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An initial RFP for three battery-electric buses was issued on July 11 with a closing date of Aug. 16. The budgeted amount for the purchase is $2.25 million with the federal grant covering $1.8 million.

Requests were generally modest and similar to last year’s funding amounts in recognition of the municipality’s strained finances following the wildfire.

The financing program aims to reduce barriers for property owners to install energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades to their homes. The participating municipality finances the upgrade, and the owner pays the cost back through property taxes.

A 100-unit cap was initially proposed, but council raised it to 130 to accommodate existing operators.

During the wildfire-related delays to the recreation facility renovations and subsequent cleanup, the pool suffered damage to the basin coating while being pressure washed, causing a delay of two-to-three weeks.

Utility serving is ongoing for the land parcels within the townsite allocated for interim housing.

Administration will return to council with alternate service level approaches to ensure walkability in the community this winter. This will include potential financial implications for the municipality.

Council members currently earn a base salary and can claim per-diem payments for attending meetings, such as for regional boards and committees, and events as part of their official duties.

The wildfire temporarily halted work and necessitated additional cleaning, particularly in the Aquatic Centre. After remobilizing at the end of September, Carlson Construction resumed activities.

Interim housing will be located at the northeast end of town, along Connaught Drive adjacent to the future RCMP detachment and on a site called 2B just south of Highway 16.