Council Highlights

Regular Meeting of Council – June 16, 2025

Volunteer Recognition

Council was proud to present this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award to Jessica Oko for her outstanding dedication and community leadership. Jessica played a key role in bringing a much-needed daycare to Fox Creek and continues to devote countless hours to various boards and initiatives, including CHIPS, Fox Creek Fitness Society, Playschool, and The Fox Den. Her tireless efforts raised over $40,000 for community programs and touched lives across the town.

The Youth Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Abigail King, a straight-A student and emerging leader. Abigail co-chairs the Youth Leadership Group at school, actively volunteers with the CRC and the Library, and is known for inspiring others through her positivity, energy, and willingness to help with any task. She often brings friends along to volunteer and is quickly becoming a role model for youth in Fox Creek.

Council presented a special award to Alison Sharpe in recognition of her significant contributions to the development and beautification of Oasis Park, including her leadership in bringing the gazebo to the site. In honour of her dedication, Council announced that the gazebo will be named the Alison Sharpe Gazebo.

Alberta Forest Products Association

Council welcomed a presentation from the Alberta Forest Products Association highlighting the importance of the forest industry to Alberta and the broader Canadian economy. Key topics included trade barriers with the U.S., the impact of tariffs, and the need for regulatory and financial support. In response, Council voted to send a letter to provincial and federal officials in support of the industry’s advocacy priorities, including building with Alberta wood, supporting market diversification, and encouraging investment in local manufacturing.

STAFF REPORTS

Community Services

The Town continued to deliver a wide range of programs supporting residents of all ages. Wellness and recreation activities—like Zumba, yoga, and free swims—saw strong attendance, and The Power Within mental health event drew over 120 community members.

Volunteer initiatives flourished, youth engagement remained high, and tax filing services for newcomers reached record levels. Seniors Week was celebrated with special events, and ongoing support was provided through home assistance and community meals.

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 wellbeing for all residents.

Recreation

Fox Creek’s recreational facilities and campgrounds continued to demonstrate positive trends in usage and participation this May.

At the Fox Creek Greenview Multiplex, usage soared in key areas: pool visits rose by 22% and the fitness centre saw a 41% increase, showing a strong shift toward wellness and active living. Membership sales reflected this engagement, with total memberships up 7%, led by a 45% increase in adult memberships and steady growth among youth.

RV parks also saw significant activity. At Fox Creek RV Park, rustic site bookings surged, and senior use of serviced sites more than tripled.

Iosegun Lake Campground experienced a slight dip in total camping nights compared to last year, but group use bookings quadrupled, and the number of seasonal sites remained steady at 25. Additionally, 8 monthly sites were booked, showing continued interest in extended stays.

Smoke Lake Campground showed even stronger growth, with a 65% increase in camping nights and seasonal site bookings more than doubling. Notably, this year also included 3 cabin rental nights, offering more variety in visitor experiences. Ten monthly sites were booked as well, supporting an uptick in longer visits.

Operations

Town crews have been hard at work with road grading, paving, signage installations, and drainage improvements across key areas like Main Street, 1 Avenue, and the RV Park. Utilities completed several critical water and sewer repairs, while hydrant flushing and lagoon maintenance helped ensure system reliability.

The landfill was leveled and prepped for upcoming recycling pickups, including scrap metal and electronics. At the Airport, navigation equipment updates were made, and future repairs to runway lights are planned. The Mechanic Shop welcomed a new truck and continues preparing for a summer apprentice.

Animal services successfully returned three dogs to their owners, and one cemetery plot was leveled to support continued maintenance.

Staff also completed safety training in H2S Alive, WHMIS, and more—strengthening service delivery across departments.

Chief Administrative Officer

The Town has officially launched the Small Community Opportunity Fund, a fully grant-funded initiative that will support a Retail Gap Analysis and Economic Diversification Study. Residents can expect outreach from a dedicated research team, and updates will be shared through the Town’s social media and website.

At a recent Coffee with Council for Seniors, attendees had the chance to share their thoughts and tour the new administration office—highlighting the value of direct community dialogue.

In communications, we’ve seen a strong uptick in engagement on Facebook over the past two months, with metrics like reach, content interactions, and follows showing impressive growth. A new municipal website project is also underway, with staff working on content and layout design to create a more user-friendly digital space.

The Water Treatment Plant upgrade tender deadline was extended to ensure accurate bids from contractors, with Council review to follow. Several other capital projects are progressing—including a new fire engine, community gardens, bear-proof garbage cans, and more.

We also extend a warm welcome to several new staff members across operations, administration, recreation, and community programming.

Finally, our Fire Department demonstrated outstanding commitment by assisting in wildfire response efforts in Slave Lake and Red Earth. We’re grateful for their bravery and continued support of other communities in crisis.

BUSINESS

Supporting Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure

Fox Creek Council has chosen to support a resolution led by the City of Airdrie, calling on Alberta Municipalities to advocate for a provincial framework for Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). This initiative, if approved, would empower Alberta municipalities to implement a user-pay tax model—where visitors contribute to the cost of tourism-related infrastructure and services.

Already successful in provinces like Ontario and B.C., MAT would offer sustainable funding for local infrastructure without placing additional strain on local taxpayers. Fox Creek, like many small communities, faces the challenge of maintaining infrastructure that supports industry and tourism while working within limited revenue streams. This motion presents an important step toward long-term financial resilience.

The resolution will be submitted for consideration at the 2025 Alberta Municipalities Convention. Stay tuned for updates as we work alongside municipal partners to strengthen and diversify Alberta’s communities.

Council Approves Purchase of New Fire Truck

Fox Creek Council has approved the purchase of a new Commercial Peterbilt 4×4 Top Mount Enclosed Pumper, to be funded through the 2025 Capital Budget. The town’s current fire truck—a 2010 two-wheel drive model—has reached the end of its reliable service life.

The new unit, custom-built to meet the community’s evolving needs, will offer improved off-road accessibility, enhanced safety features, and modern firefighting technology. As a hybrid between a Type 1 and Type 3 engine, it will be capable of handling both structural and wildland fires.

Production is expected to take 18–24 months, with the current unit retained as a backup. This investment underscores the Town’s commitment to emergency preparedness and long-term community protection

Landfill & Transfer Station Operations Update

To enhance efficiency and align with proper disposal practices, Town Council has approved several updates to the operations of the Fox Creek Landfill and Transfer Station. These changes include:

• Ending the low-flush toilet rebate program and moving toilet disposal to the Landfill.

• Redirecting refrigerators to the Landfill for easier recycling coordination.

• Accepting whole tires at the Transfer Station and shredded/damaged tires at the Landfill.

• Prohibiting vac truck dumping at the Airport, with future dumping directed to the Landfill only.

• Installing clear signage at both locations stating that industrial waste will not be accepted.

• Requiring proof of residency to ensure access is limited to Fox Creek residents.

These steps will help streamline site operations, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and protect local tax dollars. Council has also rescinded the Town’s water conservation rebate policy, citing minimal usage and limited impact.

The next regular meeting of Council will be held July 14, 2025. We look forward to seeing you there!