Coalhurst residents pack council chambers at public hearing for Land Use Bylaw

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Sunny South News

Town of Coalhurst

Here are some highlights from the June 17 and 24, 2025, town council meetings. This is not an official record of the meeting. For more information visit http://www.coalhurst.diligent.community/Portal/Default.aspx 

Coalhurst Land Use Bylaw Public Hearing draws crowd

Coalhurst residents had the opportunity to participate in a public hearing for Land Use Bylaw No. 462-25 during the June 17, 2025, council meeting. Participants filled Coalhurst council chambers, with others attending online via Zoom or providing written comments in advance. Comments were shared both in favour and against the proposed bylaw, with concerns ranging from the location of the business park, environmental and wildlife impacts and questions around discretionary uses. 

It was noted by the town’s senior planner that the bylaw is the first step of many required for development to proceed, and that an Area Structure Plan would be required before next steps, which is not part of the Land Use Bylaw. The Land Use Bylaw will be brought back to Council at its July 8, 2025,meeting.

Following the Public Hearing, the Council meeting was adjourned to continue June 24, 2025, with the remainder of the agenda items.

Coalhurst Council moves forward business engagement opportunity

Coalhurst businesses will soon have their say with a Business Engagement Survey to be developed and distributed by town administration. Council approved the motion following a recommendation brought forward by the Economic Enhancement and Growth Policy Committee (EEGPC). The EEGPC noted the engagement results will help guide future decisions about enhancing the economic position of Coalhurst. 

Coalhurst Council to support housing advocacy initiatives

Coalhurst council voted in favour of supporting two housing advocacy initiatives at the June 24, 2025, continuation of the June 17 meeting. 

The first is a resolution to be presented to Alberta Municipalities in the fall regarding Enhancing Housing Opportunities and Affordability Across Canada. It was noted that housing development opportunities have become a challenge for municipalities, with growing demand for diverse and affordable housing needs. This resolution will allow Alberta Municipalities to be proactive in their advocacy approach to meeting housing needs in the province, with the goal to reduce barriers and costs to municipalities and enhance safety codes and protection for home buyers.

The second initiative is in support of the Village of Stirling’s resolution for seniors housing to be brought forward to Alberta Municipalities in the fall. The resolution   states there is a lack of appropriate housing for seniors in small municipalities and rural communities, resulting in older adults being displaced from their community and losing access to support networks. This advocacy is intended to help enable residents to age in their communities, through assisting municipalities in providing seniors with housing opportunities such as lodges. The resolution calls for Alberta Municipalities to advocate to the Government of Alberta to engage stakeholders in reviewing the Affordable Housing Partnership Program to ensure it supports communities of all sizes in this initiative.