Boards & Committees

The Athabasca Regional Watershed Council works in partnership with the Government of Alberta, stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples to achieve the three goals of the province’s Water for Life strategy: healthy aquatic ecosystems; reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy; and safe, secure drinking water. This group works to build relationships, share information, and inform the planning and policy decisions that affect the Athabasca River watershed. This council is one of eleven provincial Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils designated by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. Vital stewards of Alberta’s major watersheds, Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils are independent, non-profit organizations that report on the health of our watersheds, lead collaborative planning, and facilitate education and stewardship activities.

Appointment: 2 elected officials

There is no legislated requirement for this Committee, although funding is contemplated within the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework – Lac Ste. Anne County/Alberta Beach.

Lac Ste. Anne County appoints two Councillors to sit on the Beachwave Park Committee, which meets twice annually to discuss park operations, maintenance, programming, and future planning.

Beachwave Park is owned and operated by the Village of Alberta Beach; however, Lac Ste. Anne County provides funding and participates as an active stakeholder. Through this partnership, the Committee supports coordination and oversight of the park’s ongoing development, helping ensure it remains a safe, accessible, and well-maintained recreation space for residents and visitors alike.  Lac Ste. Anne County residents access this facility and the programs that they offer.

Appointment: 1 elected official

Community Futures Yellowhead East is a regional non-profit organization focused on supporting small business development, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification. The Board of Directors provides governance, strategic direction, and policy oversight to strengthen regional economic growth within the Yellowhead East region.

Lac Ste. Anne County participates as a funding (by initiative) and stakeholder municipality, appointing a member of Council to the CFYE Board to represent the County’s regional interests and promote collaboration in business and community development initiatives.

Through representation on the CFYE Board, Lac Ste. Anne County contributes to regional leadership, collaboration, and the advancement of local business and community growth—helping ensure a resilient and diversified regional economy.

Meetings are typically held monthly, on the third Thursday of each month from 1:00–3:30 p.m. Meetings are hosted at the Community Futures Yellowhead East office, with optional virtual attendance.

Appointment: 3 elected officials

As a key partner in the region,Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation contributes invaluable knowledge and cultural perspective to the community. In recognition of this, Council established a dedicated committee to engage directly with local Indigenous Peoples; to promote collaboration and support initiatives that advance projects of shared regional interest.

Appointment: 1 elected official

As a pioneer taxonomist/botanist, George Pegg made major contributions to the field of botany in the early 1900s with his vast pressed plant collection, his curation of an extensive botanical book library, and his cultivation of a unique and spectacular garden — which is now a provincially-designated Historic Resource.

Following his death, the George Pegg Botanic Garden Society was formed in 1988 to preserve the site and promote the legacy of the Pegg Family. In 1990, the Pegg family donated the 12.6-acre homestead site to Lac Ste. Anne County. The County has assigned operational control of the garden and associated historic resource to the society.

Due to the County having a vested interest in this property, one member of Council is appointed to the society.

Appointment: 2 elected officials

The Interlakes Regional Trails Master Plan Committee oversees the implementation of a regional multi-use trail network, which aims to enhance recreation, connectivity, and environmental stewardship across the Interlakes area. Lac Ste. Anne County appoints two Councillors to this Committee, which collaborates with regional partners and community stakeholders to guide future trail planning, development, and maintenance. Through this involvement, the County helps ensure that trail initiatives align with local priorities, support sustainable land use, and contribute to community health, tourism, and economic growth.

Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) Committees:

• Lac Ste. Anne County / Alberta BeachAppointment: 2 elected officials
• Lac Ste. Anne County / Town of MayerthorpeAppointment: 2 elected officials
• Lac Ste. Anne County / Town of OnowayAppointment: 2 elected officials

Under the Municipal Government Act, Sections 708.28 to 708.43, all municipalities that share a common boundary are required to create an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF). The intent of the ICF is to promote intermunicipal cooperation and coordinated planning for services that benefit residents in multiple municipalities.

Each Framework identifies the shared services, funding arrangements, and governance mechanisms that guide how municipalities work together on matters such as transportation, water and wastewater, solid waste, emergency services, recreation, as well as other joint initiatives. In conjunction with an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP), the ICF ensures a transparent and efficient approach to service delivery and long-term regional growth.

Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) Committees:

• Lac Ste. Anne County / Alberta Beach Region — including Summer Villages of Sunset Point & Val Quentin
  Appointment: 2 elected officials
• Lac Ste. Anne County / Town of Mayerthorpe
  Appointment: 2 elected officials 
• Lac Ste. Anne County / Town of Onoway
  Appointment: 2 elected officials
• Rural (municipalities surrounding Lac Ste. Anne County)
  Appointment: 1 elected official (local) for each IDP

The Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a statutory plan established under Section 631 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), RSA 2000, c. M-26, requiring municipalities that share a common boundary adopt a coordinated approach to land use planning and future growth in the fringe areas between their jurisdictions.

To support implementation and ongoing review of each IDP, Lac Ste. Anne County appoints representatives to IDP Committees with its neighbouring municipalities. These committees serve as a collaborative forum for discussing land use matters, proposed developments, annexation considerations, and other issues affecting the shared boundary areas.

Each Committee is generally composed of elected officials and administrative representatives from the partnering municipalities and meets as required to review applications, address referrals, or consider policy updates. The purpose is to ensure that land use decisions are made with due consideration for coordinated growth, efficient service delivery, and the mutual interests of all parties.

The IDP Committee plays an important advisory role, providing recommendations to the respective municipal councils when amendments, boundary adjustments, or development proposals arise that may impact the intent of the adopted IDP.

Appointment: 2 Council representatives

As an Employer with more than twenty workers, Lac Ste. Anne County is required under Alberta’s Occupational Health & Safety Act to maintain a Joint Health & Safety Committee (JWHSC) made up of worker and management representatives. The Committee’s role is to promote health, safety, and wellness; review hazard assessments and inspections; consider worker concerns; and recommend improvements to the County’s health and safety management system.

The JWHSC includes both union and non-union workers — one of whom serves as Co-Chair alongside a management Co-Chair. Guided by the Terms of Reference under the OHS Code, the Committee meets 11 times per year, ensuring representation from all departments and keeping worker safety a consistent organizational priority. Meeting minutes are recorded and shared across the organization.

The mission of community-based watershed stewardship group Lac La Nonne Enhancement and Protection Association is to preserve and enhance Lac La Nonne and its surrounding habitat for current and future generations to enjoy. Established as a not-for-profit association in 1985, Lac La Nonne Enhancement and Protection Association is dedicated to engaging its members in projects and activities aimed at improving Lac La Nonne and its watershed. In addition, this group strives to educate its members and the public at large about the importance of responsible management of the region’s natural areas through workshops, tours, and newsletters. The association’s membership is derived from the campers, cottagers, residents, and visitors who inhabit area subdivisions, summer villages, campgrounds, and resorts.

Appointment: 2 elected officials

The Lac Ste. Anne County Library Board consists of two Councillors and six members-at-large representing Alberta Beach, Darwell, Mayerthorpe, Onoway, Rich Valley, and Sangudo. The board is primarily responsible for the operations of the Darwell Public Library, Rich Valley Public Library, and Sangudo Public Library. Each of these County service points has a society which, through agreement with the board, oversees the day-to-day operations of that specific library. Because County residents participate at libraries located within urban neighbour entities, the board also provides funding to the Mayerthorpe Public Library, Alberta Beach Municipal Library, and Onoway Public Library.

The board is mandated to meet five times per year — with meetings typically held in February, June, September, and November.

Appointment: 1 elected official

The Lac Ste. Anne Foundation helps seniors, individuals, and families find adequate, suitable, and affordable housing. This group is responsible for ensuring the provision of safe and caring accommodations to citizens at an affordable cost, with priority of service given to those residing within the Foundation’s geographical jurisdiction.

The Foundation currently provides housing management to 151 lodge/supportive living units; 113 senior self-contained units; and 22 community housing units. In addition to managing affordable housing matters, the Lac Ste. Anne Foundation also provides program administration for the Direct to Tenant Rent Supplement and Private Landlord Rent Supplement program in Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe, Sangudo, Alberta Beach, Gunn, and Onoway.

The supportive living lodges include Spruceview Lodge (Whitecourt), Pleasant View Lodge (Mayerthorpe), and Chateau Lac Ste. Anne (Onoway).

The independent living accommodations include Beaupre Court (Onoway), Highview Haven (Mayerthorpe), Lakeview Manor (Gunn), Seeley Manor (Onoway), Sunnydale Manor (Mayerthorpe), Tri-Lakes Manor (Darwell), Westwind Manor (Sangudo), and Woodland Villa (Whitecourt).

