Council Meeting Highlights — March 13, 2025

The items below focus on key decisions and issues that have emerged from the March 13, 2025, County Council Meeting.

Council Approved the Acquisition of Alberta First Responder Radio Communication System

County Council approved the project scope and funding application for the acquisition of 34 Alberta First Responder Radio Communication System (AFRRCS) radios, through the Cenovus Energy funding program for $98,090.

The AFRRCS is a province-wide, digital, trunked radio network used by first responders, public safety agencies, and municipal services in Alberta. It was officially launched in July 2016 to provide encrypted and secure, interoperable communications for police, fire, EMS, and other emergency and government agencies. 

The County currently has Enforcement Services on AFRRCS but not Fire Services, so is not yet a fully integrated interoperable environment. These 34 radios add to the capacity of the strategic implementation.

The County’s AFRRCS will enhance emergency response and coverage while ensuring secure, reliable communication for emergency management.

Council Approved Support for the STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) Program

STARS is a non-profit air ambulance service that provides emergency medical transportation across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. With base locations in Grande Prairie, Edmonton, and Calgary— STARS plays a critical role in transporting critically ill or injured patients from remote or rural areas to major hospitals. Often activated for highway crashes, farming accidents, oilfield incidents, and back country rescues.

Council committed to support STARS at the funding rate of $2/capita. This contribution will surpass the $100,000 overall lifetime amount donated to this vital service.

Lac Ste. Anne County has been a supporting partner of STARS since 2008 and a Municipal Partner—donating $1 per capita since 2018.

Council Approved Grant Application for Hiring of Seasonal Agronomics Inspector

The Alberta Weed Control Act (WCA) is a provincial law designed to prevent the spread of invasive plant species that threaten agriculture, the environment, and biodiversity. It gives municipalities the authority to enforce regulations regarding prohibited noxious and noxious weeds. The County is responsible for appointing inspectors to enforce the Act, by identifying, controlling, and managing noxious and prohibited noxious weeds within the region. The County hires seasonal staff, as weed inspectors and send them out to undertake identifying noxious weeds and issuing weed notices to landowners requiring them to take action. The Agronomics Supervisor oversees seasonal weed inspectors hired by the County. A grant application was submitted for $9,562.50 to the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) offered by the Government of Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, for the Seasonal Agronomics Inspector position.

Should you encounter County weed inspectors or receive a weed notice please keep in mind these individuals are simply doing their job in assisting to prevent the spread of harmful invasive species. They work to ensure a healthy landscape for everyone, including landowners, farmers, and future generations.

Council Council Passes Updated Solid Waste Utility Bylaw

The Solid Waste Utility Bylaw 04-2025 establishes regulations and fees for the proper disposal and management of solid waste within the County. This bylaw aims to provide residents with clear guidelines on waste collection and disposal of household materials while promoting environmental responsibility and maintaining the cleanliness of our community.  A 3.3 % increase to the existing rate will result in a Solid Waste Utility fee of $203.71/year.

The County encourages all residents to review the updated Bylaw and understand how it may impact waste management services.

County residents and ratepayers can expect to see this fee increase reflected on their next Solid Waste Utility invoice.

Council Passes Short-Term Borrowing Bylaw

On January 17, 2025 the County experienced a significant fire that destroyed the cold storage building along with several vehicles and equipment at the Lisburn Public Works Yard. The County anticipates replacement costs for the building, vehicles, and equipment to amount to $3,053,519. Replacement funding will come from insurance proceeds of $1,639,444, the solid waste fund of $175,000, the Local Government Fiscal Framework Grant of $539,075, and short-term debt of $700,000.

While the Cold Storage Building will be fully covered by insurance, there are some discrepancies between insurance value and replacement costs for vehicles and equipment. To this end, staff are evaluating and assessing areas to streamline purchases for optimal fleet efficiency.

The short-term debt of $700,000 will incur an annual repayment of $155,734 with the current Alberta Finance Interest Rate of 3.97%.

Council Approved Increase to Playschool Fees

Effective April 1, 2025, County Playschool Fees will increase to $100.00 per student per month for the two-day per week program, and $50.00 per student per month for the one-day per week program. This hike will take full advantage of the Alberta Government’s Affordability Grant covering up to $100.00 per child per month, with any monthly fees beyond $100.00 per child per month being the responsibility of the parents/guardians. 

Since January 2022, all playschool fees have been covered 100% by the Affordability Grant, with no cost to parents/guardians. This renewal takes advantage of a rate increase to benefit the program but maintains no additional cost to parents/guardians.

Lac Ste. Anne County operates the Onoway Playschool Program. For information on this popular program please contact the Community Services department.