At the recent Village of Berwyn council meeting, several key community initiatives were addressed.
Presentation from New Business Owner
Hilda de Jong, the new owner of the Trinity Repair Building, introduced the Fuel-Up Community Access Centre, a non-profit organization offering work opportunities for adults with disabilities and mentorship for youth. She requested a property tax exemption, village support in promotion, signage, and sidewalk repairs. Council welcomed her to the community and directed Administration to review her requests.
Community Garden Request
The Community Garden Society sought assistance from Public Works for garden maintenance. Due to limited resources, Council recommended the society utilize existing funds to hire third-party services for the required work.
Main Street Revitalization Project – Award Certificate
Council acknowledged a commemorative award from Alberta’s Minister of Transportation, Rick McIver, recognizing Berwyn for the 2025 Minister’s Award for Municipal and Public Library Excellence for the Main Street Revitalization Project.
Advance Voting for 2025 Municipal Election
Advance voting for the 2025 municipal election was scheduled at the Village Office from October 14–17, 2025, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public notices will be posted, and procedures will follow the Local Authorities Election Act. Election information is available on the Village of Berwyn website.
Speed Control Discussion
In response to a resident’s suggestion to reduce the village speed limit, Council discussed traffic calming measures. Options included additional signage and replacing existing speed bumps with cost-effective speed humps. Sponsorship offers have been made to help cover costs, and Administration is obtaining quotes for Council’s consideration.
Harvest Moon Festival Participation
Council discussed volunteer schedules for the Chalk Zone children’s activity area, sponsored by the Village of Berwyn, at the Harvest Moon Festival in Grimshaw on September 13–14, 2025. Two council members will volunteer at the event.
Community Donation
A $250 donation was approved to support the RISK (Reduce Injury with Student Knowledge) Program, a collaborative initiative providing Grade 10 students with education on safe decision-making, including the risks of distracted and impaired driving.
Land Use Bylaw Amendment 725
A Public Hearing was held regarding Bylaw 725, amending the Land Use Bylaw to create a Direct Control District and rezone Lot 13, Block 4, Plan 1090CL from General Residential to Direct Control. After reviewing one written submission, Council approved the bylaw.
Non-residential Tax Incentive Bylaw 687A
Council approved Bylaw 687A, amending the Non-Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw to introduce a phased five-year tax exemption schedule, clarify eligibility and application requirements, and strengthen compliance provisions, including transferability, clawback clauses, and limits on total exemption periods.
These decisions reflect Council’s commitment to community development and engagement.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
