Council Highlights – February 24 & March 17, 2025

Over the course of February and March, the Town of Fox Creek held two Regular Council Meetings—on February 24 and March 17—to address essential business, engage with partners and community organizations, and continue driving strategic efforts across departments. Council meetings provide an important platform to review progress, make decisions, and connect with residents and regional stakeholders. Below are the highlights from both meetings.

February 24, 2025, Regular Council Meeting

The February 24 Regular Council Meeting was held entirely online and kept brief, as it took place during the Town’s recent relocation to the new Municipal Office at 102 Kaybob Drive. With the move now complete, Council focused on addressing key business items and preparing for critical conversations with provincial leadership.

Naming & Addressing of the North Road Industrial Park

Council officially named the industrial park located along Iosegun Lake Road as Taiga Industrial Park (Map 1). In alignment with the region’s Boreal Forest identity, roads within the park will be named after native tree species. This initiative supports data-sharing requirements with Elections Alberta and ensures proper addressing as the industrial park continues to develop.

 Map 1: Taiga Industrial Park

Joint Assessment Review Board Appointments

Council appointed members to serve on the 2025 Assessment Review Boards. The appointed officials are:

  • ARB Chairman: Raymond Ralph
  • Certified ARB Clerk: Gerryl Amorin
  • Certified Panelists: Darlene Chartrand, Sheryl Exley, Tina Groszko, Richard Knowles, Marcel LeBlanc, and Raymond Ralph.

These appointments ensure that the Town remains compliant with legislative requirements for property assessment complaints and continues its partnership with the Capital Region Assessment Services Commission (CRASC).

Official Naming of the Municipal Office

Following the successful move back to 102 Kaybob Drive, Council officially designated this location as the Fox Creek Administration Office, effective March 3, 2025. The move brings administrative services back under one roof in a dedicated and improved space for residents and staff.

Discussion Topics with Minister Todd Loewen

Council discussed several community priorities during a recent meeting with Alberta’s Minister of Forestry and Parks, Todd Loewen. Topics included:

  • Status of regional fire guards
  • Compensation related to wildfires
  • Management and access to forestry lands
  • Maintenance of provincial highways, including Highway 43 and the town’s acceleration lane
  • Ongoing hospital and ambulance service concerns
  • Iosegun Lake and Smoke Lake campgrounds

These conversations aimed to advocate for Fox Creek’s needs and secure provincial support for local priorities.

Municipal Census Results Now Available

Council reviewed the updated 2024 Municipal Affairs Population List. This data helps inform planning decisions and future funding opportunities. To explore the full results, view our press release here: Press Release – Fox Creek’s Population Growth Reflected in 2024 Municipal Affairs Population List – Town of Fox Creek.

 

March 17, 2025, Regular Council Meeting

The March 17 Regular Council Meeting welcomed several updates, community highlights, and planning for future initiatives in Fox Creek. Council also received a comprehensive report from the local RCMP detachment and celebrated both new and ongoing community programming.

RCMP Delegation – Provincial Policing Report

Council welcomed Sergeant Andrew Brand from the Fox Creek RCMP, who presented the Q3 2024 Provincial Policing Report. Several key metrics were highlighted:

  • Criminal Code Offences: 55 total, with 5 assaults and 9 mischief reports
  • Motor Vehicle Collisions (MVC): 92 incidents, including 12 with injuries and 59 property damage MVCs
  • Drug Enforcement: 0 cases reported in the quarter

The RCMP also introduced the Y.I.E.L.D. Program (Youth Initiatives & Education in Lifestyles & Driving) to Fox Creek School. Held on March 20, the program delivered immersive, hands-on education in responsible driving behaviors for youth.

Staff Reports – Recreation Department Updates

The Recreation Department shared strong usage statistics and exciting new program launches. Highlights included:

  • A 20% increase in Fitness Centre usage compared to February 2024
  • Over 1,000 monthly visitors to the pool
  • Fox Creek Shorinryu Karate Club spring session runs April 7 to June 4, with classes on Mondays and Wednesdays for ages 6–9 and 10+

Additionally, Fox Creek will host the Alberta Basketball Association’s “Grow the Game” event on April 26–27, aimed at developing youth athletic skills. Council also received early planning details for the upcoming summer Carnaval, promising fun, family-friendly festivities.

Business Items

  • Volunteer of the Year Award Selection Committee
    Council appointed Mayor Sheila Gilmour to serve on the Arne Vaadeland Volunteer of the Year Award Selection Committee. The award will be presented at the Steeped in Gratitude event on April 27, recognizing exceptional local volunteerism.
  • 2025 Library Board Appointment – Youth Volunteers
    Council welcomed Abigail King and Brooklynn Taylor to the Library Board as youth members until May 5, 2025. Their appointment comes through the Youth Volunteer Basics Program, which educates students on governance and fosters lifelong civic participation.
  • 2025 Lemonade Day
    Council approved the Town’s involvement in Lemonade Day on June 14, 2025, including:
    • Proclaiming the day
    • Sponsoring the Local Entrepreneur of the Year award
    • Waiving up to $150 in facility rental fees
    • Appointing judges for the event
  • 2023 Audited Financial Statements
    The 2023 Audited Financial Statements confirmed the Town’s sound financial health. The audit emphasized compliance, strong year-end balances, and transparency in reporting.

Bylaws and Policies – Fox Creek CHIPs Loan Repayment

Council conducted the first reading of Bylaw 883-2025, establishing repayment terms for a $53,500 loan to Fox Creek CHIPs for Fox Den Daycare renovations and licensing compliance. Council recommended an amendment to extend the repayment deadline to December 31, 2026. The bylaw will return for second and third readings.

Council Business Reports & Community Recognition

Council members provided updates on recent conferences, committee work, and special events:

  • Mayor Sheila Gilmour, Councillor Eric Doran, and Deputy Mayor Kim Norman attended the Mycological Research Project Grand Opening, a significant environmental innovation initiative.
  • Mayor Gilmour, Councillors Burridge and Hailes attended the Growing the North Conference.
  • Councillor Hailes also participated in advisory meetings with Northern Lakes College and the Canfor Public Advisory Committee.

 

The Town received a Thank You card from the Northland Sno-Goers Club, recognizing the support of Town staff in organizing the Alberta Day of Snowmobiling. The gesture underscored the strong relationship between the Town and its outdoor recreation partners.

Next Meeting: April 7, 2025

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate—your voice matters in shaping the future of Fox Creek.

Council Meetings are open to the public, and everyone is welcome to join in person or online.