Council Highlights: May 4 and May 11, 2026

Highlights from the May 11 Council meeting and May 4 Governance and Priorities meeting:

Council Meeting May 11, 2026

  • Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors provided an update on the bridge repair project and other regional highway work. As it stands, completion of the repair of the blue bridge is still scheduled for late 2027. You can see more of the discussion in the livestream. 
  • Council passed the 2026 Tax Rate Bylaw, which sets the rates needed to collect the municipal portion of property taxes approved through the 2026 budget. The bylaw supports a municipal tax requisition of $12.89 million, up about $319,000 from 2025, while overall taxable assessment values increased by 1.90%. Tax notices will be mailed May 21, with payment due June 30, 2026.
  • Council approved the write-off of a $70,000 uncollectible receivable. The amount had already been recorded as a bad debt expense in 2025, so the write-off clears the receivable from the Town’s books with no additional income statement impact.
  • Council approved the creation of a full-time, permanent Protective Services Administrative Assistant position. The role will provide dedicated administrative support to Protective Services and Fire Services, helping improve reporting, documentation, court-related processes, and overall department efficiency.
  • Council heard an update on the Town’s response to the 2026 spring melt and river break-up season, which included a month-long preparation period and acute incident response during break-up. While some final costs are still being confirmed, the Town's heightened preparedness and response work cost roughly $203,000.
  • Council approved Development Permit Application No. 2026-14 for an accessory structure in the form of an event stage at the former Lions Campground site (now owned by Peace River Adventures). The stage will support the campground’s recreational use by providing a dedicated space for gatherings, performances, and other campground-related activities.

See the agenda for more: https://peaceriver.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/?preview=160423

Governance and Priorities Meeting May 4, 2026

  • Council received a presentation on the Retail and Services Gap Analysis, which looked at the community’s trade area, spending potential, current retail inventory, service gaps, and opportunities for future growth. You can see the entire report on our website.
  • Council discussed the current format, content, and timing of departmental quarterly reports. Administration sought feedback on what information Council finds useful, what could be improved, and whether the reports should be restructured to better support Council’s information needs.
  • Council discussed the Rural Renewal Stream Program and its importance to local employers. Administration noted that demand remains high even while the program is paused, with about 10 to 15 inquiries still coming in each week. Because of federal and provincial changes that affect the program, it is currently on pause.
  • Council heard an update on the Town’s application to the Northern and Regional Economic Development Program. The Town’s application for funding toward a marketing campaign was not successful in the latest intake, but Administration plans to move ahead with a scaled-down version of the concept while preparing for future grant opportunities.
  • Council discussed the proposed new Town Hall project and the next steps for the building at 9715 100 Street. The discussion focused on accessibility, customer service, emergency preparedness, privacy, security, renovation scope, and potential financing options. Council suggested to pursue planning drawings for now, but not make a financial commitment on renovations just yet.
  • Council discussed Deputy Mayor Carr’s April 13 notice of motion regarding potential membership with the Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency. Administration reported back on the membership process, potential annual cost, typical term length, current MMSA capacity, and the Town’s previous membership arrangement. Council also discussed whether further action or planning support should be explored and asked Administration to invite MMSA to present to Council.

See the agenda for more: https://peaceriver.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/?expanded=9574,154743…

Watch our streams on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@townofpeaceriver8959

(Pictured: Derek Young, Regional Director, and Patrick L’Abbé, Bridge Manager, for Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors)