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October 19, 2023

Wembley Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) Update – The Committee received an update from Administration outlining the significant IDP engagement completed to date with Wembley residents, including open houses which were widely promoted and well attended by residents who provided valuable feedback. As part of their update, Administration reviewed the purpose of IDPs to foster collaboration between neighbouring municipalities, ensuring neither is negatively impacted by any long-term growth. Administration also provided clarity regarding the red boundary outlined on a map circulated to residents which had been mistakenly perceived as a proposed annexation area, rather than the current IDP boundary which has been in place for more than 20 years. Administration emphasized that the Wembley IDP does not include any changes to land uses or development rights currently enjoyed by residents, noting that only future requests for rezoning from residents or an Area Structure Plan could bring about such changes. All County residents are encouraged to sign up on the County’s Engage page at www.countygp.ab.ca/engage to receive updates and provide feedback on current projects.

Overweight Vehicle Special Permit Application Process Reviewed – The Committee reviewed the current process for applying for Overweight Vehicle Special Permits in the upcoming Road Ban season and discussed with Administration the option of moving to a more streamlined automated process. The Committee recommended that Council direct Administration to include a cost recovery fee for Agricultural Overweight Vehicle Special Seasonal Permits.

 Growing the Clairmont Community Garden Model – The Committee received an annual update from Devin Bateman, Clairmont Community Garden Society President, on the successes of the garden which launched in 2019 with County grant funding and has since expanded to include corporate sponsorships along with providing produce to local foodbanks and educational programming for area students. Mr. Bateman presented a proposal for establishing additional community gardens throughout the County. Interested community members can reach out to Mr. Bateman for his expertise. The County’s Parks & Recreation Greenspace Coordinator will provide additional input to communities as needed.

Community Halls Internet Connectivity – The Committee recommended to Council to include the 2024 Community Hall Connectivity Incentive Program in the 2024 Interim Budget deliberations taking place on December 13-15 as follows. The program will be open to County-funded community halls who apply.

  • A one-time $500 flat rate amount awarded to community halls for new or existing internet service.
  • A three-year pilot program incentive of $1,000 per year in 2024, 2025 and 2026 to offset internet subscription costs for community halls.

Proposed Improvements to the County’s Recreational Use of Stormwater Ponds Program – The Committee recommended to Council to direct Administration to implement proposed improvements to the Recreational Use of Stormwater Ponds Program for the 2023/2024 winter season as presented and bring back a report to a Committee of the Whole meeting in the second quarter of 2024. The proposed improvements aim to enhance the volunteer experience while managing risks.

Proposed Playground Funding Policy – The Committee requested that Administration draft a Playground Funding policy based on their feedback on various playground options seen throughout the County and then present the policy at a future Council or Committee of the Whole meeting for Council’s review and consideration.

Third Quarter Financial Summary Report – Administration presented the County of Grande Prairie’s financials for the third quarter of 2023 to the Committee, including year-to-date actual revenues and expenditures compared to approved budgets and third quarter capital expenses.

Committee of the Whole Task Lists – The Committee reviewed the Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting task lists up to and including September 25, 2023.

A Special Council Meeting will take place on October 19, 2023. The Council Organizational Meeting will take place on October 30. The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on October 31, 2023. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on November 30, 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.