The items below address key decisions and issues that emerged from the June 11, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.

Key Items on the Agenda

Council Business

Public Apology

Councillor Barry Voltner issued a formal apology for his conduct at the previous Council meeting and committed to maintaining a higher professional standard going forward.

Delegations & Presentations

Lac Ste. Anne Foundation:

Representatives Dena Krysik and Tara Baker from the Lac Ste. Anne Foundation presented an overview of their housing programs, explaining government‑mandated eligibility criteria, priority‑based intake, and waitlists. They highlighted that the Foundation, a not‑for‑profit operating since 1962, provides multiple levels of care in partnership with Alberta Health Services and currently supports 446 residents and households across the region. Council accepted the presentation for information and acknowledged the Foundation’s long-standing role in delivering consistent, quality housing supports.

Community Futures Yellowhead East:
Michelle Jones from Community Futures Yellowhead East delivered the annual update on regional economic development supports, noting that the organization serves 10 municipalities and 46 communities with business resources, start‑up loans, and development services. She also highlighted initiatives such as Northern Alberta Lemonade Day and the Regional Investment Attraction & Marketing Strategy. Council discussed the importance of the business retention and expansion survey and agreed that it should be reviewed collectively.

Public Hearings

Bylaw 22‑2017‑02‑2026:
Council held a statutory public hearing to gather input on a proposed redistricting from Agricultural (AG1) to Aggregate Resource Extraction & Processing (AR) for several land parcels, emphasizing that no decision had been made and that procedural fairness must be upheld. Administration outlined the policy framework, while speakers presented both support and opposition. Council closed the hearing after receiving all submissions.

Bylaw 22‑2017‑03‑2026:
Council conducted a second statutory public hearing regarding a proposed redistricting of additional parcels from Agricultural (AG1) to Aggregate Resource Extraction & Processing (AR). The hearing focused solely on the redistricting request, with Council reiterating that no decision had yet been made and that the purpose was to collect public input. After receiving submissions for and against redistricting, the hearing was formally closed.

Fire Services Reporting

Quarterly Report:
Fire Chief Schroeder presented the Q1 2026 Fire Services Report, noting 158 emergency responses across the County, with the East Station being the busiest. The quarterly report, supports planning, budgeting, and compliance with NFPA 1720 standards, which guide response times and service levels in rural areas. Council reviewed the department’s activities and accepted the report for information.

FireSmart Update:
The FireSmart crew resumed work in April, completing equipment servicing, vegetation management in Sangudo, and hazard reduction work in the Lessard Lake Estates subdivision. They also assisted with wildfire response in Woodlands County and participated in a FireSmart community event in the Summer Village of West Cove. Council noted that recent complaints had been addressed through Administration and emphasized the importance of maintaining an effective program.

Sturgeon County Fire Services Mutual Aid Agreement:
Council approved the updated Mutual Aid Agreement with Sturgeon County, replacing the outdated 1983 version and incorporating a shared cost‑recovery model aligned with 2026/27 Alberta Transportation rates. Administration confirmed that Sturgeon County supports the updated agreement and that LSAC has no objections. With both municipalities aligned, Council moved to execute the agreement.

Agricultural Services Reporting

Appointment of Pest Inspector:
Council appointed Hannah Kastelic as Pest Inspector and Weed Inspector for the 2026 growing season, fulfilling legislative requirements under the Agricultural Pests Act and the Weed Control Act. These appointments authorize inspectors to conduct inspections, issue notices, and enforce compliance on both private and public lands. The position fills a staffing transition within Agricultural Services and ensures the County maintains its mandated inspection capacity.

Discontinuation of the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program (WRRP):
Council received information regarding a request from Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) to participate in their advocacy campaign concerning the Government of Alberta’s decision not to renew the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program (WRRP).  While Council chose not to directly support the ALUS campaign, they did direct Administration to prepare correspondence to the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, expressing general concerns about the discontinuation of the WRRP and encouraging the Province to reinstate the program, or develop a comparable funding initiative, to continue supporting environmental stewardship efforts.

