Catch our Governance and Priorities meeting last night?
Here are some highlights:
- RCMP Staff Sergeant Lacey Blair presented quarterly RCMP reports. Council discussed crime trends, inter-agency collaboration, staffing levels, and more.
- During public comment period, local taxi operators raised concerns about unlicensed drivers advertising on social media. Council confirmed that enforcement is ongoing and noted that bylaw staff will continue to monitor and meet with operators.
- Council continued discussing the Land Use Bylaw Refresh, focusing on questions and comments received during the August 11 public hearing, including RV parking limits, landscaping securities, parking requirements for accessory dwelling units, etc. Council directed Administration to include the changes discussed during the meeting and return the bylaw to Council for consideration of second reading at a future meeting.
- Pat Fisher, Director of Infrastructure and Development, presented a Non-Residential Property Tax Credit bylaw for discussion. The draft bylaw aims at incentivizing non-residential development through tax credits. Council clarified eligibility rules and directed Administration to return the bylaw to a future Council meeting for first reading.
- Fire Chief Tim Harris updated Council on the upcoming Northern H.E.A.T. Conference, which will feature live fire training, conference sessions, and a trade show in Peace River from September 10 to 13.
- Chief Administrative Officer Barb Miller reported success in reducing Workers Compensation Board premiums from $2.71 to $2.15 per $100 of payroll for 2025, resulting in a refund of approximately $75,000 to the Town and ongoing annual savings of about $46,000.
- CAO Miller also informed Council that the ATCO LED streetlight conversion program is finished, and all Town eligible streetlights are now LED.
- Council supported drafting a letter to our regional MLA in support of the City of Grande Prairie's advocacy for equitable electricity distribution rates across the province.
- Council supported a request to meet with the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, during the upcoming Alberta Municipalities conference. Proposed discussion topics will include electricity distribution rates, STIP funding grants, and pace of legislative changes coming down from the Province.
- Council received the 2026–2031 RCMP financial plan for information.
There was more! But for that, dig into the agenda here: https://peaceriver.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/?preview=150666
Or watch it again here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjihnwQ14HE
Our next Council meeting is 5pm Monday, September 8, 2025.
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