Resident and delegation engagement encouraged by MD of Taber Council 

Posted on April 16, 2026 by Vauxhall Advance

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The March 24 Municipal District (MD) of Taber council meeting saw two important points of discussion arise, which bear further discussion as they relate to the public’s ability to engage with Council.

The format and guidelines for delegations and public input were reaffirmed during the meeting.

 Reeve Tamara Miyanaga says, “The MD of Taber Council sets aside time on each regular Council agenda under Public Engagement – Call for People to Speak to allow individuals the opportunity to address Council. This opportunity exists outside of the formal delegation application process and is intended to support public participation in the democratic process. During my 8.5 years on Council, the MD of Taber has never restricted this opportunity based on any subject.”

 The ability to approach Council comes into sharper focus as the grazing lease discussions continue. In addition to discussions about the land and its usage, the ability to have an independent look at the matter from outside sources is also important.

 Reeve Miyanaga speaks to Council’s co-operation in these matters, noting, “Over the past two years, through the MD of Taber Land Management Plan process to establish policies for 58,340 acres of Tax Recovery Grazing Leases, 17,004 acres of Grazing Leases, and 6,191 acres of Cultivated Leases, Council has heard from many individuals who wished to express their views and provide input on Council’s direction. In addition to these public presentations, Council has also received formal delegations and undertaken public consultations and other discussions throughout the process. Both Call for People to Speak and Delegations are part of recorded Council meetings, except in matters that meet the requirements for closed session. These meetings are available for public viewing on the MD of Taber YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@MD_Taber.”

“Council listens to and carefully considers the opinions of all residents,” she continues. The MD of Taber offers further details on the Land Management Plan process, including videos of the public engagement sessions, on the MD of Taber website at: https://www.mdtaber.ab.ca/p/lmp

Additionally, at the March 24 meeting, Council approved Resolution C-2026-200, and a letter has been sent to Municipal Affairs. Resolution C-2026-200 states, “That the MD of Taber request that the Minister of Municipal Affairs initiate an inspection related to the MDT Land Management Plan.”

Reeve Miyanaga confirms, “We are currently awaiting a response from Minister Williams regarding next steps.”