Catch Council on Monday?
Rhetorical question because the highlights are here anyway:
- Glenda Farnden, Sr. Municipal Relations Liaison with Stars Air Ambulance, presented about the organization's work and provided mission statistics specific to the Peace Region. In closing, she asked the Town to consider increasing its financial commitment to Stars on a graduated process over the next term, up from the current level of 75 cents per resident and ultimately to $2 per resident. Council will consider this request in a future meeting.
- Council accepted the briefing note Myth-Busting Organizational Growth, which addressed discussion around staffing levels at the Town. The report clarified that, despite the opening of the Baytex Energy Centre and the re-establishment of the Community Peace Officer program, the Town’s overall staffing increased by just 2.8 full-time equivalent positions over the last term. Full details are available in the report.
- Council accepted the 2025 Certificate of Recognition (COR) audit results. In September 2025, external auditors interviewed employees, reviewed health and safety documentation, and performed inspections. After follow-up work was concluded in November, we were notified that we successfully passed the 2025 COR audit with an overall mark of 84%. By successfully maintaining the COR Certification, the Town is estimated to receive a Workers Compensation and Benefits premium refund of $28,837 for the 2025 year. This money will be put back into the Town’s Health and Safety Program.
- Council accepted the Navigation Centre Pop-up briefing note for information. Tanya Bell, Director of Community Services, explained that the centre is a collaborative initiative between several local agencies to provide services regarding mental health, addictions, housing, domestic violence, food security, and much more. The centre will be held at the Sagitawa Friendship Society gymnasium 9am-6pm on January 22, 2026.
- Council directed Administration to bring the Offsite Levy Policy to a future Governance and Priorities meeting for further discussion.
- Council directed Administration to bring the Snow Dump Policy to a future meeting with amendments. Presented by Director of Infrastructure and Development Pat Fisher, the policy stipulates how contractors can become authorized to deposit snow in the Town's snow dump.
- Council directed Administration to bring a Council Social Media Use guideline to a future meeting.
- Council directed Administration to amend the Council Remuneration, Travel and Expense Policy and return it to Council at a future meeting.
- Council directed Administration to send a letter to the Peace Regional Mental Health Task Force outlining Council’s concerns and questions with the committee setup and return with a response.
- Council adopted an amended Business Grants Program Policy. The primary change was to clearly define location requirements so that businesses who do not contribute to the Town's tax base are not eligible for grants.
- Council accepted a 4-per-cent increase to Northern Sunrise County’s ICF Agreement funding contribution for 2026, with thanks.
- Council adopted the Municipal Policing Model Study completed by BLU Alliance. You can see the full study in the agenda package, and it will be on our website soon.
Always more.
You can read the full agenda here: https://peaceriver.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/?expanded=9574,154743…
And watch it again here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XPqRd6qK_Q
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