The Town of Edson is moving ahead with plans to add “recycling depot” to its zoning.
The Beerland Bottle Depot is getting ready to expand, and this made the Town realize that “recycling depot” isn’t a land use in any of their zoning regulations.
The proposed changes it would make it a use in most commercial and light industrial zoning, affecting more than four hundred lots in town.
The proposed change passed first reading, meaning council will hold a public hearing Aug. 17
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The Town is also overhauling a loan program to help small businesses survive the pandemic.
The Town has been working with Community Futures Yellowhead West to help administer the program.
Despite being active for over a year, only one business in Edson decided to apply for the loan.
Town council was not satisfied with this as they want to see that money be utilized. After weighing several options, council decided to extend the interest free period for the loans.
Instead of interest beginning to accrue after 180 days, it will now begin after one year.
Councillor Jacqui Currie noted that the Town struggled with how to improve this program as many in the business community were hoping it would become a grant program.
Mayor Kevin Zahara also noted the Town needs to do more to help out small business.
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Meantime, the Town is moving ahead with repairs to the roof of the public works building.
It had originally budgeted $250,000 for repairs, but upon thorough investigation, it was discovered that damages were more extensive.
The new repair plan comes in at $420,000. The big advantage of this plan is the required insulation is in stock and they can get started this month.
During approval, Councillor Currie asked if there was anything they could do simultaneously to make the building more energy-efficient.
Administration said they need to do a more thorough building inspection and draw up a plan to achieve that.
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The Town is also getting ready to expand its transfer station.
Town council recently approved another $87,000 for that project. One component is to add a compost pad.
Administration figures this should give the transfer station another 10 years of usability.
Town council expressed dismay that the transfer station seems to be filling up rather quickly, to which administration replied saying the expansion will give them time to figure that out.
Lastly, federal funds will help the Town of Edson put in a new outdoor rink in Glenwood Park.
The town is submitting for a Canada Community Revitalization Fund Grant to cover the cost.
According to administration, the feds wanted a project that’s shovel-ready, and this project checked all the boxes.
Mayor Zahara wholeheartedly gave his support for the project, which has a projected cost of $435,000, and the grant covering 75 per cent of that.
