September 19, 2023 Committee of Whole Highlights

STARS Annual Operating Update– The Committee received an annual update from Glenda Farden, Senior Municipal Relations Liaison for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) Foundation. The update outlined operational highlights from the Grande Prairie STARS base for the past year and provided insight into the STARS Fleet Renewal campaign. The County has been a supporter of the STARS Foundation for nearly 16 years. 

 Rural Homelessness Estimation Report – The Committee received an information report from Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) on the third Rural Homelessness Estimation study, a collaboration between the County of Grande Prairie, community partners and the Rural Development Network. The ‘Getting to the Root of Rural Housing Insecurity’ taskforce will review the report at their next meeting to determine the level of housing insecurity in the area and identify potential barriers. 

Provincial Education and Enforcement Resources on Public Lands – The Committee received an information report on educational and enforcement resources provided by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) and Alberta Forestry and Parks for the management of unoccupied public lands in the County. 

Playground Policy Discussion –The Committee held a discussion with regard to the establishment of an effective process for determining funding opportunities for new playground builds or refurbishments. The Parks and Recreation Department will draft a Playground Funding policy based on the Committee’s feedback.  

Agriculture Service Board Annual Update –The Committee received the Agricultural Service Board yearly updates on activities, including the Livestock Emergency Response Plan, weed management plan and other work of the Agriculture department. 

Procedural Bylaw Amendments– The Committee referred to administration to bring back the amended Procedural Bylaw  to the annual Organizational Meeting based on the Committee’s feedback.  

Committee of the Whole Task Lists – The Committee reviewed the Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting task lists up to and including September 19, 2023. 

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on September 25, 2023. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on October 19, 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.