Council and G&P Highlights

 Council passed Bylaw No. 2170, Public Disturbances Bylaw, which enhances the Town's and RCMP's ability to deter unwanted nuisance behaviours and provides enforcement mechanisms when compliance is not met.

 The Protective Services Call Report for January 2025 recorded 61 snow removal complaints, 1 parking ticket issued, 1 provincial trespass ticket issued, and 25 warnings given.

 Council adopted the Not-for-Profit Emergency Support Fund Policy, which establishes a formal process for non-profit groups to request financial assistance from the Town in response to emergencies. The goal is to provide a transparent and equitable system for community organizations facing a one-time financial crisis, helping to sustain their operations. The 2025 budget includes $10,000 for this new fund.

 Council approved a Protective Services Funding Request to continue building the Protective Services Department under Director Daniel Cress, and expanding the Community Peace Officer (CPO) program. Funding from the Community Safety Reserve will be used to purchase equipment, including a fully equipped used Tahoe, a second fully equipped used CPO vehicle, radios, a printer/computer for bylaw enforcement, CPO vests and utility belts, vehicle decals, and e-bike gear. The total estimated expenditure is $169,000, with $11,000 allocated for contingency.

 Council approved a variance to the parking requirement for the proposed new apartment building on the West Hill, reducing the requirement from 1.5 spaces per dwelling to 1.25 spaces per dwelling. This change supports the developer’s plans for a potential fifth floor.

 Karla Reesor, Executive Director, and Mike Bisaga, Technical Program Manager, presented about the The Peace River Area Monitoring Program. They proposed relocating a portable Air Quality Health Index monitoring station to Peace River.

 Council continued reviewing the Land Use Bylaw Refresh with Alisha Mody, Manager of Planning and Development. The Town is still gathering public feedback before bringing the bylaw forward for first reading.

 Council discussed a Joint Use and Planning Agreement mandated by the Alberta government, which all municipalities must establish with local school divisions. This agreement, involving Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, Peace River School Division, and Conseil scolaire du Nord-Ouest, defines joint use of Town and school facilities, operational guidelines for facility access by community organizations, the process for planning future recreation assets, roles in the planning of new school sites, and more.

 Chief Administrative Officer Barb Miller informed Council that the Town will see significant savings on Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) premiums. The savings stem from an increased focus on workplace health and safety, as well as the successful overturning of a 2023 WCB claim. This resulted in a $58,170.80 reduction in the Town’s 2025 premium rate. These savings will continue into 2026. It is rare for an entire WCB claim to be overturned, and this success was due to strong documentation practices.

 With the recent hiring of a Director of Protective Services and a job posting for a Community Peace Officer, Council discussed the Town’s future direction for public safety and enforcement services. CAO Miller sought clarity on the level of resources that should be allocated to this area.