September 18, 2025 Committee of the Whole Highlights

September 18, 2025  

Physician Recruitment and Retention Policy Updated — The Committee directed Administration to amend Policy M13 - Physician Recruitment and Retention to expand eligibility to include nurse practitioners in an independent practice and bring back the amended policy for Council’s consideration. The Committee directed Administration to explore additional incentive options and to bring forward recommendations as part of the broader policy review in 2026. 

New Policy Update — The Committee directed Administration to bring the draft Policy F17 – Councillor Information Request to a future Regular Council meeting with the amendments as discussed. The draft policy outlines the requirements and best practices for Administration when a Councillor requests information. 

Additional Named Insured Program — The Committee recommended to Council to continue to facilitate affordable and adequate insurance coverage for qualifying community organizations by maintaining the current Additional Named Insured Program. 

Transportation and Utilities Call Log Report — The Committee received an information report from Administration providing an overview of how the department manages public inquiries. 

Compassion House Foundation Annual Report — Representatives from the Compassion House Foundation presented their annual report as information to the Committee, detailing their efforts to expand Sorrentino’s Compassion House in Edmonton. The house provides affordable accommodations for women from rural northern and central Alberta undergoing treatment. In 2025, the County pledged $100,000 over five years ($20,000 annually from 2025 to 2029) to support the expansion of Sorrentino’s Compassion House from five to 16 suites and Suite 103 was named in honour of the County. 

Grande Prairie Regional Sport Connection Annual Report — Representatives from the Grande Prairie Regional Sport Connection (GPRSC) presented their 2024 annual report to the Committee. The information report highlighted GPRSC hosted events like: Try-It Day(s), the Northwest Alberta Sport Excellence Awards, and the essential services they provide to local sport organizations, coaches, and athletes. The County provides $60,000 annually for 2025, 2026 and 2027.  

Maskwa Medical Center Update — Representatives from the Maskwa Medical Center Board of Directors presented a ceremonial shovel from the groundbreaking and provided an update on the progress of the project. Construction began in June 2025 on the Maskwa Medical Center site.  

Twilight Club of La Glace Appraisal Report — The Committee received an information report from Administration about the appraisal of the Twilight Club facility in La Glace. The appraisal was completed in January 2025 with no additional expense to the County, and Administration has provided the organization a letter with the recommendation that the insurance on the building be increased to reflect the value of the appraisal.  

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on September 22, 2025. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on December 1, 2025. The next Organizational Meeting will take place on October 27. 
 
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