At the January 10th town council meeting for The Town of Penhold, once again the topic of raising chickens in town arose.

Council has given 1st reading to an amendment to the Community Standards Bylaw to permit chickens. There was concern as to where chickens should be permitted. Administration was asked to report back to Council at the next Council Meeting.

Also discussed was a tax for new homes. Newly built homes in Penhold will be eligible for a tax reduction on their new home in the amount of 50% of the municipal taxes in their first year and a further 25% in year two. Council identified this program has been a great help for new home buyers.

Other issues brought up at council include:

  • Castleglenn Consultants were chosen to prepare a Provincial Highways Intersections Review for future community growth identifying when and how the respective intersections will be upgraded to meet the traffic demands.
  • Canada Community Revitalization have confirmed funding for a new Community Hub that will be located south of the Multiplex on 60 acres. This project will encompass trails/ gazebo for outdoor activities/ park area with concession/washroom facilities. Further information will be forthcoming.
  • The Penhold Fire Cadet program has taken off with 13 cadets registered and going through training. This is a great addition to the school’s curriculum. In the month of December the department had 15 call outs.
  • The Water Meter Heads Replacement program is nearly complete with 21 change outs occurring in December; a handful of non-compliant residents’ meters remain.

Upcoming Council Meetings: Occur every 2nd and 4th Monday starting at 6 pm. Meetings are open to the public with limited capacity and live streamed for your convenience.