Council Meeting Highlights — July 17, 2025

The items below focus on key decisions and issues that have emerged from the July 17, 2025, County Council Meeting.

Council Approves the Purchase of Replacement Dock at Corsair Cove Boat Launch

County Council approved the addition of $7,075.41 to the 2025 Operating Budget to cover the cost of floating dock repairs at the Corsair Cove Boat Launch. The expense will be paid through the Campground Fund (reserves).

Each fall, the floating docks at County-maintained boat launches are removed and placed to the side for the winter season. Unfortunately, over the past winter, the dock at Corsair Cove sustained considerable damage. Repair was explored but deemed unfeasible due to the extent of the damage.

To meet the County’s target of having the dock back in water by mid-May, a new section—along with augers and brackets—was ordered and installed.

This replacement ensures continued safe and reliable access for boaters using the Corsair Cove Boat Launch.

Council Approves Purchase of New Transit Bus for West End Bus Program

Council has ratified the purchase of a 2023 Ford Transit 15-passenger vehicle for the West End Bus Program at a total cost of $83,990. The purchase will be fully funded through the West End Bus Committee Fund, with contributions from three local municipalities—the Town of Mayerthorpe, Woodlands County, and Lac Ste. Anne County.  Both the Town of Mayerthorpe and Woodlands County have approved the purchase. Vehicle ownership and contributions for the program are shared as follows: Lac Ste. Anne County 50%, Woodlands County 25 %, and the Town of Mayerthorpe 25%.

The decision follows the West End Bus Committee’s review of options to replace an ageing unit in the fleet. The approved unit is a 2023 Ford Transit, 15-passenger, T-350 Extended Length XLT AWD with 31,650 km, all new tires, 95% brake pads, and has been fully serviced and inspected.

The West End Bus Program is a regional transportation initiative serving residents in the western portion of the County as well as parts of Woodlands County, and the Town of Mayerthorpe. This collaborative service is designed to provide affordable, accessible, and community-based transportation to essential services and activities—such as medical appointments, shopping destinations, and organized excursions that promote recreational and cultural engagement. The program plays a vital role in supporting the social, emotional, and physical well-being of area seniors.

Council Advances Redistricting Bylaw for Aggregate Resource Redistricting

Council has given second reading to Bylaw 22-2017-02-2025, a proposed amendment to Land Use Bylaw 22-2017. The bylaw seeks to redistrict several parcels of land in the Township of 53-05-W5M along the southern County border from Agricultural ‘1’ (AG1) District to Aggregate Resource Extraction & Processing (AR) District.

The affected properties include:

• SE 35-53-05 W5M (5305351001)
• SW 35-53-05 W5M (5305352001)
• NW 35-53-05 W5M (5305353001)
• SW 36-53-05 W5M (5305362001)
• NW 36-53-05 W5M (5305363001)
• A portion of NW 36-53-05 W5M (5305363002)

The proposed redistricting would enable aggregate resource extraction and processing activities on these lands, aligning zoning with intended future land use. The bylaw remains subject to further readings, and studies, before a potential final approval or defeat.

Why this went to second reading:
Second reading marks the pivotal stage for in-depth discussion and debate by Lac Ste. Anne County Council. At this point, with second reading, Council will continue to evaluate the proposed bylaw’s intent (for land use), consider public input received through the public hearing process, and weigh the potential risks and benefits. This particular bylaw deals solely with redistricting and does not approve any specific end-use or development permit. Public comments will be considered as they relate to the redistricting itself, and again—if applicable—when a development permit is brought forward in the future.

Council Approves Redistricting and Area Structure Plan for Wilderness RV Resort

County Council has approved two key bylaws related to a proposed recreational development in the central region of the County. Giving second and third reading to Bylaw 22-2017-03-2025, amending Land Use Bylaw 22-2017 to redistrict Lot 3, Block 3, Plan 2422654 within NE 09-55-03 W5M from Country Residential Ranch (CRR) District to Commercial Recreation (CREC) District. This redistricting will allow for the development of commercial recreation uses on the property.

In conjunction, Council also adopted Bylaw 15-2025, approving the Wilderness RV Resort Area Structure Plan for the same parcel. The plan outlines the framework for future development of the site as an extended lease recreational vehicle resort.

To address community input, Council directed Administration to implement a pre-referral process on the development application. This step ensures that current public concerns are thoroughly considered and mitigated before the project proceeds further.

Council’s direction to implement a pre-referral process reflects its commitment to responsible, transparent, and inclusive development—ensuring that community voices are heard and meaningfully incorporated into the planning process. While the referenced Bylaw and Area Structure Plan do not authorize the development to proceed, they establish preliminary requirements for initiating a development permit application. The pre-referral process allows Administration to collect key information in advance—providing the applicant with a clearer understanding of expectations and enabling the early gathering of materials typically required during the development permit stage.

Council Commits to Regional Investment Attraction Strategy Support

County Council has approved a three-year sponsorship commitment in support of the Regional Investment Attraction Marketing Strategy initiative, led by Community Futures Yellowhead East. The County will contribute $1,667 per year over three years (2025-2027), totalling $5,000, with funding to be drawn from the Municipal Services – Contributions budget.

At a previous Planning Meeting, Council considered a request from Community Futures to endorse and support their regional strategy aimed at attracting new investments to the area. Council initially provided a letter of support and approved the $5,000 contribution in principle, pending the success of a grant application to the Northern Regional Economic Development Grant Program.

Following confirmation that the grant application was successful, Community Futures provided the full proposal and supporting documents. With the initiative now moving forward, Council formalized its financial support through this multi-year contribution.

Community Futures Yellowhead East has long been a champion of rural economic development, supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and regional growth initiatives across the region. Their progressive strategies and commitment to collaboration make them a valuable partner in building a resilient, investment-ready future for Lac Ste. Anne County and its neighours.