HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCounty of Newell
Meeting Minutes
Council September 10, 2026
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public on Thursday, September 10, 2026 commencing at 10:39 a.m.
Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting.
MEMBERS
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS:
A. Doerksen, Reeve
D. Baumgarten
A. Skanderup
L. Kopp
H.Johnson
G. Skriver
K. Christman
N.Johnson
B. Hofer
STAFF: M. Fenske, ChiefAdministrative Officer
T. Green, Director ofAgricuitural Seroices
L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services
M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor
G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering Services
M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
S. Simpson, Development Officer
E. Sinclair, Planning and DevelopmentAdministrativeAssistant
C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator)
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: 34 Members of the Public in attendance (Bylaw 2129-26)
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:39 a.m.
2.
3.
G267/26
EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (August 6, 2026)
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that"the August 6, 2026 Council
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
_. _
Regular Council
September 10, 2026
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-268/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the agenda be adopted as
amended.
MOTION CARRIED
6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held. The moderator indicated that there
were no questions from the public.
9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
9.1 ASB Update
The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities
of the Agricultural Services Department. Emerson Bridge Park will close for the
season on September 21, 2026 and the pump track has been extremely
popular. The Director of Agricultural Services provided updates on the Crop
Diversification Centre South, strychnine, and upcoming agricultural education
events. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
9.2 2026 South Region ASB Conference (October 6, 2026)
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this
item and asked Council to let him know if they plan to attend by
September 11, 2026.
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 10:51 a.m.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
10.1 Opt Out of Rural-to-Rural Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF)
Agreements
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-269/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council determines and agrees that
intermunicipal services with rural municipalities adjacent to the County of Newell, which
were originally approved in 2020, have been and will continue to be adequately provided
by means other than an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement and that the
following ICFAgreements be concluded:
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Regular Council
September 10, 2026
• Cypress County dated March 3, 2020,
• Vulcan County dated February 4, 2020,
• WFieatland County dated May 4, 2020, and
• Special Areas dated March 10, 2020;
and further that a rescinding bylaw for the 2018 ICF Agreement with the MD of Taber be
prepared for consideration during the September 24, 2026 Council meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
70.2 Alberta Community Partnership Grant — Continued Work on the Regional
Emergency Management Plan
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-270/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that Council authorize an Alberta
Community Partnership grant application with the County as the Managing Partner on
behalf of the five member municipalities for the purpose of continuing work on yet to be
completed portions of the Newell Regional Emergency Management Plan.
MOTION CARRIED
10.3 2027 Southern Alberta Ortho Photo Partnership
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-271/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the County of Newell agrees to
participate in the 2027 Southern Alberta Ortho Photo Partnership and that the MD of
Willow Creek be appointed as the Managing Partner for the project.
MOTION CARRIED
10.4 Request for Support - Highway 36 Passing Lanes Advocacy
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from CounciL
C-272/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council authorize the Reeve to
participate as a signatory to the Highway 36 safety advocacy letter requesting that the
Government ofAlberta prioritize investment in additional passing lane infrastructure.
MOTION CARRIED
10.5 Councillor Payment Sheets (July 2026)
C-273/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the July 2026 Councillor Payment
Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor
Compensation Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
September10,2026
10.6 Requests for Functions of Council
10.6.1 Rolling Hills Agricultural Academy Barn Grand Opening
(October 21, 2026)
C-274/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to
attend the Rolling Hills School Agricultural Academy Barn Grand Opening on
October 21, 2026 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10.6.2 Site Link Conference (September 16-18, 2026)
C-275/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend
the Site Link Conference in Medicine Hat, AB on September 16-18, 2026 as a function of
Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10.6.3 Brooks-Newell Leadership Breakfast (October 23, 2026)
C-276/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that any Councilior be permitted to attend
the Brooks-Neweil Leadership Breakfast in Brooks, AB on October 23, 2026 as a
function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10.6.4 Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce Breakfast (September 10, 2026)
C-277/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that the attendance of Councillor
K. Christman at the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce Breakfast in Bassano,
AB on September 10, 2026 be considered a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10.6.5 IQ3 Age of Adaptation (September 70, 2026)
Discussion followed regarding the IQ3 Age of Adaptation event in Brooks, AB on
September 10, 2026. This item is considered a function of Council.
10.6.6 Newell Housing Foundation Connection Flats Groundbreaking Ceremony
(September 18, 2026)
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item,
noting that is the same day as the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association
meeting.
11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
11.1 Director of Municipal Services Report
The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an
overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask
questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding
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RegWar Council
September 10, 2026
land acquisitions in progress, the JBS Access Road, and enforcement on the
County's pathways.
C-278/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Director of Municipal Services
Report forAugust 2026 be APPROVED as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
12. POST AGENDA ITEMS
12.1 Proclamation - Dolly Day (September 25, 2026)
Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed.
C-279/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council hereby proclaims September
25, 2026 as "9 to 5 Dolly Day" in the County of Newell.
MOTION CARRIED
12.2 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) District 1 Director Election
Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item and
requested Council's support for running for re-election for District 1 Director in the
RMA Board of Directors election.
