New council sets tone for term
Left to Right: Councillor Darren Nastasi, Councillor Doreen Johnson, Councillor Doreen Glavin, Mayor Pat Rypien, Councillor Colleen MacDonald, Councillor Tony Vastenhout, Councillor Dean Ward. Municipality of Crowsnest Pass photo
Mayor Pat Rypien called for respectful, accountable leadership; convention delegates named and Fort Macleod parade plan weighed
Council opened its organizational meeting with Councillor Darren Nastasi, Councillor Doreen Johnson, Councillor Doreen Glavin, Mayor Pat Rypien, Councillor Colleen MacDonald, Councillor Tony Vastenhout and Councillor Dean Ward adopting the agenda, approving the 2026 meeting schedule and the two-month deputy mayor rotation, then moving to internal committee and external organization appointments. The organizational session adjourned at 8 p.m. before a brief recess and the regular meeting.
Council then worked through committee and board assignments. After nominations, council approved the slate of appointments and directed administration to notify successful applicants and those who resigned.
In closing the organizational portion, council passed a motion to meet in camera to discuss board member expirations, resignations and applications. Returning to open session, councillors voted to accept committee applicants as listed in the agenda package and to advise them of their appointments.
The regular meeting opened with introductions from administration and council. Mayor Pat Rypien thanked staff and residents who filled the gallery.
“Council chambers should be a place for bold ideas, honest debate, and decisive leadership,” Rypien said. “We don’t even have to like each other, but we do have to work together for the next four years.”
Rypien also said he wanted a land acknowledgement added to future agendas; administration advised that change would come through a procedure bylaw amendment.
Chief administrative officer Patrick Thomas delivered the monthly service areas update and fielded questions. On transportation infrastructure, Thomas said design work continues planned wildlife fencing along Highway 3, with design funded and construction to depend on future capital decisions. He outlined progress on the Bellevue water looping project and South Bellevue infrastructure work and said the 30th Avenue design is moving through required historical clearances. A councillor complimented the completed fence upgrades at Bellevue Catholic Cemetery.
Councillors asked about underground utilities and reservoirs, with administration describing sewer lining benefits and confirming aging assets will return during budget deliberations. Council also discussed the closed public boat launch at the lake and agreed the municipality will lobby the province to assume responsibility for the site, given its provincial status.
On corporate services and staffing, Thomas reported 138 employees on the current roster, a figure that fluctuates seasonally as Pass Powderkeg hires 50 to 60 winter staff. He confirmed a Certificate of Recognition safety audit is scheduled, explained that freedom of information requests have increased in volume and complexity, and said recruitment for Community Peace Officers remains active. The program budgets for three officers; one is in place, one offer is pending and one position is vacant. Councillors raised neighbourhood speeding concerns. Thomas encouraged residents to use the online reporting portal so locations and times can be tracked and assigned. Coun. Dean Ward added that complaints filed online are typically followed by visible patrols in the area.
Development activity remained brisk. Thomas said 75 housing starts have been permitted so far this year, higher than last year and well above historic averages from a decade ago. Cemetery services reported a new columbarium installed in Blairmore, with staff recommending more units based on demand.
Protective services noted mutual aid deployments in recent weeks, including an incident management role during a local search and two backcountry rescues. Thomas said the municipality and volunteer groups shoulder much of the backcountry response in the region and continues to advocate for provincial funding support, particularly along tourism corridors.
Pass Powderkeg Community Resort reported strong interest following the first snow. The website has shifted to winter information, season pass sales have begun, lessons are being prepared and lift inspections are planned for late November. The hill is about 90 per cent ready after grass cutting and wood clearing, with operating procedures under review and staff interviews underway.
Council named delegates for upcoming municipal conventions. Mayor Rypien, Councillor Darren Nastasi and Councillor Tony Vastenhout will attend Alberta Municipalities in Calgary from Nov. 12 to 14. Mayor Rypien, Councillor Colleen MacDonald and Councillor Dean Ward will attend the Rural Municipalities of Alberta convention in Edmonton from Nov. 17 to 20. Administration has hotel blocks in place and will complete registrations.
Councillors also discussed entering the 42nd Annual Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 29. Administration described the logistics for trailering and enclosing the municipal float and noted wind and road conditions can affect safety. Council agreed to register interest and decide closer to the date whether to bring the float or participate with a municipal truck based on weather and road conditions. Councillors Vastenhout, Doreen Glavin and MacDonald, along with the mayor, expressed interest in attending.
Before adjournment, councillors reflected on orientation sessions and the term ahead. Several thanked staff for the depth of training. Coun. Doreen Johnson said she intends to focus on balancing environmental protection and development, while Coun. Ward said he looked forward to the next four years. Rypien closed by thanking former mayor Blair Painter and the previous council for their service.
Finalized committee rosters and minutes will be posted on the municipal website once approved. Residents can follow agendas and submit feedback online or at future meetings.