Appointment: 1elected official

The Lake Isle and Lac Ste. Anne Stewardship Society (LILSA) is a non-profit society dedicated to promoting the protection of Lake Isle and Lac Ste. Anne. The society’s goal is to mitigate any future deterioration of the County’s water. Types of activities include outreach and education; planning, project and program development; and research and monitoring. Reporting to the members of the society, this committee typically holds ten meetings per year.

Appointment: 1 elected official

As the Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) for the North Saskatchewan River Basin, this committee is involved in many aspects of watershed management, providing insight and advice to municipalities, government, stewardship groups, and others. The board is comprised of eighteen directors; five of whom are municipal. Lac Ste. Anne County’s major role in the committee is its participation in the Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance as a sub-watershed of the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance. The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance Committee is one of eleven provincial Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils designated by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

Appointment: 1 elected official (non-voting)

Founded in 2024 the Northwest of 16 Regional Tourism Association promotes tourism within a specific geographic region that is within a 2-hour drive of the greater Edmonton region — North of Highway 16 and west of Highway 2. The region encompasses all of Lac Ste. Anne County and several of our neighbouring municipalities. With a focus on supporting local businesses and marketing strategies — their mission is to promote sustainable tourism that enriches the lives of both visitors and locals by showcasing the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique attractions of the region.

Appointment: 2 elected officials

The Lac. Ste Anne Region supports the Onoway Regional Medical Clinic (ORMC) and has since 2008 with the formation of the Physician Recruitment Committee.  In 2009, the local communities including the Summer Villages supported the committee by providing financial support to attract and retain doctors. This committee saw the need for quality healthcare within the local community and region.  In 2017 as a partnership Lac Ste. Anne County with the summer Villages of Ross Haven, Val Quentin, West Cove and Silver Sands and the Town of Onoway joined forces to retain the medical clinic within the Town of Onoway.

This partnership consists of the following percentage split:

• Lac Ste. Anne County                         82.5%
• Town of Onoway                                11.3%
• SV of Ross Haven                               1.5%
• SV of West Cove                                 1.3%
• SV of Silver Sands                              1.7%
• SV of Val Quentin                               1.7%

In 2020, as part of continued support Lac Ste. Anne acquired the medical plaza building in Onoway that houses the clinic, a pharmacy, and a vacant unit. Almost immediately after purchase renovations to the third unit in the medical clinic plaza started in September of 2020. The renovations were completed in December of 2020 and the newly expanded clinic officially opened in January of 2021.

The agreement indicates that Lac Ste. Anne County will manage the Medical Clinic on behalf of the Parties and is appointed as Agent for the Parties to this Agreement. 

Meetings are called on an ad-hoc basis whenever deemed appropriate and any Party may request a meeting to discuss decisions affecting the operation and strategic direction of the Clinic.  Council previously determined to fund the Clinic shortfalls through the Community Aggregate Levee to reduce the burden on the other parties.  As there have been no strategic decision required the last meeting was in May of 2023.

Appointment: 3 elected officials + 1-2 users

Previously known as the Mayerthorpe Airport, it was renamed the Peter Trynchy Airport in 2020 in honour of the former Alberta MLA and his many contributions to the communities under his jurisdiction during his time in office.

Located southwest of Mayerthorpe, the airport has one runway, and is within the Edmonton flight information region.

The County has established the Peter Trynchy Airport Committee to support the ongoing operation, maintenance, and future development of the municipal airport. The airport plays an important role in our region, particularly in providing medivac services, and has potential for increased community and economic benefit.

 The Airport Committee will:

• Review and recommend actions on airport maintenance and capital needs.
• Provide input on lease agreements, hangar space, and land use.
• Oversee or recommend janitorial and operational service requirements.
• Explore opportunities for future growth and economic development, including tourism, aviation training, and local partnerships.
• Work with interested stakeholders, including pilots and community members, to support aviation activities and renew community engagement in the airport.
• Ensure the airport continues to meet safety, regulatory, and service requirements.

The committee will provide regular updates and recommendations to Council for consideration and approval.