C-280/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the Council of the County of Newell
supports Councilior K. Christman as a candidate for the District 1 Director position in the
Rural Municipalities ofAlberta (RMA) Board of Directors election.
MOTION CARRIED
13. INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1 Payment Registers
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item
was accepted as information.
13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
13.3 RCMP Report - Brooks
This item was accepted as information.
13.4 RCMP Report - Bassano
RECESS
This item was accepted as information.
Council RECESSED at 1122 a.m. and RECONVENED at 1134 a.m.
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Regular Council
September 10, 2026
There were thirty-four (34) members of the public in attendance for the Public Hearings.
C-281/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move into Public Hearings at
1137 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Bylaw 2136-26 Road Closure & LEASE
(Road Plan 4603EZ in SW 16-19-13-W4)
Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:37 a. m.
The Planning & Development Supervisor stated that the intent of the Public
Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2136-26. The intent of this bylaw is
to close and LEASE that portion of road plan 4603EZ that runs through
SW 16-19-13-W4.
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on
this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all
adjacent landowners as well as to a list of affected agencies. No responses were
received from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the
required referrals, and none have indicated any objections.
There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition
to the proposed bylaw.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
7.2 Bylaw 2129-26 Land Use Bylaw Text Amendment - Data Processing Centres
Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:39 a.m.
Reeve A. Doerksen reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the
hearing.
The Planning & Development Supervisor stated that the intent of the Public
Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2129-26. The intent of this bylaw is
to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 6y including provisions for Data Processing
Centres and Small Sca/e Energy-Integrated Data Centres.
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided an overview of the proposed
policy, highlighting required regulatory approvals and the levels of public
consultation required before a decision is made at the municipal level. She
reported that there are no active development applications for data centres at this
time and one data center currently in place north of Tilley.
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided a summary of the response to
the public notice and circulation to neighbouring municipalities and proposed
amendments based on the feedback received. Responses received from the
Page 6 of 11
Regular Council
September 10, 2026
public have been included in the agenda package. The Planning & Development
Supervisor outlined common concerns and indicated the parts of the proposed
policy and the existing Land Use Bylaw that are meant to address those
concerns. She indicated a letter received September 9, 2026 expressed
concerns regarding protecting native prairie and agriculture land and she outlined
an additional amendment to be included that would require small scale data
centres to be developed within the existing oil and gas /ease footprint in an
Agriculture Land Use district.
There were no persons in attendance speaking in favor of the proposed bylaw
Council received written submission packages at the public hearing from
B. Osborn, 8. Roy, M. Andres, and F. Halderman.
8. Osborn (County of Newell) spoke in opposition to the proposed bylaw and
expressed concerns with the negative impacts data centres can have on water
resources, agriculture, and native species. She asked how farms and existing
water users will be protected and how much agricultural land will be taken. She
also asked about environmental site assessments.
8. Roy (Brooks) spoke in opposition to the proposed bylaw on behalf of a group
of concerned citizens from the region. She expressed concerns including
resource limitations (water, energy) and negative impacts on agriculture. She
referenced 35km buffer zones around protected areas that were established by
the Government of Alberta, identifying four data centres to be located within one
of those buffer zones. 8. Roy indicated that a list of questions would be
fonvarded for review.
C. Hough (County of Newell) spoke in opposition to the proposed bylaw and
expressed concerns with damage to native species and natural habitats. She
referenced the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) Pronghorn Winter
Survival & Migration project which started in 2024 and expressed concerns with
data centre development affecting this ongoing study. C. Hough asked Council
to protect the land and wildlife corridors.
D. Stabbler (County of Newell) spoke in opposition to the proposed bylaw and
expressed concems with Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) being used by
developers. He asked how chemicals used in c/osed-/oop cooling systems would
be disposed. Further concerns included allowing developers to adjust their
applications in order to avoid requirements such as environmental studies and
increased energy costs to residents even if the developer brings their own power
source.
M. Andres (County of Newell) spoke in opposition to the proposed bylaw and
expressed concerns including NDAs, the lack of information about negative
impacts, responsibility for reclamation, water usage, noise and light pollution,
negative impact on animals and insects, and energy usage.
F. Halderman (Vancouver, B.C.) spoke in opposition to the proposed bylaw and
indicated that data centres on land are already old technology as satellites
housing data centres are in use. He expressed concerns with the use of NDAs
by developers, indicating that the developers are preying on rural municipalities
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Regular Council
September 10, 2026
who are inexperienced with this type of development. F. Halderman submitted a
list of recommendations for Council to review.
J. Rondeau (Blackie, AB) spoke in opposition to the proposed bylaw and
expressed concerns including lack of consistency in data centre-related policy,
public consultation requirements, noise, and vibration. J. Rondeau submitted a
list of recommendations for Council to review.
E. Green (Brooks) spoke in opposition to the proposed bylaw and expressed
concerns with water usage and this public hearing being held at 11:30 a.m. on a
weekday when most people are occupied. She indicated that communities are
coming together to protest data centre development and that everyone needs to
be properly informed to ensure our futures.
