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Council Meeting Highlights - March 26, 2025

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Strengthening Regional Governance

Strategic Goal: Collaborative Partnerships

Proclamation: Beaver Hills Biosphere Recognition

  • Council officially recognized the Beaver Hills Biosphere for its UNESCO designation and Alberta Heritage Award, encouraging residents to explore and celebrate the region’s ecological and cultural importance.

Water Collaboration Initiatives

  • Council:
    • Authorized the CAO to sign the Regional Water Steering Committee Terms of Reference.
    • Assigned the CAO to represent the County on the Regional Water Steering Committee.
    • Approved the scope of work and cost-sharing for a regional water modelling simulation analysis led by MPE Engineering Ltd., in partnership with the Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission, Tofield, Viking, Ryley, and Holden.
    • Authorized a joint meeting with Strathcona County to address west end fire protection and regional water supply issues.

Election Services Agreements & Voting Enhancements

  • Council approved election service agreements with local school boards and passed bylaws supporting special ballot voting, voting hours, and multiple voting stations for the 2025 municipal election.

Committee Appointment

  • Trevor Kloeck was reappointed to the Economic Development Advisory Committee for a two-year term ending March 1, 2027.

North Miquelon Lake Stewardship Committee

  • Councillor Williams was appointed to represent the County on this local environmental stewardship group.

 

Supporting Lifestyle and Community Engagement

Strategic Goal: Lifestyle Enhancement

Community Support Grants – Spring 2025 Intake

  • Council approved 17 grants of up to $2,500 each, supporting projects of local community groups, historical societies, recreational clubs, and events, including the Tofield 4-H, Holden Junior Cattlemen, Viking Library, Cloverlodge Stampede, and more.

Illegal Drainage Advocacy

  • Council directed the Reeve to request a meeting with Alberta Environment to discuss illegal drainage issues affecting residents and the County.

 

Enhancing Infrastructure and Stewardship

Strategic Goal: Sustainable Infrastructure

Campground Policy Update

  • Council approved a revised policy for campground reservations, cancellations, and refunds.

Kinsella Streetlights

  • Approved the installation of five new streetlights in Kinsella, contributing $21,200 and ongoing service fees.

Kinsella Community Hall Roof

  • Council approved a grant up to a maximum of $265,000 for roof replacement, funded from the Clean Harbors Reserve, and will explore additional funding options with the Kinsella Ag Society.

Tax Recovery Properties

  • Council authorized administration to proceed with taking title to five properties that remained unsold after a tax recovery auction.

 

Strengthening Leadership and Governance

Strategic Goal: Strong Governance

Council Code of Conduct Bylaw Passed

  • Council gave second and third readings to Bylaw #25-1165, formalizing expectations for council conduct and accountability.

Council and Public Policy Updates

  • Introduced and passed first reading of a Community Standards Bylaw with a non-statutory public hearing to follow.
  • Passed first reading of a Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bylaw.
  • Introduced a Repealing Bylaw and scheduled a non-statutory hearing to review outdated legislation.
  • Updated the Use of County Vehicles and Risk Management policies, rescinding previous versions.

Administration Building A/V Upgrades

  • Approved $60,000 in upgrades to improve council meeting technology, funded from the Claystone Waste Dividend Reserve.

 

Council Engagement

Strategic Goal: Accountability and Transparency

Council members attended a variety of community and regional events, including:

  • Viking High School Job Fair
  • Beaver County Violence Prevention Training
  • RMA Spring Conference
  • Snow Goose Festival Meeting
  • Viking RCMP Crime Presentation & Town Hall
  • Tofield Skating Club Carnival
  • Coffee with Cops at the Ryley Curling Club
  • Beaver Hill Biosphere Open House
  • Numerous intermunicipal and advisory committee meetings

 

Financial Oversight

Strategic Goal: Responsible Finance

Council reviewed updated financial reports as part of regular oversight and fiscal accountability. Council remains focused on supporting community vitality, strengthening regional partnerships, and maintaining responsible and transparent governance.

 

For more information on items discussed at the Council Meeting, please review the full Agenda Package for this meeting. New and/or amended Policies and Bylaws are uploaded to the County website after they have been signed.