The items below address key decisions and issues that emerged from the June 25, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.

Key Items on the Agenda

Council Business

Minutes:

Council reviewed and adopted meeting minutes from:

• May 28, 2026 County Council Meeting
• June 11, 2026 County Council Meeting

Delegations & Presentations

Yellowhead Regional Library:

Representatives Karla Palichuk and Bridgitte Coninx presented on their regional services. YRL is a 55-ear-old intermunicipal agreement serving over 300,000 residents across 54 municipalities and three school divisions, making it the second-largest regional library system in Alberta. YRL functions as a library for libraries—handling high-level administrative, technological, and procurement tasks so local staff can focus on community. The current YRL annual municipal levy is based on a population of 11,300 and $5.60 per capita.

Teric Power:
Representatives Kevin Gilbank, Haydn Minta, and Brad Alexander provided an update on the Pioneer Power Centre proposed project east of Onoway—a large-scale battery energy storage systems with gas-fired peaking generators to support grid reliability in the region. The gas engines will operate when the Alberta grid requires additional power, while the batteries will help stabilize grid frequency, prevent outages, and store excess electricity. The facility will be monitored continuously through a 24/7 operations system and a real-time dispatch center that coordinates with the AESO. To minimize community impacts, the equipment will be housed in sound-suppressed buildings designed to meet Alberta noise regulations, and the approximately four-month construction phase will include measures to control dust and manage truck traffic.

Sangudo Opportunity Development Co-op (SODC):
Representatives Dan Ohler and Brian Starman presented an overview of the SODC, a volunteer-led co-operative focused on economic development by building on community strengths and supporting local business growth. Over its 16-year history, the organization has recirculated approximately $1.5 million in local capital to assist small and medium-sized enterprises, business transitions, and community initiatives. Acting as an umbrella organization for local projects, the SODC has expanded its support to neighbouring communities and counties. Due to Alberta Securities Commission advertising restrictions, the group relies heavily on volunteer efforts, word-of-mouth promotion, community presentations, and local support to raise awareness and attract potential investors through its website https://sodc.sangudo.net/.

Lake Isle Ste. Anne Stewardship Society WQ2 Project Presentation:
Councillor Bo Knysh presented on behalf of the Lac Ste. Anne Stewardship Society (LILSA), which recently re-established its operations to address ongoing concerns related to regional water quality and quantity. LILSA plays an important stewardship role in protecting lake health, which supports both environmental sustainability and local economic development. The organization highlighted its success in securing more than $400,000 in grant funding, including programs to manage invasive species such as Flowering Rush, and noted its collaboration with the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance and Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance to ensure technical expertise and credibility.

The Water Quality and Quantity (WQ2) Committee, operating under LILSA, serves as the steering committee for the development of a comprehensive Lake Management Plan, with completion targeted for 2027 and full implementation anticipated by 2029. LILSA also emphasized the need for improved administrative support and stronger community communication channels. Current initiatives include updating its website and exploring options for a centralized contact point or hotline where residents can report concerns, ask questions, and access information related to lake and watershed management.

Community & Protective Services Reporting

Yellowhead Regional Library Municipal Levy Increase:
Yellowhead Regional Library (YRL) proposed increasing the municipal levy from $4.85 to $5.60 per capita to better align funding with the cost of delivering services such as technology, digital collections, and internet access. YRL noted that the increase was intended to support long-term financial sustainability rather than service expansion and advised that the required double-majority approval from member municipalities has been achieved, making the new levy rate effective for all members.

During the discussion, Council expressed support for reviewing the broader implications of the proposed Master Membership Agreement amendment within the context of the County's overall financial planning. Council passed a motion opposing the amendment at this time, preferring to consider its potential impacts as part of the 2027 budget process to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of long-term commitments and municipal priorities.

Emergency Management — Overland Flooding Update:
Fire Chief Randy Schroeder and General Manager of Operations Nick Frank provided Council with an update on the recent overland flooding event that began on June 21, which was caused by significant rainfall across the region, particularly in the eastern portion of the County. Rainfall totals reached approximately 190 mm in the east and 90 mm in the west, resulting in widespread impacts to municipal infrastructure and transportation networks.

