Council unanimously passed a motion on Tuesday evening that would see the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) defer property tax for 21 months for a new company.
The former company carried an oilsands operation but is now in receivership and has entered a deal with the other company, that plans to start producing oil on these properties.
If the new company pays it’s 2018/19 property tax, all associated late penalties and tax arrears will be cancelled at the end of the 21 month deferment.
Councillor Allen wants to make sure that this is a unique circumstance and that this doesn’t set a precedent for other companies in receivership. #ymm #rmwb
— MyMcMurray (@MyMcMurray) January 10, 2018
Administration recommended that this was the best move for council because if the properties are not reworked to start producing oil, there will be no tax revenue since the former company will have turn them over to the Provincial orphan well program.
Bylaws
Council passed a bylaw that saw a piece of residential land in Fort Chipewyan re-designated to commercial to allow Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation build a second grocery store for the community.
While discussing the Safety Codes Permitting Bylaw, Councillor Sheila LaLonde moved that the ‘Travel Levy’ which would apply to rural or remote communities only be removed from the bylaw.
Administration said that the extra fee made up for “wear and tear” vehicles would see due to extra travel.
Councillor Inglis says rural communities amalgamated to ensure a level playing field. He adds that he doesn’t think it is fair to burden residents of the region in Fort Chipewyan with the extra costs, especially for permitting.
— MyMcMurray (@MyMcMurray) January 10, 2018
The amended bylaw passed 8-3.
Council passed the first reading of repealing the Controlled Access Bylaw that was implemented following the 2016 wildfire and is no longer needed.
Immediately following the regular council meeting, Mayor Don Scott moved into a Special Council Meeting that amended corporate bylaws of the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo.
Council also appointed four new board members to the RRCWB, effective immediately, Bruno Francoeur to Dec. 31, 2018 and Chantal Beaver, Allan Grandison and Colleen Kearney to Dec. 31, 2020.
Also on Tuesday night, council heard a presentation from Michelle Toner, general manager of the 2018 Alberta Winter Games.
As of Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, the games are 38 days away.
Toner noted that the games’ current operating budget is $4.93 million, $1.84 million less than the initial bid at $6.77 million.
Volunteers are still needed for the four day event, you can register to help out online.
The next council meeting is on Jan. 23, 2018.
