ATHABASCA — Town of Athabasca councillors will meet in the Town Office this week to discuss potential fee increases for unoccupied or derelict buildings, and consider requests from the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary and Athabasca Classic Cruisers clubs, and two groups of residents.
Councillors will gather in their chambers March 19 at 6 p.m., and meetings are open to the public. First up for discussion is the Property Assessment Subclass Bylaw — councillors are set to decide whether or not to increase the multiplier fee placed on properties deemed unoccupied or derelict.
The current multiplier is set at two times the described tax rate for the applicable property tax, which was set after council approved final reading of the bylaw April 4, 2023. If increased, unoccupied properties, defined as an empty dwelling that could be occupied at any time, and derelict properties — defined as an abandoned property vacant for longer than six months and in dire need of repair — would see higher property tax bills.
Next up, councillors will review five community requests. The first comes from the Athabasca and District Rotary Club; the town will consider sponsorship of the upcoming Celebrity Dinner and Auction scheduled for April 26. An ask to close 51 Street between 49 and 50 Avenues during Canada Day long weekend to accommodate the annual Show and Shine put on by Athabasca Classic Cruisers will also be considered.
The Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce is hoping to book space at the Riverfront Park from July 22 to 28 in order to host carnival company Wild Rose Shows for a week’s worth of outdoor entertainment. Additional locations for the carnival rides will also be considered.
Councillors will consider two letters submitted by two different groups of residents on the issues of lighting and fire safety. A request for more lighting along 47 Street from a group of seniors residing at Heritage Place was submitted earlier in March, noting the need for higher visibility in the area due to wildlife and high foot traffic.
The second request comes from homeowners and residents on the East Hill concerned about the fire risk posed by an unmaintained field south of 48 Avenue.
“We as homeowners living adjacent to this dangerous situation are extremely concerned and would like to know what actions are being planned to reduce fire hazard in this field,” reads the letter.
The meeting will be held in the Town of Athabasca Office and will begin at 6 p.m. The agenda for the meeting can be found here.
