1. Replace the age-based restrictions with a vehicle mileage restriction of 350,000 kilometers
2. Explore additional options related to plate limits
3. Remove drop rates for taxis
4. No change to current drop rates for Transportation Network Companies (rideshare)
5. Explore additional options for regulations for Transportation Network Companies
6. Simplification of the licensing process

Administration will take Council’s feedback to consider updates to the bylaw to come back in Fall 2023.

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP BYLAW FUNDAMENTALS AND DISCUSSION:
Council discussed fundamental components related to pet ownership and endorsed four key principles that will inform a future Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. The four principles that will influence the foundation of the bylaw include:

1. Potential to license cats with a maximum of six cats per household.
2. Maintain the limit of three dogs per household and include exceptions for new residents.
3. Maintain maximum of four urban chickens per licence/household and remove cap on the number of licences available.
4. Prohibit honeybee hives, excluding provincially licensed hives, and continued ongoing support for pollinator parks and natural area preservation initiatives.

First reading of a Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw will come back to Council for consideration in Fall 2023. Council approved one-time funding of $45,000 to maintain the current service levels, including enforcement costs.

This new bylaw would combine four bylaws that currently regulate animals in our city into one bylaw, including the Dog Bylaw, Cat Bylaw, Urban Chicken Bylaw and aspects of the Community Standards Bylaw as it relates to livestock.

2023 TAX RATE BYLAW
Council approved the annual property tax rate bylaw, including tax rates for requisitions The City collects on behalf of Alberta Education and Bridges Community Living. The City’s budget was set by City Council in December with a 4.61 per cent tax increase. When combined with requisitions The City must collect on behalf of other organizations, the actual tax increase is 2.46 per cent for residential and non-residential properties. Multi-family properties will see a tax increase of 6.64 per cent. Tax notices will be mailed May 23, 2023. Read more.

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA TAX BYLAW
Council passed the Business Improvement Area (BIA) tax and tax rate bylaw, which funds the Downtown Business Association (DBA). Read more.  

WESTERNER EXHIBITION ASSOCIATION LOAN BYLAW
Council approved second and third reading of the WEA Loan Bylaw to support shorter-term funding requirements while WEA regains financial sustainability. The loan is intended to support short-term cash flow for the Westerner by providing a $1 million line of credit for WEA to cover expenses prior to realizing event revenue. This contingency loan is seen as emergency funds, with an expectation for it to be paid back once revenue is realized and only used after their current line of credit.

PUBLIC HEARING – LAND USE BYLAW AMENDMENT
Following a public hearing, Council approved second and third reading to rezone 3718 46 Street in Eastview from R1A (semi detached dwelling/duplex) to R2 (medium density). The applicant intends to construct a new residential development on the property that is non-intrusive in design and contains slightly more units than the adjacent properties. This will gently increase density in the area. The maximum size of development for this property is four units (fourplex) based on site limitations and R2 District regulations, including landscaping, parking, and setback requirements.

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To view the full Council agenda, video recording of the meeting and reports, visit: https://reddeer.ca/city-government/mayor-and-city-councillors/council-meetings-and-schedule/