Appointment: 1 elected official

The East End Bus Society is a registered society whose purpose is to provide programming and transportation services to area seniors. Current society membership includes representation from Lac Ste. Anne County, the Village of Alberta Beach, the Town of Onoway, and regional Summer Villages, plus a member-at-large. Core business areas within the East End Bus Society include scheduled shopping and appointment trips to Edmonton and Spruce Grove, and its Seniors in Motion excursion program that provides a social opportunity for participants to enjoy culture, recreation, and entertainment by participating in area events, activities, and facilities.

The Society schedules its meetings approximately six times per year, typically held in Onoway.

Appointment: 2 elected officials

Lac Ste. Anne County has partnered with the Town of Mayerthorpe and Woodlands County to develop the West End Bus Committee and its subsequent programming. The West End Bus Committee’s programs are designed to facilitate social interaction and recreational opportunities for regional senior citizens. Specifically, the Seniors Excursion Program provides transportation and admission at subsidized rates to various events, activities, and shopping excursions. In addition, the program provides seniors and persons with disabilities with cost-reduced access to a wheelchair-accessible minivan to attend medical appointments.

Appointment: 2 elected officials

The Ste. Anne Emergency Response Centre (ERC), located in the Town of Mayerthorpe at 4814 42 Avenue, opened May 15, 1993. The facility has been jointly owned and operated by Lac Ste. Anne County and the Town of Mayerthorpe since its inception.

The ERC Main Facility is occupied by the municipalities’ respective Fire Service departments, as well as a leased space to Associated Ambulance & Services (Whitecourt) Ltd. Essentially, the ERC facilitates emergency response capability in the west end of Lac Ste. Anne County and the Town of Mayerthorpe, for both fire and ambulance services. A secondary facility, the ERC Training Facility, provides space for the region’s emergency services training needs. Each municipality contributes two (2) Elected Councillors, one (1) Administrator, and jointly engage the County/Town Fire Chief, comprising the ERC Committee responsible for ongoing management of the facility. The primary role of the ERC Committee is to make recommendations to their respective Councils in relation to the operations and budgetary management from year to year, with each municipality contributing to, and sharing, the revenue/loss.

Meetings occur four times per year.

Appointment: 3 elected officials

The Ste. Anne Regional Lake Use Committee (SARLUC) promotes safe and sustainable enjoyment of local lakes for recreational activities. The committee supports initiatives such as the provincial Respect Our Lakes program and works alongside community organizations to encourage responsible boating, fishing, and other water-based sports while fostering awareness of best practices for responsible lake use.

Appointment: 3 elected officials

The Ste. Anne Regional Trail Use Committee (SARTUC) works with local snowmobile and off-road vehicle groups dedicated to promoting, maintaining, and managing existing regional trails. Fostering public enjoyment and responsible use.  This committee is also linked to the more recently formed Interlakes Regional Trails Master Plan Committee.

The Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance is an inter-municipal partnership with a mandate to protect and improve the health of the Sturgeon River Watershed. The Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance includes a Steering Committee comprised of elected officials, plus a Technical Advisory Committee consisting of staff from participating municipalities. The alliance is also supported by the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. The primary objectives of the Steering Committee are to build on the findings of the Sturgeon River State of the Watershed report by overseeing the development of a management plan for the Sturgeon River Watershed; and to work consistently and collaboratively to implement the management plan recommendations.

Appointment: 1 elected official

The Upper Athabasca Watershed Council is a Regional Advisory Council that represents municipalities and other groups regarding all aspects of the Upper Athabasca watershed. This council provides advice based on local insights and perspectives regarding current and future land use activities and challenges in the region. It is important that Lac Ste. Anne County has representation on this Watershed Council as well as that of North Saskatchewan; however, the Upper Athabasca Council is not as far along in developing its plan. A regional advisory council is composed of a cross-section of individuals who live, work, recreate and/or have an interest in the region, and can strategically consider what is best for the entire region at a holistic level.

Appointment: 1member – can be elected official or member-at-large

Yellowhead Regional Library (YRL) is a cooperative library system founded in 1971 to provide quality library service to both urban and rural residents through the sharing of material, resources, and expertise.

The YRL Board of Trustees (appointed by each participating jurisdiction) frames policy, develops goals and objectives, sets priorities, and employs qualified staff to administer the library.

YRL serves more than 300,000 people in 54 municipalities and almost 10,000 full-time equivalent students in three school divisions as of January 2025.

Heather Breitkreuz is currently appointed as a member-at-large, representing Lac Ste. Anne County, with a term ending October 2027 (CC Motion #52-5025, Feb.11.2025).