Corporate Services Reporting

2025 Municipal Indicator Results:
The Government of Alberta’s annual municipal viability review found Lac Ste. Anne County below the threshold for one of thirteen indicators—Infrastructure Age—showing a net book value of tangible capital assets at 36.89%, slightly under the 40% benchmark. This reflects accounting depreciation rather than physical condition, but it signals that the County’s infrastructure is further along in its lifecycle and may require increased reinvestment. Administration noted that despite rising construction costs and limited external funding, the County continues to invest in core assets such as roads and bridges while balancing affordability for residents. A formal response is required for the Municipal Indicator Dashboard, and Administration prepared a statement referencing the 2025 Corporate Vehicle & Equipment Asset Management Plan, upcoming 2026 infrastructure assessments, and Council’s long‑range capital planning priorities. After discussion on asset management and depreciation monitoring, Council accepted the report for information.

Public Auction Terms and Conditions:
Council approved the 2026 Public Auction Terms and Conditions, confirming that properties may be redeemed until declared sold, all parcels carry reserve bids, and sales occur strictly on an “as is, where is” basis with purchasers responsible for taxes, utilities, fees, and obtaining vacant possession. Successful bidders must sign a sale agreement, provide payment, including GST where applicable, and assume risk immediately after the auction, while municipal officials remain prohibited from bidding. Unsold properties may revert to the municipality, and once a property is declared sold, former owners lose the right to pay arrears. Administration confirmed that the process remains unchanged from previous years and that owners may still remove their properties from the auction list by resolving outstanding taxes. There are currently 27 properties listed, and the auction is scheduled for the last Friday in November at 10:00 a.m.

2026 Quarter One Finance Report:
Administration presented the County’s first quarterly financial report, covering January 1 to March 31, 2026, to enhance transparency and strengthen financial stewardship. The report included summaries of operating results, reserves, debt, divisional financial performance, and capital program updates. Quarterly reporting aims to balance meaningful financial oversight with category‑level analysis and bottom‑line accountability. The report also included detailed appendices outlining operating results by function and capital project status. Council expressed appreciation for the clarity and variance explanations and accepted the report for information.

Bylaws and Policies 

Bylaw 22‑2017‑01‑2026 and Bylaw 13‑2006:
Council held discussions and ultimately passed second and third readings of Bylaw 22‑2017‑01‑2026, redistricting Lot 4, Block 1, Plan 1624304 from Agricultural (AG1) to Commercial Recreation (CREC), as well as Bylaw 13‑2026 adopting the Whitewood RV Park Expansion Area Structure Plan. Administration explained that the redistricting aligns the property with current land‑use requirements to support ongoing operations and expansion after the previous development permit lapsed due to ownership changes and non‑use. The Area Structure Plan provides the statutory framework and long‑term development direction for the site, and Administration confirmed that their recommendation was based on a full review of this document. Council noted that operational details, resident concerns, and mitigation measures will be addressed during the development permit phase. Both bylaws were approved, bringing the property into compliance with County planning requirements.

Bylaw 10-2026 Chief Administrative Officer :
Council reviewed the legislative requirements for establishing the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), noting that the CAO serves as the administrative head of the municipality and is responsible for operations, financial management, human resources, and implementing Council decisions. The discussion emphasized the need for a clear position description, annual performance evaluations, and alignment with updated legislation, including recent changes under Bill 50. Council also acknowledged that while the CAO reports directly to Council, other municipal staff may present to Council when directed through the CAO. Given legislative updates and the need for modernized governance, Council agreed that the existing CAO bylaw should be updated to consolidate designated officer provisions and ensure compliance. With first reading given, the matter will proceed with revisions to create a single, standardized bylaw.

Chief Administrative Officer Reports

Council Meeting Schedule Adjustment
Council considered the annual adjustment to summer meeting schedules, traditionally reduced to one meeting each in July and August to accommodate vacations and numerous community events. Administration recommended rescheduling the July 9 and 23 meetings to July 16, and the August 13 and 27 meetings to August 20, 2026. After discussion, Council opted to maintain two meetings in July as originally scheduled while reducing August to a single meeting. This approach balances operational needs with seasonal demands on Council’s time and community commitments.

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.