Council Meeting Highlights — February 27, 2025

The items below focus on key decisions and issues that have emerged from the February 27, 2025, County Council Meeting.

Council Approved Support for the Annual Lemonade Day

Community Futures Yellowhead East is hosting the annual Lemonade Day. In partnership with Alberta Beach, the Town of Onoway and the Town of Mayerthorpe—the County will proclaim June 14, 2025 as the 2025 Northern Alberta Lemonade Day Program and provide sponsorship support of $750.00 and in-kind assistance as required.
Lemonade Day Northern Alberta is an annual program designed to teach youth—from kindergarten through high school—how to start, own, and operate their own business: a lemonade stand. The initiative aims to empower young individuals with practical skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, goal setting, and customer service. Participants are encouraged to "spend some, save some, and share some," promoting personal success and community involvement through charitable giving.

Lac Ste. Anne County has been a proud champion of this program since 2022.

Council Approved a Transfer from Reserve to Balance the Recreation Facility & Program Assistance Grant

A transfer from the Recreation Fund Reserve, in the amount of $23,030.00, will be applied to the 2024 Recreation Facility & Program Assistance Grant program to balance the revenue and the grant allocations provided for through previous resolutions. This amount in addition to the total tax collection through the Special Recreation Tax in 2024 of $692,000.00, will total $725,965.00.

Recreation facilities and program assistance grants play a vital role in enhancing community well-being, fostering social connections, and promoting active lifestyles. They provide accessible opportunities for residents of all ages to engage in physical activity, cultural events, and social gatherings, strengthening community identity and cohesion. Additionally, well-supported recreation initiatives contribute to local economic development by attracting visitors, creating employment opportunities, and improving the overall quality of life. Investing in these programs ensures that local communities remain vibrant, inclusive, and resilient.

This highlights Council’s commitment to supporting community organizations and programs, enriching life in local communities.

Council Ratified the New Fire Services Agreement

The County and the Summer Village of Ross Haven have entered into a 10-year agreement to provide Fire Services to the summer village. With negotiations finalized, this new partnership builds upon Lac Ste. Anne County’s long-standing commitment to service delivery in the region.

Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services currently provides fire services to the Town of Onoway, the Summer Villages of Sunset Point, Yellowstone, Ross Haven, and West Cove.

Council Approved the Funding Application for the Canadian Red Cross - Alberta 2023 Wildfires Community Wildfire Mitigation Program

The original application for $35,000.00 was not only approved but topped up to a total of $75,000.00. Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services will employ trained personnel to conduct FireSmart vegetation management work in areas identified in our Community Risk Reduction Plan listed as "high hazard" or near critical infrastructure.

The Community Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program aims to equip communities with resources, tools, and support to increase resilience to future wildfire risks.

Council Accepted the Presentation from Highway 16 Northwest Regional Tourism Association and Further Decided to Join the Association

This newly created organization is venturing to promote tourism within a specific geographic region that is within a 2-hour drive of the greater Edmonton region — North of Highway 16 and west of Highway 2. The region encompasses all of Lac Ste. Anne County and several of our neighbouring municipalities. With a focus on supporting local businesses and marketing strategies—their mission is “to promote sustainable tourism that enriches the lives of both visitors and locals by showcasing the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique attractions of our region”.

Highway 16 Northwest Regional Tourism Association is currently seeking opportunities for support from regional stakeholders with a website launch coming soon and the first annual general meeting to be held in the near future.