At the first meeting of 2013 on January 14, Council accepted the donation of a snowmobile and track setter from the Canada West Ski Foundation, which is dissolving. The assets will be stored at the Town's compound and continue to be used to track set cross country ski trails for the Mountain Madness race. As well, the Town is looking at the potential of grooming trails in the Tunnel Mountain campground. FCSS has purchased single Roam transit passes for the regional route between Canmore and Banff for low-income users. The low-income regional transit pass program, ($3 per one way ride) replaces the six-year Community Bus program, which offered free transit Tuesdays and Thursdays. Council also received a report on the Town's home ownership assistance program for Town staff, designed to retain employees. The program cost is significantly less than the cost of recruiting and training new employees.
Council approved a one-year trial of one-day, out-of-town business licences option during their regular meeting of January 28. A one-day licence will cost $185, with half the fees designated Schedule B fees, (for destination marketing purposes). One-month option will continue at $280. Council asked for a report in a year's time on compliance. Council also approved changes to the snow and ice policy which included adding downtown alleyways as well as school bus routes to priority one (red zone). The Town will also trial a washed rock in 2013-2014 season.
Approximately 100 people attended the public hearing on Land Use Bylaw amendment 314, Formula Business on January 31. Council heard the representations and will debate the amendment at their regular meeting of February 25.