Council Highlights: Dec. 8, 2025

Catch Council on Monday, Dec. 8?
 
Here are some highlights:
 
➡ BLU Alliance gave a presentation on their Municipal Policing Study. You can view the whole presentation in the agenda package. It ends with a series of recommendations, including for the Town to bolster its Community Peace Officer program and actively petition the provincial government and RCMP for enhanced CPO authorities, which could offload non-urgent calls from the RCMP.
 
➡ Council gave second reading to Bylaw No. 2185, Utility Rates for 2026, which would see a rate increase of 5 per cent for water and 10.1 per cent for wastewater.
 
➡ Council gave first reading to Bylaw No, 2186, Fees & Charges Bylaw for 2026, and directed Administration to return the bylaw to the next Council meeting for contemplation of amendments or options regarding seniors’ rates at facilities.
 
➡ Council approved Administration to enter into a non-standard lease with the Peace River Seniors’ Club for the building known as the Seniors’ Drop-in Centre, including a commitment that the Town pays the water utility expenses for the facility.
 
➡ Pat Fisher, Director of Infrastructure and Development, provided a verbal update on river ice watch conditions.
 
➡ Council adopted the 2026 Interim Operating Budget based on 50 per cent of the approved 2025 Operating tax and utility-supported budgets. This allows the Town to continue functioning for the next several months while Council determines the full 2026 budget.
 
➡ Council directed Administration to return the 2026 Capital Budget and the 2026-2030 Capital Plan to the next Council meeting for formal consideration.
 
➡ After a discussion in closed session, Council directed Administration to draft an additional letter to Sagitawa Friendship Society regarding the discussion.
 
Always more.
 
Watch it again on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@townofpeaceriver8959
 
Our next Council meeting is 5pm Monday, Dec. 15.