Message from Mayor Talen - Hot Springs Source Feasibility Study
June 18, 2026
On behalf of the Village Council I would like to speak to recent public statements regarding transparency and the need for closed meetings related to a potential project that will be undergoing a feasibility study partially funded by an un-named third party.
First, I want to acknowledge the responsibility the Village has entrusted myself, and all of Council, who were elected, took an Oath of Office, and govern ourselves in accordance with the Village's Code of Conduct that states:
WHEREAS Council and Committee Members are keepers of the public trust and must uphold the highest standards of ethical behaviour in order to build and inspire the public’s trust and confidence in local government;
AND WHEREAS Council and Committee Members are expected to:
(a) make decisions that benefit the community;
(b) act lawfully and within the authority granted by the Community Charter, Local Government Act and other applicable enactments; and
(c) be free from undue influence and not act to gain actual or perceived financial or other benefits;
For myself, this means making decisions and acting in the best interests of the Village as Mayor. This also means that from time-to-time certain matters may arise that need to, or must, be held in confidence in order for Council to act in the best interests of the Village. Legislation governs when the Village Council may, or must, have closed meetings. Legislation also requires disclosing decisions or information from closed meetings when the need for maintaining confidentiality is no longer required.
The circumstances surrounding a third party grant towards a feasibility study concerning the viability of a potential project at the source of the hot springs is an example of when closed meetings, and maintaining confidentiality, at this time, are in the longer-term best interests of the Village. The Village has been working with a third-party funder who has requested anonymity at this time. The Village has agreed to this condition because without maintaining confidentiality, this funder would not work with the Village, and the Village would lose out on the funding associated with the feasibility study and potential project funding.
While I understand how this may generate curiosity or speculation, the Village is holding certain information in confidence today to ensure the long-term best interests of the Village are maintained. When the need for maintaining confidentiality is no longer required, this information will be disclosed. The Village and the third-party funder eagerly await the results of this study.
Fred Talen, Mayor
View the Mayor's Message here.