September 8, 2025 Council Highlights

September 8, 2025

Land Use Bylaw and Subdivision Authority – Council directed Administration to integrate the Subdivision Authority Bylaw into the Land Use Bylaw to streamline application processes. The bylaw amendment and any discussed changes to the Administrative Section of the Land Use Bylaw will be brought to a future Council meeting for review and approval.

Westlake Utility Lots and Fence Encroachments – Council directed Administration to assess stopgap measures to address the County portion of the failing fence located along the perimeter of the Westlake Village subdivision and to conduct an evaluation using encroachment and caveated rights-of-ways as possible mitigation strategies to address encroachment concerns within the Public Utility lots. 

Water and Sanitary Sewer 10-Year Capital Plan – Council approved the Water and Sanitary Sewer 10-Year Capital Plan for County owned water and sanitary sewer systems in the hamlets of Hythe, Valhalla, La Glace, Teepee Creek and Bezanson. Business cases will be brought forward to budget for each project. 

Construction Specifications and Standards – Council supported the adoption of three newly written County of Grande Prairie Construction Specifications volumes that were developed in alignment with the Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC) standards. The adopted volumes 1, 2, and 8 include general specifications and amendments, rural roads, and bridges.

Hythe Wellhouse 1 Source Well Replacement Project – Council approved the additional funding request for the Hythe Wellhouse 1 Source Well Replacement Project of $219,216 to be added to the existing budget of $484,916 for a total amount of $704,132. The phase two contract was awarded to Norwest Construction in the amount of $248,791.

Temporary FCSS Program Addition – Council directed Administration to facilitate additional Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) children and youth programs in the event of school closures due to a teacher strike or lockout. 

Spring Lake Ski Hill Funding Request – Council approved a $30,000 funding request from Spring Lake Ski Hill for operational assistance for the 2025-2026 season contingent on matching funding from Saddle Hills County. 

GPREP Application – Council supported the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership’s (GPREP) intent to develop a regional volunteer management plan and supported application to the Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) Intermunicipal Collaboration Component for the project.

Public Hearings:

• Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw #2680-25-029 to redesignate 0.81 hectares, located west of Range Road 74 and north of Township Road 712 approximately 1.02 miles west of the Hamlet of Dimsdale, from the Agricultural (AG) District to the Country Residential (CR-5) District.

Sponsorship Request — Council approved the following sponsorship requests:

• $850 for a table at the Friends of the Grande Spirit Foundation Harvest Dine and Dance annual fundraiser on October 4. 
• $2,500 for the 2^nd annual STARS Among Us Gala fundraising event on October 25. 

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on September 22, 2025. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on September 18, 2025. 

Council and Committee meetings are available to the public via live stream. Find connection instructions and meeting agendas under Council Meetings on the County website.