Town of Oyen council hears inspection changes affecting projects

By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice

OYEN—The Town of Oyen council heard that changes to permit inspections may have an effect on local projects. The report was made at the June 10 regular meeting of council.

Mayor Doug Jones noted the Government of Alberta has adjusted how inspections are handled, and not just in Oyen but in other communities as well. Jones referenced the medical and dental building currently under construction in Oyen.

Oyen council discussed how recent changes to Alberta's inspection process could affect local development projects, including the medical and dental building and a new apartment complex under construction in town. Screenshot.

According to the mayor, there was some question about an inspection delay because the building includes a weekend suite, apparently intended for visiting professionals.

Jones also described a recent meeting he attended in Medicine Hat regarding the new apartment building under construction in Oyen. He noted there had been discussion about the nature of the project because it is both an apartment building and temporary housing for visiting professionals.

As councillors discussed the issue, it was noted that building inspections appear to involve significant red tape. Councillors also heard that auditing is planned for projects such as those underway in Oyen.

Financial report

During the chief administrative officer's regular financial update, councillors reviewed a report showing uncollected taxes. The CAO noted that taxes are not due until the end of June.

MLA meeting

The mayor reported he recently met with MLA Nate Horner, who confirmed he will not seek re-election. According to Jones, Horner said he stepped aside as finance minister so a successor could begin preparing next year's budget.

Jones also reported that Horner told him rumours of tension between himself and Danielle Smith were untrue. Rail projects were also discussed during the meeting.

Irrigation

Coun. Keith Munroe reported he recently attended a golf course meeting where an update was provided on the proposed Special Areas-Acadia irrigation project.

Public Works report

Councillors heard Public Works staff have been busy pumping water following recent heavy rainfall.

Council also discussed flooding near the trailer park. Staff advised the issue was related to a water leak that may have been caused by trailers shifting. Staff reported they had been informed the leak had been repaired.

Public Works staff also raised concerns about plans by Assumption School to build a new fence. Town staff said the fence must be set back from the ditch at the southwest corner of the property to ensure there is enough room for mowing equipment.

Councillors discussed possible water or sewer work near Sacred Heart Church. Council heard a quote of approximately $13,000 had been received to line underground pipes. It was noted that excavating the street would cost considerably more, and council unanimously approved the expenditure.

Staff explained the contractor would use a "zero disturbance" lining technique accessed through a manhole. Councillors agreed the town should monitor the project's success, as the method could potentially be used for future infrastructure work.

During the recreation report, councillors heard staff have been busy cutting grass at the ball diamonds and that a mower may need to be transported for repairs.

Council also discussed concerns about firewood being supplied at lengths that were too long for practical use. Chief Administrative Officer Sacha Martens said she would contact the contractor regarding the issue.

Bylaw enforcement

Councillors discussed a public complaint that resulted in the bylaw officer contacting a resident about parking a school bus and a garbage truck on a street. Council noted Oyen's bylaw includes a vehicle weight limit, but the bus and garbage truck likely fall below that threshold. Councillors agreed that if the vehicles comply with the bylaw, the town has no grounds for enforcement.

Council also discussed an RV parked on public property. Martens advised that matter also originated from a public complaint.