Council Streamlines Business Licensing, Approves Below-Market Land Sale
Lacombe City Council took steps to modernize how local businesses operate by passing first and second readings of a new bylaw amendment. They also approved the sale of city-owned land at a reduced price to the Lacombe Fish and Game Association during their October 14 meeting.
Business Licensing Updated
The new measure, Bylaw 381.2, aims to streamline licensing for various businesses. It introduces 'Multi-vendor' and 'Seasonal' business licenses. This means event organizers, like those running farmers' markets or festivals, could use a single license to cover multiple vendors, cutting down on paperwork. Seasonal businesses, such as landscapers or Christmas tree lots, will now have license terms and fees that better match their limited operating periods.
Existing license fees, which haven't changed since 2013, will see minor adjustments. The bylaw also adds escalating fines for businesses that repeatedly violate licensing rules. This move is expected to reduce administrative load for organizers and align fees more fairly for seasonal operators.
Mural Signage Stays Put
Council addressed the unexpected installation of an interpretive sign next to the 'Eyes of the Wisdom' mural on City Hall. The sign, which provides details about the artist and Indigenous history, was put up without prior Council approval. Administration sought direction on whether to keep it or relocate it.
Dr. Laurel Halladay, Chair of the Lacombe Art Collection Committee, advocated for the sign to remain in its current location. She emphasized its role as "an essential complement to the mural" and its "crucial role in educating the public" about Indigenous culture and the mural's significance.
After discussion, Council voted 5-2 to keep the sign where it is, on the south side of City Hall. Councillors Cora Hoekstra and Don Gullekson cast the dissenting votes.
Below-Market Land Sale Approved
Following a closed-door session, Council approved the sale of city-owned land located at 3810 53rd Avenue in the Len Thompson Industrial Park. The property will be sold to the Lacombe Fish and Game Association at a "below market price." The decision was not unanimous, with Councillors Thalia Hibbs and Scott Dallas opposing the sale. Public minutes did not detail the specific arguments for or against the reduced price.
Other Decisions
* The Regular Council meeting scheduled for November 3rd was cancelled. Instead, a Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on the same date, following the Organizational meeting, for Council orientation. This is a routine internal scheduling adjustment.
* Council gave first and second readings to Bylaw 370.6, an amendment to the Procedure Bylaw. This bylaw governs Council's internal rules, updates privacy legislation references (from FOIP to ATIA/POPA), and clarifies appointment procedures for City committees and boards.
* Administration was directed to proceed with the second step of the Elizabeth Lake Stabilization project.
* Daniel Joosse was appointed to the Heritage Resources Committee, and Jaime Morrow joined the Municipal Library Board.
What’s Next
Both the Business Licence Bylaw Amendment (Bylaw 381.2) and the Procedure Bylaw Amendment (Bylaw 370.6) require a third reading before they become official. The land sale to the Lacombe Fish and Game Association is conditional on the parcel being successfully rezoned. Council’s next scheduled activities are the Organizational Meeting and the Committee of the Whole meeting on November 3rd.