Council Highlights
Regular Meeting of Council – July 14, 2025
STARS Presentation
At this week’s Council meeting, representatives from STARS Air Ambulance joined us to share an update about their impact across Alberta and here at home in Fox Creek.
Life-Saving Work & Funding Needs – STARS operates three bases in Alberta with an annual cost of $34.2 million. While the Government of Alberta contributes $15 million, nearly 56% of operational costs must be covered by donations, fundraising, and charitable lotteries.
Local Impact – Over the past 15 years, STARS has completed:
- 86 facility transfers
- 94 scene calls in the Fox Creek region
These missions have made a vital difference for patients in critical condition.
Innovations in Care – STARS also highlighted new advances in emergency medicine, including:
- Hemorrhage control medication protocols
- Virtual care consultations, providing frontline teams with expert guidance in real time
Celebrating a Milestone – To mark 15 years of partnership, STARS presented Council with a commemorative plaque recognizing the community’s support and the difference it continues to make in saving lives.
Fox Creek is proud to be part of STARS’ journey, and we’re thankful for their unwavering commitment to emergency care.
STAFF REPORTS
Community Services
In June, staff continued work under the Red Cross Grant, including Psychological First Aid training for two team members who will soon be able to train others locally. Youth volunteers helped deliver 252 “You Matter” cookies across town as part of a kindness campaign. Under the New Horizons Grant, a new staff member has been hired and is in training to restart senior programming.
Reception was busy with registrations and support for Senior’s Week, Walk & Talk, and travel programs. The digital sign upload station was relocated to the back of the arena, improving ease of use. Staff completed health and safety training and site inspections.
Housing assistance, food bank use, and access to financial support programs remained steady, with increased focus on inclusion and diversity efforts through newcomer navigation and community partnerships.
The Town remains committed to ensuring access, inclusion, and well-being for all residents.
Recreation
June 2025 saw notable increases in Multiplex attendance across several areas. Pool visits rose 31% to 1,453 bathers, fitness centre use jumped 76%, and fieldhouse activity climbed 52%. However, the arena and track saw declines, with fewer users compared to last year, and the library saw a slight drop of 12%. Despite these dips, there was strong momentum in overall membership numbers—up 51% from June 2024—with significant gains among adults and youth, although child memberships declined.
Local campgrounds were active this month. Fox Creek RV Park experienced a surge in rustic site bookings and senior use, while Smoke Lake showed a 62% jump in camping nights, bolstered by interest in monthly cabin rentals. Iosegun Lake saw stable numbers with increased monthly bookings offsetting a small decline in total nights.
Canada Day brought in over 600 attendees to the Multiplex and more than 300 for the pancake breakfast. While parade and vendor participation were slightly lower than last year, the event was a community success thanks to Highland Dance and a generous group of sponsors including Horizon North, Chinook Air, ATCO, CALP, Rival Trucking, 3 Boys Trucking and Northern Lakes College.
Overall, recreation, tourism, and resident engagement remained key priorities, with staff continuing efforts to promote community retention and positive experiences across all programs.
Operations
In June and early July, Public Works completed culvert maintenance, campground grading, tree removal, Canada Day prep, ditch cleaning, and GIS data collection for infrastructure mapping. Upcoming tasks include pothole repairs, crosswalk painting, and continued ditch and data work.
Utilities investigated a well pump failure, flushed sewer lines, replaced a solenoid at the septic station, and completed a sewer dig. Future plans include inspections, raising a hydrant, installing a CC at the Curling Rink, and motor replacement at Well 2H.
The Mechanic Shop updated safety documentation, serviced equipment, cleaned the yard, welcomed a RAP student, and received a new pickup. Routine vehicle maintenance will continue.
At the landfill and transfer station, the team ended the toilet rebate program, hauled materials, removed refrigerants, submitted an electronics claim, and visited Greenview. Metal and fridge prep will continue.
No updates from the Animal Pound this cycle. Airport work includes repairs to runway lights and road ditching.
Chief Administrative Officer
The Small Community Opportunity Fund project is progressing well, with local business engagement and a community-wide survey in development. Administration met with the outgoing and incoming Regional Fire Chiefs for the MD of Greenview, along with Grovedale’s new Fire Chief, to strengthen emergency service partnerships.
The Water Treatment Plant tender has been awarded, and a project schedule is underway. Communication with impacted residents will be prioritized during construction. Work also continues on landfill rate research for the Fees and Rates Bylaw, with a full update expected for the August Council meeting.
Social media engagement continues to grow, with notable increases in page views, visits, and followers—demonstrating strong community interest in digital updates.
Recent changes to FOIP legislation and Bill 50 will significantly impact municipal operations. Staff have been assigned to review the new requirements and begin training to ensure compliance.
Emergency response remains a priority, with Fox Creek advocating for local autonomy at a recent provincial session on standardized fire service levels. The Town also continues to work closely with Paramount on access and signage adjustments related to the bridge closure.