A. Dyrland (County of Newell) spoke in opposition to the proposed bylaw. She
acknowledged the importance of economic development but indicated that the
type of growth must be considered. She expressed concerns including negative
impacts on infrastructure and the environment, indicating that resources should
be prioritized for food production and job creation and that efforts should be
directed towards attracting long term development that supports local resources.
8. Wells (County of Newell) asked why there were no company names
associated with the data centre developments announced in the Brooks
Bulletin. Reeve A. Doerksen indicated that there are no active development
applications at this time.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
Reeve A. Doerksen thanked the members of the public for attending the public
hearing and presenting their concerns.
C-282/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of Public Hearings
at 12:33 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
Thirty-Four (34) members of the public left the meeting at 12:34 p.m.
LUNCH
Councii RECESSED for lunch at 12:34 p.m. and RECONVENED At 123 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Six (6) members of the public returned at 123 p.m.
Page 8 of 11
Regular Council
September 10, 2026
8. BYLAWS
8.1 Bylaw 2136-26 Road Closure 8� LEASE
(Road Plan 4603EZ in SW 16-19-13-W4)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided additional background
information and responded to questions from Council.
C-283/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that By�aw 2136-26, being a bylaw
for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING
ALL THOSE PORTIONS OF ROAD PLAN 4603EZ ADJACENT TO R/W OF
SPILLWAY IRR1302, IN THE SOUTH WEST QUARTER OF SECTION SIXTEEN
(16) TOWNSHIP NINETEEN (19) RANGE THIRTEEN (13) WEST OF THE
FOURTH MERIDIAN
EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS AND THE RIGHT TO
WORK THE SAME
AREA: ± 1.07 HECTARES (± 2.63 ACRES) MORE OR LESS
(COT111 040 545 +1),
be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
8.2 Bylaw 2129-26 Land Use Bylaw Text Amendment - Data Processing Centres
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided additional information on this
item and recommended an additional amendment to Option 2 that require small
sca/e energy-integrated data centres to be developed alongside existing
industrial developments. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
C-284/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2129-26, being a bylaw for
the purpose of amending Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 to include provisions for Data
Processing Centres and Small Scale Energy-Integrated Data Centres, be given
SECOND reading as amended with the proposed amendments outlined in the Data
Centre Policy Schedule A Option 2 and as follows:
"In the Agriculture, General Land Use District, a Small Scale Energy-Integrated
Data Centre shall be located entirely within the existing footprint of an oil and gas
lease."
Discussion followed and Council requested clarity on the following
• balancing NDAs with transparency
• environmental impact assessment requirements at the municipal and
provincial levels
• public engagement - expanding the circulation zone that a developer
must consult before an application is submitted, provide a report with the
application outlining their public engagement process
• electromagnetic frequency associated with these types of developments
. water testing prior to disposal
• decommissioning/reclamation/bonds
• responsibility for infrastructure/who pays for what
Page 9 of 11
Regular Council
September 10, 2026
• whether small scale energy-integrated data centres should be removed
from the list of discretionary uses in the Business, Hamlet (8-HAM)
District.
Reeve A. Doerksen called the question.
VOTE ON MOTION C-284/26 — MOTION CARRIED
The Chief Administrative Officer Indicated that Administration would focus on
those areas identified by Council and Bylaw 2129-26 will be brought back to a
future Council meeting with potentially additional amendments. He indicated that
many public submissions were received aRer the deadline, and Administration
will require time to review them.
8.3 Bylaw 2138-26 26 LUA 006 (SW 25-19-15-W4 -A-GEN to I-GEN)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council.
C-285/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2138-26, being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating approximately 61.5 acres
(24.9 hectares) in SW 25-19-15-W4 from Agriculture, General (A-GEN) District to
Industrial, General (I-GEN) District, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
8.4 Bylaw 2139-26 26 LUA 004 (Plan 8010764 Block A in NE 36-14-14-W4 - I-GEN
to R-RUR)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council.
C-286/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2139-26, being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating Plan 8010764 Block A in
NE 36-14-14-W4 from Industrial, General (I-GEN) District to Residential, Rural (R-RUR)
District, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - continued
10.6 Functions of Council - continued
10.6.7 Recycling Council of Alberta (RCA) 2026 Circular Economy
Conference (October 21-23, 2026)
C-287/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor L. Kopp be permitted
to attend the 2026 Circular Economy Conference in Lake Louise, AB or online on
October 21-23, 2026 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
Page 10 of 11
Regular Council
September10,2026
14. QUESTION PERIOD
A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator
indicated that there were no questions from the public.
15. W CAMERA
C-288/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move in camera at 1:59 p.m. to
discuss the following matters:
Brooks-Newell Region Healthcare Attraction, Integration, & Retention (AIR)
Program - Intergovernmental Relations -Access to Information Act Section 26.
MOTION CARRIED
C-289/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move out of camera at 237 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
16. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:37 p.m.
Signed this Z� day of c���Q^"`�✓ , 2026
Reeve
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County Administrator
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