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August 14, 2023

Dunes West Wildfire Dozer Guard – Administration provided an information update to Council on the status of repairs related to the construction of the Dunes West Wildfire Dozer Guard. Several options have been offered to area residents to submit their feedback, including an online submission form, in-person meetings with Public Works staff, and walk-ins to the Public Works building. Using the feedback, administration compiled a list of repairs to physical infrastructure, such as fences, which is estimated at approximately $400,000.

Fostering Economic Growth and Development for the County – Council directed administration to register the County as a member of the Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) to enhance the County's profile and advance its economic development objectives. Membership with AEG offers many advantages, including connecting with Ministers and industry leaders, influential decision-makers, and stakeholders across the region. Annual membership is $3,000. In July, the Reeve and CAO Whittleton attended an AEG event in Calgary featuring the Honourable Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas where they engaged with industry leaders and policy makers.

Contract Awarded for County-City Trail Connector – Council awarded a contract in the amount of $1,309,678.03 to Wapiti Gravel Suppliers Inc. for the County-City Trail Connector. The initiative was announced in June and is supported by federal funding along with contributions from the County and City of Grande Prairie. The estimated total cost of the project is $1,589,888.33 and it is expected to be completed in the fall.

Enhancing Hythe's Water System – Council approved $19,000 to upgrade the chlorine analyzers in the Hamlet of Hythe’s water system for increased performance and standardization.

Request to Preserve Olive Stickney Memorial Mural – Council received a request for $14,000 in funding to restore and reinstall the Olive Stickney Memorial Mural, entitled The Last Spike, painted in 2005 by local artist Tim Heimdal. Council will revisit the topic once the artist supplies additional information on the project including evidence of community support.

Status of Buildings at Northwestern Polytechnic’s Fairview Campus – Council was copied on letters from the Municipal District of Fairview and the Municipal District of Greenview expressing concerns about the proposed demolition or transfer of ownership of buildings at Northwestern Polytechnic’s (NWP) Fairview Campus. Both municipalities are advocating for a public engagement process that would give concerned stakeholders opportunities to share feedback and work together on solutions. Since receiving the letters, the Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education toured the campus and met with stakeholders and municipal elected officials, including Reeve Marshall and Councillor Peterson. Reeve Marshall shared an update from the meeting that included conversations around the possibility of repurposing underutilized campus residences as a local affordable housing option.

Letter of Support – Council directed administration to provide a letter of support for the City of Grande Prairie's funding application to the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund to help increase their supply of affordable housing.

Promoting Rail Safety – Council proclaimed September 18 - 24, 2023 as Rail Safety Week. This nationwide initiative aims to raise awareness and promote safety measures among citizens.

Policy Approved – As part of the ongoing review of all County policies, Council approved Policy I9 – Signing and Approval Authority as presented.

Requests for Sponsorship – Council approved a $895 table sponsorship for the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention ‘s 13th Annual Chair Extraordinaire event on September 23, 2023, at the Tara Centre in Evergreen Park.

Welcoming New Staff Members – Council extended a warm welcome to Jaymee Sluggett, Temporary Payroll Clerk in the Finance department and the following new Public Works staff:

  • Trevor Dyck, Heavy Equipment Operator - Gravel & Oiling,
  • Jordy Purves, Heavy Equipment Operator - Gravel & Oiling,
  • Rohit Sangha, Asset Information Technician, and
  • Rebecca Debre, Seasonal Gravel Checker/Labourer

Upcoming Events – Council approved attendance at the following:

  • All Councillors may attend the 23rd Annual Alberta Coordinated Action for Recycling Enterprise (CARE) Conference on September 6 - 8, 2023, in Grande Prairie.
  • The Reeve and one Councillor to attend the 4th Annual West Yellowhead MLA Golf Tournament on August 18, 2023.

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on August 28, 2023. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on August 31, 2023.

Council and Committee meetings are available to the public via live stream. Find connection instructions and meeting agendas through the events calendar on the County website.