Council Opens Downtown to Auto Shops, Approves School Funding
RIMBEY — Rimbey Town Council voted unanimously Monday to allow automotive and paint shops in the central commercial district and approved a $5,000 donation for a local school project.
The meeting, led by Mayor Rick Pankiw with Councillor Gayle Rondeel absent, moved through a light agenda highlighted by a significant change to the town’s Land Use Bylaw.
Zoning Change for Central Commercial District
Council gave second and third readings to Bylaw 1017/25, which adds "Automotive Service and/or Paint Shop" as a discretionary use in the C1 Central Commercial district. The change passed 4-0.
The amendment was triggered by an application from Lauriz Nazarrea on behalf of Rim Bee Tires Ltd. While the application was prompted by a specific site, the change applies to all C1-zoned properties across the town.
Development Officer Liz Armitage told Council the change aligns with the town’s Municipal Development Plan by promoting a full range of services for residents. Because the use is "discretionary," the town retains the power to review each future application on a case-by-case basis to minimize conflicts with neighboring properties.
Armitage noted that the change facilitates economic opportunities on a significant number of parcels that were previously restricted. The analysis presented to Council suggested that given the historical use of some downtown sites for tire services, the amendment fits the local context.
Public Hearing and Agency Feedback
During the required public hearing, no residents spoke in opposition to the zoning change. One member of the public was in attendance.
Written submissions from provincial and regional agencies showed no major hurdles for the change. Ponoka County, Fortis Alberta, and ATCO all reported they had no concerns. Alberta Transportation provided standard notes but offered no formal objection to the amendment.
The public hearing opened at 3:05 P.M. and closed at 3:07 P.M. after no comments were voiced from the floor.
$5,000 Committed to School Sensory Room
In other business, Council approved a $5,000 donation to support a new sensory room at Rimbey Junior/Senior High School. The motion, introduced by Mayor Pankiw, passed unanimously.
The town’s contribution is contingent on the project’s commencement. Additionally, the town will send a letter to Ponoka County requesting that they match the $5,000 contribution to help fund the space, which is designed to support students with specific sensory processing needs.
Administrative Appointments and Reports
Following a brief closed session to discuss personal privacy matters, Council appointed Trudy Bratland to the Rimbey Municipal Library Board. Her term is set to run through October 31, 2028.
Council also reviewed and accepted standard department reports from administration, public works, and community services. These reports are filed as information to track ongoing town maintenance and financial standing.
What’s Next
The Land Use Bylaw amendment is now in effect. Business owners interested in opening automotive or paint services in the C1 district may now submit discretionary use permit applications to the town’s development office.
The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for October. All meetings are held in the Council Chambers at the Town Administration Building.