June 25, 2026 Committee of the Whole Highlights

June 25, 2026

County Grant Programs Overview — The Committee directed Administration to bring back a financial overview of the County grant programs to a future Committee of the Whole meeting before the 2027 budget is decided. Administration presented to the Committee a detailed overview of Agricultural Services, Economic Development, Family and Community Support Services, Transportation and Utilities, and Recreation and Culture departments that provide operational grant programs, have existing grant policies and their associated administrative processes for applications. In total, council received information for 20 grants.

Simplifying Recreation and Culture Grant Policies — The Committee directed Administration to bring Policy K6 – Community Assistant Grant to Council for approval. The policy is the first of four proposed condensed Recreation and Culture Grant policies, aimed at simplifying the application process for non-profits and community groups. Currently Recreation and Culture grants fall under 11 policies, requiring groups to apply for multiple grants to receive needed funds.

The Committee also directed Administration to bring back Policy K14 – Operating Assistance Grants for further discussion on ensuring the policy is streamlined without creating additional work for applicants. In addition, the Committee recommended Council approve Policy K10 – Major Capital Grants with amendments around level of commitment required and higher-level projects, with the goal of ensuring grants allocated are effectively used.

For the final policy, Committee directed Administration to amend Policy K15 – Operating Assistance – Recreation Boards with more information on grant allocation amounts, how to fund transportation assistance, and programming specific projects. The amended policy would then be presented to a future Council Meeting for approval.  

Divisional Equitable Fiscal Allocation Policy — The Committee directed Administration to bring back Policy C40 – Divisional Equitable Fiscal Allocation to a future Committee of the Whole meeting. The policy ensures equitable treatment of enhancing quality of life across all nine divisions. The Committee discussed whether the existing policy could be amended to include funding for programs that would not fit within existing County Grant programs. 

Financial Reserves and Levies Policy Review — The Committee directed Administration to bring forward options for Council’s consideration to consolidate the Water and Wastewater (Aquatera) and the Water and Wastewater (County) Reserves into a single reserve. Currently, the Aquatera Reserve has $7.1 million, while the County Reserve holds $94,000. By consolidating the two reserves into one, funds can be more effectively allocated towards projects. Future discussions will also include information on franchise options related to the reserve.

Hamlet of Bezanson Area Concept Plan Terms of Reference — The Committee received an information report from Administration regarding the Hamlet of Bezanson Area Concept Plan Terms of Reference (TOR). The TOR provides the Area Concept Plan with a focus on how to address influences on future growth, infrastructure investment, and community improvement.  
 
Hamlet of La Glace Area Concept Plan Terms of Reference — Administration provided the Committee with the Hamlet of La Glace Area Concept Plan Terms of Reference (TOR). The draft TOR provides structure and guidance for the La Glace Area Concept Plan.

Intermunicipal Area Concept Plan Terms of Reference — Administration presented to Council the Intermunicipal Area Concept Plan (IACP) Terms of Reference (TOR). The IACP is a County-led statutory planning document that provides broad planning direction for larger areas within the City/County Intermunicipal Development Plan area and establishes a policy baseline for future land use, servicing, transportation, environmental protection, development phasing and more detailed local planning. The TOR provides direction and guidance to the IACP.

2026-2030 Corporate Business Plan — Administration presented the 2026-2030 Corporate Business Plan to the Committee. This plan translates Council’s strategic priorities into operational actions across the organization and provides a roadmap for achieving the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan. 
The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on July 13, 2026. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on July 10, 2026.