Council Highlights – December 15, 2025
Regular Meeting of Council
STAFF REPORTS
Fire Department
The Fox Creek Fire Department continues to be busy, maintaining emergency response readiness. Co-responding call activity has increased, largely due to the Department assisting Alberta Health Services with medical response calls. Membership numbers remain lower than desired, and to address this, both the Fire Department and Town Administration have launched recruitment efforts, including targeted social media campaigns and independent outreach by the Department.
The Fire Chief was pleased to acknowledge a significant equipment donation this year. Red Cross and Global Medic generously donated a $16,000 drone to the Fire Department. This specialized drone will enhance search and rescue operations, hazardous materials response, and surveying capabilities. Due to the drone’s size and payload, specialized flight training is required; currently, several members are qualified to operate it, with additional training planned.
Community Resource Centre (CRC)
Many generous holiday donations were received for the Santa Anonymous program this year. In partnership with the Fox Creek Lions Club, hampers were distributed to 35 families in need within the community.
The FCSS contract was successfully completed this year, and the Town’s transportation grant — originally received last year — has been renewed for 2026. While the renewed amount is slightly reduced due to previous contract adjustments, it continues to support transportation services, including funding related to the FoxTrot Express.
Recreation
Recreation facilities experienced high usage levels, particularly due to recent Fox Creek Bulldogs tournaments. Weekend attendance at the Rec Centre has averaged approximately 2,600 people, reflecting strong community participation.
This year’s Christmas Parade featured 30 vehicles, an increase over last year. Holiday celebrations — including the parade, Christmas tree light-up, and fireworks display — were supported by Tim Hortons, Canfor, and ATCO with their generous donations. The Fox Creek Knights assisted with the event helping hand out hot chocolate and Timbits.
The Float with Santa event attracted 54 attendees, and preparations are now underway for Skate with Santa, scheduled for December 18.
Council was also informed of a theft incident at the Scouts Hall, where the power meter was stolen. This mirrors seven similar incidents reported elsewhere in the community.
Operations
Operations staff prepared public-use sand bins for winter traction, available at the Town Office and Transfer Station.
Snow clearing and snow hauling operations have begun and will continue throughout the winter season. Residents are reminded to monitor Town social media for updates and vehicle removal notices to support efficient snow removal.
The water meter project is entering its final phase. Currently, 34 residential and commercial properties have meters that show zero or stagnant readings. These properties will be contacted to coordinate repairs or replacements. If meters remain non-functional, flat-rate billing will apply.
The Operations team has completed its CVIP inspections and is awaiting further training and certification, which will allow staff to service more of the Town’s fleet internally.
The Transfer Station’s stray cat program continues to see success, with four kittens and one adult cat adopted this month.
The airport was closed on November 27; however, the helipad remains operational.
Orthophotos and LiDAR data have now been collected following drone flights conducted in October. This imagery provides detailed aerial and topographical data to support future planning, infrastructure projects, and development. Operations intends to update this data approximately every five years as the Town grows.
Administration
Administration focused heavily on preparing the 2026 budget, meeting with each department to review operational needs and future priorities.
The Town is currently undergoing an Interim Audit, which is reflected on utility bills. These audits help verify account accuracy, identify discrepancies, and ensure proper financial reconciliation. They also provide an opportunity to correct billing variances and strengthen overall financial controls. Administration plans to conduct interim audits annually moving forward.
Members of Council and Administration staff attended the Alberta Municipalities Conference in Calgary. The sessions and networking opportunities with other communities were extremely beneficial. Conversations were held about common issues faced throughout the province, and valuable information was shared among municipalities.
BUSINESS
Council approved passing the 2025 Operating Budget as the 2026 Interim Budget until Council is able to meet on January 5 and 6 to review the proposed 2026 Interim Budget. The budget reviewed during those meetings and subsequently approved at a future Council meeting will serve as the new interim budget until spring adjustments. These adjustments occur once assessment information is received from the Province, allowing Council to set the municipal tax rate. At that time, depending on the assessment data provided, any necessary revisions to the 2026 Operating Budget will be made.
Council discussed the Alberta Rural Renewal Stream Program, which has been on pause since November due to an excess of applications. Fox Creek remains a designated community, with approximately 42 participants currently enrolled in the program, seven of whom have successfully achieved permanent residency. The Province is proposing a revised, capacity-based program model. Council agreed to submit the two-year extension application but will keep the program on pause until further details on the 2026 changes are released. At that time, Administration will bring forward a plan to ensure the program can be managed effectively if adjustments are required.
Council approved a $100 rent increase for the Fox Creek Fitness Society as part of contract renewal discussions, reflecting rising maintenance, power, and water costs.
Council also discussed the need to identify a new snow disposal location. The current site behind the ball diamonds has reached end-of-life, resulting in turf damage and potential compliance concerns. A temporary snow dump has been established behind the vacant lots on 1st Street, while Council plans further discussion during budget deliberations and upcoming Council meetings to identify a long-term solution.
A request to adjust Operations holiday hours was approved. While Public Works will be closed on select dates, staff will remain on-call to respond to snow removal or emergency operational needs.
The next regular meeting of Council will be held January 12, 2026. We look forward to seeing you there – have a happy and safe holiday season!
