Valemount Council reviews VIP annual report and approves water metering and Swift Creek zoning

At its Dec. 9 meeting, Valemount Council received the Valemount Industrial Park annual presentation and approved negotiating a provincially funded water meter pilot contract; it also adopted a zoning amendment for part of Swift Creek to allow campground use.

Valemount Council met on Dec. 9 to hear updates from the Valemount Industrial Park and to decide several items related to municipal services and land use. The industrial park manager reported on production, markets and equipment repairs at the Valemount Specialty Mill. Council discussed a provincially funded water meter pilot and approved steps toward installation. Council also adopted a zoning amendment for part of the Swift Creek property that would allow campground development. Key points: - Valemount Industrial Park general manager Andy Hubbell said projected hemlock sales range from $150,000 to $323,000, and noted log supply will limit production; the mill supports eight full-time jobs and is diversifying its product mix. - The mill experienced an edger failure that required significant repairs; after upgrades the edger is producing more boards, and delivery of a new dust intake system has been delayed. - Council approved negotiating a contract with Neptune Technology Group Canada Co. worth about $1.4 million for water meter installation, fully funded by a provincial grant for a 19-community pilot; staff will earmark 2025 surplus water revenue for potential overruns. - Council approved four staff recommendations on meter installations, including owner responsibility for late installations, cost-sharing rules for outdoor versus indoor meters, limited circumstances where the Village may cover outdoor installation costs, and billing a flat rate for properties without meters once meter-based billing begins. - Council adopted a zoning amendment for 1340 Main Street (Swift Creek) at the request of the Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association; VARDA plans up to 25 campsites, a disc golf course and trails, and still must obtain an environmental development permit before construction. - Council gave third reading to a remuneration bylaw informed by a resident panel and scheduled a special meeting on Dec. 16 to consider final adoption; the panel recommended increases and a health savings account for elected officials. Summary: The council meeting advanced several local planning and infrastructure items. Negotiations on the provincially funded water meter contract will proceed and staff recommendations for installation and billing are approved. VARDA’s campground proposal received zoning approval but requires an environmental development permit before work can begin. A special meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16 to consider finalizing the council remuneration bylaw.