Council Meeting Highlights — Regular Council Meeting May 14, 2026

The items below address key decisions and issues that emerged from the May 14, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.

Key Items on the Agenda

Council Business

Council reviewed and adopted meeting minutes from:

• April 23, 2026 County Council Meeting

Delegation Presentations

Economic Development Strategy: Representatives from V3 Companies of Canada presented the finding of an Economic Development Strategy study, which focuses on diversifying the County’s tax base and identifying sectors for future grown. The report emphasized using data-driven mapping tools for decision-making.

Broadband Expansion: MCSNet provided an update on their upcoming fiber optic internet construction project, expanding their rural reach in Alberta into the Lake Nakamun area. This project is scheduled for completion by May 2027. Visit mcsnet.ca to learn more about fiber to the home.

RMA Legislative Update: Representatives from the Rural Municipalities of Alberta discussed the implication of Bill 28, specifically regarding municipal assessment models, policing cost transparency, and aggregate approval processes. Council directed Administration to draft a letter to MLA Shane Getson noting dissatisfaction with the bill as a whole.

Operations Reporting

Weed and Pest Inspector Appointments: Council officially rescinded and appointed new seasonal weed and pest inspectors for the season, to accommodate job vacancies following the April 23 Council Meeting appointments.

Community & Protective Services Reporting:

Home Support Program 2026: Council reviewed the 2026 Home Support Program and approved a motion to maintain service delivery for all current clients and to extend the availability of Home Support services to any neighbouring municipality within County borders that wishes to participate through a cost‑recovery agreement. Services will remain available to both existing and new clients through the end of 2026.

Tournament Request: Council heard a subsidy request from the Kyle Hoefels Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament. A motion to defer fees for this year was defeated by Council.

Onoway Slo-Pitch Season Proposal: Council deferred a decision on the request from the Swede Moren Sport Association to waive diamond rental fees for the Onoway Adult Slo-Pitch League, asking Administration to bring back more information.

Deep Creek Camping Utility Pilot:
Council approved a pilot project regarding sewer utility fees/sani-dump fees for Deep Creek Camping, opting for a flat annual fee structure to simplify administration processes.

Municipal Support for Community Projects:  Council authorized the following:

• A letter of support to Mayerthorpe Emergency Services Society (MESS) for its application to the Pembina Community Investment Program for Alberta First Responder Communication System (AFRCS) radios.
• Acting as the municipal partner to support the Sangudo Community Hall Society for its Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund application for community hall renovations, as required under the program guidelines.

Bylaws and Policies

Proposed Bylaw Amendments:  

• Bylaw 22-2017-02-2026 — this amendment involves six parcels of land located east of Lake Isle near the boundary of the County.
• Bylaw 22-2017-03-2026 South of Alberta Beach — this amendment involves three parcels of land near the County border.
• Council held discussions regarding the proposed Land-Use Bylaw amendments in redistricting parcels for aggregate resource extraction. Council granted first reading for both bylaws and scheduled public hearings to take place at the June 11, 2026 Council Meeting.
• The purpose of granting a first reading to a bylaw amendment is to formally introduce the application to the table for discussion. It does not indicate approval of the amendment or that a second or third reading will necessarily occur, rather, it allows the process to move forward so that information can be brought forward for review.
• The purpose of scheduling a public hearing is to ensure transparency and community engagement by allowing the public to provide input and ask questions regarding the proposed amendment. A hearing serves as the bridge between first reading and subsequent readings, enabling Council to hear from both the public and the developer/applicant before making a final decision.

Administrative Reporting  

CAO Administrative Updates:  

• Council and Administration conducted a comprehensive review of its committee structure to ensure alignment with the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan and to improve governance efficiency. Council evaluated various advisory boards and regional committees, resulting in the dissolution of/discontinued commitments and continued support of many (with reassessment at a later date). To formalize changes, Council agreed that letters will be sent to the affected committees thanking them for their service, and maintaining an open invitation for future consultation and support via Collaborative Framework discussions.
• Administration will ensure that the processes for Property Tax and Assessment questions and concerns are clearly defined and advertised to the public.
• Council will undertake governance training for Emergency Management next week.
• Administration will add the Dust Suppression Program to the list for service delivery review. 

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.