Town of Luseland boosting tree population

By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice

LUSELAND – The Town of Luseland council discussed boosting the local tree population during their regular meeting Aug. 11.

Mayor Kathy Wurz stated that the town's tree committee knows that the community takes pride in its healthy tree population and a little extra money was budgeted for 2026 to expand that. Wurz noted the committee discussed where that extra money might be used and possible contractors who have tree expertise.

Town of Luseland council heard Pioneer's Haven kitchen renovations are almost completed. Submitted

The mayor noted Luseland ran into a bit of misfortune this summer when it comes to sidewalk work; the contractor hired for sidewalk projects was forced to back out of the job after notifying Luseland he couldn't find enough workers.

Mayor Wurz stated the money will likely be placed in reserve to see if the work can be completed in the future.

Councillors approved a change to their regular meeting dates: Luseland council will now meet the second Thursday of every month. Wurz stated that meetings on Monday seemed to have conflicts with stat holidays and a switch to Thursday should ease that problem.

Wurz noted the councillors approved their consent agenda. She noted this was something introduced about six months ago to speed up council meetings. Routine items are listed on the consent agenda that don't require discussion at every meeting and she added it's been working well because Luseland council usually has a very full agenda.

Pioneer's Haven committee member Chad Levitt reported renovations are almost done at the facility's kitchen.

The community hall committee discussed some water issues that popped up at the facility and the fact that work may be needed in the nearby alley to address this.

The OH&S committee reported that it continues to slowly examine town facilities, recently looking at the swimming pool and community hall. Staff training is also being discussed.

Wurz provided a report on the upcoming Harvest Festival scheduled for Sept. 12, the first time the new outdoor venue on Main Street will be used. Wurz noted the festival will include a magician, local talent show, farmers market and all sorts of other activities.

The cemetery committee reported on grass-cutting and maintenance issues made worse by the heavy rain this summer. Councillors discussed the demands on town staff and other options that may help this issue.

Police Chief Ty Kohlman provided his regular report, including stats for a busy summer. Kohlman also reported on his work with the town's new encampment bylaw. Wurz stated that Kohlman also spent significant time assisting the RCMP this summer, adding Luseland also unfortunately had some serious traffic collisions this summer.

Councillors discussed naming options for the new outdoor venue; they decided that a sign listing major donors would be appropriate.

Councillors also approved a new, more detailed organizational policy. Luseland had an existing one that was more general in nature but the mayor noted this new one identifies roles and responsibilities more clearly.

Councillors also heard an update from a renter of town-owned property who requested air conditioning. The renter agreed to have the air conditioning installed herself.

The town continues to search for an assistant rink manager to help out during the winter.

Councillors discussed a community tax incentive, noting some surrounding communities have come up with some creative options to encourage renovations or improvements. While Luseland has a tax incentive, councillors discussed doing more and agreed the issue will be discussed again in the future.

Staff updated council on tax enforcement work. Wurz noted Luseland recently took possession of a property due to unpaid taxes, tendered it and received an offer that was accepted. Readers should note in those situations proceeds from the sale are applied to the outstanding property tax debt, and if there are any monies above that amount they are given to the original owner.

Councillors discussed a request from a nearby community that Luseland consider providing bylaw services through its police department. Wurz stated it's not possible because of provincial law that applies to police departments.

Councillors discussed the issue of belligerent members of the public attending the town office and how staff should deal with those situations.