In response, the County activated an Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) using the Incident Command System to coordinate emergency operations, damage assessments, and public communications. County staff surveyed approximately 97% of County roads, supported by aerial inspections, and identified 50–60 blocked culverts requiring attention. To protect infrastructure, the County implemented a 60% road ban and temporarily suspended haul permits. Administration reported that while conditions were improving in some areas, response efforts remained ongoing and preparations were underway for additional forecasted rainfall. The County also worked closely with the Northern Gateway Public Schools to support safe student transportation and continued to receive support from the Alberta Emergency Management Agency throughout the event.

Bylaws and Policies 

Bylaw 22-2017-02-2026 to amend Land Use Bylaw 22-2017:
Proposed redistricting SE 35-53-05 W5M, SW 35-53-05 W5M, SW 36-53-05 W5M, NW 36-53-05 W5M, and NW 36-53-05 W5M from Agricultural ‘1’ (AG1) District to Aggregate Resource Extraction & Processing (AR) District—to bring existing operations into compliance. Following discussions regarding potential impacts and the need for an aggregate resource framework, Council moved to table this item until July 23, 2026.

Bylaw 22-2017-03-2026 to amend Land Use Bylaw 22-2017:
Proposed redistricting lands NW 33-53-03 W5M, NE 33-53-03 W5M, SW 34-53-03 W5M from Agricultural ‘1’ (AG1) District to Aggregate Resource Extraction & Processing (AR) District. Like the previous bylaw, Council opted to defer this decision to July 23, 2026, to allow for more time to establish clearer frameworks for mitigation and reclamation.

Bylaw 22-2017-04-2026 to amend Land Use Bylaw 22-2017:
A broad text amendment package designed to improve administrative procedures, department workflows, and application turnaround times. Key changes included replacing overland drainage easements with plot and drainage plans and adopting a new development authority notification policy. Council gave this bylaw first reading and scheduled a public hearing for July 23, 2026, at 11:00 am.

Bylaw 22-2017-05-2026 to amend Land Use Bylaw 22-2017:
Proposed redistricting a portion of SE 9-56-4 W5M from Agriculture 1 (AG1) to Aggregate Resource Extraction & Processing (AR) District for the Wayfinder Corporation. Council gave this bylaw first reading and scheduled a public hearing for July 23, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Chief Administrative Officer Reporting

Municipal Planning Services:
CAO Mitchell advised Council that the Municipal Planning Services presentation was removed from the agenda. The presentation has been rescheduled for the July 9 Council meeting.

Lac La Nonne Enhancement Protection Association (LEPA) Lac Ste. Anne Committee Member Change:
At the request of Councillor Derksen, Council considered a change in representation on the Lac La Nonne Enhancement and Protection Association. Council approved the appointment of Deputy Reeve Johnson to replace Councillor Derksen as the County's representative on the committee.

Service Delivery Review:
CAO Mitchell provided an update on the County's planned Service Delivery Review, describing it as a long-term initiative focused on evaluating the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of municipal services. Administration is currently undertaking true costing analyses of various services to provide Council with better information for future budgeting, service level discussions, and strategic decision-making.

Outstanding Council Requests/Business:
Council discussed the introduction of a standing "Business Arising from Previous Minutes” agenda item to improve the tracking of Council direction and outstanding action items. Administration expressed support for the initiative and advised that a tracking mechanism would be developed to help monitor progress and ensure timely follow-up on Council requests and priorities.

Donation from the Summer Village of South View:
Council received notification of a $500 donation from the Summer Village of South View to support recreation funding initiatives. Administration noted that a review of the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) agreement identified no outstanding funding request from the Village, indicating that the contribution was made voluntarily. In recognition of the donation and the spirit of intermunicipal cooperation, Council approved a motion directing Administration to send a formal letter of thanks to the Summer Village of South View on behalf of the County.

Council Reporting

Boards & Committees:
Council members highlighted their participation in recent community activities and events. Council also discussed improving reporting by encouraging Councillors to provide brief summaries of key activities and outcomes, rather than simply noting attendance, and to advise administration of significant events so they can be formally reported through the agenda process.

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.