Council Highlights – January 13, 2025
The first Regular Council Meeting of 2025 took place on January 13 at the Fox Creek Greenview Protective Services Building. The meeting included updates on various ongoing projects and discussions on key community issues.
Staff Reports
Community Services
The Community Services department shared updates on programs and services designed to support families, seniors, youth, and newcomers in Fox Creek. These initiatives focus on enhancing quality of life and fostering community engagement.
Recreation
Recreation saw significant growth in memberships in 2024 compared to the previous year:
- Adult memberships increased by 19%, with 1,089 memberships in 2024.
- Child memberships grew by 24%, with 171 memberships.
- Family memberships surged by 64%, with 95 memberships.
- Youth memberships rose by 35%, reaching 194.
Total memberships increased by 21%, reaching 1,624 in 2024. The department also highlighted the success of the Swim Abilities program for children with specialized needs, as well as a variety of recreational programs like hockey skills training and summer camps.
Operations
The Operations team continued efforts to improve snow removal, road conditions, and utility maintenance despite staff shortages. Key achievements included repairs to damaged signage and addressing utility issues. Plans are in place to enhance training for landfill and transfer station staff and improve operational efficiency.
Chief Administrative Officer
The CAO provided updates on major capital projects, including water treatment plant upgrades and the RV campground expansion, which are set to proceed this spring. Administration is also supporting the Legion with its possible relocation and working on other key community initiatives.
Business
Council approved attendance for the following events and conferences this spring:
- A Councillor will be assigned, if available, to represent the Town at the 2025 Alberta Rural Education Symposium.
- Councillor Brenda Burridge will attend the 2025 Alberta CARE Spring Seminar in Camrose.
These events provide valuable opportunities for Council members to stay informed on key issues, foster connections, and bring back insights to benefit the community.
Ledcor Highway Maintenance Contractor
Concerns about the quality of highway maintenance services on Highway 43 were discussed. Council plans to establish a meeting with Ledcor and the Provincial Government to address these concerns and explore improvements to service delivery.
Truck Parking Issues
Council discussed ongoing issues with truck parking on Highway Avenue and other truck route roads. Administration will create informational packages for truck drivers and collaborate with the Alberta Motor Transport Association to resolve these issues. If necessary, the RCMP will be involved to ensure public safety.
Council Business Reports
Councillors provided updates on their activities, most of which involved participation in the Budget Meeting held in December 2024. The reports reflected their dedication to ensuring fiscal responsibility and addressing community priorities.
Looking Ahead
The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for February 3, 2025. The Council encourages community members to attend and stay engaged with local decision-making.