back into town?” asked Coun. Cody Hillmer, questioning the reasoning behind returning the cats after they were caught.
He also expressed concern over the cost, noting it wouldn’t solve the issue of cats using private property as litter boxes.
Council acknowledged it would take time to address that problem, but said it would gradually improve over time by addressing the cat population.
Allen explained that there are colonies of cats that are established and removing them may make way for a rodent problem, however by spaying and neutering they also wouldn’t be able to repopulate the area.
Council approved the Municipal Cat Care and Management Project as proposed by CATF.
Regional housing
Council discussed the need to explore regional housing service options through an Infrastructure and Servicing Plan funded under a 2023-24 ACP grant.
Council seeks another $200,000 to continue updating a comprehensive regional housing implementation strategy.
The strategy would include site and environmental assessments, public surveys and engagement, informational and educational sessions and updates to the regional housing statistics.
“Having the surveys done ahead of time really helps,” said Checkel. Wintfley agreed stating that the challenge is keeping the assessments and studies updated.
Council directed administration to submit a 2024-25 ACP grant application for the Regional Housing Implementation Strategy project, with no matching contribution required.
Pool grant
Council discussed applying for a $200,000 Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) grant to fund the design phase of a new swimming pool.
The design plans, needed for the tendering process, must be completed during the 2024-25 winter for construction to begin in 2025-26.
“To clarify, the municipality must issue a tender through Alberta Purchasing Connect before selecting a company to build the swimming pool,” emphasized CAO Wintfley. He explained that because the project is expected to exceed one million dollars, it must be advertised provincially before council can choose a contractor.
Wintfley added that they are exploring grant opportunities for the pool’s construction, but to meet the ACP collaboration criteria for the design plans phase, the County of Paintearth would need to be involved in submitting the application.
“We have been very successful in receiving ACP grants,” said Wintfley.
Council authorized administration to collaborate with the County of Paintearth to request their support in submitting the ACP grant for the pool design phase.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review
