October 20, 2026 Council Highlights

October 20, 2026  

Supporting Local Health Care — Council approved a $7,000 retention and inclusion incentive for a nurse practitioner supporting a full-time practice at the Wembley Medical Clinic. The grant is provided through the County’s Family Physician and Nurse Practitioner Retention and Inclusion Policy. 

Strengthening Regional Partnerships — Council approved updates to Policy F9 – Intermunicipal Relationships and Regionalization to support collaboration with neighbouring municipalities. The policy allows the County to invite a neighbouring municipality’s chief elected official to attend the spring and fall Rural Municipalities of Alberta conventions, with the option for them to select a designate to attend in their place.  

New Economic Development Strategy in Progress — Council received an update on the County’s new Economic Development Strategy, which will replace the existing 2016 strategy. The new strategy will identify priority industries, guide investment attraction, support local businesses and establish measurable goals for long-term economic growth. The strategy is being developed with input from Council, businesses, industry leaders and regional partners to ensure future initiatives align with the County’s priorities and local opportunities. 

La Glace Sewer Replacement Project — Council approved advancing the Hamlet of La Glace sewer replacement project to align with highway work planned by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors in 2027. The $1.42 million project is included in the County’s 10-year water and sewer capital plan.  

Proposed MDP and IDP Amendments — Council gave first reading to Bylaws #3289 and #3290 following a privately initiated application to update the County's Intermunicipal Development Plan with the Town of Sexsmith as well as the County’s Municipal Development Plan and Hamlet Boundaries Bylaw. The proposed amendments affect approximately 320 acres of land near Sexsmith, changing the land use from agricultural to industrial. Following first reading, the application will undergo further review and public engagement, including public hearings, before Council considers final approval. 

Updated Dust Control Policy — Council approved updates to Policy N8 – Dust Control as part of the County’s 2026 Policy Review Project. The updated policy introduces a 50 per cent County subsidy for residential dust control, with applicants covering the remaining cost. Commercial and industrial dust control will move to a full cost-recovery model. The policy also clarifies eligible dust control products, application deadlines, fees and other requirements. 

2027 Fees, Rates and Charges Approved — Council gave final approval to Bylaw #3287, which updates the County’s Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges for 2027. Changes include fee increases, new fees, removal of outdated fees and updates to improve clarity, including a review of Planning and Development Services fees. Council also approved an amendment to remove the $5 barricade/excavation permit application fee. The updated fees take effect January 1, 2027, replacing the current bylaw. 

2026 Tax Sale Reserve Bids Approved — Council approved reserve bids and sale conditions for seven properties scheduled for the County’s October 23, 2026, tax sale. Reserve bids were established using the average of property assessments and market valuations provided by Century 21 Grande Prairie Realty Inc.  

Teepee Creek Water Well Project Update — Council directed Administration to offer the nine eligible property owners the option of either a water well and treatment system or a cistern installation as part of the Tepee Creek Water Well Drilling Project. The County will cover the associated costs for the selected option.