Nanton mayor updates community on initiatives

By Mayor Jennifer Handley
Much has happened since our last water-bill update. As we enter budget season and prepare for strategic planning, we have a lot to discuss and it’s always a two-way conversation. If you have questions about anything, please reach out to me or any member of council.
Chief Administrative Officer transition
Council has appointed Tara Vandervalk as Nanton’s next Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective March 4, 2026.
Tara brings more than 14 years of experience with the Town of Claresholm, along with a strong background in planning, development, and municipal operations.
We also thank Neil Smith for eight years of dedicated service. Neil’s last day with the town was Feb. 20. We wish Neil and his family all the best with their move to Virden, Manitoba, where Neil will be the town’s new CAO.
Budget season and policing costs
We’ve entered budget season, and council is reviewing operating needs and capital priorities. The province has notified the town that Nanton’s provincial police funding requirement will increase to $177,200 this year, up from $129,388 in 2025, an increase of $47,812 (about 37 per cent). This cost flows directly into the municipal budget and the property tax requirement.
For context, a one per cent change in our budget is just over $30,000. This year’s policing increase alone is roughly equivalent to about a 1.6 per cent impact so before we even begin setting this year’s budget priorities, there is already built-in pressure on the property tax requirement from policing alone.
There is always a lot to balance in any budget. Some costs are within council’s control, and some are not. Police funding is outside local control, and the province has indicated it will continue to increase incrementally reaching $458,701 by 2030. As we go through budget deliberations, council will be looking closely at what we can control and whether there are opportunities to offset or absorb part of this increase elsewhere, while still protecting core services and maintaining the town’s financial stability.
Wastewater inflow and infiltration monitoring
Council approved hiring RH Borden to install sensors in sanitary manholes to identify groundwater inflow and infiltration entry points. This town-wide, data-driven work will give us valuable insight into the sanitary system and help target repairs effectively, with the goal of reducing strain on the wastewater system.
Medical clinic project
We continue to engage with provincial authorities to confirm who has authority to commit to the lease and how the project will be funded. We remain ready to proceed to tender once funding is approved, and we remain on standby to meet directly with the minister of health for clarification and direction.
RCMP relocation and town office move
Council has approved relocating the RCMP to the current town office, with the town office moving to the Tom Hornecker Recreation Centre. Final costing and timelines will be reviewed by council.
High River-Nanton waterline
Design work continues. Initial updates are expected in upcoming meetings between High River and Nanton, with final design and viability assessments anticipated by early summer.
Permits: check before you build
Permits are not something you should dread or avoid, they’re a simple check that helps protect your investment, the people using the space, and your neighbours. Please contact the town early if you’re building, renovating, changing how a space is used/occupied, or moving utilities.
For homes and businesses, permits confirm the work meets safety rules, land-use bylaws, and fire requirements. That helps avoid stop-work orders and expensive rework, and it protects you when it matters most: your insurance coverage, bank financing or refinancing, and resale.
Strategic planning: setting priorities
Council is preparing for strategic planning at the end of May. If you have ideas or recommendations for priorities over the next four years, please share them. We also welcome solutions and ideas raised during the election, and invite those who spoke about alternative approaches to share them so they can be evaluated alongside current work.
Reach out to any member of council, contact Sara-Lynn to be added to a Council agenda as a delegation, or bring your suggestions directly to the relevant department heads.