BUSINESS
Provincial Court Sittings Update
Council reviewed a recommendation to approve the reduction of Provincial Court sittings in Fox Creek beginning November 2025, shifting to a bi-monthly schedule as proposed by the Alberta Court of Justice. The adjustment is intended to improve scheduling efficiency and regional resource allocation.
Fox Creek RCMP were consulted and reported no concerns, noting that the reduced sitting frequency would not impact their service delivery due to a typically low file volume. Alberta Justice confirmed that timely access to court services would remain intact.
Council will be submitting formal feedback to Alberta Justice before the July 30 deadline. While Fox Creek understands the rationale behind reducing sittings, Council emphasized that it is essential this service remains available within the community to ensure ongoing access to justice for local residents.
Council sends letter of support for Ken Sargent House in Grande Prairie
Council has recommended that Administration prepare a letter of support for the Ken Sargent House’s application to the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) – Large Stream. This initiative provides affordable accommodations in Grande Prairie for individuals and families needing access to medical care, with construction currently underway.
Backed by a $2 million donation from Ken Sargent and $4 million from local Rotary Clubs, the Foundation is halfway toward its $12 million goal. The project team has requested support from Fox Creek to strengthen their grant application and showcase regional collaboration.
Council recognizes the importance of the facility and its benefits to Northern Alberta residents and will issue a letter of support before the July 18 deadline. Completion is targeted for fall 2026, and the Town is proud to endorse a project that reflects community values and compassion in times of medical need.
Council approves Zamboni Repairs
Council reviewed a recommendation to authorize essential repairs to the Town’s Zamboni, with an upset cost of $20,000 to be funded from the General Reserve. Due to the machine’s age and wear, extensive servicing is needed beyond what can be done on-site at the Multiplex.
Industrial Machine has assessed the unit and recommended repairs totaling $18,429.90, which are expected to extend the Zamboni’s operational life by an additional 2–3 years. This will help maintain reliable arena service while allowing time to plan for future replacement.
Council also directed administration to request that the MD of Greenview cover 60% of the repair costs, recognizing the shared community value and use of the equipment.
Council approves Old Visitor Information Centre Repairs
Council has recommended moving forward with repairs to the Old Visitor Information Centre to address extensive mould damage and underlying structural issues. The facility, currently used by the Fox Creek Fitness Society and Northern Lakes College, has suffered from poor ventilation and inadequate insulation—conditions contributing to ongoing moisture problems.
While insurance will cover remediation costs up to $50,925.40, additional permanent upgrades are required to prevent future issues and improve building safety. Council authorized $24,300.36 from the Visitor Information Centre and General Reserves to support this work, which includes roof repairs, improved ventilation, framing replacements, and an insulation upgrade to spray foam for enhanced moisture control.
This investment will ensure a healthier environment for users, extend the building’s lifespan, and avoid costly future repairs.
Council approves Loader replacement
Council has authorized the purchase of the 2025 John Deere 544G Loader for a total cost of $345,744, funded through the 2025 Capital Budget. The Town’s current loader, a 2007/08 model with over 12,000 hours, has reached the end of its reliable service life and is due for replacement.
The new 544G model meets all operational requirements, including compatibility with the RPM217 snow blower and other essential attachments. It offers improved performance, a cold weather package, and a strong resale value—making it a strategic investment in maintaining municipal operations such as snow clearing, landfill support, and road maintenance.
Council’s decision ensures continued reliability in equipment and supports long-term planning for fleet renewal
Bylaw Amendment for Electronic Public Hearings
Council has moved forward with all three readings of Bylaw 853-2020-A02, amending the Proceedings of Council Bylaw to permit public hearings to be conducted electronically, as required under recent updates to the Municipal Government Act (Section 199).
The bylaw amendment ensures the Town complies with provincial legislation while improving accessibility for residents through virtual participation. This change also supports upcoming planning initiatives, including the proposed rezoning of a commercial lot to M1 Industrial, by enabling timely public hearings under Part 17 of the MGA.
Land Use Bylaw Amendment & Public Hearing Scheduled
Council has initiated the first steps to amend Land Use Bylaw 824-2019, beginning the rezoning process for Lot 12, Block 44, Plan 1323938 from commercial to M-1 Light Industrial to support future development. The applicant plans to use the lot for a shop and trucking business parking.
First reading of Amendment 824-2019-A08 has been passed, and a public hearing is scheduled for August 11, 2025, during the regular Council meeting. Administration has been directed to advertise the hearing in accordance with the Municipal Government Act and the Town’s Advertising and Public Notice Bylaw.
This rezoning supports long-term land use planning and aligns with the Town’s development goals while ensuring proper engagement through legislative processes.
The next regular meeting of Council will be held August 11, 2025. We look forward to seeing you there!