September 8, 2026 Council Highlights

September 8, 2026  

New Multi-Use Sports Pad Coming to Whispering Ridge subdivision — Council approved the development of a 60-by-120-foot asphalt multi-use sports pad at Whispering Ridge Park, located at 154 Avenue and 106 Street. The project will cost $123,280, with funding to be determined at the Interim Budget Meeting. The sports pad will provide year-round recreation space, including winter skating and other activities. 

County Expands Supports to Attract and Retain Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners — Council approved an updated policy that strengthens support for family physicians and nurse practitioners, with a greater focus on retention, inclusion and long-term community integration. Policy T1 builds on the existing physician recruitment and retention policy by adding nurse practitioners, prorated support for part-time practitioners, and lifestyle and community integration incentives. The changes aim to help health-care providers put down roots and strengthen ongoing access to primary health-care services. 

Recreation Advisory Boards — Council approved Policy K15 – Operating Assistance – Recreation Advisory Boards, which consolidates several existing recreation funding streams and provides greater clarity around base funding, transportation assistance, and programming-specific projects. The policy also establishes an annual application period from January 1 to March 1, with Recreation Advisory Board deliberations taking place in early April. 

Road Closure Bylaw #3288 — Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw #3288, amending Bylaw #3240 to correct the area of the road closure from 0.53 hectares (1.3 acres) to 0.516 hectares (1.275 acres). The amendment reflects the final survey plan and addresses a discrepancy identified by the Land Titles Office to allow the transfer of documents to be registered. 

Township Road 713 Landslide — Council directed Administration to identify a funding source for the emergency road repair on Township Road 713 west of the Aspen Ridge subdivision at or before the 2027 Interim Budget Meeting. The emergency repair restored two-lane traffic following a significant landslide in June, with the current estimated cost of the repair at $580,000. 

Debt Strategy — Council approved Policy C38 – Debt Strategy, which was updated as part of the 2026 Policy Review Project. The revisions provide greater clarity through updated policy guidelines, definitions, purpose, and references, while removing outdated definitions and information. 

International Paper/Global Cellulose Fibers Assessment Appeal — Council directed Administration to fund the $854,639 excess assessment appeal settlement for International Paper/Global Cellulose Fibers from the Financial Stabilization Reserve. 

Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum Business Plan — Council directed Administration to reapply for an Alberta Community Partnership grant, with the County as the managing partner and the Town of Wembley as co-applicant, to complete Phase 2 of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum Business Plan. The next phase will further assess opportunities to improve the Museum’s attendance and revenue, develop a five-year funding strategy, strengthen the school market, and better integrate the Museum with Pipestone Creek Park programming. 

Town of Wembley Alberta Community Partnership Grant Application — Council supported the Town of Wembley’s application for an Alberta Community Partnership grant, with the Town acting as the managing partner, to complete an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP). The IDP would provide a framework for coordinating long-term land-use planning, growth, economic development, servicing and transportation between the Town and County.