Photo: The Mar. 10 regular meeting of the Town of Hanna council was chaired by Deputy Mayor Fred Crowle. Screenshot

The Town of Hanna council continued to hear about increasing business interest in the community. Councillors heard this during staff reports at the Mar. 10 regular meeting of council. Deputy Mayor Fred Crowle took the chair in Mayor Danny Povaschuk’s absence.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Matthew Norburn reported on recent economic development work he’d been involved with. “I met with the economic development officer to review ongoing interest from potential businesses looking at Hanna as a location for investment,” stated the CAO’s report to council. “Discussions focused on business needs, development feasibility and how the Town can support potential investment opportunities.”

During discussion, Norburn also verbally reported on the opportunities. According to comments made at the meeting, it appeared Norburn and town staff met with a consultant who works in the area of matching businesses or developers looking for communities that meet their specific needs. “He seems very interested in Hanna,” said Norburn, who added that this consultant or expert voiced interest in matching clients or businesses with the Hanna community.

“It’s good that people are interested in coming here and investing here,” said the CAO.

Real estate market

Norburn also reported the town continues its efforts to sell properties and spur development. “I met with the town’s real estate agent to confirm that the property located on Centre Street has been listed for sale and that all required documentation and information was provided,” stated Norburn’s report to council. “Work has also continued regarding Town-owned land and development opportunities, including preparing, reporting and reviewing conditions related to the potential sale and development of municipal land.”

In his verbal report, Norburn stated he had further updates on two municipally owned parcels but that those updates would be provided in closed session.

Portfolio change

Norburn noted the Town of Hanna continues its switch of investment services. “Administration continues the process of transitioning the town’s investment portfolio from BMO to Qube Investments following council direction,” stated Norburn in his report. “This process involves coordination with both financial institutions and the completion of the necessary documentation. The transition is expected to take approximately four to six weeks.”

Qube is an Edmonton-based portfolio manager.

Working together

The CAO also reported on efforts to potentially work together with the Special Areas on infrastructure projects.

“Along with the director of corporate services, I participated in a fiscal capital study initiated by Special Areas, which reviewed long-term capital infrastructure considerations and regional financial sustainability,” stated Norburn’s report.

Bylaw services in demand

Norburn noted another community has requested Hanna’s help with bylaw enforcement services. “I prepared an agreement for council consideration regarding providing bylaw enforcement services to the Village of Delia on an as-needed basis,” noted Norburn in his report. “This arrangement would allow Hanna to support a neighbouring municipality while not impacting the bylaw officer’s current responsibilities within Hanna.” Hanna has also recently signed bylaw enforcement service agreements with Oyen and Youngstown.

Councillors accepted Norburn’s report for information.