EDIT: In an earlier version the article stated that Council will host a public hearing on where cannabis retail stores can be located in the region. The first reading to change the minimal separation distance between stores and things like schools and child-care facilities has not yet been approved and now Administration will consider revisiting any amendments to cannabis bylaws as they evolve.
City Council met on Nov. 13, 2018 to discuss a vicious animal and to hear the third quarter strategic plan progress report. They also discuss a motion to call for the provincial government to put in an all weather road to Fort Chipewyan.
On Aug. 31, 2018 a mastiff boxer cross got away from its dog walker, attacked and killed a Chihuahua leashed in another yard. Council confirmed the declaration of a vicious animal as issued by the Chief Bylaw Officer.
Councillor Jeff Peddle addressed the owner of the dog.
“I think when one animal takes another animal’s life as a pet it is a dangerous animal and no matter whatever love and attention and stuff you give them, I think it’s that one mistake and I would like to see the bylaws improved and certain dogs have to be muzzled every time they go out if they are an offender. It is about public safety but it is about the safety of pets and other animals. I’m an animal lover so for me its making sure all animals are safe within our municipality. And I think we would be doing an injustice by not saying that it’s a dangerous animal if it killed another animal.”
Other councillors agreed, some raising concerns if the Chihuahua had been a child.
As for the strategic report, the majority of the four priorities: responsible government, downtown revitalization, regional economic development and rural and Indigenous Communities and Partnerships remain on target.
Mayor Scott asked the CAO for an update on the issue of the Fly in Fly Out Workforce.
Over the last couple of months an internal taskforce has been working on incentives and will be sharing the issue with industry. It hopes to bring the matter to a council meeting in December.
Scott also asked for an update on downtown development.
Jamie Doyle, director of planning and development said they are now waiting for the closure for the request for proposals for the downtown revitalization.
“Once that’s awarded we’ll be working with communications to outline an engagement process and work with whoever that successful bidder is,” said Doyle.
Council also voted to express interest in hosting a Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) meeting in 2021. The expected total cost of hosting the 2021 meeting is $40,000 with an approximate economic impact of $115,145. Hosting the meeting also provides the opportunity to showcase the region to 150 municipal leaders and FCM staff from across the country.
Before coming to a close, Councillor Bruce Inglis put forward a motion that passed unanimously for Mayor Scott to send a letter to the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta urging for design and subsequent construction of an all-weather road to Fort Chipewyan.
“It will increase the overall quality of life for residents in the community and the region,” said Inglis.
The community of Fort Chipewyan, the oldest settlement of Alberta, is located about 223 kilometers north of Fort McMurray and home to 1014 residents, according to the 2015 census, making it the second largest community in the RMWB. The community is isolated by nature and only accessible by boat or plane in the summer and by winter road or plane in the winter.
The proposed all weather road would provide easier and more affordable access to resources and serve as a permanent link between the region as well as the North West Territories Fort Smith and Fort Fitzgerald.
“This is something incredible important to our region and the success of Fort Chipewyan going forward,” said Mayor Scott. “We want to make Fort Chipewyan even stronger and this I believe will achieve that so this is really a first step in our lobbying effort.”
The next council meeting is on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018 and will discuss Councillor Keith McGrath’s notice of motion from Oct. 24 to relocate the Conklin outdoor rink.
