Council Meeting Highlights — Regular Council Meeting March 12, 2026

The items below focus on key decisions and issues that have emerged from the March 12, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.

Key Items on the Agenda

Council Business
Council reviewed and adopted meeting minutes from:

• February 5, 2026 Governance & Priorities Meeting
• February 26, 2026 County Council Meeting
• February 27, Budget Meeting

Public Input
Council received the following presentations:

• Garth Ward, Chair of Darwell Lagoon Commission and Bernie Poulin, Mayor of the Summer Village of Silver Sands/Chair of Lake Isle and Lac Ste. Anne Stewardship Society (LILSA) spoke in favour of Council endorsing the Darwell Lagoon Commission Phase B: Part II Extension Project agenda item.
• Andy Harapchuk spoke regarding the safety of trees on County property falling onto the roadway at the junction of RGE RD 62 and TWP RD 564.

Darwell Lagoon Commission Phase B: Part II Extension Project
Council approved the 2025 engineering fees for Darwell Lagoon Commission Transmission Line Phase B: Part II in the amount of $45,023.07, with funding from the wastewater tax fund, and further, approved the County's share of the 2026 project for the Darwell Lagoon Transmission Line Phase B: Part II – Northeast Lagoon Expansion in the amount of $1,600,493 with funding to come from long term debt utilizing a 25-year term.

Administration will draft a borrowing bylaw and bring forth to a future Council Meeting.

Back-up Generator Capital Project
Council approved a transfer of $15,148 from the 2025 tower operating budget to cover the purchase of propane tanks associated with the County’s backup generator project for communication towers. The generators were fully funded through the Red Cross Resiliency and Recovery Improvement Project, which supports the installation of backup power systems to help maintain reliable communications for first responders during emergencies.

The Propane tanks will ensure the generators can operate during power outages, strengthening emergency preparedness and improving the reliability of County communication infrastructure. The budget adjustment was possible because funds originally allocated for the backup batteries were not used in 2025.

Recent Fuel Gravel Haul Rate Rescinded
Council rescinded the previously approved Summer Gravel Haul Rate due to rising fuel costs. Administration has been directed to return with a revised policy that would establish gravel haul rates twice annually in conjunction with winter and summer Gravelling Programs. It will include a recalculation of fuel rates upon a $.12/L deviation in fuel pricing on the first day of each month during the hauling season. Council also directed Administration to research options for short-haul and long-haul factors and bring before Council.

Encroachment Agreement Request
Council received an encroachment agreement request from residents Donald and Marlene Chetek of the Losie Glade subdivision. Council tabled a decision, directing Administration to bring forth more information.

Appointment of Subdivision Development Appeal Board Members
Council appointed the following as members to our Subdivision & Development Appeal Board (SDAB) Becky Oxton, Christine Goodvin, and Lindsay Zagorski. These individuals have received the required training and are now certified to sit on the SDAB. 

Procedural Bylaw to be Brought Back to Council
Council directed Administration to make further amendments, clean up inconsistencies and refine terminology and bring back for future consideration.

Initiating Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreements
Council adopted the proposed 2026 timeline and Administration will initiate the process for negotiations with our regional partners. 

Council Meeting Dates Schedule
A schedule of upcoming Council Meetings and Budget Meetings for the remainder of 2026 was approved by Council.

County of Barrhead Invitation Received
Council received an invitation to the County of Barrhead’s Annual Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, April 11, 2026. As ICF partners, they extended the invite, along with two complimentary tickets. Reeve Preugschas and Councillor Stoney volunteered to attend, should more Council members wish to attend, the County will purchase their tickets.

Board & Committee Updates
In acknowledgement of information received:

• Community Futures Yellowhead East (CFYE) Board Meeting Minutes
• Lac Ste. Anne Foundation Board Meeting Minutes
• LSAC Library Board Meeting Minutes 

Looking Ahead

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by attending public meetings in-person or online, viewing meeting recordings, and reviewing Council Highlights, Council Meeting Minutes, and future Council Agendas.